Smartphone owners are often faced with the need to expand the space for placing widgets and shortcuts. The standard procedure for adding a new page is not always intuitive, since manufacturers Android actively change the shell interface. Unlike older versions of the system, where screens were added automatically, modern firmware requires specific actions from the user.
Creating additional space is not just an aesthetic move, but also a way to structure information. You can put work apps on one screen and leave entertainment content on the other. This allows you to maintain order in the menu and speeds up access to the necessary functions in the daily use of the device.
The process may differ depending on the installed launcher app or operating system version. We will look at universal methods, as well as specific settings for popular shells. Desktop management is a basic skill that significantly increases the usability of the gadget.
Universal method of creating a screen through the menu
Most modern devices use a standard mechanism for adding pages, hidden in edit mode. First you need to enter a special mode for viewing all available screen thumbnails. This is usually done by long pressing on an empty space or with a pinch gesture.
After activating the editing mode, you will see a horizontal or vertical ribbon with the current pages. At the end of this ribbon there is often a button with a plus sign or an add icon. Clicking on it instantly generates a new empty desktop, ready to be filled.
If the plus button is missing, try dragging any widget or application icon to the right to the very end of the list of screens. The system will automatically create a new page as soon as the cursor crosses the border of the last existing screen. This behavior is built into the core of most launchers by default.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices with highly customized skins (for example, older versions of MIUI), the add button may be hidden in the launcher settings, and not in preview mode.
Features of working in the One UI shell from Samsung
Smartphone users Samsung face a unique interface logic. In the shell One UI the process of adding new pages is closely related to managing widgets and moving icons. There is no explicit button to create a blank sheet in the main editing menu.
To add a new screen, you need to go into edit mode and start dragging the application shortcut to the right. When you reach the last screen and continue to the right, the system will prompt you to create a new area. Only after placing the element the page will become permanent.
You can also enable the function of automatically adding shortcuts in the home screen settings. If this option is active, when installing new applications from the store Google Play they will appear in free space, expanding the number of pages. Disable this function in the menu Settings → Display → Home screenif you want to control the content manually.
In One UI, you can block changes in the position of icons. Before adding screens, make sure that the “Block position changes” checkbox is unchecked in the settings.
You can change the number of rows and columns, which affects how quickly the space is filled. The finer the grid, the more icons will fit on one page, and the less often you will have to create new ones.
Setting up the workspace in MIUI and HyperOS
Shells from Xiaomi offer their own approach to organizing space. In Classic Menu and App Drawer modes, the logic for adding screens works differently. In classic mode, all applications are located on desktops, so new pages are created automatically as the software is installed.
For manual addition, the editing mode is used, called by a long tap. Here you can see thumbnails of all pages. To create a new one, you can often simply drag an existing widget off the last page to the right. The system will instantly draw a new background.
In the latest versions HyperOS it has become possible to delete unnecessary pages by sliding them on top of each other or by clicking on the cross in view mode. This helps eliminate chaos if you accidentally create too many empty areas. Controls become more intuitive thanks to compression animations.
☑️ Checking MIUI settings
It is worth noting that in the “Application Drawer” mode, the main screen remains almost empty, and all apps are hidden in a separate menu. In this case, creating additional desktops makes sense only for placing weather widgets, clocks or news feeds, since app shortcuts are not added there automatically.
Using third-party launchers to expand functions
If the standard capabilities of the system do not suit you, installing a third-party launcher is the best solution. apps like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher give complete control over the number of pages and their behavior. You can create at least 20 desktops without restrictions.
In the settings of such applications there is often an item “Number of desktops” or “Add screen”. The editing interface is usually accessed by a two-finger swipe or long press. Here you can not only add pages, but also change their order by dragging and dropping.
Third-party launchers allow you to set individual parameters for each page. For example, you can turn off the display of the main apps Dock on certain screens or change the transparency of the background. This gives incredible flexibility in personalizing the device for specific tasks.
Why do third-party launchers work faster?
Third-party solutions are often optimized better than stock ones, since they are not loaded with the manufacturer’s system services, which is especially noticeable on older devices.
When switching to a new launcher, you will need to provide it with special permissions in system settings. Without this, the Home button will not redirect you to the new interface. The setup process takes a few minutes, but the result radically changes the experience of using a smartphone.
Problems with adding pages and their solution
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a new screen is not created, despite the correct actions. The most common cause is that layout locking is enabled. This feature is intended to protect against accidental movement of icons, but it also prevents modification of the desktop structure.
To fix this, go to the Home screen settings and find the “Lock Layout” or “Fix Layout” option. Disabling this switch will restore the ability to add and remove pages. The problem can also occur when there is not enough RAM, when the system cannot render the new interface.
In rare cases, a specific widget that you are trying to place causes a crash. If dragging a specific item doesn't create a screen, try using a different widget or reboot your device. Corruption of the launcher cache can also block the creation of new areas.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the launcher settings will delete all folders and icon layouts you have created. Use this measure only if other methods have not helped.
If a screen is not added, first check to see if blocking changes in the position of icons is enabled in the system settings.
Optimizing navigation between multiple screens
When you have added several new desktops, Navigating between them can become awkward. Constantly swiping left and right wastes time. To speed up access, it is recommended to use the Dock function or pin the most important applications to the bottom bar, which is available on all pages.
Another effective method is to use folders. Instead of creating a separate screen for a group of similar apps, group them into a folder on the current page. This saves space and maintains the logic of the arrangement of elements. You can nest folders inside each other on some launchers.
Don't forget about search widgets. Place the search bar Google or the built-in search system on the main screen. This will allow you to find applications and contacts instantly, without manually going through all the desktops you have created. Search works as a navigation hub.
| Action | Standard Android | One UI (Samsung) | Third-party launcher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enter editing mode | Long tap on empty space | Long tap or pinch | Settings in the menu or long tap |
| Add method | The "+" button or dragging | Only dragging to the right | Settings menu or button |
| Deleting a screen | Swipe up on the thumbnail | Clicking on the delete icon | Drag to the trash can icon |
| Changing the grid | Limited by the system | Flexible settings in the menu | Complete freedom of settings |
Proper organization of space takes time, but the result is worth it. Regularly audit your desktops, removing unused widgets and archiving rare applications into folders. A clean interface works faster and is more visually pleasing.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why doesn't the Plus button for adding a screen appear?
This can happen for two reasons: either you have reached the maximum page limit set by the manufacturer (which is rare), or layout locking is enabled. Check your home screen settings and disable fixing the location of icons.
Is it possible to set your own wallpaper for each desktop separately?
On standard launchers this is usually impossible - the wallpaper is applied to all screens at once. However, third-party applications, such as Nova Launcher or specialized wallpaper scrollers, allow you to assign a unique image to each page.
How can I get back a remote desktop if I accidentally erased it?
A deleted screen cannot be restored using the Back button. You will have to recreate it by dragging any widget or application off the last existing page. The data inside the remote screen (icons) will return to the general application menu.
Does the number of desktops affect the speed of the phone?
The mere fact of having many pages does not affect performance. However, if these pages contain a lot of “live” widgets (weather, news, social media feed), this can increase battery consumption and processor load.
Is it possible to hide some desktops from prying eyes?
It is impossible to hide an entire page using standard Android tools. You can only hide individual applications through privacy settings or use Guest mode. To hide entire screens, you will need third-party launchers with the hidden profiles function.