Disabling the app drawer on your Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge can help create a more streamlined home screen experience, making your device feel more like a stock or iOS-style interface. This customization can simplify navigation, reduce clutter, and make your favorite apps more accessible directly from the home screen. Before starting, ensure your device is updated to the latest software version to avoid compatibility issues, and consider backing up your data in case any settings need to be reset during the process.
What You’ll Need
- Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge
- Access to the device’s Settings menu
- Optional: A launcher that supports disabling the app drawer (if default options are limited)
Step-by-Step
- Unlock your Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge and go to the home screen.
- Open the Apps drawer by tapping the icon typically located at the bottom center of the home screen.
- Long-press on an empty space within the home screen to access customization options. On some devices, you may need to tap the menu or settings icon.
- Look for an option called “Home Screen Settings” or simply “Settings” within the home screen customization menu and tap on it.
- Within the Home Screen Settings menu, find the toggle labeled “Apps Button” or “Show Apps Button.” Disable this toggle if available. This removes the app drawer icon from the home screen.
- If your device does not have this option, consider installing a third-party launcher such as Nova Launcher or Action Launcher. Download one from the Google Play Store.
- After installing the new launcher, open it and set it as your default home app when prompted.
- Navigate to the launcher’s settings. Most launchers have an option to disable the app drawer or to set the home screen to a single page with all apps visible.
- Configure the launcher to display all apps on your home screen, effectively disabling the app drawer. This often involves enabling “Single Page Mode” or similar options.
- Arrange your apps manually on the home screen for quick access, removing any icons or widgets that you no longer want.
- Test your new setup by returning to the home screen and verifying that all your apps are visible and accessible without opening an app drawer.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the Settings menu for launcher settings — remember that disabling the app drawer often requires a third-party launcher or specific device options.
- Not setting the launcher as default — if you install a new launcher, ensure you set it as the default home app.
- Forgetting to manually add apps to the home screen after disabling the drawer — you need to place your apps on the home screens for easy access.
- Overlooking software updates — some options might be hidden or improved in the latest firmware, so keep your device updated.
Tips
- Use a launcher with customizable home screens for more control over your layout.
- Organize your apps into folders to keep your home screen tidy after removing the app drawer.
- Backup your home screen layout before making major changes, especially when installing third-party launchers.
- Experiment with different launchers to find one that best suits your preferences for disabling the app drawer.
Troubleshooting
If your device does not seem to support disabling the app drawer through native settings, or if the changes do not take effect:
- Ensure you have set the third-party launcher as the default home app in your device’s settings under Apps & Notifications > Default Apps > Home App.
- Clear cache and data for the launcher app if it is not functioning as expected. You can do this via Settings > Apps > [Launcher] > Storage > Clear Cache/Data.
- Reinstall the launcher app to fix potential corruption or bugs.
- Restart your device after making changes to ensure settings are applied properly.
- If issues persist, revert to the original launcher by going to Settings > Apps > Home and selecting the default launcher again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I completely remove the app drawer from my Galaxy S7?
No, the default Samsung launcher does not support completely removing the app drawer without installing a third-party launcher.
Will disabling the app drawer affect app functionality?
Generally no, but it may make launching apps less straightforward. You will need to organize apps on the home screen manually.
Is it safe to install third-party launchers?
Yes, as long as you download from reputable sources like the Google Play Store. Always check permissions and reviews before installing.
Can I revert back to the original Samsung launcher?
Yes, simply go to Settings > Apps > Home and select the default Samsung launcher or your previous launcher.
Will disabling the app drawer improve battery life?
Not significantly. It mainly affects how you access your apps; battery life depends on other factors like background activity and screen usage.
Are there any risks involved in disabling the app drawer?
Risks are minimal if you follow proper procedures. However, installing third-party launchers from untrusted sources can pose security risks.
Disabling the app drawer can streamline your device experience, but it requires some setup and customization. Following these steps carefully helps you achieve a cleaner, more personalized home screen layout on your Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge.
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