Smartphone users often encounter a situation where extra screens appear on the device that cannot be removed using standard methods. A second desktop can occur as a result of accidentally dragging an icon, installing a third-party launcher, or after updating the firmware. This causes irritation, since you have to make extra swipes when navigating the system.
The process of deleting a blank page depends on the version of the operating system Android and the specific shell of the manufacturer, be it MIUI, One UI or a clean interface. In some cases, you just need to drag and drop the icons, in others you will need to go into the hidden settings of the launcher. Below we will look at all the possible ways to solve this problem for different device models.
Removing an extra screen usually does not require root access and is completed in a couple of minutes. The main thing is to understand the logic of the operation of your specific interface, since in recent years manufacturers have been actively changing the principles of organizing the home screen.
Reasons for the appearance of extra pages on the main screen
Before you start deleting, it is worth understanding where the second desktop came from. This most often happens when you drag widget or application shortcut outside the visible area of the main screen. The system automatically creates a new page to accommodate the moved object.
Another common reason is the installation of third-party apps for customization. Some launchers create multiple pages by default or add special screens for news and widgets (for example, Google Discover to the left of the home screen). After deleting the application, these pages may remain “inherited.”
Also, extra screens may appear after a settings reset or software update, when the system restores the icon layout from a backup copy, but incorrectly determines the screen resolution.
⚠️ Attention: If the second screen contains system widgets (weather, news), deleting them may temporarily disrupt the operation of relevant services. Make sure you don't need this data before clearing the space.
Standard method of deleting through editing mode
The easiest way to delete the second page is to use the built-in desktop editing mode. This method works on most modern smartphones, including models from Samsung, Xiaomi and Pixel.
First, you need to activate the interface change mode. This is usually done by long pressing on an empty area of the screen or by pinching with two fingers (zoom out gesture). Thumbnails of all available desktops will appear on the screen.
Find the thumbnail of the second screen you want to delete. If it is completely empty, a trash can icon or cross may appear next to it. Click on it to delete the page. If there is no icon, try dragging the thumbnail up to the “Delete” inscription.
- 📱 Make a long tap on an empty area of the screen.
- 🖐 Use the “pinch” gesture to display all pages.
- 🗑 Drag the unnecessary thumbnail to the trash can or click cross.
If the screen is not removed, check to see if there are hidden elements on it. Sometimes there may be invisible widgets or folders that block the page from being deleted.
Removing blank screens on Samsung Galaxy (One UI)
The shell One UI from Samsung has its own features for managing the desktop. Here you cannot simply delete a page if it contains at least one element. However, there is a way to quickly clear excess space.
Long-press an empty space on the screen and go into edit mode. Swipe left to find the second desktop. If it is empty, the system may offer to delete it automatically when you exit editing mode. If not, drag all the icons from it to the first screen.
It is important to check the settings of the main page. In some versions of One UI, the left screen is occupied by the service Google Discover or Samsung Free. Users often confuse it with a second desktop.
Settings → Home screen → Swipe right on the main screen → Select “No”Disabling this service will free up space and remove the extra page on the left. You can also change the grid of icons, which sometimes automatically removes extra empty rows and columns.
If, after transferring the icons, the screen is still not deleted, try adding any widget to it, and then deleting it along with the page through the editing menu.
Features of deletion on Xiaomi and Redmi (MIUI / HyperOS)
In the shells MIUI and the new HyperOS the operating logic is slightly different. The “Endless Scroll” function or additional screens for widgets are often enabled here, which users perceive as extra second tables.
To remove an extra page, hold the application icon and drag it to the top of the screen, where the “Delete” button or the trash can will appear. But to delete an entire page, it is better to use the pinch editing mode.
Pay attention to the lock screen and additional widgets. MIUI has a separate screen for widgets, which is located on the left. It cannot be completely removed, but you can turn off the display.
| Action | Settings menu | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Disable left screen | Settings → Desktop | Hide the widget screen |
| Change grid | Settings → Desktop → Grid | Compacts icons |
| Reset launcher | Applications → Management → System launcher | Returns the default view |
If standard methods do not help, you can try clearing the system launcher data. This will return the desktop to its factory state, removing all unnecessary pages and icon layout settings.
