A modern smartphone is an extension of our personality, and the standard appearance of the operating system often seems boring or inconvenient. Many users are wondering how to change the menu on Android to make it more ergonomic, stylish, or simply different from what manufacturers offer by default. Fortunately, the Android platform provides ample opportunities for personalization, allowing you to transform the lock screen, desktop and application list almost beyond recognition.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available ways to change the interface: from built-in settings, which are often hidden from the eyes of the average user, to installing third-party applications - launchers that completely change the logic of interaction with the device. You will learn how to organize icons in a convenient order, change the desktop grid, and even add new control gestures.
Let's start with basic tools that do not require the installation of additional software and are available on any device running this operating system. This is the first step towards making your gadget truly yours.
Basic settings of the desktop and application grid
The first thing you should pay attention to is the built-in capabilities of your smartphone's shell. Manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi or OnePlus often add their own add-ons, but the basic principles remain similar. A long press on an empty area of the screen opens the editing menu, where you can change grid density and the number of displayed icons.
Changing the grid size allows you to place more shortcuts on one screen or, conversely, make them larger for ease of use with one hand. To do this, in the desktop settings menu, find the item Screen grid or Grid size. By experimenting with parameters, for example, choosing a 5x5 configuration instead of the standard 4x4, you significantly change the perception of space.
Don't forget about folders. Grouping applications into categories (Games, Work, Social Networks) not only clears visual noise, but also speeds up the search for the desired app. Creating a folder is intuitive: just drag one icon on top of another.
Try using folders of different colors, naming them with symbols or emoji, to visually distinguish categories without having to read the text.
Many users do not know that you can hide unnecessary system applications from the general menu without deleting them. This helps to maintain order and hide rarely used software from prying eyes or children.
Using third-party launchers to completely change the interface
If the standard settings seem limited to you, installing third-party launcherwill be a real salvation. These are special applications that completely replace the native Android interface, offering unique functions of animation, gestures and menu organization.
The most popular solutions on the market are Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and Lawnchair. They allow you to change absolutely everything: from the shape of icons and fonts to the behavior of the Home button and the animation of minimizing windows. After installing such an application, the system will offer to select it as the default launcher.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher —a standard of speed and flexibility of settings, ideal for advanced users.
- 🎨 Microsoft Launcher —excellent integration with the Windows ecosystem and personalized Bing wallpapers.
- 🌿 Lawnchair —a minimalistic launcher in the style of pure Android (Pixel), open and lightweight.
It is important to understand that some functions may be paid or require the installation of additional icon packs. However, even free versions provide enormous scope for creativity compared to stock solutions.
When you change the launcher, your data (contacts, photos, files) remains completely safe. Only the visual shell and the navigation method change. You can always return to the factory interface in the application settings.
App drawer customization and sorting
One of the most annoying things about stock Android is the alphabetical list of all applications, which is difficult to control. Fortunately, many launchers and some proprietary shells allow you to change this logic. You can switch to manual sortingmode, where applications are displayed only those that you yourself brought to the desktop.
In the launcher settings, find the section Applications panel (App Drawer). Here you can disable the automatic addition of new icons when installing apps. This keeps your interface clean: new games or utilities will not be an eyesore until you decide to add them to the menu.
| Sorting type | Description | For whom it is suitable |
|---|---|---|
| By alphabet | Standard A-Z list | For those who remember the names of applications |
| By installation time | New applications first | For active testers of new software |
| Manual (Custom) | Only user-selected icons | For minimalists and perfectionists |
| By frequency of use | Frequently used apps on top | To improve productivity |
The function of hiding applications is also available. In the settings menu of the application panel there is often an item Hidden applications. There you can send banking clients, personal messengers or games that you do not want to show when you unlock your phone.
☑️ Setting up the ideal menu
Changing the style of icons and fonts
The visual component of the menu plays a key role in perception. Monotonous square icons can quickly become boring. You can change their style by installing icon packs (Icon Packs), which are available in the Google Play Market.
