Article ID : 00273653 / Last Modified : 19/05/2024Print

An app has disappeared from the Application screen, how to find it? (Android 9 or higher)

    Solution :

    The following are possible reasons why an app no longer appears on the Application screen:

    • The app has been deleted
    • The app has been disabled
    • The app has been hidden. For example, some Xperia™ devices that run on Android™ version 4.2 or higher have the option to hide apps from the Application screen.

    Try these methods one after the other. Verify after each method whether the problem was solved, before trying the next one.

    • Verify what apps are installed on your device.
    • Download and reinstall the app from Google Play™. If you are missing a third-party app from the Application screen, you may have uninstalled it by mistake.
    • Enable the app in the Settings menu. If you are missing a pre-installed app on the Application screen, you may have disabled it by mistake. Sony applications, such as the Music, Album, Alarm and Messaging applications have a Disable/Enable option. Some Google™ apps, such as Chrome may also have the Disable/Enable option. All other third-party apps can be uninstalled.
    • Reset the app preferences. Devices that run on Android™ version 4.1 or higher include an option to reset the app preferences. This action resets all disabled apps, disabled app notifications, default applications for certain actions, and background data restrictions for apps.
    • Rearrange the apps on the Application screen. Select the Custom/Own order or By name/Alphabetical in the Application screen menu.

    Verifying what apps are installed

    Android 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

    To check what apps are installed

    1. Find and tap Play Store.
    2. At the top right, tap your profile picture/ initial.
    3. Tap My apps & games/ Manage apps and devices.
    4. Tap Manage.
    5. Tap the INSTALLED tab.

    It depends on the Google Play Store application version but you can update in any of the steps below.

    1.  Find and tap Play Store.
    2. Drag the left edge of the screen to the right, then tap My Apps & games.
    3. Tap the INSTALLED tab.
    1. Find and tap Play Store.
    2. Tap the profile icon in the upper right corner.
    3. Tap Manage apps and device.
    4. Tap the Manage tab, and tap Installed.

    To enable a disabled app

    Android 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

    1. Find and tap Settings > Apps & notifications > App info.
    2. Tap All apps > Disabled apps.
    3. Select the app that you want to enable, then tap Enable.

    To reset the app preferences

    Android 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

    1. Find and tap Settings > Apps & notifications > See all (no of) apps / App info.
    2. Tap Menu icon icon >  Reset app preferences 
    3. Tap RESET APPS from the pop-up window that appears on the screen.