The size of icons on a smartphone screen is a matter of not only aesthetics, but also convenience. On Android 11 many users are faced with the problem of too small icons, especially on devices with large screens (Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro) or with impaired vision. Fortunately, the system offers several scaling methods - from basic settings to advanced methods using ADB.

In this article we will look at all current ways to enlarge icons on Android 11including changes through the system menu, third-party launchers, developer options and even modification of configuration files. We will pay special attention to the nuances for popular brands - Samsung (shell One UI), Xiaomi (MIUI), Realme (ColorOS) and "pure" Android on Pixel or Nokia. If you are looking for a solution for a specific model, use the search in the section FAQ at the end of the material.

1. Standard scaling settings in Android 11

Let's start with the simplest thing - the built-in system tools. There are two key parameters that affect the size of icons: Android 11 There are two key parameters that affect the size of icons: display scale and font size. The first directly changes the size of the icons, the second - indirectly (by increasing the text, the system can automatically adjust the application grid).

To get to the menu:

  1. Open Settings → Display.
  2. Select item Font and display size (on some devices - Scale and text).
  3. Move the slider Display scale to the right (values from 0.85x to 1.3x are usually available).

⚠️ Attention: At Samsung s One UI 3.x this parameter can be called Screen scale and hidden in Settings → Accessibility → Visibility. Also note that excessive magnification (over 1.2x) sometimes breaks the layout in some applications (for example, in Instagram or banking clients).

📊 Which icon size is more convenient for you?
Very small (standard)
Slightly enlarged
Large (1.2x and above)
Huge (for the visually impaired)

If the standard scale is not enough, try combining it with changing the font size. For example, setting Display scale: 1.1x + Font size: Large often gives better results than the extreme values of one parameter. On Xiaomi you can additionally enable the option Enlarged text V Special features —this will add +10% to the size of the icons in the menu.

2. Using launchers with customizable icon sizes

Standard launchers (for example, Google Launcher on Pixel or One UI Home on Samsung) offer limited customization options. If you need precise control over the size of icons, install a third-party launcher. The best options for Android 11:

  • 🔹 Nova Launcher - supports changing the size of icons from 50% to 150%, customizing the desktop grid (up to 12x12), and even replacing icons through packages Icon Pack.
  • 🔹 Apex Launcher - similar functions + the ability to scale separately. icons on the desktop and in the application menu.
  • 🔹 Action Launcher —a unique function Adaptive Iconsthat allows you to stretch icons to the edges of the cell.
  • 🔹 Lawnchair —a lightweight open-source launcher, optimized for “pure” Android, but also works on MIUI/ColorOS.

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

  1. Hold your finger on an empty space on the desktop → Settings.
  2. Go to Desktop → Icon size.
  3. Select a value (we recommend starting with 120-130%).
  4. For an exact fit, change Desktop grid (for example, 5x6 instead of the standard 4x5).

Install Nova Launcher from Google Play|

Open launcher settings (long press on the desktop)|

Select "Desktop" → "Icon size"|

Set the value to 120-150%|

Change grid to 5×5 or 6×6 for a better location-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12 on Redmi Note 9) third-party launchers may conflict with system gestures If after installation Nova Launcher the back or swipe stops working. "home" - enable the option in the launcher settings Use system gestures or return to the standard launcher.

3. Editing parameters via ADB (for experienced ones). users)

If system settings and launchers do not give the desired result, you can change the size of the icons through ADB (Android Debug Bridge). USB USB debugging, but allows more precise control of the scale.

First prepare the device:

  1. Activate Developer mode: Settings → About phone → Number assembly (press 7 times).
  2. Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable USB debugging.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC, install drivers ADB (for example, via Minimal ADB and Fastboot).

