Featured on Android smartphones and tablets, the app drawer is a menu containing all of the applications installed on the device. The app drawer is different from the home screen because it contains every installed app and cannot be customized.

With most versions of Android, the app drawer is opened by selecting the app drawer icon or by swiping up from the bottom of the home screen. Examples of the app drawer icon are shown below.

Missing app drawer icon

If you can’t find the app drawer icon, or have accidentally deleted it, you can restore the icon to your smartphone’s home screen.

  • Press and hold your finger on an empty space of the home screen until a menu appears, and then tap the Settings icon or option.
  • In the Settings menu or screen, tap the Apps button or similar option.
  • On the next screen, tap the Show Apps button option, and then tap Apply to save the change.

Android, App, Home screen, Phone terms

The steps below are intended as general instructions for restoring the app drawer icon. Depending on the version of the Android operating system on your phone, the specific steps may vary.

  • What version of Android am I using?
  • Android phone and tablet help and support.