How to add an application icon to the Samsung home screen: all methods

Adding an application shortcut to the home screen Samsung seems like a simple task - until you encounter unexpected limitations. Users often have questions: why some applications are not displayed in the “Add” menu, how to get the icon back after an update One UI, or what to do if the shortcut disappeared after resetting the settings. This article covers all current methods, including hidden shell functions One UI and workarounds for problem cases.

We will look at standard methods for modern smartphones (Galaxy S23, A54, Z Flip5 etc.), features of working with folding devices, as well as solutions for older models on Android 8-10. We will pay special attention to applications that “stubbornly” do not want to be added through the regular menu - alternative methods will help here through Settings or even ADB commands.

If you previously tried to add a shortcut and received the message “You cannot add this element to the main screen", do not rush to reset the settings - most likely, the problem can be solved in two clicks. And for automation lovers, we will show you how to create shortcuts for hidden system functions (for example, developer mode) without root access.

1. Standard method: dragging from the application menu

This is a basic method that works on 90% of devices Samsung with a shell One UI 2.0–6.0. Suitable for all models released after 2019 (Galaxy S10, Note 20, A-series and newer).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open application menu (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen or click on dot/circle icon in the dock).
• 🔍 Find the desired application in the list (use the search bar at the top if it is not visible).
• 🖱️ Press and hold the application icon with your finger for 1-2 seconds until the contextual one appears menu.
• 🏠 In the menu, select “Add to home screen" (or drag the icon directly to an empty space on the screen).

If the application is not in the menu, check:

• 🔄 Is it hidden in settings (Settings → Applications → Default selection → Hidden applications).
• 📥 Is it deleted (try reinstalling from Galaxy Store or Google Play).
• 🔒 Is it not system (for example, Knox or Secure Folder - they require other methods).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices with One UI 5.1+ holding the icon for a long time may open the "Information about the application" menu instead of dragging. In this case, try short press (tap) with immediate dragging. up.

2. Alternative method: through the context menu of the main screen

This method is useful if the application is on the system, but its icon is not displayed in the application menu (for example, after an update Android or reset settings). Works on all devices with One UI 3.0+.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Tap empty space on the main screen and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds.
2. A toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen - select "Widgets" (or "Shortcuts" on some models).
3. Scroll down the list to the section "Applications" (can be called "Application shortcuts»).
4. Find the desired application in the list and drag it to the screen.

If the application is not in this list:

The application is installed (check in Settings → Applications)

The application is not disabled (Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Show system ones)

On the main screen there is free space (on some launchers the limit is 5×6 icons)

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On Galaxy Z Fold/Flip this method may not work for an external screen - use internal display or method No. 4.

3. For system and hidden applications: through settings

Some applications Samsung (for example, Samsung Members, Smart Switch, Secure Folder) are not displayed in the standard menu, but they can be added through menu. settingsThis method is also suitable for disabled applications.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select "Show system applications».
3. Find the desired application in the list and open its page.
4. If the "Add to home screen" button is active, click it. data-i="122">", then hold the icon inOpen", then hold the icon recent applications panel (swipe up from the bottom edge → hold the icon).

For applications like Secure Folder or Knox you may need:

• 🔓 Unlock Secure Folder (if configured).
• 🔄 Reboot the device after turning on the hidden applications.
• 📋 Check for updates for Samsung Knox in Galaxy Store.

What to do if the "Add to Home Screen" button is inactive?

This means that the application either does not support creating shortcuts (for example, some service components Android); data-i="143">of this application (if available). blocked by security policies (relevant for corporate devices with Knox). In this case, try:

1. Create widget this application (if available).
2. Use application drawer (folder with frequently used apps).
3. Install third-party launcher (for example Nova Launcher), which ignores restrictions One UI.

4. For folding phones (Galaxy Z Fold/Flip): features

On series devices Galaxy Z (folding and folding) adding shortcuts has nuances due to two screens (external and internal). For example, on Z Flip5 some applications are only available on the internal display by default.

How to add a shortcut on external screen:

• 📱 Expand the phone and add a shortcut to internal screen any of the described methods.
• 🔄 Reboot the device (sometimes the shortcut automatically appears on external screen after restart).
• 🖼️ If the shortcut does not appear, hold it on the internal screen → "Change» → «Show on external screen».

