App Icons Missing from App Drawer After Latest Update – Galaxy S25 Ultra

[Rhener]

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently purchased the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and I’m absolutely loving the phone! However, I’ve noticed a strange issue since I installed the latest software update.

Whenever I download a new app from the Google Play Store, the shortcut icon for that app does not appear in the app drawer. To open the app, I have to go back to the Play Store, search for the app, and tap the "Open" button there. It doesn't seem to create an icon automatically like it used to.

For reference:

I have my app drawer organised alphabetically, but even when I change the sorting option, the new apps still don't show up.
I’ve also tried restarting the phone multiple times, but the problem persists.
Has anyone else experienced this issue or found a fix? Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[GoanGeek]

Hi and Welcome

Do you have goodlock app on your phone?

If so uninstall it and see if it solves your issue.


Sometimes if you have done smartswitch.
Transferring apps and settings on a new device can mess up.

Consider doing a phone 'Wipe Cache ' . Lots of YouTube videos on it.

Lastly I am presuming you have no hidden apps enabled.

[Rhener]

Hi GoanGeek,

Thanks for your suggestions!

I’ve done some thorough testing and I believe I’ve identified the issue.
When my app drawer is set to display apps in alphabetical order, any new app I install does not create a shortcut in the app drawer. However, I can still see the app listed under Settings > Apps, so I know it’s installed.

Interestingly, when I switch the app drawer to Custom order, uninstall and reinstall the same apps, the shortcuts appear normally in the drawer without any issues.

To be certain, I also removed all folders from my app drawer beforehand to ensure the icons weren't being placed inside any folders by accident.

It seems like there might be a bug related to the alphabetical sorting mode preventing new app icons from being added.

Thanks again for your time and help!

[GoanGeek]

Hi.

You could try Resetting your Settings only under Reset and see if it helps.

[Rhener]

I found my missed apps...  It was on Game Hub 😑