Now run the commands in the terminal (PC command line):

adb shell

settings put global display_density_forced 440 # Increases the scale (default value ~420)


settings put global display_size_forced 1.3 # Additional scaling factor

Decoding of parameters:

Command Value range Effect
display_density_forced 320–560 Pixel density (DPI). The higher, the larger the elements. Standard for Full HD: 420–480.
display_size_forced 0.8–1.5 General interface scale. Works on top of DPI.
window_animation_scale 0.5–2.0 Animation speed (does not affect icons, but is useful for convenience).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect DPI values can make the interface unreadable or cause errors in applications. If after the changes the screen becomes blurry or applications stop opening, reset the settings with the command:

settings delete global display_density_forced

settings delete global display_size_forced

What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?

1. Check if USB debugging is enabled in the developer settings.

2 Install the drivers. for your model (for example, Samsung USB Driver for Galaxy).

3. Try another USB cable (preferably the original one).

4. In the command line, run adb kill-server, then adb start-server.

5. On the phone, when connecting, select the "File Transfer" (MTP) mode. "Charging".

4. Hidden settings of manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme)

Some brands add unique scaling options to their shells that are not obvious at first glance. Let's look at the features for popular firmware:

Samsung One UI 3.x (Galaxy S21, A52, Note 20)

  • 🔧 B Settings → Accessibility → Visibility there is a point Screen and font scale with advanced settings.
  • 🔧 V Settings → Display → Icon style can be selected Large icons (not available on all models).
  • 🔧 For devices with DeX (for example Galaxy S21 Ultra) in desktop mode, icons are automatically enlarged by 20%.

Xiaomi MIUI 12/12.5 (Redmi Note 10, Poco X3, Mi 11)

  • 🔧 In Settings → Screen → Text and display size there is a hidden slider Element sizethat scales icons more than the standard one. Display scale.
  • 🔧 In Settings → Accessibility → Zoom can be enabled Increased scale (reboot required).
  • 🔧 On some models (for example, Poco F3) there is a secret code ##4636## → Testing → Interface settings, where you can change the DPI manually.

Realme ColorOS 11 (Realme 8 Pro, Narzo 30)

  • 🔧 In Settings → Accessibility → Usability usage there is an option Display scale with an extended range (up to 1.5x).
  • 🔧 In Settings → Personalization → Style icons you can select Large icons (requires restarting the launcher).

⚠️ Attention: On Huawei (EMUI 11) and Oppo (ColorOS 11) some of these options may not be available due to firmware limitations. If your model is not mentioned, check for similar items in the menu Special features or Screen.

5. Changing the size of icons through configuration files (root)

For users with root-rights the most flexible method is available - editing system files responsible for the scale of the interface. This method is suitable for enthusiasts who are willing to risk system stability for the sake of fine tuning.

Main files that can be modified:

  • /system/build.prop —contains parameters ro.sf.lcd_density (standard DPI) and qemu.sf.lcd_density (overridden value).
  • /data/property/persist.sys.display_size_forced — stores the scale factor set via ADB.
  • /system/usr/idc/*.idc —sensor calibration files, where restrictions on the size of elements are sometimes specified.

Editing example build.prop:

  1. Open the file in a text editor (for example, through Root Explorer or Mixplorer).
  2. Find the line ro.sf.lcd_density=420 (the value may differ).
  3. Change it to ro.sf.lcd_density=380 (to decrease) or ro.sf.lcd_density=480 (for increase).
  4. Save the file, reboot the device.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing build.prop can lead to bootloop (loop loading). Before making changes, make a backup copy of the file. If after rebooting the system does not start, restore it! original build.prop via TWRP or Fastboot.

💡

Before editing system files, check them for duplicate lines (for example, ro.sf.lcd_density can appear twice). priority.

6. Alternative solutions: widgets, folders and gestures

If you can’t enlarge the icons, try to work around the problem in alternative ways:

  • 📱 Application widgets: Many apps (for example, Google Search, Spotify, Telegram) offer widgets with large icons. Add them to the desktop instead of the standard ones. icons.
  • 📁 Folders with enlarged icons: On some launchers (for example, Novayou can create a folder, and then stretch it to the maximum size - the icons inside will become larger.
  • 👆 Zoom gestures: In Special Features → Gestures (on Samsung or Google Pixel) you can enable Zoom by triple tapAfter activation, any interface elements (including icons) will be temporarily enabled. zoom.
  • 🔍 Screen Magnifier: On Xiaomi i Huawei In Special Features there is a function Magnifierthat allows you to zoom in on individual areas of the screen.