For Galaxy Z Fold4/Fold5 also works method via Edge panel:

1. Open Edge panel (swipe from the right edge of the screen).
2. Click "+» → «Applications».
3. Select the desired application and add it to the panel.
4. Hold the icon in the panel Edge and drag it to the main screen.

⚠️ Attention: On Z Flip3/Flip4 external screen supports a limited number of shortcuts (usually 4-6). If there is no space, delete unnecessary ones or use folders.

5. If the application is not added: workarounds

Sometimes even after all the manipulations the system displays the error "This element cannot be added" This is typical for:

• 🔧 System utilities (for example, Hardware test or Developer mode).
• 🔒 Applications with limitations (corporate apps, protected Knox).
• 📱 Outdated versions of Android (below 9.0, where there is no support for modern APIs).

Solutions:

Problem	Solution	Applies to
The application is not in the menu	Check hidden applications in Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Hidden	All models
The "Add" button is inactive	Use Nova Launcher or create a widget	One UI 4.0+
Error "Cannot be added"	Create a shortcut via ADB (see below)	For advanced users
The shortcut disappears after reboot	Disable battery optimization for the launcher (Settings → Device care → Battery → Optimization)	Android 10+

For advanced users: if the application does not have a graphical interface to create a shortcut, you can use ADBFor example, to add a shortcut for Developer Mode:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT \
-n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings

After executing the command, the option to place it on the main screen will appear. shortcut.

6. missing shortcuts

If the application icon suddenly disappeared from the main screen (for example, after updating One UI or resetting the launcher), try:

• 🔄 Reboot your device — sometimes the launcher One UI resets the cache after updates.
• 🧹 Clear the launcher cache:
  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Find "One UI Home" (or "Launcher»).
  3. Click "Memory» → «Clear cache».
• 📂 Check folders —the shortcut may have been automatically moved to the folder "Samsung" or "Tools».
• 🔙 Restore from backup:
  1. Open Settings → Accounts and backup → Restore data.
  2. Select a backup Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.
  3. Check "Home screen" and confirm the restoration.

If the shortcut was deleted manually, but the application remained in system, just repeat standard method of adding (section 1). For applications installed on SD card, you may need to move them to the internal memory.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to add a shortcut for Developer Mode or Hardware test?

Yes, but not through the standard menu. Use:

• ADB command (see section 5).
• Shortcut application Maker from Google Play.
• Settings widget (on some models allows you to quickly open hidden sections).

On One UI 6.0+ some system utilities can be added through Settings → Additional functions → Laboratory.

Why did all the shortcuts disappear after the update? One UI Are all the shortcuts gone?

This is a known problem when switching to a new version of the shell. You can restore the shortcuts like this:

1. Reboot the device.
2. Clear cache One UI Home (see section 6).
3. If that doesn’t help, restore the main screen from a backup (Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch).

On Galaxy S22/S23 after the update to One UI 6.0 shortcuts are sometimes “dumped” into the “Samsung” folder - check it.

How to add a shortcut to the lock screen Samsung?

On devices with One UI 4.0+ you can add quick access shortcuts to the lock screen:

1. Open Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select "Application shortcuts" (or "Quick launch»).
3. Click on the "+" icon and select the desired applications (up to 5 pieces).

Limitations:

• Not all applications are supported (for example, you cannot add Settings or Galaxy Store).
• On Galaxy Z Flip shortcuts are displayed only on external screen.

Is it possible to create a shortcut for website on the home screen?

Yes, in two ways:

1. Through a browser Samsung Internet:
   1. Open the site in browser.
   2. Click "⋮ → Add to home screen».
2. Via Google Chrome:
   1. Open the site in Chrome.
   2. Click "⋮ → Add to home screen».

On One UI 5.0+ such shortcuts open in easy mode (without fully loading the browser), which saves memory.

Why are some applications (for example Netflix or Banking) not added?

This is due to security policies applications. Some banking or streaming services block the creation of shortcuts to protect against phishing. Solutions:

• Use application widget (if available).
• Add application to Edge panel (swipe edges of the screen).
• Launch the application via search (swipe down on the main screen → enter the name).

On Galaxy S23 Ultra and Z Fold5 some banking applications require disabling battery optimization shortcuts for correct operation.