Most popular launchers support the use of third-party themes. After downloading the package you like (for example, iOS style, neon or minimalist black and white), go to the launcher settings, section Appearance -> Icon style. There you can apply the theme to all applications at once or select one at a time.
⚠️ Attention: Not all applications support replacing icons. System utilities or specific software may remain with a standard icon if the developer of the icon pack did not draw them specifically.
In addition to icons, many shells (especially Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei) allow you to change the system one. font. This affects the readability of menus, contacts list and settings. Large, clear font makes it easier for people with low vision to use the phone, and decorative fonts add personality.
Where can I get high-quality icon packs?
The best collections are often found on specialized forums or in theme stores inside branded shells. Look for packages with high ratings and a large number of downloads to avoid visual bugs.
Do not overdo it with contrast. Fonts that are too bright or too fussy can make notifications and system messages difficult to read in the long run.
Adding and customizing widgets to the menu
Widgets are not just decoration, but functional elements that display information directly on the desktop, eliminating the need to go into applications. Changing the menu by adding useful widgets is a great way to improve the efficiency of using your smartphone.
To add a widget, long press on an empty area of the screen and select Widgets. In the list that opens, you will find tools for weather, calendar, notes, music, and even shortcuts for quick actions (for example, turning on the flashlight or airplane mode).
- 🌤️ Weather and time - classics that are always at hand and save battery power compared to constantly running the application.
- 📅 Calendar and tasks —allows you to see the meeting schedule without opening planner.
- 🎵 Music player —playback control and album cover directly on the main screen.
Widgets can be resized by dragging their borders after placing them on the screen. This allows you to adapt them to your grid. Some widgets support deep customization through a long press on them - you can change the background transparency, text color or displayed data.
⚠️ Attention: A large number of active widgets, especially those that are updated in real time (news, weather, exchange rates), can significantly increase battery consumption and RAM consumption.
Optimal number of widgets on one screen - no more than 3-4 pieces of medium size. This is a balance between information content and system performance.
Advanced configuration via ADB and system limitations
For those who want to go beyond the standard settings, there is a tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). With its help, you can disable system applications that cannot be removed in the usual way, thereby clearing the menu of unnecessary “garbage” (bloatware).
To work with ADB, you need to enable USB Debugging in the menu For Developers and connect the phone to the computer. Commands are entered in the terminal. For example, to hide a specific application for the current user, use the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package.name.applicationThis method requires caution. Removing critical system components may result in device instability or cyclic reboots. Always check the purpose of the package before disabling it.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu item names may vary depending on the Android version and phone model. If you do not find the described function, check the official documentation of the manufacturer of your device.
It is also worth considering that on some new models, manufacturers block the ability to change the launcher at the system level or limit the operation of navigation gestures when using third-party shells.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will it change launcher my wallpapers and ringtones?
No, installing the launcher only affects the organization of icons, menus and widgets. Wallpaper, ringtones and system sounds remain the same unless you decide to change them in the settings of the new launcher or system.
Is it possible to return the factory menu after installing a third-party one?
Of course. Go to Settings -> Applications -> Default applications (or Home screen) and select the original launcher (for example, "One UI Home" or "Pixel Launcher"). You can simply delete a third-party application.
Why did the phone start to slow down after changing the menu?
Heavy launchers with 3D effects and animations require more processor resources and RAM. Try a lightweight option (for example, Lawnchair) or disable unnecessary animations in the developer settings.
How to change the font size only in the application menu?
It is usually impossible to separately change the font only for the menu; this setting is global for the entire system. However, some launchers (like Nova) have separate text size settings for shortcuts on the desktop and in the application drawer.
Is it safe to download themes and icons from unverified sources?
Download content only from the official Google Play Store or trusted theme stores (like Galaxy Store). Files from dubious sites may contain malicious code masquerading as icon packs.