Modern smartphones Samsung shell-controlled One UI offer users a high degree of customization of the workspace, but sometimes standard settings can confuse no use for beginners. The question of how to put an application on the main screen often arises after resetting the settings, buying a new device, or accidentally removing a shortcut from the interface. Unlike some other manufacturers, the system Android on devices of the Korean giant has its own unique features of organizing menus and desktops.
There are several ways to place app icons, each of which is suitable for different use cases. You can simply drag the software you need from the general list, create a new folder for grouping, or add an interactive widget for quick access to functions. Understanding the logic of the launcher One UI will allow you to organize the space as ergonomically as possible and adjust it to your daily tasks without unnecessary movements.
In some cases, users are faced with a situation where the usual action does not work: the icon does not move or the menu looks different than expected. This may be due to the activated "Simple Mode" or specific lock screen settings. Below we will analyze in detail all the nuances of setting up the interface so that you can easily manage your digital environment.
Basic principles of working with the application menu on One UI
The interface is based on the division into two main spaces: the home screen and the application menu. By default, new firmware versions use a mode in which all installed apps are in a separate list, opened by swiping up. To transfer a app from here to the desktop, you need to find its icon in the general list, hold it with your finger and drag it to a free area of the home page. Samsung lies the division into two main spaces: the home screen and the application menu. By default, new firmware versions use a mode in which all installed apps are in a separate list, opened by swiping up. To transfer a app from here to the desktop, you need to find its icon in the general list, hold it with your finger and drag it to a free area of the home page.
If you prefer the classic style Android, where all shortcuts are located immediately on the desktops, you can change this setting in the system settings. To do this, go to Settings → Home screen and select the “Classic” menu style. In this mode, any newly installed application will automatically appear on the desktop, eliminating the need to manually remove them each time.
It is important to note that removing a shortcut from the Home screen does not always mean deleting the application itself. If you simply drag the icon to the Trash or Delete area, the app will remain installed in the device's memory and will be available through the app menu. Complete uninstallation is possible only through settings or long pressing and selecting the appropriate item in the context menu.
The organization of space directly affects the speed of working with a smartphone. Proper distribution of frequently used apps across thumb access areas increases ease of use. Ergonomics plays a key role, especially when using devices with large screen diagonals.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher), standard gestures Samsung may work differently. In such cases, shortcuts are managed according to the rules of the shell application you have installed.
Step-by-step guide for transferring shortcuts and creating folders
The process of adding an application to a prominent place is intuitive, but requires a certain dexterity of the fingers. First, unlock your device and make sure you are in a free space on your desktop and not inside an open app. Find the desired icon in the menu, click on it and hold your finger until vibration appears or the screen scales.
After capturing the icon, you can move it to any point on the screen. If you place a shortcut on another application, the system will automatically prompt you to create a folder. This is a great way to group apps by topic, such as Social Media, Games, or Work. The name of the folder can be changed immediately after its creation by clicking on the text field.
To accurately position an element between other icons, simply drag it slowly until the adjacent labels move, freeing up space. In some versions One UI the function of automatically adding widgets when you first launch the application is available, but it can be disabled in the settings to avoid cluttering the desktop.
☑️ Algorithm for moving the icon
There is also the possibility of duplicating shortcuts, although the system does not explicitly encourage this. You can create a shortcut for a specific contact or web page, which will appear as a separate application. This is done by long pressing on the browser or phone book icon and selecting “Add to home screen.”
Customizing widgets and interactive interface elements
Widgets are extended versions of applications that display information directly on the desktop without the need to launch the app. To add a widget, long press on an empty area of the screen or swipe down to open the editing panel. In the menu that appears, select the section Widgets.
In the list of available elements, find the desired application. Please note that several types of widgets of different sizes and functionality may be available for one app. For example, a weather widget can show only the temperature or a detailed weekly forecast with animation.
After selecting the widget type, drag it to your desktop. Many widgets support resizing: to do this, you need to hold the widget and then drag the special markers along the edges of the frame. This allows you to adapt the element to the free space between icons. One UI support resizing: to do this, you need to hold the widget and then pull the special markers along the edges of the frame. This allows you to adapt the element to the free space between icons.
Use Quick Tools widgets to access a flashlight, voice recorder, or calculator in one click, without opening the application itself.
Some widgets require additional configuration after placement. When you add it for the first time, a configuration window may open where you can select a city for the weather, an account for the calendar, or a clock display style. Ignoring this step may result in the widget displaying default data that is not suitable for you.
| Widget type | Size (cells) | Functional | Requires configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clock (digital) | 2x1, 4x2 | Time, date, alarm | No |
| Weather | 2x2, 4x2 | Temperature, forecast | Yes (city) |
| Calendar | 4x2, 4x4 | Events, schedule | Yes (account) |
| Battery | 2x1, 4x1 | Device and watch charge | No |
Use widgets allows you to create an information panel that is always in front of your eyes. This is especially useful for schedule control or monitoring system resources. However, it is worth remembering that active widgets may consume additional battery power, as they constantly update data in the background.
