Android devices offer a highly customizable experience, allowing users to personalize their home screens with apps, widgets, and folders. But sometimes, you might want to remove an icon—perhaps an app you no longer use, or one you accidentally added. This guide explains several ways to delete icons on Android, catering to different versions and launchers.
What's the Difference Between Uninstalling an App and Deleting an Icon?
Before we dive into the how-to, it's crucial to understand the distinction between uninstalling an app and deleting an icon.
- Uninstalling an app: This completely removes the app and its data from your device. The app will no longer be accessible.
- Deleting an icon: This only removes the shortcut from your home screen. The app remains installed on your device, and you can still access it through the app drawer.
This guide focuses on deleting icons, as that's what the title requests. If you want to completely remove an app, you'll need to uninstall it (explained later).
How to Delete an Icon From Your Android Home Screen
The method for deleting an icon varies slightly depending on your Android version and the launcher you're using (the launcher is the software that manages your home screen). However, the general principles are consistent.
Method 1: Long Press and Drag
This is the most common method:
- Long-press the icon you want to delete. You should feel a slight haptic feedback and see the icon slightly lift or wiggle.
- Drag the icon to the Uninstall/Remove option. This usually appears at the top of the screen or in a trash can icon. The exact wording and location may vary slightly depending on your device and launcher.
- Release the icon. A confirmation dialog may appear; tap "OK" or the equivalent to confirm the deletion.
Method 2: App Drawer Method (If Drag and Drop Doesn't Work)
Some launchers may require a slightly different approach:
- Open your app drawer. This is usually a button or icon at the bottom of your home screen.
- Locate the app. Find the app whose icon you want to remove.
- Long-press the app in the app drawer.
- Select Uninstall/Remove or a similar option. (This will uninstall the app completely, unlike the previous method).
What if I Can't Find the "Uninstall/Remove" Option?
If you can't find the "Uninstall/Remove" option, you might need to look for a "Remove from Home Screen" or similar option instead. This will remove only the shortcut from your home screen, leaving the app installed. The specific wording depends entirely on the Android version and launcher being used.
How to Uninstall an App Completely
If you wish to completely remove an app from your device, follow these steps:
- Go to your phone's Settings. This is usually an icon that looks like a gear.
- Find "Apps" or "Applications". The exact wording may vary.
- Select the app you want to uninstall.
- Tap "Uninstall". A confirmation prompt will likely appear; tap "OK" to confirm.
How Do I Delete a Widget?
Widgets are different from app icons. To remove a widget:
- Long-press the widget you want to delete.
- Drag the widget to the Remove option (often a trash can icon).
- Release the widget.
How Do I Delete a Folder?
To remove a folder of app icons:
- Long-press the folder you want to delete.
- Drag the folder to the Remove option.
- Release the folder. You might be prompted to confirm the deletion of all apps within the folder.
This guide covers various scenarios you might encounter while managing icons on your Android device. Remember that the precise steps may vary depending on your device manufacturer, Android version, and custom launcher. If you're still experiencing difficulties, consult your device's manual or the support resources provided by your device manufacturer or launcher developer.
