How to move several icons on Android: quick methods for all skins

Application icons scattered across the screen are one of the most common problems of users Android. Even after a clean installation of the system, the desktop quickly turns into chaos: games next to instant messengers, rarely used utilities occupy central positions, and important applications are lost on the second screen. Dragging icons one at a time is tedious, especially if there are dozens of them.

Fortunately, Android offers several ways to move icons in bulk, but they depend on the shell version (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS or pure Android) and even the smartphone model. In this article we will analyze 5 working methodsincluding hidden functions of launchers, gestures and third-party utilities. You'll learn how to group applications into folders in seconds, move them between screens in batches, and even automate sorting by category.

Important: some manufacturers block bulk operations with icons in order to “simplify the interface.” For example, on Samsung Galaxy s One UI 6.0 there is no built-in function for selecting multiple icons, but it can be bypassed through Editing mode + long presses. About this in the corresponding section.

If you often reinstall applications or test new launchers, save this article to bookmarks: the methods below will save hours of manual work.

1. Standard method: editing mode + multi-selection

Most modern shells (MIUI 14+, ColorOS 13+, Realme UI 4.0) support selecting multiple icons in Editing mode. Here's how it works:

1. Long-press an empty space on the desktop until the menu appears (usually 1-2 seconds).

2. Select item Desktop settings or Edit mode (names may differ).

3. Key point: instead of dragging one icon press and hold the first one, then tap on for the rest, they will be highlighted. On Xiaomi and Oppo icons will be surrounded by a blue frame, on Samsung they will be darkened.

4. Without releasing your finger, drag the group to the desired location. If you need to move to another screen, move your finger to the edge of the display (a thumbnail of the adjacent screen will appear on the left/right).

⚠️ Attention: On Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5.1 and lower multi-selection only works in horizontal mode (rotate the phone). In versions 6.0+, the function is also available in portrait orientation, but requires prior activation in Settings → Additional functions → Laboratory.

This method is suitable for basic regrouping, but has limitations:

• 📌 You cannot select icons from different screens at one time.
• 📌 Maximum 8-10 icons at a time (depending on the model).
• 📌 Doesn't work with widgets and folders.

2. Creating folders on the fly without manual dragging

If the goal is not just to move, but group icons (for example, all messengers in one folder), use this technique:

1. Long-press the first icon and drag it onto the second one. The system will automatically create a folder with the default name (for example, Folder 1).

2. Without releasing your finger, tap on the other icons you want to add. They will “stick” to the folder.

3. Release your finger - all selected icons will be inside new folder.

To rename a folder, open it and click on the name at the top. On Samsung to do this, you must first click ⋮ → Rename.

The advantage of the method: folders can be created between screens. For example, start on the first screen and finish dragging on the third - the folder will appear where you release your finger.

3. Using gestures for quick movement (hidden function)

Few people know, but Android 12+ there is a hidden gesture for mass management of icons. It works on most shells, but requires preliminary configuration:

1. Activate System gestures in the settings:

- MIUI: Settings → Advanced → Accessibility → Gestures

- One UI: Settings → Controls → Movements and gestures

- Clean Android: Settings → System → Gestures

2. Enable the option Double tap to edit (names may vary).

Now the algorithm is as follows:

• 👆 Double-tap on an empty space on the desktop - will turn on Edit mode.
• 👆 Press and hold the first icon, then slide your finger over the others (as when selecting text). The icons will be highlighted.
• 👆 Drag the group to the desired location.

This method is for 30% faster standard multi-selection, since it does not require precise tapping on each icon.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Huawei EMUI, Vivo Funtouch OS) double tap opens by default Google Assistant. To reassign the gesture, disable it in the assistant settings.

4. Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher and Action Launcher

If built-in tools are limited, install an alternative launcher. The best options for mass management of icons:

Instructions for Nova Launcher (the most popular option):

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as the main one.
2. Press an empty space on the screen → Settings → Application management.
3. Enable the option Multiple icon selection.
4. Now hold down any icon, then tap on others - they will highlight in orange frame.
5. Drag the group or click Folderto group.

Important: In Nova Launcher you can save screen layouts and restore them after resetting the settings. This is the only launcher that supports exporting/importing configurations via. file.

5. Automatic sorting of icons into categories

If you need to not just move, but sort icons (for example, games separately from work applications), use utilities like AppSort or FolderSync. They analyze application categories and distribute them into folders/screens automatically.

Example of work AppSort:

• 📊 Download the application and provide access to the list of installed ones apps.
• 📊 Select a sorting scheme: by frequency of use, by icon color, by category (Social networks, Games, Utilities).
• 📊 Click Apply —the utility will create folders and distribute icons.

Advantages:

- Works on any shell, including EMUI i Flyme OS.

- You can configure exceptions (for example, leave WhatsApp on the main screen).

- Supports backup copying sorting schemes.

Disadvantages:

- Requires rights ADB for some functions (for example, hiding system icons).

- May require additional permissions due to new privacy rules. Android 14+ may require additional permissions due to new privacy regulations.

⚠️ Warning: Automatic sorting may reset widgets. Before using AppSort or similar utilities, take screenshots of the current location of widgets or write down their settings.

Make a backup of widgets|Remember current folders|Check the list of exceptions|Disable battery optimization for AppSort-->

6. Transferring icons between devices (backup and restore)

If you change your smartphone or reset your settings, you don’t have to set up your desktop again. Most launchers (including standard ones) support layout export:

For standard shells (MIUI, One UI):

1. Go to Settings → Desktop → Backup.

2. Select Save layout —the file will be created in the folder Download/Backup.

3. Transfer the file to a new device and restore through the same menu.

For Nova Launcher:

Use the built-in function Backup/restore in the settings. The backup file can be uploaded to Google Drive or sent to Bluetooth.

For Root-users:

The desktop layout is stored in a file /data/system/users/0/launcher.db. It can be copied via Root Explorer or ADB:

adb pull /data/system/users/0/launcher.db C:\Backup\

adb shell am force-stop com.android.launcher3

adb shell pm hide com.android.launcher3/com.android.systemui

adb shell pm unhide com.android.launcher3/com.android.systemui