How To Fix Apps Shortcut Icon Missing in Google Chrome Browser [2026 Guide]

If you've noticed that your usual apps shortcut icon has disappeared from Chrome, don't worry. I've got you covered with a few easy steps that will help you restore it in no time. You'll be back to using your favorite apps right from Chrome in just a few minutes.

Fix Apps Shortcut Icon Missing in Google Chrome Browser [2026 Guide]

If your address bar also goes missing at times, you can restore the Chrome search bar with a quick settings tweak.

Quick steps

Open your Google Chrome browser if you haven't already done so.

Direct your attention to the bottom right corner of the screen and click the pencil-shaped Customize Chrome button.

After you click Customize Chrome, a menu will appear with different customization choices.

Click Shortcuts to open the section where you can configure which shortcuts you want displayed on your New Tab page.

Choose how shortcuts appear

You will be presented with two choices: My shortcuts or Most visited sites.

If you select My shortcuts, you can manually select and manage the apps or web pages you want to display as shortcuts.

If you select Most visited sites, Chrome will automatically curate the shortcuts for you based on your browsing history.

Your changes take effect immediately. You should see your chosen shortcuts on the New Tab page, including the Apps shortcut icon that was missing.

If you also want to personalize the app icon you see on your desktop or taskbar, you can change the Chrome icon in a few steps.

Adjust anytime

You can return to these settings anytime and change how your shortcuts are organized. Switch between My shortcuts and Most visited sites whenever your preferences change.

If Chrome becomes unresponsive while customizing, you can fix freezing and lagging in fullscreen to keep everything running smoothly.

Final thoughts

Clicking Customize Chrome and setting Shortcuts to either My shortcuts or Most visited sites restores the missing Apps shortcut icon right away. The change is instant, and you can adjust it whenever you like. Enjoy a clean New Tab page with the shortcuts that work best for you.