Personalizing your mobile device begins with organizing the space you see every morning. For many users, the standard set of icons pre-installed by the manufacturer seems chaotic or not functional enough. Creating a new tab, adding shortcuts or widgets to your desktop is a basic skill that turns your smartphone into a convenient tool for your tasks. The process is intuitive, but has hidden nuances depending on the version Android and the installed shell.
In this article we will look in detail at all the ways to expand the home screen: from simply dragging and dropping applications to creating complex web shortcuts and organizing files into folders. You'll learn how to change the screen grid to accommodate more elements and what hidden features the standard launcher offers. Correctly setting up the interface saves time and eliminates the need to constantly search for the necessary apps in the menu.
Basic principles of navigation and creating new pages
Modern operating systems use a unified logic for interacting with the desktop, based on gesture control. To create a new tab (page) on the main screen, just swipe left or right until an empty area appears. In most launchers, a new page is generated automatically as soon as you drag an icon outside the last existing tab. This dynamic creation allows you not to clutter the interface with unnecessary panels.
However, if you want to force add a blank page for later design, you must use the editing mode. Pinch any free area on the screen with your finger or pinch with two fingers (bringing your fingers together). A thumbnail preview of all desktops will open. Here you can see an Add button or simply drag and drop an existing page to make room for a new one. Some custom launchers, such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, provide more flexible settings for the number of panels.
It is important to understand the difference between system limitations and shell capabilities. The standard launcher Pixel Launcher or One UI Home from Samsung may limit the number of pages or prohibit the removal of certain system widgets. At the same time, third-party solutions allow you to create an infinite number of tabs. If the standard interface seems limited to you, installing an alternative launcher from Google Play will be the best solution for complete customization.
⚠️ Attention: Removing the system page with the Google Search or News Feed widget on some smartphone models may cause navigation gestures to malfunction. Before deleting, make sure you have an alternative way to invoke search.
Adding app shortcuts and creating folders
The most common use case for a new tab is to house frequently used apps. To do this, open the menu of all apps (swipe up from the bottom of the screen or the “Menu” button). Find the icon you need, hold it and drag it to an empty space on your desktop. If you drag an icon to the edge of the screen and hold it there for a second, the system will automatically switch you to the next tab, allowing you to place the shortcut exactly where you need it.
To organize a large number of apps, it is advisable to use folders. This allows you to group related applications, such as Social Networks, Games or Work. To create a folder, simply drag one icon on top of another. The system will automatically create a container with a name, which is often generated algorithmically based on the type of application. You can click on the name of the folder and rename it to a designation you understand a designation that you understand.
- 📁 Dragging an icon onto another icon instantly creates a group to save space.
- 🎨 Long pressing on a folder allows you to change the background color or the shape of the icons inside it (depending on topics).
- 📂 You can add up to 16-20 applications to a folder, after which you may need to create a second page inside the folder itself.
There is also a “Smart Folders” function, available in some shells like MIUI or ColorOS. When you click on such a folder, it opens directly on the desktop, without occupying a separate menu screen. This speeds up access to apps. If you want to sort applications alphabetically or automatically into categories, many launchers have a built-in sorting function, accessible through a long tap on an empty space and selecting the “Sort” item.
Working with widgets and interactive elements
Widgets are not just static pictures, but full-fledged mini-applications that run on the desktop. They can display the weather, exchange rates, calendar or control music. To add a widget, go to edit mode (pinch or long press) and select "Widgets" in the bottom menu. A list of all available elements, grouped by application, will open.
Widgets range in size from small 1x1 squares to large blocks that take up half the screen. When you drag a widget onto the screen, the system will show a grid to help you align the element. Some widgets, such as calendars or news feeds, require customization after placement. Click on the widget to open its configuration, where you can select the account to be displayed, the city for the weather or the design style.
Use transparent color widgets (if the launcher supports) so that they fit seamlessly into your wallpaper and do not create visual noise.
Modern widgets in Android 12 and newer support material design, automatically adapting to the color scheme of your wallpaper. This creates a unified visual style. However, it's worth remembering that active widgets, such as a constantly updating news feed or an animated clock, may consume more battery power. Disable widget updating in the battery settings if autonomy is a priority for you over information content.
| Widget type | Size (cells) | Impact on battery | Usage example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clock/Date | 2x1, 4x1 | Low | Quick look at time |
| Weather | 2x2, 4x2 | Medium | Wardrobe planning |
| Calendar | 4x2, 4x4 | Average | Control the meeting schedule |
| News feed | 4x4 | High | Reading headlines without logging into the application |
| Contact shortcut | 1x1 | Low | Quick call to loved ones |
Creating web shortcuts and direct links to sites
Often there is a need to have quick access to a specific site without entering the address in the browser. You can create a web page shortcut that looks like a regular application. To do this, open your browser Google Chrome or Samsung Internet, go to the desired site. Click on the menu (three dots in the corner) and select “Add to home screen” or “Install application.”
