Android users are constantly seeking ways to make their device unique and personalized. One of the most common ways to do this is by customizing the app drawer. The app drawer is the area on your Android device where all your installed apps are located, making it an essential part of your device’s functionality. Whether you want to organize your apps, change its appearance, or simply make it easier to use, here are some useful tips and tricks for customizing your Android app drawer.
1. Organize Your Apps into Folders
The first step in customizing your app drawer is to declutter it. By creating folders, you can group similar apps together for easy access. To create a folder, simply tap and hold on an app in your app drawer, then drag and drop it onto another app. A folder will automatically be created, and you can continue adding more apps to it by dragging and dropping. You can also name the folder to make it easier to identify its contents.
2. Change the App Drawer Grid Size
By default, your app drawer is usually organized in a grid layout, with apps organized in rows and columns. However, you can change the grid size to fit more or fewer apps on the screen. To do this, open your app drawer, tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner, and select “Settings.” From there, you can select a grid size that works best for you.
3. Sort Your Apps Alphabetically or by Usage
If you have a large number of apps, it can be time-consuming to search for a specific app. Thankfully, you can organize your apps alphabetically or by usage for quicker access. In the same “Settings” menu mentioned above, you can choose to sort your apps by alphabetical order or by how frequently you use them. This way, your most used apps will appear at the top of your app drawer for easy access.
4. Hide Apps You Don’t Use
There may be some apps on your device that you rarely or never use. Instead of having them clutter your app drawer, you can hide them. Simply open your app drawer, tap and hold on the app you want to hide, and drag it onto the “Hide apps” option that appears at the top of the screen. The app will disappear from your app drawer and will only be accessible by searching for it or through your device’s settings.
5. Add Custom Icons to Your Apps
Another way to personalize your app drawer is by adding custom icons to your apps. This can give your app drawer a unique and personalized appearance. There are many apps and websites available that offer a wide range of icon styles, themes, and wallpapers to choose from. Once you’ve downloaded your desired icons, you can use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher to apply them to your apps.
6. Change the App Drawer’s Theme
Many Android devices allow you to change the overall theme of your device, including the app drawer. This can include changing the background, icon shapes, text colors, and more. To do so, open your device’s settings, go to “Display,” then “Advanced,” and select “Theme.” From here, you can choose a pre-installed theme or download new ones from the Google Play Store.
7. Use Gesture Control for Quick Access
Some devices have gesture controls that allow you to access your app drawer with a simple swipe or tap. This is a quick and convenient way to open your app drawer and can save you time from searching for the app in your home screen or app list. To enable gesture control, go to your device’s settings, select “System,” then “Gestures,” and toggle on the “Swipe up on home button” option. You can also customize the gesture to your liking.
8. Use Third-Party Launchers
If you want even more customizable options for your app drawer, consider using a third-party launcher. These launchers offer a variety of themes, icons, and layouts for your app drawer. They also give you more control over the organization and appearance of your app drawer. Some popular third-party launchers include Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, and Microsoft Launcher.
In conclusion, customizing your Android app drawer is a simple and effective way to make your device feel more personal and efficient. By organizing your apps, changing the grid size, sorting your apps, and adding custom icons and themes, you can create a unique and personalized app drawer that suits your preferences and needs. So go ahead and try out these tips and tricks to make your app drawer stand out from the rest.