App icons disappearing on the OnePlus 15 can be alarming, especially when apps are still installed but suddenly vanish from the home screen. This issue usually points to launcher behavior, system settings, or background optimization rather than a serious software failure. With a few targeted checks, you can restore your icons and keep them from disappearing again.
Why App Icons Disappear on the OnePlus 15
- The home launcher refreshes or resets after a system update.
- Apps are hidden accidentally through launcher settings.
- Battery optimization or background restrictions affect the launcher.
- The app drawer is enabled while icons are removed from the home screen.
- Temporary system glitches after prolonged use.
Restart the Phone
A restart clears temporary system issues and reloads the launcher properly. This often brings back missing icons instantly, especially after updates or long uptime.
Press and hold the Power key, and then tap Restart.
Wait for the phone to boot fully, and then check the home screen.
Check the App Drawer
Sometimes icons are not gone, they are just no longer placed on the home screen. The app drawer still holds all installed apps unless they are uninstalled.
Swipe up on the home screen, and then open the app drawer.
Find the missing app, and then long press it to place it back on the home screen.
Disable Hidden Apps
OnePlus allows apps to be hidden, which can make them seem like they disappeared. This setting is easy to enable by mistake.
Open Settings, and then tap Privacy.
Tap Hidden apps, and make sure no important apps are listed there.
Reset the Home Launcher
If the launcher data becomes corrupted, icons may randomly disappear or fail to load. Resetting the launcher refreshes layout data without removing your apps.
Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
Tap App management, select OnePlus Launcher, and then tap Storage and clear cache.
Turn Off Aggressive Battery Optimization
Battery optimization can interfere with the launcher running in the background. When restricted, the launcher may fail to reload icons correctly.
Open Settings, and then tap Battery.
Tap App battery management, select OnePlus Launcher, and then allow it to run without restrictions.
Update System and Launcher
Software bugs can cause home screen instability. Installing updates often includes fixes for launcher-related issues.
Open Settings, and then tap About device.
Tap Software update, and install any available updates for the system or launcher.
App icons disappearing on the OnePlus 15 is usually caused by launcher behavior rather than missing apps. Once the launcher is refreshed and restrictions are removed, icons should remain stable and visible.
FAQs
Can disappearing icons mean my apps were uninstalled?
No. In most cases, the apps are still installed and accessible through the app drawer or Play Store.
Will resetting the launcher delete my apps or data?
No. Clearing the launcher cache only resets layouts and icon placement, not app data.
Why does this happen after a software update?
Updates can refresh system processes and reset launcher behavior, which may temporarily remove icons until the launcher stabilizes.
