How to Add Icons to the Home Screen Automatically on Google Play Store

Last Updated: January 31, 2023

When downloading apps from the Google Play Store, the app icon is, by default, added to the app drawer. If you want your downloaded apps to appear immediately on your home screen, it can be done. You just have to tweak some settings in Google Play.

Steps

1
Launch the Google Play Store. Tap on the Play Store icon on your home screen.
2
Tap the Menu icon. At the top-left corner of the Play Store interface, the Menu icon is displayed. Tap it to reveal the slide Menu.

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3
Go to Settings. In the menu, select “Settings” to open Google Play’s Settings menu.
4
Add icon to home screen. Under the General section of the Settings menu, you will see a check box labeled “Add icon to home screen.” Tap on it to tick the box.
- This will enable downloaded apps to be immediately shown on your home screen.

Community Q&A

Question

I did it, but the icon is not appearing on my screen. What do I do?

Community Answer

Google Play usually adds it automatically (sometimes it might take a couple of minutes), but if it didn't then you should try checking your apps screen or uninstalling the app and reinstalling it.
Question

What do I do if I took Google Play Store off of my home screen?

Phillip Graham

Community Answer

Go to your apps listing, press and hold on Google Play Store, then the home screen should pop up. The app will still be under your finger. You can drag it over the spot where you'd like it, then release.
Question

How do I recover the contact icon onto the home page?

Rudy Toth

Community Answer

Most Androids have widgets/icons to get back what might be lost or accidentally deleted. Some Androids have extra icon settings from the bottom to be swiped upwards to show a list of widgets/icons; look for your contact icon and place your finger on that to drag it to your home screen.