One UI App Drawer: How Samsung’s App Drawer Works and How to Customize It in 2026

Samsung Galaxy smartphones are known for their clean interface, customization options, and integration between the Android operating system and Samsung’s One UI. One of the most important parts of this experience is the One UI app drawer, which provides a central place to find installed applications without filling every homescreen page with icons. For users searching for the One UI app drawer, the main questions are usually straightforward: what the app drawer does, how to open it, how apps are organized, and which settings can be changed.

This article explains the One UI app drawer, its main features, customization options, and common problems while keeping the information useful for both new and experienced Galaxy users.

What Is the One UI App Drawer?

The One UI app drawer is the screen that displays applications installed on a Samsung Galaxy device. Instead of placing every application directly on the home screen, users can keep only their frequently used apps on the home screen while accessing the complete application collection through the app drawer. The app drawer is part of Samsung’s One UI Home experience. Its basic purpose is to provide:

• Access to installed apps
• App search
• Organized application pages
• Folder support
• Customization options
• A cleaner home screen

The exact appearance and available settings can vary depending on the Galaxy device, One UI version, and software configuration.

How to Open the One UI App Drawer

On many current Galaxy devices, the app drawer can be opened by swiping upward from the home screen. Depending on the navigation and Home screen settings, the behavior can vary.

If swiping upward does not open the app drawer, check the Home screen settings and make sure the device is configured to use the standard Home screen with an Apps screen.

How Does the One UI App Drawer Work?

Home Screen and App Drawer

One UI separates the home screen from the complete application list. The home screen is primarily designed for frequently used apps, widgets, shortcuts, and other important information. The app drawer contains the broader collection of installed applications. This separation allows users to keep the home screen less crowded.

App Pages

Applications can be displayed across multiple pages. Users can swipe between pages to find applications or use the search function when they know the name of an app.

App Folders

Apps can also be grouped into folders. For example, users might create folders for:

• Social
• Work
• Photography
• Shopping
• Finance
• Tools

Folders can make a large application collection easier to manage.

One UI App Drawer Search

One of the most useful features is app search. Instead of manually browsing through multiple pages, users can search for an application by entering its name. This becomes particularly helpful when a Galaxy phone contains dozens or hundreds of installed applications. Search can reduce the time required to locate a specific app.

How to Arrange Apps in the One UI App Drawer

One UI provides different organization options depending on the software version. Users can generally access Home screen settings by long-pressing an empty area of the home screen and selecting Settings. Available options may include settings related to:

• App screen layout
• App icon arrangement
• Home screen layout
• App folders
• Search
• Home screen behavior

Samsung may change the available settings with different One UI releases, so the exact menu names can differ.

Can You Change the One UI App Drawer Layout?

Yes, Samsung provides several Home screen customization options. However, the available controls depend on the specific Galaxy model and One UI version. Users may be able to change aspects such as:

Home Screen Layout

Samsung allows users to choose between different Home screen arrangements.

App Screen Organization

Applications can be organized according to the available sorting and arrangement options.

Folders

Related apps can be placed together to reduce clutter.

Icon Placement

Users can move applications between locations to create a layout that suits their habits.

One UI App Drawer vs Home Screen

The two screens work together rather than replacing one another.

How to Add an App to the One UI Home Screen

If an application is available in the app drawer but not on the home screen, press and hold the app icon. Depending on the One UI version, you can select the option to add the app to the home screen or drag the icon to the desired location. This allows users to keep only their most frequently used applications on the home screen.

How to Remove an App From the Home Screen

Removing an icon from the home screen does not necessarily uninstall the application. Press and hold the app icon and select the available option for removing it from the Home screen.The application should remain accessible through the app drawer unless it has been uninstalled or otherwise hidden. This distinction is useful because many users accidentally assume that removing an icon deletes the app.

How to Create App Folders

Folders are useful when the app drawer becomes crowded.

Step 1: Open the App Drawer

Swipe upward from the home screen.

Step 2: Press and Hold an App

Touch and hold the application icon.

Step 3: Move It Onto Another App

Drag one application over another compatible icon.

Step 4: Name the Folder

Give the folder a descriptive name, such as Work, Games, or Tools. The exact behavior may vary between One UI versions.

Can You Disable the One UI App Drawer?

Samsung’s available Home screen configurations have changed between One UI generations. Some devices provide different Home screen modes, while others may primarily use the standard Home screen and Apps screen arrangement. If your device offers an option to place all apps directly on Home screens, you can select that arrangement from:

Settings → Home screen → Home screen layout  The exact menu wording may differ by device and One UI version.

One UI App Drawer and Android Updates

The app drawer is closely connected to Samsung’s One UI Home launcher. When Samsung releases a major One UI update, users may notice changes to:

• Navigation
• App organization
• Search
• Animations
• Home screen settings
• Folder behavior
• Icon appearance

For this reason, instructions written for an older Galaxy phone may not perfectly match a newer model.

Common One UI App Drawer Problems

App Drawer Will Not Open

If the app drawer does not respond to a swipe, check your navigation and Home screen settings. Restarting the phone can also resolve temporary interface problems.

An App Is Missing

Use the app search function first. If the application still cannot be found, check whether it has been disabled, hidden, or uninstalled.

Apps Are Difficult to Find

Creating folders and keeping the application collection organized can make navigation easier.

Home Screen Looks Too Crowded

Remove less frequently used shortcuts from the Home screen while keeping the applications available in the app drawer.

Tips for a Cleaner One UI App Drawer

Keep Frequently Used Apps Accessible

Place your most,used applications on the Home screen.

Use Meaningful Folders

Group applications according to their purpose rather than creating too many small folders.

Uninstall Apps You No Longer Need

Removing unused applications can make your app collection easier to manage.

Use Search Instead of Scrolling

If you have many applications installed, search is often faster than manually browsing pages.

Review Home Screen Settings

One UI offers several options for adapting the interface to your preferences.

FAQs

What is the One UI app drawer?

The One UI app drawer is the section of Samsung’s interface that displays installed applications and provides tools for finding and organizing them.

How do I open the One UI app drawer?

On many Galaxy devices, swipe upward from the Home screen.

Can I organize apps in the One UI app drawer?

Yes. Depending on your device and One UI version, you can arrange applications, create folders, and use search.

Does removing an app from the Home screen uninstall it?

No. Removing an icon from the Home screen generally only removes the shortcut. The app can remain available in the app drawer.

Can I search for apps in One UI?

Yes. The app screen includes search functionality on supported One UI versions.

Can I change the One UI app drawer layout?

Some aspects of the layout and organization can be customized through Home screen settings, although available options vary by Galaxy model and One UI version.

Conclusion

The One UI app drawer is a simple but important part of the Samsung Galaxy experience. It separates everyday shortcuts from the complete application collection, helping users maintain a cleaner and more organized Home screen. With app search, folders, customizable layouts, and integration with One UI Home, the app drawer gives users several ways to manage their applications efficiently.

Because Samsung regularly updates One UI, specific options can vary between devices. Checking the Home screen settings on your particular Galaxy model is therefore the best way to discover the customization features currently available.