The Google Home Screen is the main interface of your Android device, where you can access all your apps, widgets, and other features. It is the first screen you see when you unlock your device or press the home button. The home screen allows you to customize and personalize your Android experience by adding shortcuts, widgets, and arranging your apps according to your preferences.
Google Home Screen provides a convenient way to access frequently used apps and functions with just a few taps. It offers a clean and user-friendly layout, allowing you to easily navigate through your device’s various features and applications.
On the Google Home Screen, you can customize the wallpaper, add and remove app icons, organize them into folders, and even add widgets that display useful information at a glance. You can also customize the arrangement and layout of your home screen by adjusting the grid size and app icon sizes.
One of the advantages of the Google Home Screen is that it allows you to add shortcuts to your favorite apps, making it quicker and easier to access them. These shortcuts can be added from various Google apps such as Chrome, Google Search, Google Drive, Google Maps, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Photos, and many more.
By customizing your Google Home Screen and adding shortcuts, you can personalize your Android device to suit your preferences and make it more efficient and convenient to use.
Adding Shortcuts to Google Home Screen
Adding shortcuts to the Google Home Screen is a great way to quickly access your favorite apps and functions without having to search for them in the app drawer. Whether you want to add a shortcut to a website, a specific Google app, or a frequently used feature, there are several methods you can use to do so.
Here are different methods to add shortcuts to the Google Home Screen:
Method 1: Adding Shortcut from Chrome Browser: Open the Chrome browser on your device and navigate to the website or web page you want to create a shortcut for. Tap the three-dot menu icon and select “Add to Home Screen” from the options. A shortcut icon will be added to your home screen for quick access.
Method 2: Adding Shortcut from Google Search App: Open the Google Search app on your device and search for the app or feature you want to add a shortcut for. Tap the three-dot menu icon and select “Add to Home Screen” from the options. A shortcut icon will be created on your home screen for easy access.
Method 3: Adding Shortcut from Google Drive: Open the Google Drive app and navigate to the file or folder you want to create a shortcut for. Tap and hold the file or folder, then select “Add to Home Screen” from the options. A shortcut will be added to your home screen for quick access to the selected file or folder.
Method 4: Adding Shortcut from Google Maps: Open the Google Maps app and search for the location or place you want to create a shortcut for. Tap and hold the location on the map, then select “Add shortcut to Home screen” from the options. A shortcut icon will be added to your home screen for easy access to the selected location.
Method 5: Adding Shortcut from Google Calendar: Open the Google Calendar app and tap on the event or appointment you want to create a shortcut for. Tap the three-dot menu icon and select “Add to Home screen” from the options. A shortcut will be created on your home screen to directly access the selected event or appointment.
These are just a few methods to add shortcuts to the Google Home Screen. You can use similar steps for other Google apps like Gmail, Google Photos, Google News, Google Play Books, Google Play Music, Google Play Movies & TV, YouTube Music, YouTube, Google Contacts, Google Keep, and more. Customize your home screen with shortcuts to your most-used apps and features to make navigating your Android device more convenient and efficient.
Method 1: Adding Shortcut from Chrome Browser
If you frequently visit a website and want quick and easy access to it from your Google Home Screen, you can create a shortcut directly from the Chrome browser. Here’s how:
Open the Chrome browser on your Android device.
Navigate to the website or web page you want to add a shortcut for.
Tap the three-dot menu icon located in the top-right corner of the browser.
In the dropdown menu that appears, select “Add to Home Screen.” This option may also be labeled as “Add to Home” or “Add shortcut.”
A dialog box will pop up, allowing you to customize the name of the shortcut. You can leave it as the default or edit it to your liking.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to confirm and add the shortcut to your Google Home Screen.
Once you’ve added the shortcut, you can move it to your preferred location on the home screen by tapping and dragging it. You can also resize the shortcut if desired by tapping and holding the shortcut and selecting the “Resize” option.
By adding a shortcut from the Chrome browser, you eliminate the need to open the browser and type in the website URL every time you want to visit it. Instead, you can simply tap the shortcut on your Google Home Screen and instantly access the desired website.
This method is especially useful for frequently visited websites such as news sites, social media platforms, or your favorite online stores. It saves you time and provides quick access to your preferred web content.
Remember to regularly update or remove shortcuts from your home screen as needed to keep it organized and clutter-free. Enjoy the convenience of having your favorite websites just a tap away on your Google Home Screen!
