How to reduce the size of icons on the Android desktop: a complete guide with pictures

Is your Android desktop littered with icons that seem too large? You're not alone—many users are faced with the problem that the standard icon size takes up half the screen, obstructs the view, and ruins the aesthetics. Fortunately, you can make icons smaller on Android in several ways: from built-in launcher settings to installing third-party applications.

In this article we will look at 7 proven methodsincluding hidden functions of MIUI, One UI and pure Android, and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes when changing the scale. You will find out what settings work on Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Huawei and other popular smartphones, and you will be able to choose the best option for your model. Some methods require root access, but most are available without them - just follow the step-by-step guide.

Important: before changing system parameters, make sure that the latest firmware version is installed on your device. Some manufacturers limit interface customization in older builds. If the standard settings do not help, do not despair: at the end of the article you will find alternative solutions for any cases.

1. Standard launcher settings: the easiest way

Most modern smartphones allow you to reduce icons directly in the desktop settings. The interface may differ depending on the brand, but the general principle is the same. Let's look at the process using popular shells as an example.

On devices Samsung with a shell One UI:

1. Tap an empty space on the desktop and hold your finger until a menu appears.
2. Select Desktop Settings (or Screen Options in older versions).
3. Go to the section Desktop Layout → Icon size.
4. Move the slider to the left to make the icons smaller. Values from 75% to 125% are available.

On smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO with shell MIUI:

• 📱 Long press on the desktop → Desktop settings table.
• 🔍 Select Icon size (in some versions the path: Advanced → Icon size).
• 🎚️ Drag the slider to the left. Minimum value - 80% of the standard size.

On pure Android (for example, Google Pixel, Motorola):

• 🖱️ Long press on an empty space → Desktop settings.
• 📏 Select Icon Size or Layout (depending on the version).
• 🔄 Use the slider to change the scale, usually from 70% to 130%.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Huawei (shell EMUI), the option to resize icons may be blocked. In this case, try the methods from the following sections.

Make a backup copy of your desktop (screenshot or export launcher settings)

Check the firmware version (updates may add new options)

Close all background applications for stable operation of the interface

Remember the current size of the icons in case of rolling back changes-->

2. Using gestures for quick scaling

Few people know, but on many smartphones the size of icons can be changed directly from the desktop without going to settings. This method works on most devices with shells One UI, MIUI i ColorOS (for example, to Oppo or Realme).

Instructions:

1. Place two fingers on the desktop (not on the icons!).
2. Place your fingers together ("zoom out" gesture). The icons will become smaller.
3. Spread your fingers apart ("zoom in" gesture) to return to the standard one. size.

This method is convenient for instant adjustment to the current task for example, when you need to temporarily enlarge icons for a presentation or, conversely, reduce them to save space. However, remember that the changes are reset after rebooting the device.

If the gesture does not work works:

• 🔄 Check if gestures are enabled in the launcher settings (path: Settings → Advanced → Gestures).
• 🧹 Make sure there are no widgets on the screen - they can block recognition.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone if gestures stop working after the update.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Sony Xperia the zoom gesture conflicts with system navigation gestures. In this case, disable navigation gestures in Settings. → System → Gestures.

3. Third-party launchers: Nova, Apex, Microsoft Launcher

If the standard settings are not satisfactory, the best solution is to install alternative launcher. These applications offer flexible interface settings, including fine adjustment of the size of icons, the spacing between them, and even the shape. icons. Let's look at the top 3 solutions.

How to adjust the size of icons in Nova Launcher (the most popular option):

1. Install the application from Google Play.
2. Assign it launcher by default (when you first start it, the system will prompt you to do this).
3. Long press on the desktop → Settings → Desktop.
4. Select Icon size and move the slider. Values from 50% to 150% are available.
5. For fine adjustments, go to Advanced → Grid size and select the number of rows/columns.

Advantages of Nova Launcher:

• 🎨 Support Icon Packs (you can download icon themes from the Play Market).
• 🔄 Ability to save and restore desktop settings.
• 📱 Optimized for tablets and large screens (for example Samsung Galaxy Tab).

