Restore Missing App Icon on Android: Step-by-Step Solutions
Mar 24, 2025 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions
The growing conversation around the missing app icons on Android issue has caught our attention. While it seems confusing, it's a problem that some Android users have encountered.
App icons on your Android home screen provide quick access to your favorite apps. When they suddenly disappear, it can disrupt your workflow and leave you unsure of how to navigate your device. No worries, though. We've got you covered with a simple guide in this article. Just follow the steps, and you'll get those missing app icons back on your Android phone.
Part 1: Make Sure if the Missing App Is Installed
Before troubleshooting missing app icons on your Android device, verify if the app is still installed or has been accidentally removed. A quick check on Google Play can confirm its status and save you time.
- Step 1: Go to the Play Store.
- Step 2: Tap your Google profile at the top right and find Manage apps and devices.
- Step 3: Open Manage and select the “Installed” tab.
Now, see whether you can find the app icon that disappeared on your Android. If you can’t find it, it means the app has been accidentally deleted, and you can install it back on your device. However, if it’s confirmed to be installed on your Android but remains missing from your home screen, you can continue the following practice.
Part 2: How To Find the Missing App Icon on Android
“All my apps disappeared from my home Android screen. What should I do?”
If you've confirmed the app is installed but its icon is missing from your home screen, don't worry. There are several effective strategies available to locate and restore your app icon on Android.
1. Check hidden apps
How could the Android phone icon be missing? Well, app icons can disappear from your home screen for different reasons. One of the common reasons is you might have accidentally hidden it in your phone. To find and check whether the app is hidden, the steps can be different depending on the phone model you are using.
However, as a general guide, you can follow these steps:
- Step 1. Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Step 2. Use the search bar to look for "Hidden app."
- Step 3. Once you find the "Hidden app" settings, watch the list to see if the missing app is there. If it is, you can toggle off the switch to unhide it.
2. Move the app to the home screen from the App Drawer
If your app icon disappeared on your Android, you can also easily restore it by adding the app to the home screen from the app drawer. Follow the step-by-step guide below:
- Step 1. Open the App Drawer on your Android. To do this, swipe from the bottom to the top, starting from your home screen. The App Drawer is where all your installed apps are neatly listed.
- Step 2. Once you open the App drawer, locate the app icon that has disappeared from your home screen. For example, you lost the phone icon on Android. Then, look for the phone icon from the App Drawer.
- Step 3. Long-press the Icon of the missing app and move it to the desired location on your home screen. You can drag it to an empty space or a specific folder.
- Step 4. Release to drop the app icon onto the home screen.
3. Re-enable disabled app
App icons missing from your Android home screen if they're disabled—whether intentionally or by accident. Some devices even offer a "Freezer" feature, allowing you to temporarily suspend apps. When an app is frozen, it stays inactive and hidden until you unfreeze it.
To re-enable the disabled app, you can follow the steps here:
- Step 1. Open the Apps & Notifications on the Settings.
- Step 2. Select the app which icon is missing on your home screen. For example, tap the phone app if the phone icon disappears on your Android.
- Step 3: In the App Info, tap Enable.
4. Reset Android to factory settings
If the previous methods don't work, you might need to do a factory reset on your Android device. But before doing that, it's important to back up your data first because a factory reset will clear all your data and cache when you press the reset button.
How to reset Android to factory setting:
- Step 1: Go to your Android Settings.
- Step 2: Select Backup and Reset > Factory data reset. Then, choose to erase all data.
Please be mindful that performing a factory reset on Android will reset your Android completely to its initial state.
Part 3: How to Fix System Error on Android Easily with Reliable Software
Missing app icons on Android can sometimes be a result of errors in your Android system launcher, causing inconvenience and potential disruptions to your device's operation. To address this issue effectively, you can turn to Dr.Fone's advanced system repair tool. This tool is designed to handle various system issues, providing an easy and reliable solution.
Dr.Fone - System Repair (Android)
Android repair tool to fix Google Play Services not updating
- A completely user-friendly tool where no technical skills are needed.
- All Android models are easily supported.
- Any kind of Android issue like black screen, stuck in boot loop, Google play services won’t update, or app crashing can easily be resolved with these.
- Full security is promised with the tool so there’s no need to worry about harmful activities like viruses or malware.
- Trusted by a lot of users and carries a high success rate.
How to fix the Android system using Dr.Fone’s system repair tool:
- Step 1. Open the Repair Tool
Start by launching Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Go to the Toolbox section and connect your Android device. Choose System Repair and pick Android as your device type.
safe & secure- Step 2. Begin Repair
Click Start on the new screen to kick off the repair. Since you're dealing with the Android system, select System Damage.
- Step 3. Fill in the Device Details
The platform will detect your Android device's brand. Confirm the Name, Model, Country, and Carrier. If your device is unlocked, choose OPEN in the Carrier section. Agree to the warning, click Next, and proceed with the repair.
- Step 4. Activate Download de
Follow the instructions to put your Android device into Download Mode. Once you are in Download Mode, the firmware will be downloaded automatically.
- Step 5. Confirm Installation
Remember, the repair may erase data. It’s advisable to back up your data first before starting the repair. Enter "000000" to confirm the repair process, shown by a progress bar. Once finished, click Done and see if your phone has returned to normal.
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Conclusion
When the app disappears from the home screen of your Android, it can hinder your ability to access and use the app efficiently. There are several reasons why an app might disappear from your Android home screen, and addressing the issue depends on the specific circumstances.
Whether it's due to accidental deletion or a system glitch, we have discussed various methods to recover the missing app and ensure smooth functionality in this article. In cases of system-related issues on your Android device, it's advisable to rely on trustworthy software such as Dr. Fone's system repair tool for a comprehensive resolution.
Android Issues
Daisy Raines
staff Editor
Generally rated4.5(105participated)