How to Disable Game Launcher or Remove Apps From It on Samsung Phones

Mobile gaming popularity has surged, leading Samsung to introduce a dedicated control center for games on their phones, called Game Launcher, with the Galaxy S7 series. However, when activated, you may notice that game icons disappear from your home screen. Why does this happen, and how can you disable Game Launcher? Find the answer in this post.

Game Launcher is exclusive to Samsung phones and comes preinstalled, offering various benefits mentioned below. However, not everyone is a fan and would like to disable it or remove their games from it.

If you want to do the same, let’s see how to remove apps and disable Game Launcher on Samsung phones.

What Does Game Launcher Do on Samsung Phones

Game Launcher is a separate launcher that holds all the games installed on your phone. It enhances your gaming experience with features like screen record, screenshot, temperature monitoring, and more. You can access these features while playing games.

Additionally, you can lock the game screen to pause your game. You can also use up to 4 apps while playing a game, with app icons appearing in a pop-up menu. This allows you to use other apps without leaving your game. For example, you can chat on WhatsApp while playing Candy Crush.

If you don’t want to use any of those features, here are three methods to disable Game Launcher or remove apps from it.

1. Remove One App from Game Launcher

Instead of disabling the whole Game Launcher app, remove one or two games from it. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Game Launcher app on your Samsung phone.

Step 2: Swipe up on the dock at the bottom with the installed games.

Step 3: Tap and hold the game icon you want to remove from the Game Launcher. A menu will appear. Select Remove from Game Launcher.

Removing the game from the Game Launcher will not uninstall it from your phone.

Once you remove the app from Game Launcher, the game icon will disappear. Go back to the app drawer and you will see the game icon there.

2. Keep Games in Home Screen and Game Launcher Both

The method mentioned above prevents you from enjoying Game Launcher’s features as removing the app also removes its privileges. However, if you want to keep the app icon on your home screen and still enjoy the features, you can do so by following these steps:

Step 1: Open the Game Launcher app.

Step 2: Tap the three-bar icon and then the settings icon.

Step 2: Disable the toggle next to ‘Hide games on Home and Apps’ option. When enabled, all the games installed on your phone will appear only in the Game Launcher. When you disable it, the games will appear at Game Launcher and Home Screen/App Drawer.

3. Disable Game Launcher

If you don’t like Game Launcher, you can disable it. This will move all games from Game Launcher to your Home Screen/App Drawer. Disabling Game Launcher won’t affect your game data. Here’s how to disable Game Launcher on Samsung phones:

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap on Advanced features and turn off the Game Launcher toggle.

Step 3: Restart the phone. Note: Repeat these steps to enable Game Launcher.

Tips and Tricks to Use Game Launcher

Here are some tips to use Game Launcher.

Move Games to Game Launcher

If the Game Launcher doesn’t detect your favorite game, you can add it manually. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Game Launcher app. Swipe up on the dock holding your games.

Step 2: Tap on the three-dot icon. Select Add apps from the menu.

Step 3: Choose your game from the list and tap on Add at the top.

Add or Remove Apps From Pop-Up Panel

You can use additional apps within the Game Launcher. Add up to 4 apps as shortcuts. To change the default apps, follow these steps:

1. Launch Game Launcher and open any game.

2. Tap on the game booster icon at the bottom-left corner.

– Inside the icon, you’ll find options like Record, Screenshots, Navigation lock, etc.

3. Tap on the three-dot next to the list of apps. Add or remove apps on the next screen.

Take Control

Game Launcher may seem intimidating at first, but it’s not. Give it time and you’ll love it. After that, not adding games to Game Launcher on Samsung phones will feel strange.

Next, do you enjoy word games? Check out these 7 cool word games for your Android phone from the link below.