The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To enable the Huawei app drawer: open Settings > Home screen & wallpaper > Home screen style, select Drawer, then return home and swipe up. The drawer keeps your complete app collection in a separate list while the home screen shows only shortcuts you choose. To add a shortcut, touch and hold an app in the drawer and drag it to the home screen. To remove a shortcut without deleting the app, touch and hold its home-screen icon and tap Remove.
What the Huawei app drawer changes
Huawei’s Drawer style separates the full app collection from the home-screen pages. Instead of placing every installed app on a home-screen page, the phone stores the apps in a drawer that you open with an upward swipe. You can then keep only frequently used apps as home-screen shortcuts. Huawei describes the purpose as putting apps “in a drawer” and displaying only frequently used apps on the home screen to streamline that screen. Read the general instructions in Huawei’s App Drawer support article.
This is a home-screen arrangement, not a second installation area and not an app-locking feature. Enabling it does not require a download, subscription, replacement launcher, or other accessory. The setting changes how icons are presented and how you reach the complete list.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Enable Drawer mode step by step
- Open Settings. Find the Settings app on the current home screen or in your existing app list.
- Open Home screen & wallpaper. This section contains the home-screen layout controls on Huawei software that exposes the drawer setting.
- Tap Home screen style. The page normally offers a choice between the standard layout and drawer layout.
- Select Drawer. Confirm any on-screen change if your model asks you to do so.
- Return to the home screen and swipe up. Huawei’s instructions say the upward swipe opens the drawer and displays the apps stored there.
The exact wording can vary with the phone’s language, region, model and software update. If your menu uses a slightly different translation, look for the setting that controls Home screen style rather than changing unrelated display or navigation options.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Open the drawer and find an app
From a home-screen page, place your finger in an open area and swipe upward. The drawer should appear with the apps available on the device. Huawei’s version-specific guidance repeats this upward-swipe behavior for supported products, including examples running EMUI 10.1.1, EMUI 12.0 and HarmonyOS 2.0.
Use the drawer when you want the complete app list, and use home-screen shortcuts for the apps you want immediately visible. The drawer is the location Huawei documents for accessing all of your apps after Drawer mode is enabled; it is not necessary to create a shortcut for every app.
If the swipe does not open anything
- Confirm that Home screen style still shows Drawer; switching back to Standard removes the drawer gesture.
- Start the gesture on the home screen itself, not inside an open app, a notification panel or a settings page.
- Swipe upward from the middle or lower portion of the home screen with a deliberate motion. Navigation settings or a software-specific gesture guide may affect how the action feels.
- If Drawer is selected but no drawer appears, restart the phone and test again. If the option or behavior remains absent, verify the model and software version against Huawei’s support documentation.
Add selected apps to the home screen
Drawer mode does not prevent you from keeping shortcuts on the home screen. To add one, open the drawer, then:
Rank #2
- USA MARKET ONLY WORK ON TMOBILE MINT TELLO OR ANY UNDER TMOBILE NETWORK PHONE NEEDS A SIM CARD ALREADY ACTIVATED ,OUTSIDE USA WORKS ANY GSM CARRIER SIM GSM FCC ID: 2AFZZPC0AG
- Dual sim (NO MICRO SD) 5G: Sub6G: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/77/78 4G: LTE FDD: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28/66 4G: LTE TDD: B38/40/41 3G: WCDMA:1/2/4/5/8/19 2G: GSM: Quad Band Wireless Networks -- Bluetooth 5.4Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- 6.67" CrystalRes AMOLED displayResolution: 2712 x 1220 (1.5K resolution)Refresh rate: Up to 120HzTouch sampling rate: 480Hz touch sampling rate，2560Hz instant touch sampling rate，16X super resolution touch *2560Hz instant touch sampling rate supports only with Game Turbo mode on.AdaptiveSync displayBrightness: 700 nits (typ), 1400 nits(HBM brightness), 3200 nits(peak brightness)Color depth: 12bitContrast ratio: 5,000,000:1Color gamut: DCI-P3 (typ)Corning Gorilla Glass 7iSupports Dolby VisionSupports sunlight mode ｜Supports reading mode｜
- Dimensity 8400-Ultra4nm manufacturing processCPU: Octa-core CPU, up to 3.25GHzGPU: Mali-G720
- Beidou:B1I｜GPS:L1｜Galileo:E1 GLONASS:G1｜QZSS:L1 | A-GPS supplementary positioning Wireless network | Data network|｜Sensor Assisted Positioning
- Touch and hold the app icon.
