Moving apps on your Samsung TV is done through the home screen menu, not through settings
To move an app on a Samsung TV, go to your home screen, highlight the app you want to move, press and hold the select button on your remote (usually the center button), then drag it to a new position. Release the button to drop it in place. The exact steps depend on whether your TV runs Tizen (Samsung's operating system) or Google TV, but both use the same press-and-hold method.
You do not need to go into settings or read anything. The home screen itself is where you organize your apps, and most Samsung TVs let you move them around freely. If an app will not move, it may be a system app that Samsung locks in place, or your remote may not be registering the hold command properly.
Key Takeaways
- Press and hold the select button (center) on your remote while an app is highlighted to enter move mode on Tizen and Google TV models.
- Use the arrow buttons on your remote to drag the app left, right, up, or down to your chosen spot, then release the select button to place it.
- Some system apps like Settings or Home cannot be moved because Samsung locks them to prevent accidental removal from the interface.
- If your remote is not responding, try replacing the batteries or using the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone as an alternative remote.
- You can also delete apps you do not use to clean up your home screen, which frees space without affecting TV performance.
How to move apps on Tizen-based Samsung TVs
Most Samsung TVs made in the last five years run Tizen. To move an app, use your remote to highlight it on the home screen. Press and hold the center select button (the button you normally press to open an app) for about two seconds. The app will enter edit mode, and you will see a highlight or border around it indicating it is ready to move.
Once in edit mode, use the arrow buttons on your remote to slide the app in any direction. Move it left or right to change its position in the row, or up and down to move it to a different row. When the app is where you want it, release the select button or press it again to drop it in place. The home screen will rearrange automatically to fill any gaps.
How to move apps on Samsung TVs with Google TV
Samsung TVs that run Google TV (usually 2022 models and newer) work the same way. Highlight the app, press and hold the select button, and use the arrow keys to move it. The process is identical to Tizen, so if you are used to moving apps on a Tizen TV, you will not notice a difference.
Google TV home screens are often more flexible than Tizen screens, and you may see more options to customize rows and folders. However, the basic move function remains the same: highlight, hold, drag, and release.
Why some apps will not move
System apps like Settings, Home, and sometimes the TV's built-in apps (Samsung TV Plus, for example) are locked in place by Samsung. These apps cannot be moved or deleted because they are part of the TV's core interface. If you try to move one and nothing happens, it is locked.
Third-party apps you read (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc.) can almost always be moved. If a third-party app will not move, the issue is usually with your remote, not the app. Try replacing the remote batteries or restarting the TV.
Troubleshooting when apps will not move
If pressing and holding the select button does not work, your remote batteries may be weak. Replace them with fresh ones and try again. A remote that is low on power may register a quick press but not a sustained hold.
If the batteries are fresh and the app still will not move, restart your TV. Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot. Once it is ready, try moving the app again. If it is still locked, it is likely a system app that Samsung does not allow users to move.
Another option is to use the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone as a remote. read it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, connect it to your TV, and try moving the app through the phone remote. Sometimes the phone remote registers commands more reliably than the physical remote.
Deleting apps you do not use instead of moving them
If you have apps you never use, deleting them is often easier than rearranging. Highlight an app, press and hold the select button, and look for a delete or remove option. Not all apps can be deleted (system apps are protected), but most third-party apps can be removed and reinstalled later from the Samsung App Store or Google Play Store if you change your mind.
Deleting unused apps also makes your home screen cleaner and faster to navigate. Your TV's performance is not affected by how many apps you have installed, but a cluttered home screen makes it harder to find what you want to watch.
Using folders to organize apps without moving them
Some Samsung TVs let you create folders on the home screen to group related apps together. This is useful if you have many apps and want to keep your home screen tidy without moving individual apps around. To create a folder, highlight an app, press and hold select, and look for a folder or group option. Not all TV models support this feature, so check your TV's manual if you do not see the option.
Folders work best for organizing by category—streaming services in one folder, games in another, news apps in a third. This keeps your most-used apps visible while hiding less-frequent ones behind a single folder icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move apps to a different row on the home screen?
Yes. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to move the app up or down to a different row while in edit mode. The home screen will shift other apps to make room. You can arrange apps however you like across multiple rows.
What if my remote does not have a center select button?
All Samsung TV remotes have a center select button, but on some older remotes it may be labeled differently or feel like a directional pad. It is the button in the middle of the arrow keys. If you are unsure, check your remote's manual or try pressing the button in the center of the arrow pad while an app is highlighted.
Do I lose any data or settings when I move an app?
No. Moving an app only changes where it appears on your home screen. Your login information, saved shows, watch history, and all other app data stay exactly the same. Moving is purely cosmetic.
Can I move apps back to their original positions?
Yes. You can move apps as many times as you want. There is no limit to how many times you can rearrange your home screen. If you want to reset everything to Samsung's default layout, restart your TV or check your settings for a reset home screen option.
Why does my TV keep moving apps back to where they were?
This usually means the move did not register properly before you released the select button. Make sure you hold the button for a full two seconds before using the arrow keys, and keep holding it until the app is in its final position. Release only when you are ready to drop it.