Method 2: Adding Shortcut from Google Search App
If you frequently search for specific topics or use the Google Search app for quick information, you can create a shortcut to directly access it from your Google Home Screen. Follow these simple steps to add a shortcut from the Google Search app:
Open the Google Search app on your Android device.
Perform a search for the topic, app, or feature you want to create a shortcut for.
Once the search results appear, tap the three-dot menu icon, usually located at the top-right or bottom-right corner of the app.
In the menu that appears, select “Add to Home Screen” or “Add shortcut.”
You will be prompted to customize the name of the shortcut. You can either keep the default name or change it to something more descriptive.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to confirm and add the shortcut to your Google Home Screen.
Once added, the shortcut will appear on your home screen, allowing you to quickly access the search results for your chosen topic or directly launch the app or feature associated with the search.
This method is particularly useful for frequently searched topics, such as news updates, recipes, or specific information that you need instant access to. By adding a shortcut from the Google Search app, you can save time and streamline your search process.
Remember to organize your home screen by moving and arranging shortcuts as desired. This way, you can have quick and convenient access to your most important and frequently used information right from your Google Home Screen.
Feel free to remove or update shortcuts as needed to keep your home screen clutter-free and tailored to your specific needs. Enjoy the ease and efficiency of adding shortcuts from the Google Search app!
Method 3: Adding Shortcut from Google Drive
If you frequently access files or folders on Google Drive and want quick access to them from your Google Home Screen, you can create a shortcut directly from the Google Drive app. Follow these steps to add a shortcut from Google Drive:
Open the Google Drive app on your Android device.
Navigate to the file or folder you want to create a shortcut for.
Tap and hold the file or folder until a selection checkmark appears.
In the options that appear at the top of the screen, tap the icon that looks like three vertical dots or three horizontal lines.
From the drop-down menu, select “Add to Home Screen” or “Add shortcut.”
Review and customize the name of the shortcut if desired. You can either keep the default name or provide a more descriptive label.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to confirm and add the shortcut to your Google Home Screen.
Once the shortcut is added, you can move it to your preferred location by tapping and dragging it on the home screen. This way, you can have quick access to your files or folders in Google Drive without having to open the app and navigate through the folder structure.
This method is especially useful when you regularly work with specific files or folders stored on Google Drive. By adding a shortcut to a frequently accessed file or folder, you can save time and streamline your workflow.
Remember to review and update your shortcuts as needed to ensure they reflect your current usage. This will help you keep your Google Home Screen organized and clutter-free.
With shortcuts from Google Drive, you can access your important files and folders with just a tap, making your Android device even more efficient and convenient for your daily tasks.
Method 4: Adding Shortcut from Google Maps
If you frequently use Google Maps to navigate or find specific locations, you can create a shortcut on your Google Home Screen for quick access. By following these steps, you can easily add a shortcut from the Google Maps app:
Open the Google Maps app on your Android device.
Search for the location or place you want to create a shortcut for.
Tap and hold on the desired location on the map until a marker appears.
In the information box that appears at the bottom, tap on the name or address of the location.
A menu will appear with various options. Tap on “Add shortcut to Home screen.”
The shortcut will be created on your Google Home Screen, allowing you to quickly access the selected location.
Once the shortcut is added, you can easily move it to your preferred location by tapping and dragging it on the home screen. This way, you can have quick access to the location without having to open the Google Maps app and searching for it each time.
This method is incredibly useful when you frequently visit or need to share specific places such as your home, office, or favorite restaurants. By having a shortcut on your home screen, you can save time and effort in accessing location-related information quickly and efficiently.
It is worth noting that you can also add shortcuts to directions from your current location to a specific destination. Simply perform a search for the desired location, tap on the “Directions” option, adjust the route as needed, and then follow the same steps to create a shortcut.
Remember to update or remove the shortcuts from your home screen as needed to keep it organized and clutter-free. Enjoy the convenience of having quick access to your favorite locations and directions through the Google Maps shortcuts on your Google Home Screen.
Method 5: Adding Shortcut from Google Calendar
If you frequently use Google Calendar to manage your schedules and appointments, you can create a shortcut on your Google Home Screen for quick access. Follow these steps to add a shortcut from the Google Calendar app:
Open the Google Calendar app on your Android device.
Tap on the event or appointment you want to create a shortcut for.
In the event details screen, tap the three-dot menu icon usually located in the top-right corner of the app.
From the options that appear, select “Add to Home screen” or “Add shortcut.”
