How to delete an extra page on the Android desktop: a complete guide

The desktop on Android is not just a background with icons, but a dynamic environment that can be flexibly customized. However, over time, unnecessary pages accumulate on it: blank screens after deleting applications, duplicates from launchers or accidentally created bookmarks. Removing unnecessary pages not only simplifies navigation, but also makes the interface visually cleaner.

Many users mistakenly think that they are needed for this root access or third-party applications. In fact in 90% of cases the standard tools of the system are sufficient. In this article we will look at all the current methods - from basic to advanced, including nuances for popular shells (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS).

It is important to understand that the desktop on Android is controlled launcher — a app responsible for displaying icons and widgets. Most manufacturers use their own launchers (for example, Nova Launcher on Google Pixel or HyperOS Launcher on Xiaomi), so the interface may differ slightly. However, the principles for deleting pages are universal.

If after reading the article you still have questions about a specific smartphone model, check the version Android and the name of the shell. This will help you choose the most accurate instructions.

1. Standard method: deletion via gesture

The simplest method. works on most smartphones with Android 8.0 and newer. It does not require access to settings and takes less than 10 seconds.

Action algorithm:

1. Unlock the phone and go to the desktop.
2. Swipe left or right to open the page you want delete.
3. Hold your finger empty space on the screen (not on the icon!) for 1-2 seconds.
4. The page control panel will appear at the top of the screen. Click on the icon carts (🗑️) or a cross (❌) above an unnecessary page.
5. Confirm the action if the system prompts.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Samsung Galaxy s One UI) is displayed instead of the cart transparency slider. In this case, drag the page down until a red cross appears.

This method does not work if:

• 🔒 There is at least one icon or widget left on the page (remove first them).
• 📱 A third-party launcher is used (for example, Microsoft Launcher or Apex Launcher).
• 🛠️ The "Layout Protection" mode is enabled in the launcher settings.

2. Removal through launcher settings

If gesture control does not work, try changing the number of pages manually. This method is suitable for shells. data-i="80">i MIUI, ColorOS And Realme UI.

Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco:

1. Hold your finger on an empty space on the desktop.
2. Tap on Settings (gear ⚙️) in the bottom menu.
3. Select Desktop settings → Number of pages.
4. Move the slider to the desired value (for example, from 5 to 3).
5. Tap Done and confirm the changes.

For Oppo/Realme/OnePlus:

1. Press an empty space on the screen → Home screen settings.
2. Go to Layout → Number of Pages.
3. Tick only those screens that you want to keep.

⚠️ Attention: On Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5.0+ This parameter may be hidden. In this case, use method No. 3 or install a third-party launcher.

Remove all icons and widgets from the unnecessary screen|

Close all open applications|

Connect your phone to charge (if the battery level is < 20%)|

Take a screenshot of the current arrangement of icons (in case of an error)-->

3. Reset the launcher settings

If the previous methods did not help, try Reset the launcher to factory settingsThis will return the standard number of pages (usually). 1-2 screens) and will remove all custom layout changes.

How to reset the launcher on Android:

1. Open Phone Settings → Applications.
2. Find the launcher in the list (called "Launcher", "Home screen" or by the name of the shell, for example "MIUI Launcher").
3. Tap on Storage → Clear data (not confused with "Clear cache"!).
4. Confirm the action. The phone will automatically reboot the interface.

⚠️ Attention: This method will delete:

• 📁 All created folders with icons.
• 🎨 Wallpaper and theme settings.
• 🔄 The order of widgets.

Before resetting, do screenshots of the current desktop or write down the location of key icons.

After resetting the launcher, some widgets (for example, weather or calendar) may require re-configuration. This is normal - just add them again by long pressing on the desktop.

4. Deleting pages in third-party launchers.

If you use an alternative launcher (Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, Apex Launcher), standard methods may not work. In this case, you need to go to settings of the launcher itself.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Hold your finger on an empty area of the screen. → Nova Settings.
2. Go to Desktop → Number of pages.
3. Select the desired number (from 1 to 9).
4. Click Done and restart the launcher (option in the menu).

For Microsoft Launcher:

1. Swipe right to the last page → tap on Settings (gear).
2. Select Home screen layout → Number of pages.
3. Disable unnecessary screens slider.

⚠️ Attention: In Action Launcher pages are deleted by dragging: hold the page in editing mode and drag it to the trash icon at the top of the screen.

If after the changes the launcher starts to slow down, clear it cache:

1. Open Android Settings → Applications.
2. Find your launcher in the list.
3. Tap Clear cache (not data!).

5. Advanced methods: ADB and system commands

If none of the methods worked, you can use debug bridge Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for experienced users and requires connecting the phone to the computer.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Enable Developer mode on the phone:
   • Open Settings → About phone.
   • Tap on the build number 7 times (Build number).
   • Go back to the main settings → find the new section For developers.
   • Activate USB debugging.

adb devices

adb shell pm clear com.miui.home