4 Ways to Fix Missing App Icons Issue on Android

Quick Tips

• Go to Settings > Apps > relevant app and tap on Enable.
• Open Settings > Apps > Manage apps > Launcher app > Clear data > Clear cache > OK to confirm.
• Long-press the app > Uninstall > OK to confirm > reinstall the app > look for the app icon.

Basic Fixes:

• Ensure the app is installed on your phone: If the app you’re looking for has been uninstalled from your device, you cannot find its app icon. So, ensure the app is installed on your Android phone before proceeding.
• Check app drawers: App drawers help sort your apps for easy access. So, if you’re unable to find the relevant app icon at a glance, ensure to check the relevant app drawers first.
• Search for hidden apps: If you’ve accidentally hidden the relevant app, you might not be able to find the app icon. In this case, unhide the app on your phone and check again.
• Check for app updates: Certain app bugs can cause the app icon to vanish on your Android phone. When this happens, check and ensure the app is updated.

Fix 1: Enable the App

If the app you’re currently looking for is disabled, you might need to enable it again in order to find the app icon. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Apps. Go to the relevant app and tap on Enable.

Fix 2: Clear Launcher App’s Cache Data

Launchers on your Android phone help ensure your apps appear as expected on the home screen and app drawers. This means if there’s an issue with the Launcher app’s data, it might cause the app icon to disappear. In this case, use the steps below to clear the Launcher app’s cache data on your phone.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Apps. Go to Manage apps and tap on your phone’s Launcher app.

Step 2: Tap on Clear data and select Clear cache. Tap on OK to confirm.

Fix 3: Try Changing the Default App

If you’re currently using third-party apps for certain system functions, try switching to the default app. Then, check and see if the app icon for the newly set app is available on your Android phone. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings → Apps → Choose default apps. Tap the relevant app and change the default app.

Fix 4: Reinstall the App

Sometimes, the issue lies with certain app settings. If you cannot identify them, do the next best thing and uninstall the app. Then, reinstall a fresh app copy and check if this fixes the issue. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Long-press the relevant app and tap on Uninstall. Tap on OK to confirm.

Once done, go to the Google Play Store and reinstall the app. Then, check and ensure you’re able to locate the app icon on your Android phone.