How to change the size of icons on Android: from standard settings to hidden functions

The size of icons on the screen of an Android smartphone directly affects the usability of the device. Icons that are too large take up space and limit the number of apps you can see, while icons that are small make them difficult to click on, especially on larger screens. Fortunately, modern versions of Android and proprietary shells (for example, One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi) offer flexible settings for adjusting this parameter.

In this article we will analyze all the available ways to change the size of icons - from basic options in the settings menu to advanced methods using ADB and third-party launchers. You'll learn how to adapt the interface to suit your needs: make icons larger for convenience, or make them smaller to fit more apps on one screen. It is important to consider that some methods require developer rights or working with system files, so we will dwell on precautions in detail.

Method 1: Standard launcher settings

Most manufacturers integrate the option to change the size of icons directly into the settings of the standard launcher launcher. This method is the safest and does not require additional rights or apps. Let's look at how to do this on popular branded skins:

• 📱 Samsung (One UI): Press and hold an empty space on the main screen → select Home screen settings → Layout → Application icon size. 3-5 preliminary values ​​are available.
• 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi (MIUI): Long press on the desktop → Settings → Icon size. In some versions, the option is hidden in Advanced settings.
• 📱 Google Pixel (Stock Android): Press and hold an empty space → Desktop style → Icon size. Here you can also change the shape of the icons.
• 📱 Huawei (EMUI): Press the screen → Display Settings → Icon Size. In newer versions, the option may be called Layout.

Please note that on some devices (for example, Realme or Oppo) this function may not be available in the basic firmware. In this case, installing a third-party launcher or using the methods from the following sections will help.

⚠️ Attention: After updating the firmware, the launcher settings may be reset. We recommend capturing the current settings with a screenshot if you plan to experiment with icon sizes.

Method 2: Using third-party launchers

If the standard settings do not suit you, third-party launchers offer much more flexibility. Popular solutions, such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Action Launcher, allow you to more accurately control the size of icons, as well as adjust the padding between them. Let's look at the process using an example Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and assign it as the default launcher.
2. Press an empty space on the desktop and select Settings.
3. Go to the section Home screen → Icon size.
4. Move the slider to change the size (values from 70% to 130% are available).
5. In the section Desktop grid You can additionally adjust the number of rows and columns, which indirectly affects the perception of the size of the icons.

The advantage of third-party launchers is the ability to save settings in the cloud and transfer them to other devices. For example, in Nova Launcher you can back up your configuration through the menu Backup and Import.

Launcher	Minimum icon size	Maximum icon size	Additional features
Nova Launcher	70%	130%	Adaptive icons, grid customization, backup
Apex Launcher	60%	140%	Gestures, hidden applications, themes
Action Launcher	75%	125%	Adaptive folders, quick actions
Microsoft Launcher	80%	120%	Windows integration, synchronization

Method 3: Setting through developer modes

For experienced users who are ready to work with system parameters, a method is available to change the size of icons through developer mode. This method is suitable for devices with pure Android (for example Google Pixel) or some custom firmware. Important: incorrect changes can lead to interface failures.

Action algorithm:

1. Activate developer mode: go to Settings → About phone and click on Build number.
2. Go back to the main settings menu and open the section For developers.
3. Find the setting Minimum width (in dp) (or Minimum width).
4. Set the value in the range 360–480 dp (the higher the number, the larger the icons and interface elements will be).
5. Reboot the device to apply changes.

This parameter affects not only icons, but also the scale of the entire interface, including fonts and controls. To fine-tune the size of only icons, you will need to combine this method with others (for example, using ADB).

⚠️ Attention: Changing the parameter Minimum width to the values below 360 dp may cause some apps to display incorrectly, especially if they are not optimized for small screens.

What should I do if the interface becomes blurry after changing the settings?

If after changing Minimum width elements interface become blurry, return the value to standard (usually 411 dp for most devices) and restart your smartphone. If the problem persists, reset the launcher settings to factory settings in the menu Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear data.

Method 4: Using ADB for deep customization

For the most advanced users who want total control over the size of icons, the method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB)is suitable. This tool allows you to change system parameters that are not available through the graphical interface. We warn you: incorrect commands can disrupt the operation of the device.

