Many smartphone users are faced with a situation where, after updating the system or purchasing a new device, the usual order of icons disappears. Instead of a clear list of apps, a confusing interface appears, where finding the right utility becomes a real problem. This is especially true for the term “application library”, which in the ecosystem Android has a different implementation depending on the manufacturer and version of the operating system.
Understanding how the app storage is organized is critical for effective management of the gadget. Application Library is not just a folder, but a systemic mechanism for organizing all installed software. In this article, we will analyze in detail where to look for this section on the bare Androidshells Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI and other popular interfaces.
We will also touch on the issues of hiding apps, restoring deleted shortcuts and setting up automatic sorting. The information will be useful for both beginners and advanced users who want to optimize their workspace.
What is an application library in Android
In the classical sense, an application library is a centralized directory containing absolutely all apps installed on your device. Unlike desktops, where the user places only frequently used icons, the library stores a complete list of software. Starting with version Android 10, the company Google has implemented this function as a standard navigation element in a clean operating system.
App driver (App Drawer) serves as the main menu from where any processes are launched. If you delete a shortcut from the home screen, the app will not be deleted from the phone's memory - it will simply disappear from quick access, but will remain available through the library. This is an important distinction that often confuses users, who think that deleting an icon is tantamount to uninstalling.
Modern library implementations offer powerful search and sorting tools. You can group apps by category, frequency of use, or installation time. Some shells even allow you to hide certain applications from prying eyes by creating private sections within the shared library.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and name of the section may vary. In some firmware this is called the “Applications Menu”, in others it is called “All Applications” or is simply hidden behind the upward swipe.
The functionality of this section directly affects the speed of working with the smartphone. Proper organization of space allows you to find the necessary utilities in seconds, without cluttering the main screens with unnecessary icons. Understanding the operating principles of launcher will help you customize the device for yourself.
If you accidentally deleted an icon from your desktop, do not rush to look for the app in the store. Most likely, it is simply hidden from view, but is available in the general application library.
Search for a library on pure Android and Google Pixel smartphones
On series devices Google Pixel and smartphones with a clean operating system, access to the library is implemented as intuitively as possible. The default gesture here is to swipe up from the bottom of the screen. This action opens a complete list of all installed apps, divided into tabs or sorted alphabetically.
At the top of the screen there is usually a line searchthat indexes not only the names of applications, but also their contents, contacts and settings. This is one of the fastest ways to find the function you need without scrolling through endless lists. There is also a “Recommended” tab, where the system suggests apps based on your usage habits.
To control the visibility of icons, you need to go to the launcher settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Home screen → Application list. Here you can select the display mode: show all applications on desktops or use a separate button to open the menu. The second option is preferable for those who love minimalism.
- 📱 Swipe up from the center of the bottom edge of the screen opens the full menu.
- 🔍 The search bar at the top allows you to find apps by name instantly.
- ⚙️ In the settings you can disable automatic sorting by frequency of use.
- 📂 A long press on the icon allows you to create a shortcut on the desktop.
It is important to note that in pure Android there is no way to completely disable the library, since it is a system one navigation core. However, you can change its appearance using third-party launchers if the standard option does not suit your ergonomics.
Features of the application menu in the Samsung One UI shell
Smartphone users Samsung People often wonder where the menu button disappeared or how to change it. In the shell One UI the application library has its own unique configuration features. By default, in new firmware versions, all icons can be displayed directly on the main screen, but this logic can be easily changed through the settings.
To return the classic application menu, you need to go to Settings → Home screen. Here you will find the “Apps Screen” option. By switching the toggle switch to the “Separate application screen” position, you will get the usual button (usually in the form of a circle with dots) in the Dock bar to call up the full list of apps. This allows you to unload your desktops from rarely used software.
One UI also offers the function of hiding applications. In the same home screen settings menu there is a “Hide apps” option. By selecting it, you can mark apps that should not appear either in the library or on the desktop. To launch them, you will need to know the exact name and use the search or enter a special code in your phone.
| Action | Path to menu | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Enable menu | Settings → Main screen | A button for calling all applications appears |
| Hide app | Settings → Hide applications | The icon disappears from public access |
| Sorting | Applications menu → Menu (3 dots) | Change order (by name, by color) |
| Add to screen | Long press on menu | Creating a shortcut on the desktop |
Another useful feature is the ability to sort applications within the library itself. By clicking on the three dots in the corner of the menu screen, you can choose to sort alphabetically or by icon color. The last option visually makes the search easier if you don’t remember the names of the apps well, but recognize them by their logo.
⚠️ Attention: Applications hidden in Samsung settings are not deleted. To return them, you need to go back to the hide menu and uncheck the box next to the desired app.
Navigation in the application menu on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO
Shell MIUI (and its new version HyperOS) from the company Xiaomi offers a flexible workspace management system. Here the application library can work in two modes: classic (with a separate menu) and mode without a menu (when all the icons are on the tables). Switching between them occurs in the settings.
To access the settings, you need to hold down an empty space on the desktop and select “Settings” or go through Settings → Home screen. The “Mode” item allows you to select “Without menu” or “With menu”. If the option with a menu is selected, then swiping up will open a list of all apps. This list also has a search bar and categories for quick filtering.