A dialog box will appear, allowing you to customize the name and icon for the shortcut if desired.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to create the shortcut on your Google Home Screen.
Once added, the shortcut will appear on your home screen, allowing you to quickly access the event details, set reminders, or make changes to your schedule with just a tap.
This method is particularly useful when you have important events, meetings, or appointments that you need to keep track of regularly. By having a shortcut to these specific events on your home screen, you can save time and quickly access the necessary information without navigating through the Google Calendar app.
Remember to review and update your shortcuts as needed to keep them relevant and reflective of your current schedule. This will help you stay organized and efficiently manage your time using Google Calendar.
With shortcuts from Google Calendar, you can have quick and convenient access to your important events and appointments right from your Google Home Screen, making your daily scheduling tasks more efficient and streamlined.
Method 6: Adding Shortcut from Gmail
If you use the Gmail app frequently to manage your emails, you can create a shortcut on your Google Home Screen for quick access. By following these steps, you can easily add a Gmail shortcut:
Open the Gmail app on your Android device.
Tap and hold the email account or label you want to create a shortcut for.
In the menu that appears, select “Add to Home screen” or “Add shortcut.”
A dialog box will pop up, allowing you to customize the name and icon for the shortcut if desired.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to create the shortcut on your Google Home Screen.
Once added, the Gmail shortcut will appear on your home screen, giving you immediate access to your emails with just a tap. You can have individual shortcuts for different email accounts or labels to streamline your email management process.
This method is especially useful when you have specific email accounts or labels that require your immediate attention. By adding shortcuts to these accounts or labels on your home screen, you can save time and efficiently stay on top of your inbox.
Remember to update or remove the shortcuts as needed to keep your home screen organized and clutter-free. This way, you can easily access your emails without spending time searching through the Gmail app.
With the Gmail shortcuts on your Google Home Screen, you can stay efficient and effectively manage your emails on the go, improving your productivity and keeping your inbox organized.
Method 7: Adding Shortcut from Google Photos
If you frequently use Google Photos to store and manage your photos and videos, you can add a shortcut to the app on your Google Home Screen for quick access. Follow these steps to add a shortcut from the Google Photos app:
Open the Google Photos app on your Android device.
Navigate to the album or folder that you want to create a shortcut for.
Tap and hold the album or folder until a selection checkmark appears.
In the options that appear at the top of the screen, tap the icon that looks like three vertical dots or three horizontal lines.
From the drop-down menu, select “Add to Home Screen” or “Add shortcut.”
You may be prompted to customize the name of the shortcut. You can keep the default name or provide a more descriptive label.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to confirm and add the shortcut to your Google Home Screen.
Once added, the shortcut will appear on your home screen, allowing you to quickly access your selected album or folder in Google Photos. It provides convenient and direct access to your cherished photos and videos with just a tap.
This method is particularly useful when you have specific albums or folders that you frequently browse or share with others. By having a shortcut on your home screen, you can save time and seamlessly access your favorite memories.
Remember to update or remove the shortcuts as needed to keep your home screen organized and clutter-free. Regularly reviewing your shortcuts will ensure that they reflect your current photo organization and preferences.
With shortcuts from Google Photos, you can relive your cherished moments and quickly access your favorite albums or folders right from your Google Home Screen, enhancing your overall photo browsing experience.
Method 8: Adding Shortcut from Google News
If you stay updated with the latest news and enjoy reading articles from different sources, you can add a shortcut to the Google News app on your Google Home Screen for quick access. Follow these steps to add a shortcut from the Google News app:
Open the Google News app on your Android device.
Browse or search for the topic or news section that you want to create a shortcut for.
Tap the three-dot menu icon located at the top-right corner of the app.
In the menu options that appear, select “Add to Home screen” or “Add shortcut.”
A dialog box will pop up, allowing you to customize the name of the shortcut if desired.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to create the shortcut on your Google Home Screen.
Once added, the Google News shortcut will appear on your home screen, giving you quick access to the selected news section or topic. You can stay updated with the latest developments and read articles from your preferred sources with just a tap.
This method is particularly useful when you follow specific news sections, topics, or publications that you want to access quickly. By having a shortcut on your home screen, you can save time and instantly access the latest news that interests you.
Remember to update or remove the shortcuts as needed to keep your home screen organized and neat. Regularly reviewing your shortcuts will ensure that they reflect your current news interests and preferences.
With shortcuts from Google News, you can stay informed and easily access the latest news articles or topics on your Google Home Screen, making it convenient to dive into the stories that matter to you most.
