Modern smartphones are turning into real pocket computers, and with each update of the operating system, the set of pre-installed and downloaded apps grows exponentially. A chaotic pile of icons on the desktop not only looks unsightly, but also significantly slows down the search for the right tool at a critical moment. Competent workspace organization is the first step to increasing personal productivity and comfort in using the gadget.
Many users are accustomed to putting up with clutter, believing that the system itself will sort out the distribution of shortcuts. However, standard sorting algorithms often offer not the most convenient options, ignoring the frequency of use of specific utilities by you. Understanding how to customize the application menu on Androidallows you to turn your smartphone from a set of chaotic icons into a perfectly tuned mechanism, where every element is at hand.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available customization methods: from simple actions with folders to deep customization through third-party shells. You will learn how to hide unnecessary software, change the screen grid and choose the optimal launcher for your tasks.
Basic principles of desktop organization
Before making radical changes, it is worth mastering the basic mechanics of interacting with the interface. Most modern shells, be it One UI from Samsung, MIUI from Xiaomi or pure Android on Pixel, support intuitive gesture controls. A long press on the icon activates the editing mode, allowing you to move objects or remove them from the screen.
The key element here is the distinction between the concepts of “desktop” and “all applications menu”. In the first case, you see only selected shortcuts, in the second - a complete list of installed software. Correct setup means bringing to the main screen only those apps that you use every day, for example, instant messengers or a navigator.
Do not underestimate the importance of visual hierarchy. The most important functions should be located in the lower third of the screen, since this is the area that is most accessible for one-handed operation. It is better to place less popular widgets and folders at the top or on additional pages.
Pay attention to the so-called “dock” - the bottom docked panel, which is visible on all pages of the desktop. This is an ideal place for four or five key applications. Avoid the temptation to fill the Dock with rarely used utilities, as this reduces the ergonomics of using the device.
⚠️ Attention: Removing a shortcut from the desktop in most cases does not delete the application itself from the phone's memory. However, on some custom firmware, when you drag the icon to the top of the screen with the word “Delete”, the app can be uninstalled completely.
Creating and setting up folders for grouping
When the number of icons exceeds a dozen, folders come to the rescue. This is the simplest tool that allows you to group apps by topic: “Social networks”, “Games”, “Work” or “Finance”. Creating a folder is simple: just drag one icon on top of another, and the system will automatically create a container.
However, the functionality of folders is not limited to simple storage. In modern versions of Android, inside a folder you can create mini-widgets or recommended applications that the system suggests based on your habits. The folder name is also editable: click on the area with the name to enter your own, more understandable designation.
Some manufacturers allow you to change the background color of the folder or the style of displaying the icons inside it. For example, in shells from Samsung or OnePlus themes are available that change the appearance of all interface elements, including folders. This helps visually separate work tools from entertainment content.
Try not to create too deep levels of nesting or folders with too many items. If there are more than 15 applications in the “Games” folder, it makes sense to divide them into subcategories: “Strategy”, “Shooters”, “Casual”. This will speed up the visual search for the desired game.
Use emoji in folder names instead of text. This saves space on the screen and allows you to quickly read the category visually, without reading the inscriptions.
Hiding applications and protecting privacy
The issue of privacy is especially acute when different people use the phone or there is a risk that the screen will fall into the wrong hands. There are several ways to hide applications from prying eyes, depending on the model of your smartphone. The standard feature is often called “Hide Apps” and is located in the home screen settings.
To access hidden content you usually need to enter a special code, pattern or fingerprint. This creates an additional security barrier for banking clients, personal galleries or instant messengers. It is important to understand that hiding is not the same as encrypting data, but it effectively protects against prying eyes.
In devices with pure Android or an interface similar to it, such a function may not be explicitly present. In this case, the solution is to use a “Safe Folder” or “Secure Folder”, where copies of applications with separate authorization are transferred.
The setup process usually looks like this:
- 📁 Go to the desktop settings with a long press on an empty space.
- 🔒 Select "Hide applications" or “Protection of applications.”
- 👁️ Check the boxes of the apps that you want to hide from the general list.
- ✅ Confirm the action and set the access blocking method.
What happens to hidden applications?
Hidden applications no longer appear in the menu "All applications" and on the desktop. However, they continue to run in the background, receive notifications (unless disabled in the notification settings) and take up space in the device memory. Removing the shortcut does not stop the app.
