How to Customize the Your Samsung Home Screen (2024)

This article explains how to edit the Home screen on your Samsung Galaxy device. It covers wallpapers, widgets, themes, and more.

Change the Wallpaper on a Samsung Device

You can set a wallpaper a couple of ways. Do it directly from the Home screen or from the photo itself.

From the Home Screen

1. Tap-and-hold an empty area of the Home screen and select Wallpaper and style, or Wallpapers, at the bottom.

2. Tap Change wallpapers.

   You won't see that option on older devices; the Galaxy Store will have opened instead. You can choose to download one of the wallpapers available in the store or, if you wish to use a custom image, select Gallery at the top.

3. Select the image you want to use, then select Home screen or Lock screen. You can also apply the same wallpaper to both.

   

While Viewing an Image

1. With your image open, tap the screen once and then select the three-dot menu.

   This can be any photo, be it from the Gallery app, a text message, or one you downloaded from a wallpaper site.

2. Choose Set as wallpaper to apply the image as a wallpaper on one of your screens. You can also select Set as Always on Display Image if you want to apply the image to the AOD screen.

3. A menu will appear. Choose Home screen or Lock screen.

   

   See Also

   How to reset your Android home screen back to the default | TechRepublicReorganize your Android Home Screen with these easy steps - CyberGuyOur pick of the coolest customisation features of One UI 5.1 | Samsung MYSamsung Galaxy S20 5G UW - Customize Your Home Screen

How to Customize Home Screen Settings

Other ways to customize your Home screen include defining how many app icons should be shown, whether to lock or unlock the Home screen layout to prevent changes to where you apps and widgets are placed, if the Apps button should be visible on the Home screen, and more.

To do either of these things, open Settings and select Home screen.

How to Download Themes From the Galaxy Store

Themes help make your device yours. They can really change up how everything feels. Themes don’t just change the wallpaper, but also icons, fonts, menu and app colors, and more

1. Select the vertical lines at the top left corner of the Galaxy Store app and choose My apps.

   

2. Tap Themes.

3. Browse for a theme you wish to apply. Keep in mind some themes cost money and some are free.

4. When you find a theme you want, select Download for free themes, or Buy for paid ones.

   

5. After the theme downloads to your device, you must select Apply on the Galaxy Store page to set the theme as active.

   Alternatively, you can long-press on an empty area of the Home screen and choose Themes from the menu that appears. Then, select the theme from those listed as available.

How to Add a Widget to Your Home Screen

A widget is a smaller or live version of an app. You can place widgets on any of your Home screens, resize them, and sometimes customize the information they show. Here's how to add a widget to your Home screen:

1. Long-press on an empty area of the Home screen and select Widgets from the menu that appears.

2. Tap-and-hold the widget you want to use. If there are multiple sizes and types available, you'll be able to select them before placing the widget.

   

   See our list of the best free widgets for Android for more options. Or, simply download apps that include widgets.

3. While still holding, you'll see your Home screen. Place the widget wherever you want. If you want it on another Home screen, slide your finger to the edge of the display. You can always move widgets around later if you change your mind about its placement right now.

4. Once the widget has been placed, you can tap-and-hold it to resize it (only some widgets can be resized).

How to Apply a Custom Launcher

Some of the best Android launchers are applied after you download and install them. However, that doesn’t mean your phone will use the launcher as the default one. You may run into a situation where you have two launchers active at a time, both the custom one and the Samsung launcher. To overcome that, you just need to set the custom launcher as the default.

Set a Custom Launcher

1. Open Settings, either from the app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen and choosing the settings/gear icon.

2. Select Apps.

3. Select the launcher you wish to use from the list.

4. Scroll down to Home screen and tap it.

   

5. Under the Default home app section, make sure the launcher you wish to use is listed. If not, select it under App Links.

Disable the Stock Launcher

You can disable the stock launcher if it's causing problems. Here's how:

1. Open Settings and select Apps.

2. Tap the three dot menu in the top right and select Show system apps.

3. When the apps list repopulates, find and tap One UI Home.

   

4. If you have a custom launcher set as the default, you should be able to select the Disable option. If you cannot select it then it’s not possible to disable the launcher.

How to Apply a Custom Icon Pack

If you’re not using the Galaxy Store to apply a theme, you can go to the Google Play Store to get icons for your Android phone. Simply find the icon pack you wish to use and download and install it to your device. The app should ask you after the installation to apply the icon pack. If you’re using a custom launcher you’ll need to select the icons manually.

What Is Samsung One UI Home?

The stock launcher on Samsung devices is called One UI Home. If you’re not already familiar, a launcher essentially serves as the graphical interface on mobile devices. By installing various launchers you can change the way your entire phone, including the home screen, lock screen, and always-on-display, looks and behaves.