Method 9: Adding Shortcut from Google Play Books
If you enjoy reading books on your Android device using the Google Play Books app, you can add a shortcut on your Google Home Screen for quick access to your favorite titles. Follow these steps to add a shortcut from the Google Play Books app:
Open the Google Play Books app on your Android device.
Navigate to the book or bookshelf that you want to create a shortcut for.
Tap and hold the book or bookshelf until a selection checkmark appears.
In the options that appear at the top of the screen, tap the icon that looks like three vertical dots or three horizontal lines.
From the drop-down menu, select “Add to Home Screen” or “Add shortcut.”
You may be prompted to customize the name of the shortcut. You can keep the default name or provide a more descriptive label.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to confirm and add the shortcut to your Google Home Screen.
Once added, the shortcut will appear on your home screen, allowing you to quickly access the selected book or bookshelf in the Google Play Books app. You can dive into your favorite literature or continue reading where you left off with just a tap.
This method is particularly useful for avid readers who have specific books or bookshelves they frequently access. By having a shortcut on your home screen, you can save time and easily immerse yourself in the literary worlds of your choosing.
Remember to update or remove the shortcuts as needed to keep your home screen organized and clutter-free. Regularly reviewing your shortcuts will ensure they align with your current reading interests and preferences.
With shortcuts from Google Play Books, you can have quick and convenient access to your favorite reads right from your Google Home Screen, enhancing your reading experience on your Android device.
Method 10: Adding Shortcut from Google Play Music
If you enjoy listening to music on your Android device using the Google Play Music app, you can add a shortcut on your Google Home Screen for quick access to your favorite albums or playlists. Follow these steps to add a shortcut from the Google Play Music app:
Open the Google Play Music app on your Android device.
Navigate to the album, playlist, or artist that you want to create a shortcut for.
Tap and hold the album, playlist, or artist until a selection checkmark appears.
In the options that appear at the top of the screen, tap the icon that looks like three vertical dots or three horizontal lines.
From the drop-down menu, select “Add to Home Screen” or “Add shortcut.”
You may be prompted to customize the name of the shortcut. You can keep the default name or provide a more descriptive label.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to confirm and add the shortcut to your Google Home Screen.
Once added, the shortcut will appear on your home screen, allowing you to quickly access the selected album, playlist, or artist in the Google Play Music app. You can enjoy your favorite tunes and curated playlists with just a tap.
This method is particularly useful for music enthusiasts who have go-to albums, playlists, or artists they frequently listen to. By having a shortcut on your home screen, you can save time and easily dive into the music that lifts your spirits.
Remember to update or remove the shortcuts as needed to keep your home screen organized and clutter-free. Regularly reviewing your shortcuts will ensure they remain aligned with your current musical preferences.
With shortcuts from Google Play Music, you can have quick and convenient access to your favorite tunes right from your Google Home Screen, enhancing your music listening experience on your Android device.
Method 11: Adding Shortcut from Google Play Movies & TV
If you enjoy watching movies and TV shows on your Android device using the Google Play Movies & TV app, you can add a shortcut on your Google Home Screen for quick access to your favorite content. Follow these steps to add a shortcut from the Google Play Movies & TV app:
Open the Google Play Movies & TV app on your Android device.
Navigate to the movie or TV show that you want to create a shortcut for.
Tap and hold the movie or TV show until a selection checkmark appears.
In the options that appear at the top of the screen, tap the icon that looks like three vertical dots or three horizontal lines.
From the drop-down menu, select “Add to Home Screen” or “Add shortcut.”
You may be prompted to customize the name of the shortcut. You can keep the default name or provide a more descriptive label.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to confirm and add the shortcut to your Google Home Screen.
Once added, the shortcut will appear on your home screen, allowing you to quickly access the selected movie or TV show in the Google Play Movies & TV app. You can enjoy your favorite entertainment, rent new releases, or continue watching where you left off with just a tap.
This method is particularly useful for movie and TV show enthusiasts who have specific titles they frequently watch or want to keep up with. By having a shortcut on your home screen, you can save time and instantly immerse yourself in your favorite content.
Remember to update or remove the shortcuts as needed to keep your home screen organized and clutter-free. Regularly reviewing your shortcuts will ensure they reflect your current viewing interests and preferences.
With shortcuts from Google Play Movies & TV, you can have quick and convenient access to your favorite movies and TV shows right from your Google Home Screen, enhancing your entertainment experience on your Android device.
