Owners of smartphones based on the operating system Android often face a situation where the launcher interface extra, completely empty pages appear. This happens as a result of accidentally dragging widgets, deleting applications, or specific settings for a particular shell. Such “dead zones” do not carry a functional load, but create visual noise and complicate navigation through the workspace.
Fortunately, most modern launchers make it easy to manage the number of desktops. However, the algorithm of actions may vary significantly depending on the device manufacturer and firmware version. In this article we will analyze in detail universal methods, as well as specific solutions for popular shells, such as One UI, MIUI and ColorOS.
Removing an extra page is not just an aesthetic edit, but also a way to optimize the work with the device. When you swipe across the screen, the system shouldn't waste resources drawing empty space. Let's move on to specific steps that will help you put things in order in the interface.
Universal method through editing mode
The most common way to get rid of an unnecessary page is to use the editing mode of the main screen. This method works on most “clean” versions Android and stock launchers. You need to pinch (pinch two fingers) on any free space on the desktop or simply hold your finger on an empty area of the screen for 1-2 seconds.
After this, the interface will go into preview mode of all available desktops. You will see thumbnails of all pages arranged horizontally. Find one that doesn't contain app icons or widgets. It usually looks like a blank page or only has a bottom dock bar.
Once you've identified a blank page, hover your cursor (or finger) over it and look for a trash can or cross icon that appears at the top of the thumbnail. Clicking on this element will delete the page permanently. If there is no icon, try dragging the thumbnail to the top of the screen, where the deletion zone may also appear.
If the trash icon does not appear when you hover over the thumbnail, try long-pressing on the empty page thumbnail itself - on some launchers the action menu is called up this way.
It is important to note that in some cases the system may not allow you to delete the last remaining page or the page on which system files are pinned widgets, such as Google Discover or news feed. In such situations, you will need to disable these services in the settings before deleting.
Deleting blank pages on Samsung smartphones
Shell One UI from the company Samsung has its own unique approach to organizing the workspace. Here, the uninstallation process may be hidden behind additional settings, especially when it comes to Google services integrated into the home screen. To get started, perform the standard action: pinch the screen with two fingers to enter editing mode.
At the bottom of the screen you will see a panel with thumbnails of all desktops. Scroll to the end. If you see a blank page to the right of the main page, tap and hold on it, or tap the trash can icon at the top. However, users often confuse the empty desktop with the ribbon Google Discoverwhich is located to the left of the main screen.
To remove the left blank or information panel, find the switch at the top of the editing screen. It may be called "Swipe Right on Home Screen" or have the Google logo on it. Disabling this toggle switch will remove the extra page, which often remains blank when there is no Internet connection or account setup.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling the Google Discover feed does not remove the Google application itself, but it stops showing news results when you swipe to the right. If you want news, keep this page active.
It's also worth checking your app grid settings. Sometimes empty space occurs because icons are hidden or moved to the application menu. Go to Settings → Home screen and make sure that the "Add new application icons to the home screen" option is active to avoid chaos in the future.
Features of the MIUI and HyperOS interface on Xiaomi
Device users Xiaomi, Redmi i Poco often encounter blank pages appearing after updating the firmware or accidentally creating folders. In the shells MIUI and the new HyperOS the deletion mechanism is similar to the stock one, but has its own nuances in the form of the “Changes” menu.
Press an empty space on the screen until the bottom menu appears. Select Changes or go straight to the thumbnails if they appear automatically. The interface Xiaomi often contains a “Delete” button in the form of a cross right on the page thumbnail. If you want to delete a page that once contained applications, make sure that it is truly empty.
Particular attention should be paid to folders. Sometimes a user creates a folder, drags apps into it, and then deletes them one by one. The folder itself may remain on your desktop, taking up space, or the page may be considered busy until you delete the empty folder itself. Click on the folder, delete all items from it, and then drag the empty folder shell to the trash.
☑️ Check before deleting on Xiaomi
In new versions HyperOS the ability to more flexible grid settings has appeared. If, after removing applications, there are large empty gaps that the system does not consider as a separate page, but which are visually annoying, you can change the grid size in the settings Home screen → Grid. This will allow the icons to move and fill the space, automatically removing unnecessary “tails” of the pages.
Working with the launcher on Realme and Oppo devices
Shell ColorOSused in smartphones Oppo, Realme i OnePlus, characterized by a high degree of customization. Here, deleting empty desktops is implemented intuitively, but users often do not notice the confirmation button.
When you enter edit mode (long press on the screen), you will see a series of thumbnails. Swipe right to find a blank page. On some versions ColorOS you need to click on the thumbnail to highlight it, and only then a pop-up menu will appear with the “Delete” option. Simply dragging it to the trash can may not work without first selecting it.