Changing the screen grid and icon size
Visual perception of information directly depends on the density of the elements. The default Android grid size is most often 4x5 or 5x5, but many launchers allow you to flexibly customize this setting. Increasing the number of cells allows you to place more icons on one screen, but makes them small and difficult to click.
The grid settings are done through the launcher settings menu. There you will find sliders or ready-made presets for changing the number of rows and columns. For users with large fingers or vision problems, the optimal choice would be a 4x5 or even 3x5 grid with large icons.
In addition to the grid, many skins allow you to change the size of the icons themselves and the font of the captions under them. There are separate menus for adjusting the size of interface elements without affecting the system font. This allows for fine-tuning to suit individual preferences. MIUI And ColorOS There are separate menus for adjusting the size of interface elements without affecting the system font. This allows for fine adjustment to individual preferences.
Experiment with white space. Sometimes it is advisable to leave part of the screen free of icons, placing a large clock or weather widget there. This relieves visual noise and makes the interface more “airy” and pleasing to the eye.
| Grid type | Number of icons | Who is it suitable for | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact (5x6) | 30+ per screen | Advanced users | Maximum applications in sight |
| Standard (4x5) | 20 per screen | Most users | Balance between capacity and convenience |
| Large (3x4) | 12 per screen | Elderly people, children | Easy to hit with a finger, large icons |
| Minimalistic | 4-8 per screen | Lovers of cleanliness | Aesthetics, emphasis on widgets |
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces of smartphone manufacturers are regularly are updated. The menu items described above may be named differently or moved to other settings sections in new firmware versions. Always check that the paths in the menu of your specific device are up to date.
Using third-party launchers
If the built-in capabilities of the system seem limited to you, third-party launchers come to the rescue. These are special applications that completely replace the standard desktop and application menu, providing unlimited customization options. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and Smart Launcher.
Installing a third-party launcher is a safe procedure that does not require superuser (root) rights. After installing and configuring the new default launcher, you get access to advanced features: gestures, animations, an unlimited number of desktops and detailed settings for each icon.
One of the main advantages is the ability to create complex scenarios. For example, double-clicking on an empty space can launch a flashlight, and swiping up from an icon can open a context menu. Such functions turn smartphone management into a fast and efficient process.
- Download the selected launcher from Google Play Store.
- Launch the application and follow the initial setup wizard.
- Press the Home button when the system asks which application use.
- Select a new launcher and check the “Always” box.
A third-party launcher is the only way to radically change the logic of the application menu if the smartphone manufacturer has not provided such settings in the standard firmware.
Optimization through widgets and search
The modern approach to organizing space is shifting from icons to widgets and search. Widgets allow you to interact with the application without opening it completely. Calendar, mail, notes and players can display relevant information directly on the home screen.
App Search has become so fast and smart that many users completely abandon the manual search for icons. Simply swipe down the center of the screen or click on the search button to enter the name of the app. System search indexes not only the names, but also the contents of applications.
Using widgets requires a sense of proportion. A busy screen with dozens of active widgets can consume more RAM and battery power. Choose only those widgets that really carry useful information “here and now.”
To quickly configure widgets, use a long tap on an empty space and select “Widgets”. Drag them onto the screen and resize them by grabbing the edges of the frame. Many widgets support changing the design style through settings available by clicking on the gear inside the widget frame.
☑️ Checklist for ideal menu customization
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to restore the standard menu if I installed a third-party launcher?
Yes, it is absolutely safe. Go to your phone settings, “Applications” section, find the installed launcher and click “Uninstall” or “Disable”. The system will automatically prompt you to return to the standard launcher the next time you press the Home button. All your original settings will be preserved.
Why can’t some applications be hidden through standard settings?
System applications necessary for Android (calls, messages, settings) are often protected from hiding so that the user does not accidentally lose access to critical functions. To hide them, third-party launchers or guest modes are usually required.
Does the number of icons on the desktop affect the speed of the phone?
Modern processors can easily cope with hundreds of icons, but the presence of a large number of “live” widgets (weather, news, exchange rates) updated in real time can increase battery consumption and the load on the operating system memory.
How to change the icon of a specific application to your own?
It is difficult to do this in standard settings. The easiest way is to use a third-party launcher (for example, Nova), where by long pressing on the icon you can select “Edit” and replace the image with any picture from the gallery or download a ready-made icon pack.
What to do if, after setting up the menu, the “Home” button disappeared?
Most likely, you activated gesture controls instead of navigation buttons. Go to Settings → System → Gestures (path may vary) and switch the mode to “Buttons” or disable hiding the navigation bar.