After confirmation, the system will create an icon with the site logo. If the site supports the technology PWA (Progressive Web App), the icon will look like a full-fledged application, and the site will open in a separate window without the browser address bar. This is a great way to replace heavy applications with lightweight web versions, for example, for social networks or news portals.
What to do if the site icon is not created?
If the menu item is inactive, the site may not be adapted for mobile devices or the browser is blocking the creation of shortcuts for security reasons. Try using the "PC Version" mode before creating a shortcut.
An alternative way is to use third-party shortcut generator applications such as Shortcut Maker. They allow you to create a shortcut not only for the site, but also for a specific action within the application (for example, immediately open the camera or flashlight), if the developer has provided such an opportunity. Enter the command in the launcher search or use the settings of the generator application to create a custom icon with any image from the gallery.
⚠️ Attention: When creating web shortcuts, make sure that the site uses a secure protocol
HTTPS. Shortcuts to sites withHTTPmay be marked by the browser as unsafe and not open automatically.
Customizing the screen grid and changing the size of icons
The standard desktop grid is usually 4x5 or 5x6 cells. However, the density of the elements can be changed to suit your needs. Go to your desktop settings (long press on an empty space → Settings). Find the Screen Grid or Icon Size section. Increasing the number of cells will allow you to fit more widgets and shortcuts on one tab, but will make the icons themselves smaller.
Changing the size of icons affects the perception of the interface. Large icons are useful for people with low vision or when using the phone with one hand. Small icons are preferred by users who want to see as much information as possible without scrolling. In some launchers, for example Nova Launcher, you can set non-standard sizes, for example, make icons rectangular or completely hide the captions under them, leaving only graphics.
☑️ Optimizing the desktop
It is also worth paying attention to the indents at the edges of the screen. In Settings, you can turn on or off the Fill Screen feature, which stretches the grid to the very edges of the display. On smartphones with a camera cutout or curved edges of the screen, this may result in part of the icon being hidden. Experiment with settings to find a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Hide icons and protect privacy
Not all apps need to be visible. Banking apps, personal messengers or a photo gallery may require hiding from prying eyes. Most manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) integrate the “Hidden Applications” function directly into the launcher settings. Usually it is located in the “Privacy” section or is called up by a specific gesture in the application menu.
To access hidden applications, you often need to enter a PIN code, a fingerprint, or make a special gesture (for example, spreading your fingers in the application menu). This creates an additional level of security. Applications placed in the hidden section disappear from the desktop and from the general list, but continue to run in the background and receive notifications (unless this is disabled in the settings).
If there is no built-in function, you can use the "Guest" mode or create a separate user profile in the settings System → Multiple users. In this profile, the desktop will be completely clean, and you will be able to install only those applications that are acceptable for a temporary user. Switching between profiles occurs through the notification curtain.
Hiding icons through the launcher settings is the fastest way to protect privacy without installing additional software, but does not encrypt data inside applications.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why can’t I remove an application icon from the desktop?
System applications pre-installed by the manufacturer are often protected from deletion. You can only remove their shortcut from the screen by dragging it to the top of the screen, where the words “Remove from Home Screen” will appear. To completely remove it, you will need to disable the application in the system settings or get root access.
How to restore a deleted desktop tab?
Standard launchers do not have a “recycle bin” function for tabs. If you delete a page by dragging it to the trash in edit mode, it disappears forever. You will have to re-add widgets and shortcuts. It is recommended to take screenshots of a successful arrangement before making large-scale changes.
Can you put your wallpaper on a specific tab?
The standard Android launcher usually applies the same wallpaper to all screens and the lock screen. To set different wallpapers for different tabs, you need to install a third-party launcher (for example Go Launcher or Smart Launcherthat supports the "Wallpaper for each page" function.
What does a gray application icon on the desktop mean?
A gray icon usually indicates that the application is installed on an SD card that is currently unreadable, or the application is temporarily disabled in the settings. This can also happen after a system crash. Try rebooting your device or checking for a memory card.
How to make a transparent background for the application folder?
The transparency of the background of folders depends on the theme. In the theme settings, select the option with transparent elements or install a third-party launcher, where transparency can be adjusted with a slider in the folder appearance settings. A standard launcher often does not provide this option without changing the global theme.