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- You can reset your home screen by changing your phone’s launcher to the original one.
- Remove or hide app icons by tapping and holding, then choosing the remove option.
- Wallpapers, app icons, and widgets can make your phone look new or tidy when changed.
This article teaches you how to reset your Android home screen to default settings and remove or reset app icons, widgets, and other parts of the home screen.
How to Get Your Old Android Theme Back
If you’ve installed a launcher on your Android phone and your home screen is entirely different from how it was before, you may wish to switch back to the stock settings. Here’s how to restore the default launcher:
The instructions on this page might vary slightly depending on the launcher you’ve installed and the version of Android you’re using, but they should still be similar.
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Open the Settings app.
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Open the launcher settings. Depending on your launcher and phone, it might be called Select default launcher, or you may need to go to Apps > Default apps > Home app.
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Choose your default launcher, which might be called Pixel Launcher, System Launcher, or something similar.
Your phone will instantly revert to the original home screen theme.
How to Remove App Icons on Your Android
If your home screen is messy because there are too many app icons, you’ve got a few options. Either move the apps into folders for better organization, or delete the apps entirely. The third option, described below, is to remove the apps from the home screen without fully erasing them.
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Locate the app you want to hide from the home screen.
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Tap-and-hold the app and then choose the Remove option.
On some phones, this option is visible when you press-and-hold the app. On other phones, drag the app a little to see the remove button.
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The app will be deleted from the home screen, but not removed. This means it’s still accessible from the app drawer and through a search.
How to Remove or Reset Widgets on Your Android
Widgets are a great way to personalize your home screen, but having too many can easily clutter your phone.
To remove a widget, tap and hold it, then select Remove. On some phones, you can also drag the widget to the Remove button.
How to Change Your Wallpaper on Android
A wallpaper can be set for both the lock screen and the home screen, playing a big role in giving your phone a unique look. You can easily change the Android wallpaper whenever you like. On most phones, simply tap and hold an empty area on the home screen, then Wallpaper & style or Wallpaper.
How to Keep Your Android Home Screen Cleaner
Maintaining a clean and tidy Android home screen doesn’t have to be a chore. Consider these practical tips:
- Only install apps you plan to use. It’s tempting to download many apps when you get a new phone, but try to install only the ones you really intend to use. If an app goes unused, delete it.
- Tidy up the layout. Drag apps to other home screens to clean up cluttered screens. The Settings app lets you edit how many icons you see on the home screen and prevent newly installed apps from dropping a shortcut on the home screen.
- Use widgets sparingly. Widgets are great, but they can take up a lot of room. Don’t be afraid to resize them or cut back on the number you use.
- Create folders. Creating folders for your apps organizes your Home screen without deleting any items. They’re quite helpful.
FAQ
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How do I return to my Home screen on Android?
If your phone opens to an unexpected screen, you might have navigated to another page or the Apps screen. Swipe up or down on the Apps screen, or left or right on another Home screen. Alternatively, tap the Home or Back button.
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How can I add a picture to my Android Home screen?
Press and hold a blank area of the Home screen, then select Wallpapers or Add Wallpaper. Choose the location of your desired photo, like Gallery or My Photos. Finally, select the image and tap Done.
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How do I create a folder on my Android Home screen?
To create an app folder on Android, press and hold an app, drag it onto another, and enter a folder name. You can also move a folder from a different screen to the Home screen.
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How can I add an app to my Android Home screen?
Open the Apps drawer, drag your desired app to the Home screen, and release your finger when the app is positioned as you like.
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