Android lets you change how the Home Screen is arranged: grid size, app placement, folders, pages, icon density, and sometimes the app drawer grid too. Most of this is built in, especially on Samsung and Pixel phones.
These steps apply to Android 12 through 15 on Samsung Galaxy, Pixel, Motorola, and similar phones.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if your Home Screen feels cramped, cluttered, or too spread out, or if you want more icons per row without installing a new launcher.
Change the Grid Size
- Touch and hold an empty area of the Home Screen.
- Tap Home screen settings or the gear icon.
- Tap Home screen grid, App grid, or similar.
- Choose a layout such as 4 by 5, 5 by 5, or 5 by 6, depending on the phone.
- Tap Apply, Done, or the confirmation button.
A denser grid fits more icons but makes them smaller and closer together. Choose readability over maximum density if you tap the wrong icons often.
Rearrange Pages, Apps, and Folders
- Touch and hold an app icon until it can move.
- Drag it to a new spot or to the edge of the screen to move pages.
- Create a folder by dragging one app directly on top of another.
- Rename folders if useful.
- Pinch on the Home Screen or tap the page dots to manage whole pages where your launcher supports it.
- Tap Done or leave edit mode when finished.
Useful Layout Controls
Lock Home Screen Layout
If icons move accidentally, enable Lock Home screen layout in Home Screen settings. You can unlock it later when you want to edit.
Reset Layout
Some phones include a reset layout option that returns icons to the default arrangement without uninstalling apps or deleting data.
Third-Party Launchers
Launchers such as Nova Launcher offer finer control over grids, icon sizes, gestures, and page behavior. Set one as default under Apps > Default apps > Home app.
Samsung and Pixel Differences
Samsung One UI offers more built-in grid controls and can add more through Good Lock Home Up. Pixel is simpler, with fewer grid choices but a cleaner default setup.
Sources
- Google Support: Customize your Android phone Home screen
- Samsung Support: Change your Home screen grid and layout