Android - Can I prevent home screen shortcuts from getting deleted or moved around?
There's no built-in functionality for this, but there are a handful of third-party launchers that support locking the desktop. Off the top of my head, I know that both Apex Launcher and ADW.Launcher do.
For Apex, simply double tap on an empty space on the home screen and then select "Lock Desktop" to prevent icons from being added or removed.
On ADW.Launcher you should be find a "Lock Desktop" option in the settings, which you can access from the overflow menu in the top right of the app drawer (Apex also has a settings menu there).
Other launchers that have the “Lock Desktop” option:
- Holo Launcher and Holo Launcher HD
- Lightning Launcher
To prevent deleting or moving your home screen Icons accidentally
On your Android version 7 or up.
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch and hold delay.
Now Select Short, Medium, or Long or custom delay It worked for me.
This is not an add-on app to a preexisting launcher but, there's a very thoughtfully designed, lightweight launcher called Smart Launcher that has an important feature called "Prevent Modifications," which solves the problem of accidental moving/deletion of app icons.
My relative who's not good with tech finds it easy to use (this was after she complained about Samsung's Touchwiz interface).
Other unique benefits/features of this launcher:
- Conserves screen real estate by allowing two actions per icon/app--secondary action done by double-pressing an icon/app; allowed actions include app, folder, widget, shortcut, etc.
- Arranges home screen apps into a circular (other choices as well) pattern, making it easy for user to remember where things are, so access is faster.
- Instead of showing apps collection page by page, it groups apps by their categories, modifiable by user. It's like the Linux Mint Operating System's start or app menu.
- Rarely used apps can be hidden by user.
- Since it's among the most lightweight of all launchers, it conserves battery and valuable resources which could be used for something else, which is crucial for slower, older phones.
- Advertised to work with "OK Google" voice command, though I've never tried it because I don't need it. Uses a Contacts-searchable bar on the homescreen.
- Doesn't require rooting.
- I've been happily using the Free version which meets my needs, but if you find you like the additional features then they're in the Pro version.