- Keep holding while dragging the icon toward the home-screen page or position you want.
- Release it when the desired location is highlighted or available.
Huawei documents this touch-and-hold-and-drag method in its general App Drawer instructions. The result is a shortcut on the home screen; the app also remains in the drawer. You can repeat the process for the apps you use most without moving the rest of the collection onto home-screen pages.
Choosing a useful shortcut layout
Because the drawer remains the complete list, home-screen placement becomes a choice about access rather than a requirement to display everything. Put the shortcuts you reach most often on the first page, and use additional pages only when a shortcut genuinely benefits from being visible. Less frequently used apps can stay solely in the drawer, where the upward swipe remains the documented access method.
Remove a shortcut without uninstalling the app
If a home-screen page is crowded, you can remove an icon while keeping the underlying app. Touch and hold the shortcut on the home screen, then tap Remove. Huawei distinguishes this action from uninstalling: Remove takes the icon off the home screen, while the app remains available in the drawer. This is the appropriate option when you want a cleaner layout but still need the app installed.
Rank #3
- In the United States, Cricket, Metro, Straight, Mint, and Spectrum are not compatible, while all other operators are compatible.Compatible with all European operators. 1️⃣ 【Snapdragon8s Gen4 Dominance】 Unlike ordinary phones with outdated chips, the 26 Ultra harnesses the 4nm Snapdragon8s Gen4 for 30% faster CPU/GPU performance. Multitask between 12GB RAM-powered apps or edit 4K videos seamlessly - no lag, no throttling. Gamers rejoice: Adreno 750 GPU crushes 90% mobile games at max settings, while competitors struggle with frame drops.
- In the United States, Cricket, Metro, Straight, Mint, and Spectrum are not compatible, while all other operators are compatible.Compatible with all European operators. 【Snapdragon8 Gen3】 Snapdragon8 Gen3 12 Core CPU with 16GB+1TB of memory is enough for you to use any application simultaneously, including watching movies and playing games. Install an additional storage card to easily store your favorite music, videos, and pictures.
- 【6.99 HD+ Android 15.0】 This is an Android Cell phone with a large screen,6.99”HD+ Display 1440*3040,This unlocked Android 15.0 26 Ultra phone is equipped with a 108MP main camera and a 68MP front facing camera, better recording a beautiful life and showcasing your beauty. And it has facial recognition and Fingerprint button unlock and Quick button for taking photos,which effectively protect your privacy.
- 【7000mAh Long lasting battery】The 26 Ultra is powered by a large 7000mAh battery, providing you with the power you need for a day and allowing you to play freely.
- 【Business Services】The main additional features of this phone include: Fingerprint unlock+Face ID+Dual SIM+GPS+Bluetooth+WIFI+FM, and accessories include: Phone, Screen Protector, Earphone, Phone Case, Power Adapter, USB Cable, Pen, Clip pin. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will solve them as soon as possible within 7 * 24 hours.
After removal, swipe up from the home screen to open the drawer and locate the app. To place the shortcut back, touch and hold the app in the drawer and drag it to the home screen again. Avoid choosing an uninstall or delete command when your intention is only to hide the shortcut; those commands have a different effect and are not the home-screen cleanup action described by Huawei.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Turn Drawer mode off
To return to the layout in which apps are shown through the standard home-screen arrangement, open Settings > Home screen & wallpaper > Home screen style and select Standard. Huawei identifies Standard as the setting used to disable Drawer mode.
The label may be translated differently on a localized device, but the relevant control remains the Home screen style selector on supported software. If you cannot find it, use Settings search for “home screen style” or consult the support page for the exact model and operating system.
