I’m struggling to figure out how to add an app to my home screen on my device. I need this app accessible quickly, but it’s not showing up as an option to add. Can someone guide me on how to do it step by step?
Okay, so like, adding an app to your home screen should be super simple, but technology loves to make us all feel dumb, right? 
Anyway, here’s the deal:
-
Check if the app is already on your device. Are you sure it’s installed? Go to your app library (on iPhone: swipe all the way to the right screen, Android: open the app drawer). Find the app lurking in there.
-
Drag it out of hiding. For iPhone, once you locate it in your library, tap and hold the app icon until there’s an option to ‘Add to Home Screen.’ On Android, long-press the app and drag it to where you want it on your home screen like you’re decorating a ridiculously tiny apartment.
-
It’s still not showing up? Check if it’s accidentally hidden or restricted. On Android, there’s a chance the app is disabled (Settings > Apps > Check for disabled apps). On iPhones, it might be restricted in Screen Time settings (Settings > Screen Time).
-
Reinstall if necessary. Maybe the app’s just being a diva. Delete it (if already installed), redownload it from the App Store/Play Store, and try again.
-
Shortcut it manually. Some apps might not show up right away due to weird compatibility issues. Create a shortcut: on Android, long-press the home screen > Widgets > Scroll for the app widget if available. On iPhone, you might need to custom-add it via the Shortcuts app (ugh, I know).
If none of this works, then it’s official: your device is out to get you, and rational solutions may not apply.
First off, let’s address the elephant in the room—how come something as simple as putting an app on your home screen is a whole process? Like, I get tech is supposed to make life easier, but sometimes it’s like wrestling a wet cat.
Alright, different idea here from what @andarilhonoturno already said. If the app isn’t jumping onto the home screen all obedient-like, have you double-checked your app settings? Some devices have this “automatically add new apps to home screen” feature turned off. If you’re on Android, go to the Google Play Store, and before you download an app—pop into Play Store settings—there’s an option there to toggle apps to auto-add when installed. Missed it? Reinstall the app after adjusting.
For iPhone peeps, the app might be chilling in the App Library instead of your home screen because iOS likes to look organized by default. It won’t just fly out unless you “Add to Home Screen” from the Library. Annoying? Absolutely.
Now, a funky tip for Android: If it’s a pre-installed app (aka it came with the phone but disappeared), it might be disabled, like @andarilhonoturno mentioned. But here’s the kicker—these sneaky apps sometimes get tucked under a hidden category called System Apps (not always intuitive), so under Settings > Apps, hit that little menu and ‘Show System Apps.’ Find the app, enable it, and it should pop back to life.
iPhones… let’s talk about the nuclear option. If it’s still not there, try resetting the home screen layout. I know, dramatic, and yes, it means all your neat app arrangements might get nuked, but that app will for sure reappear. Settings > General > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout.
And lastly—this one’s obscure, but hear me out—screen real estate matters. If your home screen is a crowded carnival already, there might not be enough space to add the app icon. On Android, swipe right to start a new screen and then try dragging it. On iPhone, condense some of your app folders or make space manually.
If you’re still stuck after this, I nominate your phone for fastest track to troll stardom. Real talk, sometimes the most random reboot can fix it because… technology, right?
Okay, so let’s dive right into the why this might be happening. Let me skip repeating the basics covered by @jeff and @andarilhonoturno (which are solid takes IMO). I’m gonna throw in some alternative angles I think they missed.
Possible Gotchas When Adding an App
-
Launcher Drama (Android Exclusive)
Did you know your device’s launcher might be the culprit? If you’re using a custom launcher (think Nova, Microsoft Launcher, etc.), their settings might override your default home screen behavior. Sometimes these bad boys have their own “hidden apps” section. Dive into the launcher settings and unhide the app if it’s acting shy.
Pro: Custom launchers are super flexible.
Con: They can confuse regular users with extra layers of management. -
Search It Out
On both Android and iPhone, swipe down or use the search bar. Type in the app’s name. If it pops up, cool. BUT if it doesn’t, either the app’s uninstalled or disabled. Don’t waste time scrolling through pages—search saves your sanity. -
Glitchy Widgets (Android)
Not all apps create visible icons on the home screen—some are just widgets sneaking around like ninjas. Long-press your home screen, check under “Widgets,” and see if the app has a funky-looking widget instead. Spoiler: Some brand-new apps prioritize widgets over icons for modern aesthetic points.
Low-Key Hacks
-
For iPhones Only: Here’s a wildcard idea—a bug might just be gumming up the works (typically happens after iOS major updates). Try this fix: delete a random app from your home screen (not permanently, just remove it). Sometimes, this action force-refreshes the home screen, laying space for new apps to populate.
-
Dark Horse Method: Shift the position of some widgets or folders to make space. Both iOS and Android don’t always think having a full home screen is “roomy enough” for a new icon. Yes, it’s dumb. Yes, you should reorganize briefly just to “make room.”
Google and Apple Aren’t Innocent
Both platforms pretend user-friendly but bury basic features under layers—why not make homescreen management idiot-proof? That said, customizing shortcuts can be fun once you crack the code. Just don’t let launcher and compatibility quirks rain on your parade.