4. Changing the size of icons via ADB (for advanced users)

If you are ready to dive into technical details, you can reduce the icons using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method works on most devices, but requires a connection to a computer and basic knowledge of the command line. Be warned: incorrect commands can break the interface!

Step-by-step guide:

1. Turn on USB debugging on your smartphone:
   • Go to Settings → About phone.
   • Press 7 times on Build numberto activate Developer mode.
   • Go back to Settings → System → Developer Mode and enable USB Debugging.

adb devices

adb shell settings put global icon_scale 0.8

To return the standard size, use the command:

adb shell settings put global icon_scale 1.0

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, OnePlus with shell OxygenOS) parameter icon_scale may not be supported. In this case, the ADB command will not work. Check compatibility in advance!

5. Editing system files (root required)

For the most advanced users who are willing to risk system stability, there is a way to change the size of icons by editing system files. This method requires root access and data backup, since incorrect actions can lead to loss of launcher functionality.

Instructions for devices with root:

1. Install file manager with root support (for example Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the path:

   /data/data/com.android.launcher3/shared_prefs/

   (for a standard launcher) or similar for your shell.

3. Find the file com.android.launcher3_preferences.xml and open it in text editor.
4. Find the line with the parameter icon_scale (or similar, for example icon_size_factor).
5. Change the value to the desired one (for example, 0.7 to reduce by 30%).
6. Save the file, reload device.

Examples of paths for popular shells:

• 📱 One UI (Samsung): /data/data/com.sec.android.app.launcher/shared_prefs/
• 📱 MIUI (Xiaomi): /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/
• 📱 EMUI (Huawei): /data/data/com.huawei.android.launcher/shared_prefs/

If after the changes the launcher stopped working:

• 🔄 Delete the launcher cache in Settings → Applications → Launcher → Memory → Clear cache.
• 📲 Restore the backup file preferences.xml.
• 🔧 Reinstall the launcher via Settings → Applications → Reset.

⚠️ Attention: Editing system files can cause errors in the interface, including constant crashes of the launcher. Before making changes, create a full backup using TWRP or similar software.

6. Hidden developer settings for customizing the interface

Android has hidden parameters that allow you to fine-tune the display of interface elements, including icons. These options are available in developer menu, but their effect on the system can be unpredictable - use with caution.

How to enable and use developer settings:

1. Activate Developer Mode (as described in the section about ADB).
2. Go to Settings → System → Developer Mode.
3. Find options related to scaling:
   • Minimum width (affects the size of all elements, including icons).
   • Screen density (DPI) — reducing this value will reduce the icons, but make the text less readable.
   • Window animation and Animation of transitions (indirectly affect the perception of size).

Recommended values for popular screen resolutions:

Remember: changing the DPI affects all interface elements, and not just the icons. If, after decreasing the DPI, the text becomes unreadable, return the standard value or install a launcher that supports scaling (for example, Nova Launcher).

7. Alternative solutions: widgets and folders

If none of the above methods work, you can optimize the desktop without changing the size of the icons:

Using widgets:

• 📊 Widget Apps folder (available in most launchers) allows you to group icons into compact blocks.
• 📅 Calendar or weather widgets can replace individual icons, freeing up space.
• 🔍 A search widget (for example, Google Search) gives quick access to applications without filling the screen with icons.

Creating folders:

• 📁 Drag one icon onto another to create folder. Then you can add other applications to it.
• 🎨 Name the folders by category (for example, "Social networks", "Games", "Utilities").
• 🔄 In some launchers (for example, Nova) you can change the size of folders and their icons. separately.

Hide unnecessary icons:

• 🚫 In Nova Launcher i Apex Launcher you can hide application icons, leaving only the most necessary ones.
• 📵 Use the "Hidden Applications" folder (available in the settings of some launchers).
• 🔍 For quick access to hidden applications, use the system search (swipe down gesture on the desktop).

Minimalistic wallpaper:

• 🖼️ Light wallpaper with a minimalistic design visually reduces the perception of size icons.
• 🎨 Use wallpaper with a grid or lines to align icons.
• 📱 In the wallpaper settings of some launchers you can set the blur, which also reduces the emphasis on the icons.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about reducing icons on Android