Samsung One UI App Drawer: Smart Ultimate Guide to Vertical vs Horizontal, Features, Tips and What Comes Next

If you use a Samsung phone, chances are you interact with the Samsung One UI App Drawer dozens of times every day. It is where all your apps live, where productivity begins, and sometimes where frustration starts too.

Over the years, Samsung has quietly changed how the app drawer works. From horizontal pages to vertical scrolling, new sorting options, and deeper customization, One UI has evolved into something very different from stock Android.

Most Samsung users never touch app drawer settings, yet a few small tweaks can completely change how fast and smooth your phone feels.

Overview

The Samsung One UI App Drawer is the central place where all installed apps are organized. Unlike iOS, Samsung allows users to choose how apps appear, scroll, and group together. With One UI 6 and One UI 7 app drawer changes, Samsung now supports both vertical and horizontal scrolling depending on user preference and settings.

This flexibility is powerful, but it also creates confusion. Many users do not even realize they can switch layouts, hide apps, or clean messy pages with built in tools.

What is the Samsung One UI App Drawer?

The Samsung One UI App Drawer is the screen that displays all apps installed on your device, separate from the home screen. It helps keep the home screen clean while giving quick access to everything else.

Unlike basic Android launchers, Samsung adds extra controls like grid size adjustment, folder creation, background transparency, and app hiding. This makes the app drawer more customizable but also slightly more complex.

For power users, this drawer becomes a productivity tool. For casual users, it simply needs to feel smooth, organized, and predictable.

The Evolution of the Samsung One UI App Drawer

Samsung did not always offer the level of control it does today. Earlier versions of TouchWiz focused more on visual flair than usability.

As One UI matured, Samsung shifted toward one handed use and cleaner navigation. The vertical app drawer Samsung One UI 6 introduced was part of this shift, making it easier to scroll naturally with one thumb.

Each version refined animations, search speed, and sorting logic, turning the app drawer into a more practical daily tool rather than just a list of icons.

The One UI 7.0 App Drawer Change

One UI 7 app drawer brought renewed attention to layout options. Some users noticed vertical scrolling by default, while others saw horizontal pages depending on region or device.

Samsung quietly tied layout behavior to sorting preferences rather than a simple toggle. This confused users but allowed Samsung to maintain consistency with alphabetical order.

The One UI 7 horizontal app drawer alphabetical order exists, but it depends on how apps are sorted, not a dedicated switch.

Why Samsung Did This

Samsung’s goal was to balance simplicity and flexibility. Vertical scrolling feels faster for large app libraries, while horizontal pages feel more controlled for smaller collections.

By linking layout to sorting logic, Samsung reduced visual clutter and avoided adding yet another settings toggle. It may not be obvious, but it keeps the interface cleaner.

This decision also allows Samsung to adjust behavior through updates without redesigning the entire settings menu.

How to Switch Between Vertical and Horizontal App Drawer Layouts

Switching layouts is possible, but not where most users expect it.

Step 1: Open the App Drawer

Swipe up from the home screen to open the Samsung app drawer.

Step 2: Access the Sort Menu

Tap the three dot menu or sorting option at the top of the app drawer.

Step 3: Choose Your Layout via Sorting

Select alphabetical order or custom order. Alphabetical usually triggers vertical scroll, while custom order may enable horizontal pages depending on One UI version.

Step 4: Clean Up Empty Pages Optional

After switching layouts, remove empty pages by rearranging apps manually.

Quick Summary

Samsung does not label layouts directly as vertical or horizontal. Instead, layout behavior changes based on sorting method and One UI version. Once you understand this, switching becomes easy.

Customization Options in the Samsung One UI App Drawer

Customization is where Samsung really shines.

1. Change the Grid Size

Adjust how many apps appear per row and column to fit more icons or make them easier to tap.

2. Adjust the Background Transparency

Reduce or increase blur and transparency for better readability.

3. Organize with Folders

Group similar apps like banking, social, or work tools.

4. Show or Hide the App Drawer Button

Choose whether you want a dedicated button or swipe gestures only.

5. Turn App Suggestions On or Off

Control whether Samsung recommends frequently used apps.

6. Hide Apps You Don’t Want to See

Perfect for preinstalled apps you never use.

Why Customization Matters

A cluttered app drawer slows you down mentally. Small changes reduce friction, save time, and make your phone feel personal.

Customization is not about looks only. It directly impacts how fast you open apps and how relaxed using your phone feels.

Common Issues with the Samsung One UI App Drawer and How to Fix Them

The “Where Did My App Drawer Button Go?” Problem

Enable it again from home screen settings.

Apps Disappearing from the Drawer

Check hidden apps and secure folder settings.

Why Is My App Drawer Scrolling Up and Down Now?

Sorting was likely switched to alphabetical order.

Messy Pages After Switching Layouts

Manually rearrange apps and delete empty pages.

The Drawer Feels Slow or Laggy

Clear launcher cache and reduce animations.

Accidentally Turned the App Drawer Off Entirely

Re enable app drawer mode from launcher settings.

Why These Problems Keep Happening

Samsung offers flexibility, but flexibility increases complexity. Many issues come from accidental setting changes during updates or customization experiments.

Samsung One UI App Drawer vs Stock Android and iOS

Comparison Table

Which One Is Better?

Samsung wins for control, Stock Android wins for simplicity, and iOS focuses on automation.

Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out of the Samsung One UI App Drawer

• Search works for settings too
• Long press icons for quick actions
• Hide apps to reduce mental clutter
• Adjust grid size for your thumb reach
• Use cleanup tools after layout changes

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The Future of the Samsung One UI App Drawer

Samsung is clearly moving toward smarter organization.

Smarter Organization with AI

Expect automatic grouping based on usage.

More Customization

Samsung users demand control, and Samsung listens.

Borrowing and Improving

Samsung often borrows ideas, then refines them better.

The Bottom Line

The Samsung One UI App Drawer is one of the most flexible app management systems on any smartphone. Once you understand its logic, it becomes powerful instead of confusing.

Samsung One UI App Drawer Features at a Glance

Final Thoughts on the Samsung One UI App Drawer

The Samsung One UI App Drawer is much more than a simple list of apps. It is a core part of how users interact with their phones every single day. When set up properly, it can save time, reduce frustration, and make daily tasks feel smoother and more organized. Samsung gives users freedom through vertical and horizontal scrolling, grid control, app hiding, and smart sorting options, which many people never fully explore.

What truly sets Samsung apart is choice. You are not forced into one layout or behavior. Whether you prefer fast vertical scrolling, clean horizontal pages, or a highly customized drawer with folders and hidden apps, One UI adapts to your habits. With a few small tweaks, even an older Samsung phone can feel fresh, faster, and easier to use. Understanding the app drawer is one of the simplest ways to improve your overall Samsung experience.

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