Fixing problems with the missing “Add to Screen” button
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where, when long pressing an icon in the application menu, a pop-up menu with the option to place it on the main screen does not appear. Most often this is due to the fact that the shortcut is already on one of the desktops, just on a different page. The system One UI by default does not allow you to create duplicates of main shortcuts.
Check all home screen pages by swiping left and right. Perhaps the application you are looking for is already located in the folder or hidden behind other icons. If you are sure that there is no shortcut, try restarting the launcher through the settings: Settings → Applications → Home screen → Storage → Clear cache.
Another reason may be that the layout change blocking mode is turned on. In this case, the system prohibits any movement of icons to protect against accidental changes. To disable this feature, long-press on an empty space on the screen, go to settings and find the “Lock Layout” switch.
Hidden launcher settings
In the home screen editing menu, you can enable the "Show notifications on icons" option to see message counters without opening applications.
If the problem persists after rebooting and Checking the settings, it may be a system failure of a specific application. Try clearing the data of the application itself, which you cannot stand, or updating it through the store Galaxy Store or Google Play.
Features of working in Simple mode and for older people
The “Simple Screen” mode is designed to simplify the interface: icons become larger, fonts are enlarged, and unnecessary elements are removed. In this mode, the logic for adding applications may differ. Typically, only three desktop pages are available here, and adding new shortcuts is done through the special “Add” button at the bottom of the screen or through the settings menu.
In simple mode it is impossible to create complex folders or use small widgets, as this contradicts the concept of minimalism. All applications are displayed as large tiles. To remove the app, you need to go to the menu, click on the plus icon or hold the icon if the system allows editing in this mode.
To exit the simple mode and return to the standard interface, you need to go to Settings → Display → Simple screen and disable it. After this, all standard customization functions described in the previous sections will become available.
⚠️ Attention: When switching between normal and simple mode, the icon layout may be reset to the factory settings. It is recommended to memorize or photograph in advance the layout of applications that is convenient for you.
This mode is often used by children or elderly people who find it difficult to hit small controls. If you are setting up a phone for a relative, make sure that the most important applications (Phone, Messages, Photos) are on the first screen and have clear names.
Advanced customization: themes, grid and hidden applications
For those who want to go beyond the standard settings, Samsung offers a theme store where you can completely change visual style of icons. Installing a new theme may automatically change the appearance of all shortcuts, but not their location. However, some themes can hide the labels under the icons, making the interface cleaner.
You can change the desktop grid in the edit menu (long press on an empty space). Available in 4x5 to 6x6 and denser configurations. Choosing a denser grid will allow you to put more applications on one screen, but will make the controls smaller.
There is also a function for hiding applications. If you don't want a certain app to appear in the menu or on the desktop, you can add it to the hidden list. To do this, go to the home screen settings, select “Hide applications” and select the desired icons. They will only be available through search or a special settings section.
Personalization devices allows you to create a unique environment that reflects your style. The use of wallpaper that matches the color of the icons and the correct distribution of elements create a feeling of order and comfort when using the gadget.
The optimal grid density depends on visual acuity and finger size: for large smartphones, a 5x5 or 5x6 grid is better suited.
Remember that Too many widgets and live wallpapers can slow down your device on older models. If you notice stuttering when scrolling through desktops, try reducing the number of active elements or returning to the standard grid.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did all the icons reset after a firmware update?
With major system updates One UI sometimes the launcher settings are reset to factory values. This is done to ensure compatibility of new functions with old interface settings. You will have to remove the applications again and configure the widgets, but the data of the applications themselves will be saved.
Is it possible to display only part of the application's functions?
Yes, this function is called “Application Shortcuts”. When you long press the icon of a supported application (for example, Camera, Flashlight, Calculator), a list of quick actions appears. Some of them can be dragged to the desktop as separate mini-shortcuts.
How can I get a deleted shortcut back if I don’t remember the name of the application?
Go to the all applications menu and use the search bar at the top. Enter part of the title or select a category. If you deleted the application itself, find it in Google Play or Galaxy Store and install it again.
Why did the application icon become white or standard?
This can happen if you updated the application and its new icon has not yet been loaded into the launcher cache, or if You have applied a theme that does not support the icon for that particular application. Try restarting your phone or changing the theme to the standard one.
Is it possible to pin an application on top of other windows?
The Pin windows function is available in the security settings and is used to restrict access to the device, and not to display the icon on the desktop. To display, use standard drag and drop from the application menu.