Alex Ruben
How To Reorder Icons on Your Google TV Streamer 4K Home Screen
Trying to customize your Google TV home screen can be a bit frustrating if things aren’t where you want them. Whether it’s because apps are randomly scattered or you just wanna put your favorites front and center, it helps to know how to move those icons around. Honestly, the process isn’t always straightforward—sometimes the UI feels sluggish, or the options aren’t super intuitive. But once you get a hang of it, it’s pretty easy to tidy things up. This guide covers two main ways to rearrange your apps—using the remote directly or through built-in options—so you can pick what works best. After messing around with this, your home screen should feel a lot more personalized and easier to navigate.
How to Fix App Icon Arrangement on Google TV
Method 1: Moving Icons Directly with the Remote
This is the most straightforward approach—pressing a button and dragging icons around. It applies when your apps are visible on the main screen and you want to reorder them quickly. Sometimes, when you press and hold the app icon, it can be a little finicky; the remote may not register the hold right away, or the interface might lag. If that happens, patience is key—sometimes a quick restart of the device or disconnecting and reconnecting the remote helps. On some setups, you might find that you need to be precise with holding the OK button for a second or two. Expect a smooth drag-and-drop feeling once it works.
- Access the Home Screen: Press the Home button on your remote to bring up the main interface. (Usually, the button with a house icon.)
- Find Your Apps: Scroll or navigate to the app row where your installed apps are displayed. If it’s not showing, double-check that your apps are on the primary home page, not hidden or in folders.
- Select the App to Move: Highlight the app you want to move, like Jio Hotstar.
- Hold and Drag: Press and hold the OK button (or the Select button) on the remote. Keep holding for about 1-2 seconds until options pop up or the icon becomes movable.
- Move the Icon: While holding, drag the app to your preferred spot—like the furthest left or right. Sometimes, it’s easier to do this if you use the Navigation arrows or joystick on your remote to position it.
- Release to Set: Lift the button once the icon is where you want it. You might need to do some trial-and-error if the interface feels unresponsive.
Method 2: Using the Built-In Reorder Settings
This is kind of a hidden trick. Instead of dragging, you access a reorder menu. The downside? Not all devices or OS versions have this feature consistently, but it’s worth a shot if dragging isn’t your thing. It’s especially handy if the UI is lagging or you want more precise control.
- Open the Home Screen: Hit the Home button as usual.
- Find the Reorder Option: Use your remote to navigate right or through menus until you see a Reorder button or icon—often in the top or sidebar. Alternatively, you might have to access a hidden menu via Settings > Apps > Reorder Apps if your device supports it.
- Select the App to Move: Highlight the app you want to reposition, like YouTube.
- Start the Reorder: Press OK on the app to select it.
- Position the Icon: Use the remote’s directional pad to move the icon to your new spot.
- Confirm the Change: Hit OK again to lock it in. Repeat for other apps if needed. Be careful—sometimes the UI won’t clearly confirm, so a quick check back on the home page is advised.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Honestly, moving icons can be weird. Sometimes, the remote’s responsiveness isn’t perfect, or the system lags and doesn’t register your actions right away. If things get stuck, try unplugging the device for 30 seconds or re-pairing the remote. Also, make sure your system software is up-to-date because older versions might have bugs that mess with icon arrangements. On some setups, the rearrangement only works once you restart the device after changes.
Another thing—if icons refuse to move or keep resetting, check your Settings > Apps > Home Screen options; some devices have restrictions or an option to reset layouts. And yes, sometimes swapping the remote batteries or using a different remote altogether can fix responsiveness issues. Weird, but true.
Wrap-up
Getting your apps in the right place on Google TV isn’t always intuitive, but with patience, it’s doable. Dragging icons with the remote usually works once you get the timing right, and exploring the reorder menus can give you extra control. The goal is a much cleaner and personalized interface—less scrolling, more finding exactly what you want fast. Fingers crossed this helps someone avoid frustration or a full reset.
Summary
- Use the remote’s OK button to hold and drag app icons around.
- Try the reorder menu if dragging isn’t precise enough.
- Make sure your device software is current—bugs can mess with UI functions.
- Be patient—sometimes the system lags or ignores your inputs.
- Restart the device if the icons stubbornly disobey.
Conclusion
Rearranging apps on Google TV can be a bit of a chore, but once it’s done, it really makes the experience smoother. If dragging doesn’t work on the first try, don’t get discouraged—try rebooting or using the reorder menu. Overall, a little messing around tends to do the trick, and now your home screen should look less chaotic. Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone, and yes, it worked on multiple setups for me—so give it a go.