How to remove an application shortcut from the Android home screen: a complete guide

Application shortcuts on the Android home screen are a convenient way to quickly access frequently used apps. However, over time, the screen can turn into a chaotic accumulation of icons, among which it is difficult to find what you need. Fortunately, you can remove unnecessary shortcuts in a few seconds - and this can be done in different ways, depending on the version of Android and the smartphone manufacturer.

In this article we will look at all the current methods for removing shortcuts: from standard dragging to the trash can to hiding system applications through the launcher settings. You will learn how the process differs on Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Google Pixel and other popular shells, as well as what to do if the shortcut is not removed by standard means. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with application widget (which is often confused with a regular shortcut) and system apps that cannot be completely removed.

Before we begin, let's clarify the key point: removing a shortcut from the main screen not equal to uninstalling the application itself. The application will remain in the menu of all apps and will take up space in the device memory. If your goal is to completely uninstall the app, go to the section about uninstalling via Settings → Applications.

1. Standard method: dragging to trash

The most universal method works on 90% of smartphones running Android, regardless of the OS version or manufacturer's shell. The algorithm is extremely simple:

1. Press and hold your finger on the shortcut of the application you want to remove.
2. After 1-2 seconds, a visual hint will appear (usually the icon will light up or an animation will appear).
3. Without releasing your finger, drag the shortcut to the top of the screen, where it will appear inscription "Delete" or trash icon (🗑️).
4. Release your finger - the shortcut will disappear from the main screen.

On some smartphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UI) the basket can be located at the bottom of the screen. If you don't see the prompt, try dragging the icon to the edge of the display - usually the delete zone will appear there.

Exceptions:

• 📱 On Xiaomi (MIUI) and Oppo (ColorOS), you may need to first click on the icon and then select the "Delete" option from the menu that appears.
• 🔒 System applications (for example, Phone, Messages) cannot be deleted completely, but their shortcuts are removed in the same way.
• 🧩 Widgets are deleted in the same way, but they cannot be dragged to the trash - you need to click "Delete" in the context menu.

2. Deleting through screen editing mode

Many modern Android shells (for example, One UI from Samsung or EMUI from Huawei) offer a special mode for editing the main screen. It allows you not only to remove shortcuts, but also to move them in groups, change the size of widgets and configure folders.

To activate this mode:

1. Touch and hold an empty space on the main screen (not on the icon!).
2. A panel with options will appear at the bottom of the screen: "Widgets", "Wallpaper", "Settings".
3. Application shortcuts will be highlighted, and crosses (❌) or trash icons will appear in their upper corners.
4. Click on the cross next to an unnecessary shortcut - it will be deleted.

On some devices (for example, Google Pixel with pure Android), the editing mode is activated differently: you need to do pinch movement (pinch two fingers together) on the main screen. After this, the shortcuts will begin to “shake”, and you can delete them by pressing the cross.

3. Removing system application shortcuts

System applications (for example, Camera, Contact, Settings) cannot be completely removed without root access, but their shortcuts can be removed from the main screen. However, there are nuances here:

• 🔧 On Samsung i LG system shortcuts are deleted in the same way as regular ones - by dragging them to the trash.
• 📱 On Xiaomi i Realme you may need to first disable the application in the settings, otherwise the shortcut will return after a reboot.
• 🚫 On some devices (for example Huawei s EMUI 12+), system shortcuts cannot be removed using standard means - you will have to use a third-party launcher.

If the system application shortcut stubbornly returns to the screen, try the following:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Find the desired application in the list and select "Disable" (not "Delete"!).
3. Confirm the action - this will hide the application from the menu and remove it shortcuts.

On devices with Android 12 and later, some system applications are protected from being disabled. In this case, the only way to remove their shortcuts is to use a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) and hide the icons in its settings.

4. Removing widgets (not to be confused with shortcuts!)

Many users confuse application shortcuts and widgets. A shortcut is simply an icon for quickly launching a app, and a widget is an interactive element that displays information (for example, weather, calendar, player). They are removed in different ways!

To remove a widget from the home screen:

1. Tap and hold the widget (not the shortcut!).
2. In most shells, a menu with options will appear - select "Delete" or "Remove from screen".
3. On Samsung One UI the widget must be dragged to the trash (as a shortcut), but before that you may need to click on the pencil (✏️) in the top panel.

If the widget is not deleted:

• 🔄 Reboot the device - sometimes widgets “stutter” due to launcher malfunctions.
• 🛠️ Update the application to which the widget belongs (for example, the widget Google Weather is updated via Google Play).
• 📱 Install a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) - it allows you to manage widgets more flexibly.

The widget does not contain important data (such as notes or calendar events)

The application that the widget belongs to does not use it for background tasks

Do you remember how to restore the widget if you need it again

Have you checked if there is an alternative way to hide the widget in the settings launcher-->

5. Hiding shortcuts through the launcher settings

If the standard methods do not help (for example, the shortcut returns after a reboot), you can hide it through the launcher settings. This method works on most devices, but the path to settings may vary.

General algorithm:

1. Tap and hold an empty space on the home screen.
2. Select "Screen settings" or "Launcher options" (the name depends on shell).
3. Find the section "Hidden applications" or "List of applications".
4. Check tick the applications whose shortcuts you want to hide.

On Xiaomi MIUI the path is as follows: Settings → Home screen → Hidden applications.

On Samsung One UI: Settings → Home screen → Show applications on the main screen (here you can disable the display of specific apps).

If your shell does not have such an option, install a third-party launcher (for example Nova Launcher or Action Launcher), where the function of hiding shortcuts is implemented more flexible.

6. Removing shortcuts via ADB (for advanced users)

If a shortcut cannot be removed using standard methods (for example, it is a system application from the manufacturer that cannot be disabled), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and basic knowledge of the command line.

Instructions:

1. Enable debugging USB on the smartphone: Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times), then Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging.
2. Connect your phone to the computer and confirm trust in the device.
3. Open a command line (Windows) or a terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

   adb shell pm hide com.example.app

   (replace com.example.app with the actual application package, for example com.android.chrome for Chrome).

4. Restart device - shortcut will disappear.

To return the shortcut, use the command:

adb shell pm unhide com.example.app

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

adb shell pm list packages | grep camera

⚠️ Warning: Using ADB may cause system instability if you disable critical applications. Before experiments, create a backup copy of your data.

7. What to do if the shortcut is not deleted?

If none of the listed methods worked, the problem may lie in the following:

• 🔐 The launcher is blocked by the device administrator (relevant for corporate phones). Check in Settings → Security → Device administrators.
• 🛡️ The application is protected by the manufacturer (for example, branded services Samsung or Xiaomi). In this case, only a third-party launcher or ADB will help.
• 🐛 The launcher crashed. Try clearing its cache: Settings → Applications → [Your launcher] → Memory → Clear cache.
• 📱 The device is infected with malwarewhich restores shortcuts. Check your phone with an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes).

If the problem persists, try resetting the launcher settings to standard:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Find your launcher (for example, One UI Home, MIUI Launcher).
3. Select "Storage" → "Clear data".
4. Confirm the action - this will reset all home screen settings, but will not delete applications.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the launcher data will return the main screen to its factory appearance. All folders, widgets and icon layout will have to be configured again.

Frequently asked questions