Step by step instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer and enable USB debugging on your smartphone (in the developer settings).
2. Connect the device to the PC and check the connection with the command:

   adb devices

   The serial number of your phone should be displayed.

3. To change the size of the icons, use the command (replace 1.0 with the desired multiplier, for example, 0.8 to reduce or 1.2 to enlarge):

   adb shell settings put global icon_scale_factor 1.0

4. Restart the device. If the changes are not applied, try also:

   adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CONFIGURATION_CHANGED

This method does not work on all devices, since some manufacturers block changing the parameter icon_scale_factor. On Google Pixel smartphones. custom firmware (for example LineageOS) the chances of success are higher.

Install drivers for your device on your PC

Enable USB debugging in the developer settings

Check the connection with the command adb devices

Create a backup copy of important data

Learn commands to undo changes-->

Method 5: Editing system files (root)

If your device has root access, you can manually edit system files, responsible for displaying icons. This method is the most risky, but gives maximum freedom. We will consider changing the parameters in the file framework-res.apkthat contains the interface scaling settings.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (for example Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Navigate to the path /system/framework/ and find the file framework-res.apk.
3. Copy it to a safe place and open it using an archiver (for example, 7Zip on a PC).
4. In the folder res/values/ find the file dimens.xml or styles.xml and change settings related to icon_size (for example, app_icon_size).
5. Save the changes, move the file back to /system/framework/ and reboot the device.

On devices with Samsung Knox or similar protection systems, editing system files may cause the flag to be triggered, which will void the warranty and block some functions (for example, KNOX 0x1, which will void the warranty and block some features (such as Samsung Pay).

⚠️ Attention: Before editing framework-res.apk be sure to create a backup copy of the original file. Incorrect changes may cause bootloop (a loop reboot), and the device will have to be reflashed.

Solving problems after changing the size of the icons

Even if you carefully followed the instructions, problems may arise after changing the size of the icons. Let's look at typical problems and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 The icons were reset after the update: Update the launcher to the latest version or return the settings manually. Importing a previously saved backup helps. Nova Launcher Importing a previously saved backup helps.
• 🖼️ Blurry or distorted icons: This is due to incorrect scaling. Return the standard size or use the "Adaptive icons" option in the launcher settings.
• 🚫 Some applications do not change size: Some applications (for example, system ones) ignore global settings. Try changing the size through the settings of a specific launcher or use batch icons (icon packs).
• ⚠️ The interface began to lag: Excessively increasing the size of icons may load the GPU. Reduce the value or reset the settings to factory settings.

If the problem does not solve, try clearing the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear cache) or resetting its settings. As a last resort, return to the standard launcher of the device.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about icon size. on Android

Is it possible to change the size of icons only on the main screen, leaving the standard one in the application menu?

Yes, some launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) allow you to adjust the size of icons separately for the main screen and application menu. To do this, go to the settings. launcher, find the section Application menu or App Drawer and change the parameters there.

Why, after changing the size of the icons, some of them became square?

This is due to the enabled option "Adaptive icons" (or Adaptive Icons) in the launcher settings. Android automatically crops icons to a square shape with rounded corners. To return the original look, disable this function or install an icon pack that supports adaptive format.

How to return the standard icon size if after experiments the interface has become inconvenient?

The rollback methods depend on the method used:

• For the standard launcher: reset the settings in the menu Home screen settings → Reset.
• For third-party launchers: clear application data or reinstall it.
• For ADB: run the command adb shell settings delete global icon_scale_factor.
• For the root method: restore the original file framework-res.apk from backup.

Is there a way to change the size of icons only for specific applications?

This is not possible using standard Android tools. However, some launchers (for example, Nova Launcher) allow you to Assign different sizes for folders or widgets. An alternative option is to use applications for creating custom shortcuts (for example, Shortcut Maker), where you can set an individual icon size.

Will a factory reset return the default icon size?

Yes, a full reset (Settings → System → Reset settings) will return all interface options, including icon size, to default values. user data, so first create a backup copy of important files.