As Google continues to refine its Pixel phones, the latest update, Android 17, introduces a feature that enhances home screen customization. While Pixel devices have long been celebrated for their performance and camera capabilities, the realm of personalization has often felt somewhat limited. However, with the addition of the ability to hide app names, users can now achieve a more streamlined and minimalist aesthetic on their home screens.
What you need to access this setting
To take advantage of this new feature, users must ensure their device is running Android 17. If your Pixel is still on Android 16, an update is necessary. Google began rolling out Android 17 on June 16, and checking for the update is straightforward:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap System.
- Tap Software updates.
- Tap System update.
- Tap Check for update.
Once updated, users with devices as recent as the Pixel 6 can seamlessly download and install Android 17.
How to hide app names on your Pixel home screen
Once Android 17 is installed, hiding app names is a simple process. Here’s how to navigate to the setting:
- Press and hold on a blank area of your home screen.
- Tap Wallpaper & style.
- Tap Icons.
- Tap Names.
- Toggle off Show app names.
- Tap Apply.
Upon returning to the home screen, users will notice that app icons are now displayed without their accompanying names. While app names remain visible in the app drawer, this minimalist approach can significantly enhance the visual appeal of the home screen. For those seeking a clean layout, pairing this feature with the “Minimal” app icon style, which aligns icons with the system’s accent color, can yield particularly pleasing results.
Reverting back to displaying app names is equally simple, allowing users to toggle between styles as desired. While there is still room for further enhancements in home screen customization—such as support for third-party icon packs—this latest update marks a notable step forward. The Pixel Launcher continues to resonate with users, and the added flexibility in customization options is a welcome development.