A unique feature MIUI is the presence of “Second Space” and the “Hidden Applications” function. Unlike simply hiding an icon, here you can create a full-fledged isolated profile with a separate set of apps, protected by a password or fingerprint. This is an ideal option for privacy.
How to find hidden applications in MIUI?
To view hidden applications in some versions of MIUI, you need to spread two fingers on the desktop in different directions (the “pinch” gesture is the opposite). A special window will open where private apps are added.
Also in the library Xiaomi there is a “Recommendations” function. This is a feed of news and app suggestions that often annoys users. You can disable it in the main screen settings by unchecking the “Recommendations” item. This will speed up the opening of the menu and remove unnecessary visual noise.
- 🚀 The pinch gesture opens a folder with hidden applications.
- 🗑️ The application menu has a trash can for recently deleted apps.
- 🎨 Themes can completely change the appearance of the application library.
- 🔒 The second space creates an isolated library with other applications.
How to find and restore hidden or deleted icons
Often users encounter a problem when the desired application has disappeared from mind. It is important to understand the difference between deleting a shortcut and uninstalling a app. If you simply swipe the icon from the desktop, the app is still in the device memory and is accessible through the library.
To return the icon, open the application library (swipe up or through the menu button). Find the desired app in the list. On most devices, just hold the icon with your finger and drag it back to the desktop. In some cases, for example on Samsung, you need to click on the plus icon next to the application name in the visibility settings menu.
If the app is not even in the library, it may have been disabled or hidden by system settings. Go to Settings → Applications and view the full list. If the app is there but not active, click on it and select “Enable”. This will return it to the library and make it available for launch.
adb shell pm list packages -dThis command for advanced users (via ADB) will show a list of all disabled packages on the device. If you accidentally disabled a system application through debugging, this command will help you identify its batch name so you can enable it later.
Removing an icon from the desktop does not remove the application itself. It always remains in the system library until you complete the complete uninstallation procedure.
If the application has been completely removed, you can only restore it through the store Google Play or Galaxy Store. The store library has a section called “Application and Device Management,” which stores the history of all apps ever installed. This is convenient for restoring software after resetting the settings.
Setting up sorting and grouping of apps in the menu
Chaos in the application library reduces the productivity of using a smartphone. Fortunately, modern systems allow you to flexibly customize the order in which icons are displayed. Standard alphabetical sorting is not suitable for everyone, especially if you are used to searching for apps by logo color or frequency of use.
In the launcher settings, you often see the “Sort applications” option. By selecting the “By frequency of use” option, you will see that the most popular apps will move to the top of the list. This saves time, since instant messengers and browsers will always be at hand. However, if you install new utilities frequently, alphabetical order may be more predictable.
Grouping by category is another powerful tool. The system automatically distributes apps into folders: “Social networks”, “Tools”, “Games”, “Finance”. This allows you to quickly find the type of software you need without remembering its exact name. You can enable this function in the library appearance settings.
- 📊 Sorting by frequency of use brings popular applications to the top.
- 🎨 Grouping by icon color helps visual readers find software faster.
- 📁 Automatic categories simplify navigation in large libraries.
- 🔤 Alphabetical order remains the most reliable way to search by title.
Some users prefer to manually create folders within a library, although this feature is not supported by all launchers. In such cases, it is recommended to use third-party solutions that allow you to customize the structure of the application menu beyond recognition, creating tabs and sections at your discretion.
⚠️ Attention: When you change the theme on your smartphone, the structure of the application library may change. Some themes hide the names of icons or change the display grid, which can make searching difficult.
Third-party launchers to expand the capabilities of the library
If the standard capabilities of the system do not suit you, third-party launchers come to the rescue. These are special applications that completely replace the standard interface Android, offering unique methods for organizing your application library. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and Smart Launcher.
Nova Launcher considered the standard of customization. It allows you to customize the library grid, change the opening animation, hide any applications, and even create multiple menu pages. You can customize gestures: for example, double-tapping on an icon in the library will launch the application in split-screen mode.
Smart Launcher offers automatic categorization that works better than many smartphone manufacturers. It sorts your library into thematic tabs, saving you time on manual sorting. In addition, it has a built-in search and widgets right inside the application menu.
☑️ Selecting a third-party launcher
Installing a third-party launcher requires permission to display on top of other windows and access the list of applications. After installation and configuration, do not forget to select the new launcher as the default application in the system settings, otherwise the phone will constantly return to the standard interface when you press the “Home” button.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did the application menu button disappear after the update?
Manufacturers often change the interface logic in large updates. Most likely, the “All applications on the main screen” mode has turned on. Go to the home screen settings and select a mode with a separate application menu to return the button.
Is it possible to completely remove the application library?
No, the application library is a system navigation component. You cannot delete it, but you can hide all icons or use a third-party launcher that will change its appearance beyond recognition.
How to hide applications from children without installing third-party software?
Use built-in functions of your shell. On Samsung it’s “Hide apps” in the screen settings, on Xiaomi it’s “Second space” or protecting apps with a password. These methods do not require the installation of additional apps.
Why are some applications in the library displayed in gray?
A gray icon usually means that the application is disabled, installed on an SD card that is currently not readable, or is in the process of updating/downloading. Check the status of the application in the settings.
How to return the standard view of the library after installing the launcher?
Go to the phone settings, section “Applications”, find the installed launcher and click “Clear default data” or delete it. After the reboot, the system will prompt you to select the launcher again - select the system one.