Adding your favorite apps to the home screen on your Google Pixel 7 allows for quick and convenient access. The process is straightforward and involves using the app drawer.
Steps to Add Apps from the App Drawer
Your Pixel 7 stores all installed applications in the app drawer. Here's how to move an app icon from there to your home screen:
- Open the App Drawer: From your home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the display. This reveals a list of all your installed applications, usually in alphabetical order.
- Locate the Desired App: Scroll through the app list or use the search bar at the top of the app drawer to find the specific app you want to add to your home screen.
- Select the App: Tap and hold down on the app icon. Do not release your finger yet.
- Drag to Home Screen: While still holding the icon, the screen will automatically switch back to your home screen view. Continue dragging the app icon to the location where you want to place it. You can drag it to any available space on any of your home screens (swipe left or right if you have multiple home screens).
- Place the Icon: Once the icon is in the desired spot, lift your finger to release it. The app shortcut is now added to your home screen.
Automatically Adding Apps During Installation
Sometimes, when you install a new app from the Google Play Store, there's an option (often enabled by default in settings) to automatically place a shortcut on your home screen after installation is complete. Check your Play Store settings or any prompts during installation if you prefer this method.
Managing Apps on Your Home Screen
Once apps are on your home screen, you can organize them, group them into folders, or remove their shortcuts.
- Creating Folders: To group apps, tap and hold an app icon, then drag it onto another app icon you want to be in the same folder. A folder will be created automatically. You can then drag additional apps into this folder.
- Renaming Folders: As noted in reference information regarding app management, "to rename the folder tap the folder tap the name then enter a new name". Simply open the folder, tap the current name at the top of the folder window, and type your preferred name.
- Removing Apps from Home Screen or Folders: If you no longer need an app shortcut on your home screen or within a folder, you can remove it. The reference indicates you can "remove an app from a folder or from your home." To do this, tap and hold the app icon (either on the home screen or inside a folder), and drag it towards the top of the screen where a "Remove" option appears. Drag the icon onto "Remove" and release. This action only removes the shortcut; the app remains installed on your phone.
Quick Reference Table
| Action | Method | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Add App | Long-press app in App Drawer, Drag to Home | Places app shortcut on Home |
| Create Folder | Drag one app icon onto another | Groups apps in a folder |
| Rename Folder | Open folder, tap name, type new name | Customizes folder label |
| Remove Shortcut | Long-press app on Home/Folder, Drag to Remove | Removes shortcut (app remains) |
Organizing your home screen with frequently used apps makes navigating your Pixel 7 more efficient.
