
Restore Missing App Icon on Android: Step-by-Step Solutions
Jul 29, 2025 • Filed to: Phone Repair Solutions • Proven solutions
The issue of missing app icons on Android is becoming more common, and we understand how frustrating it can be. You rely on those icons to quickly open your favorite apps. When they vanish, it can feel like your phone is broken or something important is missing. But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and fixing it is easier than you think.
If you’ve noticed missing app icons on your Android device, this guide is here to help. We'll walk you through simple steps to bring those icons back to your home screen. Whether they were accidentally removed or hidden by a setting, you’ll soon have everything back in place. Let’s get your Android phone working just the way you like it.
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 by swiping up from the bottom of your home screen. This displays all installed apps.
Step 2: Find the app that's missing from your home screen—for example, if you lost the phone icon on Android, look for the Phone app.
Step 3: Tap and hold the app icon, then drag it to your desired spot on the home screen.
Step 4: Release your finger to place the icon where you want it.
3. Re-enable the disabled app
App icons are 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 suspend apps temporarily. 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 whose 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 settings:
- 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 Errors 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. Launch Dr.Fone and Connect Your Device
Open Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer, go to the Toolbox, and connect your Android phone. Choose System Repair, then select Android as your device type.
- Step 2. Start the Repair Process
Click Start and select System Damage as the issue type. Confirm your device's brand, model, country, and carrier (select "OPEN" if unlocked). Agree to the warning and click Next.
- Step 3. Enter Download Mode
Follow the on-screen instructions to put your device into Download Mode. The necessary firmware will start downloading automatically.
- Step 4. Confirm and Complete Repair
Back up your data, as the process may erase it. Enter "000000" to confirm. Wait for the repair to complete, then click Done to finish and check if the icons are restored.
More Articles About Android System:
9 Solutions for Android Process System isn't Responding Error
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.
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Daisy Raines
staff Editor
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