Another reason for the appearance of “phantom” pages in ColorOS is the “Quick Access” function or smart assistant widgets. They can occupy a separate page on the left or right. To remove them, go to Settings → Home screen and lock screen. There you can find switches for displaying additional panels.
| Manufacturer | Shell name | Method of entering editing | Deletion nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | One UI | Pinch with two fingers | Disable Google Discover via toggle switch |
| Xiaomi | MIUI / HyperOS | Long press | Deleting empty folders is required |
| Oppo / Realme | ColorOS | Long press | Required highlighting the thumbnail |
| Google Pixel | Pixel Launcher | Long press | Automatically hiding blank pages |
On Oppo and Realme devices, it is critical to first select the page thumbnail by pressing, and only then look for the delete button, otherwise the action will not be performed.
The problem of blank pages on pure Android (Pixel, Motorola)
Devices with “pure” Android, such as Google Pixel, Motorola or Nokia, use the launcher Pixel Launcher or its modifications. Here the logic of work is the simplest: the system strives for minimalism. Often, blank pages on such devices are not created at all - as soon as you delete the last icon, the page disappears automatically.
However, if you use third-party widgets or custom launchers (for example Nova Launcher, Lawnchair), the behavior may change. To delete a page, you need to go to the launcher settings, select “Desktop” and manage the number of pages or their visibility there. Nova Launcher To delete a page, you need to go to the launcher settings, select “Desktop” and there manage the number of pages or their visibility.
Sometimes the problem lies in the fact that an invisible element is stuck on the page. This could be a rendering bug. Try rebooting your device. If after a reload the empty page remains, go into edit mode and force drag any icon from the adjacent page onto this “empty” one, and then return it back. This action often refreshes the launcher's clipboard and allows you to correctly delete the page.
⚠️ Attention: On some versions of pure Android, you cannot delete a page if the default Google search widget is installed on it. First delete the widget, then the page.
For advanced users who want full control, installing third-party launchers is recommended. They allow you to set the exact number of desktops and prevent the creation of new pages when dragging icons to the edge of the screen.
Use third-party launchers for complete control
If standard methods do not help or your manufacturer's interface is too limited, installing an alternative launcher is the best solution. Applications like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher give full control over the grid and number of pages.
After installing such a launcher and making it the default application, you can go into its settings. In the Settings → Desktop section there is often an option “Number of pages” or the ability to disable the automatic addition of new pages. This will prevent empty spaces from appearing in the future.
In addition, third-party launchers allow you to hide pages without deleting them. You can make a page invisible by storing backup widgets that you rarely need. This is convenient for organizing space without losing functionality. Just click on the page thumbnail in edit mode and select the “Hide” option.
How to reset the launcher settings?
If after installing a new launcher the blank pages are not deleted, go to Phone Settings → Applications → Your Launcher → Storage → Clear data. This will return the launcher to its original state with one desktop.
Remember that changing the launcher may slightly affect the speed of the old device, but modern optimized launchers work even faster than stock solutions on budget smartphones.
Why extra pages appear and how to prevent it
Understanding the cause of the problem will help you avoid it repetitions. Most often, blank pages occur due to the feature of gesture controls. When you drag an application icon to the very edge of the screen, the system automatically creates a new page, assuming that you want to place an object there. If you change your mind and cancel the action, the page may remain.
Another reason is a system update. During major updates Android (for example, from version 13 to 14), the grid settings may be reset, and the launcher adds additional pages “in reserve” for new functions or widgets. Regularly checking your desktop after updates is a good habit.
It is also worth mentioning the weather and clock widgets. They often take up a lot of space (4x2 or 4x1). If you remove such a widget, a large area is freed up that small icons cannot immediately fill, creating the illusion of a blank page. In this case, changing the grid size to a smaller one (for example, from 4x5 to 5x6) will help.
To avoid creating extra pages, do not drag icons to the very edge of the screen. Stop 1-2 centimeters before the border if you do not plan to create a new table.
Watch what applications you install. Some aggressive launchers from phone manufacturers may add advertising or recommendation pages themselves. Removing them often requires not just a swipe, but disabling them in deep system settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the default main desktop?
No, the main desktop (usually the central one or the first one on the left) is a mandatory element of the interface. You can clear it of icons, but the page itself cannot be deleted, since it serves as a return point when you press the “Home” button.
Why does it appear again after deleting a page?
This can happen if you have the “Automatic addition of pages” function enabled in the launcher settings, or if a system widget is pinned to the page, which is restored after a reboot. Check the widget settings and disable auto-adding.
Does the number of blank pages affect the speed of the phone?
Minimum. Modern processors and RAM allow you to ignore a couple of blank pages without a noticeable impact on performance. However, if you have a very old device with little RAM, unnecessary interface elements may slightly slow down switching between tables.
How can I delete a page if the trash can button is grayed out?
A gray trash bin means that the page has required elements or is a protected system area. Try removing all widgets and icons manually and then rebooting your phone. If this does not help, reset the launcher settings in the application menu.