To move icons on Android, touch and hold the app icon you want to relocate, then drag it to a new spot on the same home screen page. To move it to another page, drag the icon to the left or right edge of the screen until the page switches, then lift your finger.
How to move icons on Android with long-press and drag
This is the primary method for rearranging your home screen. Touch and hold the app icon you want to move. Once the icon lifts slightly or the screen enters edit mode, drag it to the new location. Other icons will shift to make room. To move the icon to a different home screen page, drag it to the edge of the screen and hold it there until the page changes. Lift your finger to drop the icon in place. Google's broader Home screen method: touch and drag the item, slide it to where you want, then lift your finger. iPhone: Apple documents Home Screen page reordering by touching and holding an empty area on the Home Screen, tapping the page dots near the bottom, then touching and holding a page to reorder it and tapping Done. iPhone: Apple documents a Home Screen editing flow where you touch and hold any app or widget, then tap Edit Home Screen; the items begin to jiggle.
On Samsung devices, the process is nearly identical: tap and hold the app, then drag it to the preferred location on the home screen.
Move icons using the Android app drawer
The app drawer offers an alternative way to place icons on your home screen without cluttering it first. Open the app drawer by swiping up on the home screen. Locate the app you want, then tap and hold its icon. Drag it directly to the desired spot on your home screen. On Samsung phones, you can access the Apps screen by swiping up or down on the home screen or tapping the Apps button. From there, tap and hold an app to drag it to the home screen, or tap and hold it and select "Add to home" to place it automatically.
Create folders by dragging icons together
To group similar apps, simply drag one app icon directly on top of another. The phone will automatically create a folder containing both apps. You can then tap the folder to open it and rename it. To add more apps to the folder, drag additional icons onto the folder icon.
Troubleshooting when icons won't move
If icons are not responding to your touch, check these common issues:
- Pressing too hard: On some devices, a hard press triggers a different action (like a preview). Use a lighter, longer touch instead. On iPhone, if apps do not jiggle, Apple says to make sure you are not pressing too hard.
- Home screen is locked: Some launchers or manufacturer settings allow you to lock the home screen layout. Check your home screen settings to ensure the layout is not locked.
- Restart the phone: If icons freeze or become unresponsive, a simple restart often resolves the issue.
Once you have your icons arranged, you might also enjoy changing wallpapers and themes on phones to further personalize your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move multiple icons at once on Android?
Android does not natively support selecting and moving multiple icons simultaneously. You must move each icon individually using the long-press and drag method.
How do I move an icon back to the app drawer?
This does not uninstall the app; it only removes the shortcut from the home screen.
Why do my icons snap back to their original position?
This usually happens when the home screen grid is full or when you are trying to place an icon in a spot that is already occupied by a widget or another icon that cannot be overlapped. Try moving other icons out of the way first, or ensure there is an empty space available.
Can I move icons on a Samsung phone using the same method?
Yes. Samsung devices use the same tap-and-hold and drag method.
Does moving an icon affect the app's data or settings?
No. Moving an icon only changes its visual position on your home screen or app drawer. It does not affect the app's data, settings, or functionality in any way.
