The first thing the smartphone owner sees after unlocking is a desktop with chaotically scattered applications. Over time, installing new apps turns the screen into a chaotic mosaic, where finding the right tool becomes a task with an asterisk. Brand devices Honorworking under shell control MagicOShave powerful built-in tools for visual organization of space.
Proper sorting of icons not only improves the aesthetics of the interface, but also significantly speeds up the everyday use of the gadget. You won't have to scroll through dozens of pages looking for a messenger or a calculator if you think through the structure in advance desktop. In this article, we will look at all the available methods: from simple shuffling to advanced grid settings and hiding rarely used apps.
Basic principles of moving icons
The easiest way to create order is to manually sort elements. The interface MagicOS is intuitive and responds to touches instantly. To move an icon, simply press and hold your finger on it for a second until a vibration or visual response appears, after which you can drag the object to any free space.
However, there is a faster method for moving multiple elements at once. If you hold down one icon and then, without releasing your finger, touch another, you will switch to multiple selection mode. You can now drag and drop apps in groups to form neat rows. This is especially convenient when setting up a new smartphone for the first time. Honor.
It is important to consider that when you drag an icon onto another icon, folderis automatically created. The system will prompt you to give it a name, but you can rename it at any time. Folders allow you to group apps by topic, for example, “Social networks”, “Games” or “Work”, freeing up precious space on the home screen.
To remove an unnecessary shortcut from the home screen (without deleting the application itself), just drag the icon to the top of the display, where an area with the inscription “Delete” or a trash can icon will appear. If you want to completely uninstall the app, hold the icon and select “Uninstall” from the pop-up menu.
⚠️ Attention: System applications such as Phone, Messages or Settings are often protected from deletion. When you try to eliminate them, you will only see the option to move or hide, but not completely delete from the device memory.
Customizing the desktop grid
One of the key customization functions in smartphones Honor is changing the density of elements. The standard grid may seem too sparse or, conversely, cramped, depending on the screen diagonal and the user’s personal preferences. Changing this setting allows you to fit more applications on one screen or make the interface more airy.
To change the number of rows and columns, you need to go to the interface settings. Press and hold an empty space on the desktop until the bottom menu appears and select Screen Settings. In the menu that opens, find the section Grid. Here you will be offered different layout options, such as 4x5, 5x5 or 5x6.
Choosing a denser grid, such as 5x6, allows you to place up to 30 icons on one screen without using folders. This is an ideal option for those who like to have quick access to all installed apps. However, it is worth remembering that icons that are too small may be difficult to press for people with large fingers or when using the phone with one hand.
After changing the grid parameters, the system will automatically redistribute the existing icons. Some applications may move to adjacent pages, so after setting it up, it is recommended to quickly go through the screens and adjust the location of the most important shortcuts manually.
Use a 4x5 or 4x6 grid if you have a smartphone with a small screen (up to 6.1 inches) so that the icons remain large and easy to click.
Creating and managing themed folders
Folders are the foundation of an organized desktop. Correct grouping of applications allows you to reduce search time and visually unload the interface. In the shell MagicOS folders have expanded functionality compared to standard Android.
You can create a folder in two ways. The first is to drag one icon onto another, as mentioned earlier. The second method is more technological: hold down an empty space on the screen, select Folder, give it a name, and then drag the desired applications inside. The second method is convenient when you need to create a structure from scratch.
A unique feature of folders on Honor is the ability to change their size and display style. Some firmware versions allow you to expand a folder directly on your desktop, turning it into a widget with access to 9 or 16 applications without having to log in. This saves time on launching frequently used apps.
To edit the contents of a folder, just open it and drag unnecessary applications outside of it. You can also change the background color of the folder or its shape in the appearance settings, if your theme supports this feature. This helps to visually highlight important groups of applications.
| Grouping type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Who is it suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alphabetical | Easy to find an application by by name | Requires a lot of space | For users with a large number of apps |
| By frequency | Quick access to your favorite ones | Rare applications are lost | For active everyday work |
| Color | Aesthetically attractive | Non-functional for search | For visuals and designers |
| Thematic | Logical structure | Subjectivity of categories | Universal option for everyone |
Using the “Application Drawer” mode
Many users prefer to separate the desktop and the list of all installed apps. In smartphones Honor this mode is called “App Drawer”. Unlike the classic Android style, where all the icons are on the desktop, here the main screen remains clean, and all software is accessed through a special button.
