How to change the size of icons on Android Samsung: all methods for One UI

The size of icons on the screen Samsung Galaxy can significantly affect the usability of a smartphone. Too large icons take up a lot of space and reduce visibility, while small icons make it difficult to click. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several built-in adjustment methods, and additional tools are available for advanced users.

In this article we will look at all the current methods for changing the size of icons on devices Samsung with a shell One UI (versions 5.0–6.1). You will learn how to adjust the scale through standard settings, use alternative launchers, or use hidden functions through ADB. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different models - from budget Galaxy A to flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Important: some methods require activating developer mode or installing third-party applications. We have noted all potential risks and offered safe alternatives.

1. Standard One UI settings: screen scale and grid

The easiest way to change the size of icons is to use the built-in shell options One UI. The manufacturer offers two independent parameters: screen scale (affects all interface elements) and desktop grid size (changes the number of icons on the screen).

To configure scale:

1. Open Settings → Screen.
2. Select Screen and font scale.
3. Move the slider Screen scale to the left (small icons) or to the right (large).

To change the desktop grid:

• 📱 Long press on an empty space on the main screen → Desktop settings.
• 🔧 Select Grid and set the number of rows/columns (for example, 5×6 for small icons or 4×5 for large ones).
• 🎨 In some models (Galaxy S22+ and newer) a parameter is available Icon size with 3–5 preliminary values.

Check the One UI version in Settings → About phone → Software version

Make a backup copy of the main screen (Settings → Desktop → Save layout)

Close all background applications to apply the changes correctly-->

Please note: changing the screen scale affects not only icons, but also fonts, menu items and notifications. If you need to change only icon size, use the grid setting method or alternative launchers (section 3).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with version One ​​UI 4.1 and below (for example, Galaxy A52 2021) option Icon size may be missing. In this case, use the method of changing the screen density (section 4).

2. Developer mode: manually adjusting screen density (DPI)

For advanced users Samsung offers a hidden setting pixel density (DPI)that directly affects the size of all interface elements, including icons. This method requires activation developer mode and caution - incorrect values can lead to crashes in some applications.

Instructions for changing DPI:

1. Activate developer mode:
   • Go to Settings → About phone → Software information.
   • click on Number build 7 times (a notification "You have become a developer" will appear).

Changing DPI through developer mode is not supported on devices with One UI 6.1 and newer (released after March 2026). For these models, use alternative launchers or ADB commands (section 5).

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, banking or security games) may block operation at non-standard DPI values. Before changing, check the compatibility of critical apps.

3. Alternative launchers: Nova, Microsoft Launcher and others

If the built-in options One UI are not enough, install a third-party launcher. This software completely replaces the standard desktop and offers flexible settings for icon size, padding, and animations. Popular options:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher —supports resizing icons in 1% increments, adjusting padding, and adaptive icons. There is a free version with basic functions.
• 📱 Microsoft Launcher - simple interface with preliminary sizes (small/medium/large) and integration with office services.
• 🎨 Action Launcher - unique options like "adaptive folders" and dynamic resizing when scrolling.
• 🔧 Lawnchair - open launcher with support Android 13+ and fine-tuning the density of icons.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as standard (at first launch).
2. Long press on the desktop table → Settings → Desktop.
3. In the section Icon size move the slider or enter the value manually (from 50% to 150%).
4. For additional options, activate Advanced settings in the menu (premium version required).

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🔄 Flexibility of settings (for example, in Nova you can change the size individual icons via a long press).
• 🎨 Themes and styles of icons (support for icon packs from Google Play).
• 🔒 Ability to roll back to the standard launcher without losing data.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Knox (corporate models Samsung), installing third-party launchers may trigger flag Knox Trip and loss of warranty for some functions (for example, Samsung Pay).

4. Using ADB commands for hidden settings

For users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB)hidden commands are available that allow you to change the size of icons without root access. This method is suitable for devices s One UI 5.0–6.1, where standard options are limited.

Before you start:

• 🖥️ Install ADB drivers on your PC and turn on USB debugging on your phone (Developer options → USB debugging).
• 📋 Download Platform Tools from Google (includes adb.exe).
• 🔌 Connect the phone to the PC via the original cable.

Commands for changing the icon size:

# Checking the connection (the serial number of the device should be displayed)
adb devices

Changing the icon size (value from 0.8 to 1.2)
adb shell settings put global icon_scale_factor 0.9

Restarting the interface to apply changes
adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGS
adb shell am start -n com.android.systemui/.SystemUI

Important: After executing the commands, reboot the device. If the icons are displayed incorrectly (for example, cut off), reset the settings with the command:

adb shell settings delete global icon_scale_factor

5. Customizing icons in folders and on the notification panel

In addition to the main icons on the desktop, you can change the size of icons in the following areas: One UI You can change the size of the icons in the following areas:

• 📁 Folders on the desktop:
  • Open a folder and tap it names.
  • Select Change view → Icon size (available options: small/medium/large).
• 🔔 Notification panel:
  • Go to Settings → Notifications → Additional settings.
  • Activate the option Show notification icons and select the size (Small or Standard).
• 🔍 Search bar:
  • Long press on the search widget (usually at the bottom of the screen).
  • Select Change size and stretch the widget to the desired proportions.

On devices with One UI 6.0+ (Galaxy S23, Z Fold 5an option has appeared Adaptive iconsthat automatically adjusts the size depending on the selected theme. To enable it:

1. Go to Settings → Themes and wallpapers → Icons.
2. Activate the switch Adaptive icons.
3. Select a style from the proposed ones (for example, Round or Square).

6. Problems and solutions: what to do if the icons do not change

Sometimes after changing the settings, the size of the icons remains the same or is displayed incorrectly. Let's consider typical problems and ways to solve them:

adb shell pm clear com.android.systemui

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 One UI Version: some features are only available on the latest updates. To check the relevance, go to Settings → Software Update.
• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: on corporate devices (Samsung Knox) interface changes may be blocked.
• 🛠️ Conflicts with optimizers: applications like Game Launcher or Digital Wellbeing can reset the settings. Disable them temporarily.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with root access it is not recommended to change the icon size through system files (for example, editing framework-res.apk). This may lead to a failure Samsung Knox and loss of access to secure applications (banking, payments).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the size of icons