Android’s customizable home screen allows you to arrange your apps, widgets, and shortcuts into a layout that suits your needs. If you want to give your home screen a fresh look or improve your workflow, you can easily move your Android icons around. Reorganizing your icons is a simple process, but the method varies slightly depending on your device and Android version. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps for seamlessly moving your Android icons and provide tips for creating an organized and aesthetically pleasing home screen.
To move an icon on your Android home screen, simply long-press the icon until it enters “wiggle mode.” This mode allows you to drag and drop the icon anywhere on the screen. You can also use the gridlines that appear to align your icons neatly. If you want to move an icon to a different home screen page, simply drag it to the edge of the screen and wait for the page to flip. To create folders, drag one icon on top of another and release. This will create a folder containing both icons. You can then add more icons to the folder by dragging them inside.
Once you’ve arranged your icons to your liking, you can exit “wiggle mode” by tapping the Home button or the back arrow. If you want to further customize your home screen, you can add widgets, change the wallpaper, or install custom launchers that provide a wide range of customization options. Experimenting with different icon arrangements and layouts can help you create a home screen that is both functional and visually appealing. Remember to save your changes by tapping the Home button or back arrow before exiting “wiggle mode.”
Rearranging Apps on the Home Screen
Customizing your Android home screen is a great way to make your phone more personal and efficient. One of the easiest ways to do this is to rearrange your apps. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Tap and hold an app icon: This will select the app and show a small menu above it.
- Drag the app icon to a new location: You can move the app to a different part of the home screen, to a different home screen page, or to the app drawer.
- Release the app icon: The app will be moved to the new location.
| Device Model | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel and other stock Android devices | Press and hold |
| Samsung Galaxy devices | Press and hold or double-tap |
| OnePlus devices | Press and hold or double-tap |
You can also use the “Edit home screen” mode to rearrange your apps. To do this, follow these steps:
- Pinch two fingers together on the home screen.
- Tap the “Edit” icon.
- Drag and drop app icons to new locations.
- Tap the “Back” arrow to save your changes.
Creating Folders for Organization
Android devices allow you to organize your apps by creating folders on the home screen. This helps declutter your screen and keep frequently used apps within easy reach. Here’s how to create folders on Android:
Step 1: Long-Tap an App Icon
To begin, long-tap and hold on to an app icon. This will activate the move mode, indicated by the icon shaking.
Step 2: Drag and Drop Icons to Create a Folder
While holding the first app icon, drag it over to another app icon that you want to group with it. A new folder will be created automatically, and the first two apps will be placed inside it.
Step 3: Customize the Folder
Once the folder is created, you can customize it by:
- Renaming the folder: Tap on the folder name and edit it.
- Changing the folder’s background: Long-tap on the folder and select “Folder settings.” From here, you can choose a different background color or image.
- Adding more apps: Drag and drop other app icons into the folder to add them.
- Removing apps: Long-tap and hold on to an app inside the folder, then drag it out.
- Deleting the folder: Long-tap and hold on to the folder, then drag it to the “Remove” icon at the top of the screen.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps for creating a folder:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Long-tap and hold on to an app icon. |
| 2 | Drag the icon over to another app icon to create a folder. |
| 3 | Customize the folder as desired (rename, change background, add/remove apps). |
Using the App Drawer
The app drawer is a convenient feature that stores all your apps in one place, making them easy to find and organize. To access the app drawer, simply swipe up from the bottom of the home screen. Once the app drawer is open, you can use the search bar to find a specific app or browse through the categories to find what you’re looking for. To move an app from the app drawer to the home screen, simply long-press on the app icon and drag it to the desired location. You can also create folders in the app drawer to help organize your apps.
Removing Apps from the App Drawer
If you want to remove an app from the app drawer, simply long-press on the app icon and drag it to the “Uninstall” option at the top of the screen. You can also disable apps from the app drawer by going to the “Settings” menu and selecting “Apps”. From there, you can select the app you want to disable and tap on the “Disable” button.
Customizing the App Drawer
You can customize the app drawer to your liking by changing the layout, icon size, and background color. To do this, go to the “Settings” menu and select “Home screen”. From there, you can select the “App drawer” option and make your desired changes. You can also choose to hide certain apps from the app drawer by going to the “Hidden apps” section in the “Settings” menu.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Choose between a vertical or horizontal layout for the app drawer. |
| Icon size | Choose the size of the app icons in the app drawer. |
| Background color | Choose the background color of the app drawer. |
Utilizing the Shortcuts Menu
The Shortcuts Menu provides an efficient method for organizing your Android icons without unlocking your device. Simply long-press an empty space on your home screen to access the menu. From there, you can rearrange your icons by dragging and dropping them into desired positions. Alternatively, you can utilize the “Add widgets” option to access a range of widgets that can enhance your home screen’s functionality.
Creating App Shortcuts
The Shortcuts Menu not only allows you to move icons but also enables you to create shortcuts for specific app functions. Long-press an app icon, and a menu will appear with shortcut options. Select the desired shortcut to place it on your home screen, providing quick access to frequently used actions without the need to navigate through multiple menus.