To activate this mode, go to Settings → Desktop and wallpaper → Desktop style. Select option App drawer. After turning it on, a button in the form of a circle with dots or an up arrow will appear on the dock panel (bottom bar of the screen). Clicking on it will open a complete list of all installed apps.
Sorting is also available inside the application drawer. You can organize apps by installation time, by frequency of use, or strictly alphabetically. This is especially useful if you have more than 50 apps installed. The desktop remains a place only for the most important widgets and 4-8 key icons.
Adding an application from the drawer to the desktop is done by simply long pressing and dragging. This gives you flexibility: you can keep in view only what you need right now, and put the rest into a general list, keeping the interface perfectly clean.
☑️ Checklist for an ideal desktop
Hide applications and protect privacy
Sometimes it occurs the need to hide certain icons from prying eyes without uninstalling the application itself. The “Hidden Applications” function in MagicOS allows you to remove shortcuts from the desktop and from the application drawer, making them accessible only through a special code or gesture.
To configure this function, go to Settings → Security → Hidden apps. Turn on the switch and select the apps you want to hide. After this, their icons will disappear from public access. To find a hidden app, you need to enter a special pin code in the dialer interface or use a customized gesture in the app drawer.
This feature is useful not only for protecting personal data, but also for clearing visual noise. You can hide rarely used system utilities or games that you access once a month, thereby making the main interface more concise.
⚠️ Attention: Forget the access code to hidden applications? In this case, the only solution may be to completely reset the phone settings, so write down the code in a safe place or use biometric binding if the model Honor supports such an option.
It is worth noting that hidden applications continue to run in the background and receive notifications. If you want to completely stop the app, you need to close it through the multitasking or battery settings menu.
Advanced customization through themes
If standard organizing tools are not enough, themes come to the rescue. The store Themes on smartphones Honor offers thousands of options that completely change the appearance of icons, fonts and even the behavior of the desktop. Some themes automatically group apps by color or offer unique dock panels.
When installing a new theme, pay attention to the screenshots in the description. Often, theme authors create special icon sets that visually unite disparate applications into a single stylish picture. This is a subjective, but very effective method of dealing with visual chaos.
Also in the theme store you can find special launchers or plugins that add default sorting functions that are missing in the system. For example, themes can add automatic alphabetical sorting every time you exit the edit menu.
Where to download safe themes?
The official Honor Theme Store is the only guaranteed safe source. Third-party sites may offer modified themes with malicious code that can steal account data.
Remember that complex themes with live icon animations may consume more battery power. If energy efficiency is a priority for you, choose static themes with a minimalistic design.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Why do icons move on their own after a system update?
After a major update MagicOS the system may reset the grid settings to factory defaults or add new system applications by moving existing icons. It is recommended to check the grid settings in the desktop editing menu and return the preferred format.
Is it possible to change the size of application icons?
In standard settings Honor resizing icons (without changing the grid) is often not available. However, this function can be implemented through the installation of third-party themes that provide interface graphics scaling sliders.
How to return a deleted icon to the desktop?
If you deleted a shortcut, but not the application itself, go to the “Application Drawer” (if enabled) or find the app through the search. Long-press the icon and drag it back to the desktop. If the application has been completely removed, you need to download it again from AppGallery or Google Play.
What to do if the folder does not open when clicked?
This may be a temporary launcher failure. Try restarting your smartphone. If the problem persists, clear the Desktop application cache in Settings: Settings → Applications → Desktop → Memory → Clear cache.
Is it possible to sort applications inside a folder automatically?
Currently MagicOS there is no function for automatically sorting inside folders alphabetically with one click. Users have to manually arrange icons inside folders by dragging them in the desired order.