Alex Ruben
How To Rearrange Icons on Your Google TV Streamer 4K App Screen
Let’s be honest, organizing app icons on your Google TV Streamer 4K can be a bit of a pain, especially when everything is just thrown everywhere after a few updates or resets. If you’re tired of hunting through a cluttered interface or apps moving back to their original spots (because of how the Android TV launcher works), this guide might help you get things sorted. Basically, you’ll find a way to customize things so your favorite apps are right where you want them — no more fumbling around with a mess.
It’s not rocket science, but sometimes the options are a little hidden or not super clear, especially if you’re new or not used to how Android TV handles app layout. So, below are a couple of methods that worked for me, and hopefully, they’ll help make your navigation smoother. Expect to see some quirks, like having to hold buttons longer than you think — because of course, Android TV has to make it harder than it needs to be.
How to Fix or Change App Icon Order on Google TV Streamer 4K
Method 1: Move Icons Using the Remote
This is the basic way most folks try first. It’s simple if you’re used to dragging icons around, but it’s not always perfect. When it works, you’ll end up with your favorite apps front and center. When it doesn’t? Well, you might get a little frustrated, but keep trying.
- Head over to the Apps tab on your home screen. Usually, that’s where all the magic happens; it’s that grid or list of all your installed apps.
- Scroll until you find the app icon you want to move — maybe it’s Netflix, YouTube, or whatever’s been lurking at the bottom of your list.
- Select the app by highlighting it, then press and hold the Select or OK button on your remote. Yes, hold it — some people overlook that part, thinking a quick click is enough.
- A menu should pop up, usually with options like Open or Move. If you see Move, select it.
- Now, you should be able to drag the icon to a new spot. It’s kind of hit-or-miss depending on how responsive your remote is or if the launcher is feeling cooperative. Sometimes, on certain setups, holding the button down just makes the icon wiggle but doesn’t let you drag. If that’s the case, try re-selecting or restarting the TV.
- Drop the icon where you want it by releasing the button. Done. Repeat for other apps if needed.
Tips & notes: It helps to keep the remote steady — shaky hands might make it hard to position icons precisely. Also, on some devices, this can fail the first few times; then suddenly, it works. Weird, but that’s Android for you.
Method 2: Reorder Using Built-In Options
This method is a little more structured and sometimes easier because it uses a dedicated reordering feature that not everyone notices. It’s a bit more guided, and in some cases, more reliable.
- Navigate to the right side of the Apps tab — on some setups, there’s a menu or a small icon that looks like three dots or lines.
- Select the Reorder option. If it’s not there, double-check your device’s software version because it’s only available on certain firmware updates.
- You should see all your apps in a list or grid. Highlight the app you want to move.
- Press and hold Select or OK until it highlights or a move option appears.
- Use the remote arrow keys or joystick to place it where you want, then release.
- Once done, click Done or confirm to save your new layout.
Note: This sometimes works better if the launcher remembers your layout after a reboot. On one setup it worked like a charm, on another, it was a total bust — go figure.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
- If apps stubbornly stick or jump back, try rebooting the device — sometimes, that resets the layout bugs.
- Make sure your Google TV device’s firmware is up to date — these features tend to get better with updates.
- Grouping apps in folders isn’t officially supported here, but there are workarounds through third-party launchers (like the `Winhance` app available on GitHub — just a heads up, it’s a bit technical to setup).
- Having trouble moving a particular icon? Check if the app is installed as a system app — some of those are locked down and don’t respond to rearranging.
Wrap-up
Getting your favorite apps front and center on Google TV Streamer 4K isn’t always seamless, but with some patience and the right approaches, it’s doable. Sometimes the remote controls behave, other times the built-in options are finicky — but overall, these tricks should help you get a cleaner, more personalized home screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rearrange app icons on all Android TVs?
Most Android TVs running OS 14 or 15 should support this, but some models or launchers might be a bit restricted. A few setups can block manual rearrangement entirely.
What if my remote isn’t responding properly during the move?
Check the batteries, and make sure the remote is paired correctly. If it still lags, try a quick reboot of the TV or reconnecting the remote via Bluetooth, if applicable.
Is there a way to permanently lock app positions so they don’t change back?
Not really natively — Android TV doesn’t have that feature. You could try a third-party launcher, but that’s more complicated and can lead to unpredictable bugs.
Summary
- Use the remote to drag apps around, but don’t expect perfection on every try.
- Explore the built-in reordering feature — if available — for a more guided approach.
- Keep the firmware up to date and reboot if things go sideways.
- Remember, some apps might be locked or behave weirdly because of system limitations.
Final Wrap-up
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours trying to organize your apps. Android TV can be finicky, but with patience, it’s possible to get a much cleaner, more functional layout. Good luck, and may your remote be ever responsive!