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Drawer versus Standard: which layout fits your goal?
| Home-screen style | Where the full app collection appears | How you reach an app | When it makes sense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drawer | In a separate app drawer | Swipe up from the home screen; add individual shortcuts by touching and holding an app and dragging it | You want a simpler home screen with selected shortcuts and a separate list for everything else |
| Standard | Through the standard home-screen layout | Use the home-screen pages and their icons | You prefer the layout Huawei uses when Drawer mode is disabled |
Huawei’s cited support pages do not provide measurements showing that either style improves speed, battery life, storage use or productivity. The practical distinction established in the documentation is organization: Drawer keeps the complete collection separate, while Standard is the setting for turning that arrangement off.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the option may be missing
Drawer mode is not guaranteed on every Huawei phone or tablet. Huawei’s general page applies to devices that support the feature, and its version-specific pages cover selected products and software releases. One Huawei support page explicitly warns that feature availability may vary by device. Do not assume that a setting shown on one model must appear on another.
Check the model and software context
Huawei has published examples for several combinations, including EMUI 10.0, EMUI 10.1, EMUI 10.1.1, EMUI 11.0, EMUI 12.0, Magic UI 4.0 and HarmonyOS 2.0. Those examples document the feature for the named systems and selected devices; they do not establish universal support on every current Huawei phone or tablet.
Best Value
- NEW built-in stylus. Jot notes, edit photos, sketch artwork, and navigate effortlessly with an improved stylus and updated software.
- 6.7" pOLED display and Dolby Atmos. Experience cinema-quality entertainment with over a billion shades of color and multidimensional sound*.
- 50MP Ultra Pixel camera + OIS. Capture sharper low-light photos and smoother videos with an unshakable camera system featuring Optical Image Stabilization.
- 30W TurboPower charging + over a day battery. Get hours of power in just minutes of charging, then work and play with unbelievable battery life**.
- Standout design. Make a statement with its stunning look, modern color, and soft, vegan leather finish.
Check your software information in the device’s About phone or About tablet area, then search Huawei Support for that exact model and version. The following official pages illustrate why matching the system matters:
| Official Huawei example | System or device context stated by Huawei | Support page |
|---|---|---|
| General App Drawer instructions | Supported Huawei devices; the page gives the core setting and gestures | Huawei Support Global |
| App Drawer | EMUI 10.1.1 | Huawei Support UK |
| Use App Drawer to Store Apps | HUAWEI nova 9; EMUI 12.0 | Huawei Support UK |
| Use App Drawer to Store Apps | Selected MatePad products; HarmonyOS 2.0 | Huawei Support UK |
| Use App Drawer to Store Apps | Selected devices; Magic UI 4.0 and EMUI 11.0; availability may vary by device | Huawei Support UK |
Common reasons the path differs
- Different model: A phone, tablet and regional variant may expose different home-screen controls.
- Different software generation: EMUI, Magic UI and HarmonyOS can use different labels or menu placement.
- Language or region: Translations and regional support pages may not use identical wording.
- Unsupported launcher or device: If the built-in home-screen style selector has no Drawer choice, the feature may not be implemented for that configuration.
- Recent update: An update can move a setting or change its label, so use the current support page for the installed version rather than relying on instructions for another release.
If Huawei’s model-specific documentation does not list Drawer mode, there is no documented built-in switch to enable from the general instructions. In that case, avoid changing unrelated settings simply to reproduce another device’s layout.
A practical maintenance routine
- Enable Drawer once. Select Drawer from Home screen style and test the upward swipe.
- Keep only intentional shortcuts. Drag an app from the drawer when you want it visible on a home-screen page.
- Clean up without deleting. Use Remove on a home-screen shortcut when the app should stay installed but the icon is no longer needed.
- Use the drawer for the rest. Swipe up whenever you need an app that has no shortcut.
- Reassess the style. If the separate list is not suitable for your workflow, choose Standard from the same Home screen style menu.
This routine uses only the built-in behavior Huawei documents. It does not require duplicating icons, installing a launcher or changing app data.
Quick Recap
Key points to remember
- The enabling path on supported devices is Settings > Home screen & wallpaper > Home screen style > Drawer.
- An upward swipe from the home screen opens the drawer.
- Touch and hold an app in the drawer, then drag it to add a home-screen shortcut.
- Touch and hold a home-screen shortcut and tap Remove to remove the icon without uninstalling the app.
- Select Standard in Home screen style to turn Drawer mode off.
- Availability and labels depend on the Huawei model, software version, language and region; the official examples do not guarantee support on every device.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