How to reset the launcher settings on Xiaomi?
Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Find "System Launcher" (or Launcher). Click "Clear" → "Clear All". Please note that the location of all icons will be reset.
Using third-party launchers to control screens
If standard tools do not allow you to remove the second desktop, installing a third-party launcher would be an excellent solution. Applications like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher give full control over the number of pages.
Such launchers have a clear setting for the number of desktops. You can manually specify that you only need one screen, and the system will no longer create extra pages when dragging icons.
After installing the new launcher, go to its settings. Find the section Desktop or Desktop. There will be a parameter responsible for the number of pages or the behavior when overflowing.
- 🚀 Install Nova Launcher from the Play Market.
- ⚙️ Go to Nova Settings → Desktop.
- 🔢 Find the “Number of pages” item and set the value to 1.
⚠️ Attention: When you change the launcher, the animations and appearance of the folders may change. Give yourself a couple of days to get used to the new interface before making final conclusions.
Third-party launchers are the only way to strictly limit the number of screens if the phone firmware forcibly creates new pages.
Solving problems with non-deletable pages
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the second screen stubbornly refuses to be removed, even if it is visually empty. This may be due to the fact that an invisible object is stuck on the page or there is a failure in the interface cache.
In this case, it is recommended to check for hidden widgets. Try adding any large widget, such as a clock, to the problematic page. If there is no space for it, then the page is really occupied by invisible elements.
Another effective method is clearing the launcher cache. This will not delete your data, but it will restart the desktop rendering process, which often solves the problem of "ghost" pages.
Settings → Applications → All applications → [Your Launcher] → Storage → Clear cacheIf all else fails, check to see if the mode is turned on "Safe Screen" or accessibility features that can block changes to the interface. In rare cases, temporarily disabling administrator rights for applications that control the desktop helps.
☑️ Diagnosing a non-deletable screen
Preventing the appearance of extra tables in the future
In order not to encounter the problem of a cluttered interface in the future, you should adhere to a few simple rules for organizing space. The main mistake is chaotically dragging and dropping icons without planning.
Use folders to group applications. This will allow you to fit dozens of apps on one screen without creating the need for a second or third desktop. Modern launchers allow you to create folders of any size.
Regularly audit installed applications. Removing unnecessary software automatically frees up space and reduces the risk that the system will create a new page to accommodate residual shortcuts.
It is also worth disabling the automatic addition of icons for new applications to the desktop. This function is available in the settings of most launchers and often leads to chaos and unnecessary pages.
⚠️ Attention: Android interfaces are updated regularly. The location of menu items may differ depending on the firmware version. If you do not find the specified setting, use the search in the phone settings menu.
Why does the screen appear again after deletion?
Most often this happens due to synchronization with the cloud. If you use a Google or manufacturer account, your desktop settings may be restored from a backup. Disable launcher data synchronization in your account settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is the second desktop on Samsung not deleted?
Most likely, there is a hidden element or widget on the screen. Try entering edit mode (pinch), find this screen and drag all the elements from it to the first table. Also check if the Google Discover screen is enabled in the settings.
Is it possible to remove the left news screen on Xiaomi?
Yes, it can be done. Go to Settings → Desktop → Additional screens (or “Swipe right”) and turn off the switch. The screen with news and widgets will disappear.
What should you do if, after removing the screen, the icons are mixed up?
This is a normal reaction of the system to changing the grid. You will have to manually distribute the icons across the remaining screen. To avoid this in the future, take a screenshot of your desktop before making major changes.
Does deleting the desktop affect how applications work?
No, deleting a page only affects the visual layout of the shortcuts. The applications themselves remain installed on the system. You can always find them through the “All applications” menu or search.
How can I return everything to the way it was if I deleted unnecessary ones?
If you just deleted a page, you can create a new one by dragging the icon off the edge of the screen. If you reset the launcher settings, you will need to rearrange the icons. Backup (layouts) is available in some third-party launchers.