Moving Multiple Icons Simultaneously
For more efficient icon management, you can move multiple icons at once. Enter the Shortcuts Menu, long-press an icon, and tap the “Select” option. You can then select additional icons by tapping them. Once you have selected all the desired icons, press the “Move” button and drag them to their new location. This method significantly reduces the time required for rearranging multiple icons individually.
| Feature | Description |
|—|—|
| Long-press home screen | Accesses Shortcuts Menu |
| Drag and drop icons | Rearranges icons |
| “Add widgets” | Adds widgets to home screen |
| Long-press app icon | Creates app shortcuts |
| “Select” option | Selects multiple icons |
| “Move” button | Moves selected icons |
Customizing Icon Style with Themes
Android themes offer a convenient way to change the overall aesthetic of your device, including the icons. Themes typically come with their own set of icon packs that you can apply to your device. Here’s how to do it:
Downloading and Applying Themes
To find and download themes, go to the Google Play Store and search for “themes.” Browse the available themes and select one that suits your preferences. Once you’ve chosen a theme, tap on the “Install” button. After installation, tap on the “Apply” button to activate the theme on your device.
Changing Individual Icons
Some themes may not provide icons for all apps on your device. In such cases, you can manually change individual icons.
Using a Third-Party App
There are many third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that allow you to change app icons without applying a theme. These apps typically offer a wide variety of icon packs from which you can choose. To use a third-party app, simply download and install the app, then select the desired icon pack and apply it to your device.
Using a Launcher App
Launcher apps are another way to customize the appearance of your device, including the icons. Many launcher apps come with their own icon packs and the ability to change individual icons.
Customizing Icon Shapes and Styles
Some launcher apps also allow you to customize the shape and style of your icons. This can be done by adjusting settings within the launcher app.
Icon Shape |
Description |
|---|---|
| Square | Traditional square-shaped icons |
| Rounded | Icons with rounded corners |
| Circle | Circular-shaped icons |
Resizing and Repositioning Icons
You can resize and reposition icons on your Android device to customize the look and feel of your home screen. Here’s how:
Resizing Icons
To resize an icon, long-press on it and then drag the blue circle on the corner of the icon to the desired size.
Repositioning Icons
To reposition an icon, long-press on it and then drag it to the desired location on the home screen. You can also drag and drop icons into folders to organize them.
Moving Icons to the Dock
The dock is a row of icons at the bottom of the home screen that provides quick access to frequently used apps. To move an icon to the dock, long-press on it and then drag it to the bottom of the screen.
Moving Icons to the App Drawer
The app drawer is a list of all the apps installed on your device. To move an icon to the app drawer, long-press on it and then drag it to the top of the screen.
Creating Folders
You can create folders to organize your icons. To create a folder, long-press on an icon and then drag it onto another icon. A new folder will be created, and you can name it whatever you want.
Moving Icons Between Screens
You can have multiple home screens, and you can move icons between them. To move an icon to another screen, long-press on it and then drag it to the edge of the screen in the desired direction. The next home screen will appear, and you can drop the icon in the desired location.
Using Widgets to Expand Functionality
Widgets are a great way to add extra functionality to your Android home screen. They can provide you with quick access to information, such as the weather, calendar, or news. You can also use widgets to control your music, launch apps, or perform other tasks.
To add a widget to your home screen, simply long-press on the home screen and select “Widgets” from the menu. You will then be presented with a list of available widgets. Find the widget you want to add and drag it to your home screen.
Once you have added a widget to your home screen, you can customize it by tapping on it and selecting the “Settings” option. You can usually change the size of the widget, as well as its appearance and functionality.
Here are a few examples of how you can use widgets to expand the functionality of your Android home screen:
- Add a weather widget to your home screen to quickly check the current weather conditions.
- Add a calendar widget to your home screen to view upcoming appointments and events.
- Add a news widget to your home screen to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
- Add a music widget to your home screen to control your music playback.
- Add an app launcher widget to your home screen to quickly launch your favorite apps.
- Add a task list widget to your home screen to keep track of your tasks.
- Add a social media widget to your home screen to stay connected with your friends and family.
Removing Unnecessary Apps
Decluttering your Android device by removing unnecessary apps can free up storage space and improve performance. Here are some methods to do so:
1. Identify Unused Apps
Review your installed apps and determine which ones you no longer use. Unused apps can be identified by their lack of recent usage or by their large file sizes.
2. Uninstall Unwanted Apps
Open the Google Play Store and navigate to the “My apps” section. Select apps you want to remove and tap “Uninstall.”
3. Disable System Apps
Some preinstalled system apps cannot be uninstalled. However, you can disable them to prevent them from running in the background and consuming resources.
4. Use an App Manager
Third-party app management apps can provide additional features for identifying and removing unnecessary apps. They often offer one-click uninstall options and batch processing.
5. Check for Duplicate Apps
If you have multiple apps that serve similar purposes, consider removing the unnecessary duplicates. This can free up space and reduce confusion.
6. Delete Large Cache Files
Apps often store temporary data in cache files. Over time, these files can accumulate and take up a significant amount of space. Regularly clear the cache of apps you use frequently.
