How to Remove App Icons from OnePlus Home Screen

OnePlus smartphones are known for their sleek design, powerful hardware, and the highly customizable OxygenOS. While these features make for an excellent user experience, they can also make simple tasks seem complicated if you’re not familiar with the system's functionality. One such task is removing app icons from the OnePlus home screen. Whether you want a cleaner look or to better organize your apps, this guide will help you master the process.

Understanding OnePlus Home Screen Customization

Before learning how to remove app icons from OnePlus home screen, it’s beneficial to understand the customization options available on your device. The OnePlus home screen is quite flexible, offering an array of options to move, organize, and manage your apps and widgets. By navigating through easy-to-use settings, users can achieve a more personalized and efficient home screen arrangement.

Simple Steps to Remove App Icons from the Home Screen

Removing app icons from the OnePlus home screen is a straightforward process, thanks to OxygenOS's intuitive design. Follow these steps to tidy up your home screen and remove unwanted app icons:

Locate the App Icon: Navigate through your home screen to find the app icon you want to remove.
Press and Hold: Tap and hold the app icon for a few seconds until a menu appears or the icon becomes movable.
Drag to ’Remove’: Drag the icon towards the top of the screen where you’ll see options such as ‘Remove’ or a trash bin icon, and drop it there to remove the icon from your home screen.
Release the Icon: Let go of the icon once it’s in the removal area. The app icon will disappear from the home screen.

Note: This method only removes the icon from the home screen, not uninstalling the app. The app will still be accessible from the app drawer.

Alternatives and Additional Tips

In addition to manually removing app icons, there are other tips and strategies to better manage your OnePlus home screen:

Use App Folders: Group similar apps into folders to reduce screen clutter.
Widgets and Shortcuts: Consider using widgets or shortcuts for frequently used features instead of regular app icons, saving both time and space.
OxygenOS Power Features: Explore OxygenOS features that enhance home screen management, such as Quick Launch, hidden space for rarely used apps, and customizable icon packs found in the app settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you experience issues while trying to remove app icons from your OnePlus home screen, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

Restart Your Device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve many software issues.
Check for Software Updates: Ensure your device's software is up to date, as updates can fix bugs and improve functionality.
Enable Developer Options: Accessing developer options could offer additional menu options or reset UI anomalies that prevent normal icon management.
Factory Reset: As a last resort, consider performing a factory reset to restore original settings. Remember to back up essential data before proceeding.

Guide Steps

Go to the home screen where the app icon is located.
Tap and hold the app icon you want to remove.
Drag the icon towards the top of the screen to the ‘Remove’ option.
Release the icon to remove it from the home screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I remove the app icon but keep it installed?
Yes, removing the icon from the home screen does not uninstall the app. It remains in your app drawer.
What if ‘Remove’ option does not appear?
Ensure you're not pressing too lightly, and try restarting your device or checking for updates if the problem persists.
How to restore deleted app icons?
Revisit your app drawer, find the app, and drag it back to the home screen where you want it placed.