An app has disappeared from the Application screen, how to find it? (2024)

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. If the Most used or Installed (not available in Android™ 6.0) option is selected, then only a limited number of apps get shown.

Verifying what apps are installed

To check what apps are installed

1. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
2. Find and tap Play Store.
3. Drag the left edge of the screen to the right.
4. Tap My apps & games.
5. Tap the INSTALLED tab.

Tip: If your device is running Android™ 5.1 or lower, you can check what apps you have downloaded by going to Settings > Apps > Downloaded.

Enabling a disabled app

Android™ 8.0

To enable a disabled app

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

Android™ 6.0, 7.0, 7.1 or 7.1.1

To enable a disabled app

1. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
2. Find and tapSettings>Apps.
3. Tap All apps > Disabled.
4. Select the app that you want to enable, then tapEnable.

Android™ 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.0 or 5.1

To enable a disabled app

1. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
2. Find and tapSettings>Apps.
3. Swipe to the Disabled tab.
4. Select the app that you want to enable, then tapEnable.

Android™ 4.0 or 4.1

To enable a disabled app

1. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
2. Find and tap Settings > Apps.
3. Swipe to the All tab.
4. Scroll down to bottom of the list. Disabled apps are often at the bottom of the list
5. Select the app that you want to enable, then tapEnable.

Resetting app preferences

Android™ 8.0

To reset the app preferences

1. Find and tap Settings>Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special app access > Modify system settings.
2. Tap the menu button (three vertical dots), then tap Reset app preferences.
3. Tap RESET APPS. No app data is lost when you reset the app preferences.

Android™ 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.0, 5.1, 6.0, 7.0, 7.1 or 7.1.1

To reset the app preferences

1. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
2. Find and tap Settings > Apps.
3. Tap the menu button (three vertical dots) or press the Menu key, then tap Reset app preferences.
4. Tap RESET APPS. No app data is lost when you reset the app preferences.

Showing all apps on the Application screen

Android™ 8.0

To show all apps on the Application screen

1. From your Home screen, tap the Apps icon .
2. Tap the menu button (three vertical dots) > Sort apps. Make sure that you're not on the RECENT SEARCHES screen.
3. TapOwn order or By name.

Android™ 6.0, 7.0, 7.1 or 7.1.1

To show all apps on the Application screen

1. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
2. Tap the menu button (three vertical dots) > Sort apps. Make sure that you're not on the LOCAL or SUGGESTED screen.
3. TapOwn order or By name.

Android™ 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.0 or 5.1

To show all apps on the Application screen

1. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
2. Drag the left edge of the screen to the right, then tap Custom/Own order or Alphabetical.