7. Move Apps to SD Card
If your Android device has an expandable storage option, you can move apps to the SD card to free up internal storage space.
8. Factory Reset
If you encounter severe storage issues or want to start fresh, you can consider performing a factory reset. This will erase all data and installed apps, but it is an effective way to remove unnecessary apps and restore your device to optimal performance.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Uninstall unwanted apps | Remove apps you no longer use from the Google Play Store. |
| Disable system apps | Prevent preinstalled system apps from running in the background. |
| Use an app manager | Optimize app management with third-party tools. |
| Check for duplicate apps | Identify and remove multiple apps with similar functionality. |
| Delete large cache files | Clear temporary data stored by apps to free up space. |
| Move apps to SD card | Transfer apps to expandable storage if available. |
| Factory reset | Restore your device to its original state by erasing all data and apps. |
Setting Up a New Home Screen Layout
Customizing your Android home screen is a great way to make your phone feel more personal and organized. Here are the steps to set up a new home screen layout:
1. Tap and hold on an empty space on your home screen
2. Tap the “Widgets” icon
3. Select the widget you want to add to your home screen
4. Drag and drop the widget to the desired location on your home screen
5. Repeat steps 2-4 to add more widgets to your home screen
6. To move an app icon, tap and hold on the icon and drag it to the desired location on your home screen
7. To create a folder, drag and drop one app icon on top of another
8. You can add more apps to the folder by dragging and dropping them onto the folder
9. To rename a folder, tap on the folder and then tap on the pencil icon
In the following table, you can find a summary of the steps to set up a new home screen layout:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tap and hold on an empty space on your home screen |
| 2 | Tap the “Widgets” icon |
| 3 | Select the widget you want to add to your home screen |
| 4 | Drag and drop the widget to the desired location on your home screen |
| 5 | Repeat steps 2-4 to add more widgets to your home screen |
| 6 | To move an app icon, tap and hold on the icon and drag it to the desired location on your home screen |
| 7 | To create a folder, drag and drop one app icon on top of another |
| 8 | You can add more apps to the folder by dragging and dropping them onto the folder |
| 9 | To rename a folder, tap on the folder and then tap on the pencil icon |
Troubleshooting Icon Placement Issues
If you’re having trouble moving Android icons, there are a few things you can try.
1. Make sure you’re not in edit mode
When you’re in edit mode, you can’t move icons. To exit edit mode, press the Home button or the Back button.
2. Make sure you’re not in an app drawer
You can’t move icons from the app drawer. To move an icon, you need to be on the home screen.
3. Make sure you’re touching the icon
If you’re not touching the icon, you won’t be able to move it. Make sure your finger is directly on the icon.
4. Make sure you’re not holding your finger down too long
If you hold your finger down on an icon for too long, you’ll open the context menu. To move an icon, just tap it once.
5. Make sure you’re not moving the icon too fast
If you move the icon too fast, you won’t be able to place it where you want it. Move the icon slowly and carefully.
6. Make sure you’re not moving the icon off the screen
If you move the icon off the screen, it will disappear. To prevent this, make sure you keep your finger on the icon until you’ve placed it where you want it.
7. Make sure you’re not trying to move an icon that can’t be moved
Some icons can’t be moved. For example, the Google Search bar and the Home button can’t be moved.
8. Restart your phone
If you’re still having trouble moving icons, restarting your phone may help. To restart your phone, press and hold the Power button and then tap Restart.
9. Factory reset your phone
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and you’re still having trouble moving icons, you may need to factory reset your phone. To factory reset your phone, go to Settings > General > Backup & Reset > Factory Data Reset.
10. Contact your carrier
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and you’re still having trouble moving icons, you may need to contact your carrier. Your carrier may be able to help you troubleshoot the problem.
How To Move Android Icons
Moving Android icons is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. First, tap and hold on the icon you want to move. The icon will then be surrounded by a white border. While still holding your finger down, drag the icon to the new location you want it to be. Once you have moved the icon to the desired location, lift your finger and the icon will be placed in that spot.
You can also move multiple icons at once by tapping and holding on to one icon, then tapping on the other icons you want to move. The selected icons will be highlighted with a white border. Then, drag the selected icons to the new location you want them to be. Once you have moved the icons to the desired location, lift your finger and the icons will be placed in that spot.
People Also Ask About How To Move Android Icons
How do I move icons on my Android home screen?
Tap and hold on the icon you want to move. The icon will be surrounded by a white border. While still holding your finger down, drag the icon to the new location you want it to be. Once you have moved the icon to the desired location, lift your finger and the icon will be placed in that spot.
How do I move icons on my Android app drawer?
The process for moving icons in the app drawer is the same as moving icons on the home screen. Tap and hold on the icon you want to move. The icon will be surrounded by a white border. While still holding your finger down, drag the icon to the new location you want it to be. Once you have moved the icon to the desired location, lift your finger and the icon will be placed in that spot.
How do I organize the icons on my Android phone?
There are several different ways to organize the icons on your Android phone. You can move icons around individually, create folders to group similar icons together, or use a launcher app to customize the look and feel of your home screen and app drawer.
