How to Activate Vertical App Drawer on Galaxy S23 Ultra in One UI 5.1
Samsung has consistently worked on improving the user experience on its Galaxy devices, and the One UI ecosystem stands as a testament to this commitment. Among the customizable features offered by One UI, the app drawer layout holds significant importance, as it directly impacts how you navigate through your apps daily.
Traditionally, the app drawer on Samsung Galaxy devices has followed the horizontal scrolling layout. However, the vertical app drawer layout is gaining popularity for its intuitive design, as it mirrors the way we naturally scroll through content on most apps. If you’re a Galaxy S23 Ultra user and are eager to switch to a vertical app drawer on One UI 5.1, this guide will walk you through the process.
Why Choose a Vertical App Drawer?
Before diving into the activation steps, it’s worth exploring why you might prefer the vertical app drawer layout:
- Natural Scrolling: Vertical scrolling aligns with the way we navigate through websites, social media feeds, and even long-form documents, making it feel intuitive.
- Compact Design: It allows you to view more apps at once, reducing the need for excessive swiping.
- Accessibility: Apps are displayed in a more organized, alphabetical format, making it easier to locate specific ones.
- Efficiency: It reduces navigation time and effort, especially for users with a large app library.
How to Activate Vertical App Drawer on Galaxy S23 Ultra
Currently, One UI does not natively offer the vertical app drawer layout by default. However, you can enable it using a combination of third-party solutions or launchers that integrate seamlessly with One UI 5.1. Below are the detailed steps:
Option 1: Using Samsung’s Good Lock Module
Samsung’s Good Lock app is an official customization tool that allows users to tweak their devices extensively.
Install Good Lock:
- Open the Galaxy Store on your S23 Ultra.
- Search for Good Lock and install it.
Download Home Up Module:
- Open the Good Lock app.
- Locate and download the Home Up module.
Enable Vertical Scrolling:
- Launch the Home Up module from Good Lock.
- Navigate to the Home Screen settings.
- Look for the App Drawer Layout option and select Vertical Scrolling if available.
Save Changes:
- Apply the changes and return to your home screen.
Note: If the vertical scrolling option isn’t natively available in Good Lock for your region or version, proceed with the following methods.
Option 2: Using a Third-Party Launcher
Many third-party launchers available on the Google Play Store offer vertical scrolling layouts that integrate smoothly with One UI.
Download a Launcher:
- Open the Google Play Store on your device.
- Search for Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, or Action Launcher.
- Install your preferred launcher.
Set Up the Launcher:
- Open the launcher after installation.
- Follow the on-screen setup process, granting necessary permissions.
Enable Vertical App Drawer:
- Navigate to the launcher’s settings.
- Locate the App Drawer customization options.
- Select Vertical Scrolling for the app drawer layout.
Set Default Launcher:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Home App.
- Choose the newly installed launcher as your default.
Customize Further:
- Most third-party launchers allow additional customization like app grid size, icon size, and gestures to enhance your experience.
Option 3: Using One UI Labs (For Beta Features)
Some Galaxy S23 Ultra users enrolled in the One UI beta programs may have access to experimental features, including vertical scrolling for app drawers.
Check for Beta Access:
- Open the Samsung Members app.
- Look for beta program announcements related to One UI updates.
Enroll and Update:
- If available, enroll in the beta program and update your device to the latest beta firmware.
Enable Vertical Scrolling:
- Once updated, go to Settings > Home Screen > App Drawer Layout.
- Select Vertical Scrolling if the option is available.
Tips to Optimize Your App Drawer Experience
Once you’ve activated the vertical app drawer, consider the following tips to make the most out of your new layout:
Organize Apps into Folders:
Group similar apps into folders for a cleaner layout. This is especially useful for users with an extensive app collection.Utilize the Search Bar:
Use the app drawer’s search functionality to quickly locate apps.Customize App Icons:
- Use Good Lock’s Theme Park module or third-party apps to customize app icons for a more personalized look.
Adjust Grid Size:
- Experiment with different grid sizes (e.g., 4x5 or 5x6) to find the perfect balance between visibility and accessibility.
Disable Unnecessary Apps:
- Go to Settings > Apps and disable apps you rarely use to declutter your app drawer.
FAQs About Vertical App Drawers on Galaxy Devices
1. Does enabling a vertical app drawer affect system performance?
No, enabling a vertical app drawer, whether through Good Lock or a third-party launcher, does not significantly impact system performance on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
2. Can I revert to the horizontal app drawer layout?
Yes, you can always revert to the default horizontal app drawer layout by disabling the vertical layout in the settings or uninstalling the third-party launcher.
3. Is Good Lock available in all regions?
Unfortunately, Good Lock is not available in certain regions. If it’s unavailable in your country, you can use VPN services or opt for third-party launchers.
4. Do third-party launchers compromise device security?
Reputable third-party launchers like Nova Launcher and Microsoft Launcher are secure. Ensure you download them only from the Google Play Store.
Conclusion
Switching to a vertical app drawer on the Galaxy S23 Ultra running One UI 5.1 offers a more efficient and user-friendly navigation experience. Whether you use Samsung’s Good Lock app or a third-party launcher, the process is straightforward and customizable to your preferences.
If you’re looking to streamline your app navigation while enjoying a seamless scrolling experience, activating the vertical app drawer is a great step forward. Try out the methods mentioned above and transform the way you interact with your Galaxy device!