For users with vision problems, it is useful to combine these methods. For example, Samsung Galaxy A72 you can:

  1. Set the display scale to 1.2x.
  2. Add a widget Google Search with a large icon.
  3. Enable the triple-click zoom gesture.

7. Common problems and their solutions

When changing the size of icons, users often encounter side effects: Here's how to fix them:

Problem Cause Solution
Icons have become blurry DPI value is too high (for example, 500+) Reduce DPI to 440–480 or use a launcher that supports vector icons (for example, Nova)
Applications do not open Scale conflict with application settings For a specific application, reset the scale in Settings → Applications → [Name] → Edit size
Swipe back does not work Gesture conflict with a third-party launcher In the launcher settings, enable Use system gestures or return to the standard launcher
The icons are larger, but the text remains small Separate text and display scale settings Enlarge Font size in the display settings to Very large

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S20 s One UI 3.1) after changing the DPI via ADB, you may lose access to Secure folder or Samsung Pay. This is due to protection Knox. To regain access, reset the scale settings with the command adb shell settings delete global display_density_forced.

💡

If after the changes the interface has become unreadable and the ADB commands do not help, reset the settings display in safe mode. To do this, restart the phone while holding down the volume down button (on most models).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about increasing icons on Android 11

🔍 Is it possible to increase icons only on the desktop, without affecting the application menu?

Yes, but only with the help third-party launchers (for example Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) There is no such option in the standard Android 11 launcher - changes are applied globally.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

  1. Open the launcher settings (long press on the desktop one). table).
  2. Go to Desktop → Icon size.
  3. Set the desired value (for example, 130%).
  4. In the section Application menu leave the standard size (100%).
⚙️ Why did some applications stop displaying correctly after changing the DPI via ADB?

Some applications (especially banking or games) have strictly defined restrictions on the interface scale. When changing the DPI, they can:

  • Display with elements cropped.
  • Give an error like "Your device is not supported."
  • Launch in the "mobile version" instead of the adaptive one.

Solutions:

  1. For individual applications, reset the scale in their settings (if there is such an option).
  2. Use App Settings (application for Xposed) to override the DPI for a specific APK.
  3. Return the global DPI to the standard value (420-440) and increase the size of the icons through the launcher.
📱 How to enlarge the icons in the notification panel and the navigation bar?

The size of the icons in the top bar (Status Bar) and the navigation bar (Navigation Bar) is tied to the system DPI. To increase them:

  1. Use ADB commands from section 3 (for example, settings put global display_density_forced 460).
  2. On Samsung in Settings → Display → Navigation bar you can select Buttons Instead of gestures, they will be larger.
  3. On rooted devices, edit the file /system/usr/idc/VirtualTouchScreen.idc, changing parameter touch.device.density.

⚠️ On Xiaomi s MIUI 12 icons in the notification panel are not scaled separately - their size is strictly tied to the system font.

🔄 After updating to Android 11, the icon size settings were reset How. return?

System updates often reset custom scale settings. To restore the previous settings:

  1. If you used launcher (for example Nova), simply reapply the icon size settings - they are saved in the configuration file launcher.
  2. If you changed DPI via ADBrun the commands again:
adb shell settings put global display_density_forced 440

adb shell settings put global display_size_forced 1.3

For rooted devices, check file /system/build.prop —the update may have overwritten your edits.

🛠️ Is it possible to enlarge icons on Android 11 without losing quality?

Yes, if you use vector icons or launchers that support lossless scaling. Tips:

  • Install Nova Launcher and enable the option Adaptive icons in the settings.
  • Use icon packs in vector format (for example Whicons or Delta from Google Play).
  • Avoid extreme DPI values (over 500) - this leads to rasterization.
  • On Samsung turn on Adaptive icons in Settings → Display → Icon style.

If the icons still look blurry, try reducing the DPI to 440–460 and compensate for the size through the launcher scale.