Method 12: Adding Shortcut from YouTube Music
If you enjoy streaming music and discovering new songs on your Android device using the YouTube Music app, you can add a shortcut on your Google Home Screen for quick access to your favorite tracks and playlists. Follow these steps to add a shortcut from the YouTube Music app:
Open the YouTube Music app on your Android device.
Navigate to the song, artist, or playlist that you want to create a shortcut for.
Tap and hold the song, artist, or playlist until a selection checkmark appears.
In the options that appear at the top of the screen, tap the icon that looks like three vertical dots or three horizontal lines.
From the drop-down menu, select “Add to Home Screen” or “Add shortcut.”
You may be prompted to customize the name of the shortcut. You can keep the default name or provide a more descriptive label.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to confirm and add the shortcut to your Google Home Screen.
Once added, the shortcut will appear on your home screen, allowing you to quickly access the selected song, artist, or playlist in the YouTube Music app. You can enjoy your favorite tracks, explore recommended music, or easily listen to a curated playlist with just a tap.
This method is particularly useful for music enthusiasts who have go-to songs or playlists they frequently listen to or want to discover new music. By having a shortcut on your home screen, you can save time and effortlessly dive into your favorite tunes or explore new genres.
Remember to update or remove the shortcuts as needed to keep your home screen organized and clutter-free. Regularly reviewing your shortcuts will ensure they align with your current musical preferences and interests.
With shortcuts from YouTube Music, you can have quick and convenient access to your favorite songs and playlists right from your Google Home Screen, enhancing your music streaming experience on your Android device.
Method 13: Adding Shortcut from YouTube
If you frequently watch videos and follow your favorite YouTube channels on your Android device, you can add a shortcut on your Google Home Screen for quick access to the YouTube app. Follow these steps to add a shortcut from the YouTube app:
Open the YouTube app on your Android device.
Navigate to the channel or video that you want to create a shortcut for.
Tap and hold the channel or video until a selection checkmark appears.
In the options that appear at the top of the screen, tap the icon that looks like three vertical dots or three horizontal lines.
From the drop-down menu, select “Add to Home Screen” or “Add shortcut.”
You may be prompted to customize the name of the shortcut. You can keep the default name or provide a more descriptive label.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to confirm and add the shortcut to your Google Home Screen.
Once added, the shortcut will appear on your home screen, allowing you to quickly access the selected YouTube channel or video. You can immerse yourself in entertaining and informative content with just a tap.
This method is particularly useful for YouTube enthusiasts who have favorite creators or follow specific channels. By having a shortcut on your home screen, you can save time and easily access the latest videos or catch up on your subscribed content.
Remember to update or remove the shortcuts as needed to keep your home screen organized and clutter-free. Regularly reviewing your shortcuts will ensure they align with your current viewing interests and preferences.
With shortcuts from YouTube, you can have quick and convenient access to the channels and videos that matter to you, enhancing your YouTube experience on your Android device.
Method 14: Adding Shortcut from Google Contacts
If you frequently need to access specific contacts or contact groups on your Android device, you can add a shortcut on your Google Home Screen for quick access to Google Contacts. Follow these steps to add a shortcut from the Google Contacts app:
Open the Google Contacts app on your Android device.
Search for the contact or contact group that you want to create a shortcut for.
Tap and hold the contact or contact group until a selection checkmark appears.
In the options that appear at the top of the screen, tap the icon that looks like three vertical dots or three horizontal lines.
From the drop-down menu, select “Add to Home Screen” or “Add shortcut.”
You may be prompted to customize the name of the shortcut. You can keep the default name or provide a more descriptive label.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to confirm and add the shortcut to your Google Home Screen.
Once added, the shortcut will appear on your home screen, allowing you to quickly access the selected contact or contact group in the Google Contacts app. You can effortlessly find and reach out to important individuals or groups with just a tap.
This method is particularly useful for professionals who frequently communicate with specific contacts or manage contact groups. By having a shortcut on your home screen, you can save time and streamline your communication process.
Remember to update or remove the shortcuts as needed to keep your home screen organized and clutter-free. Regularly reviewing your shortcuts will ensure they align with your current contact management needs.
With shortcuts from Google Contacts, you can have quick and convenient access to your important contacts and contact groups right from your Google Home Screen, enhancing your communication experience on your Android device.
Method 15: Adding Shortcut from Google Keep
If you frequently use Google Keep to jot down notes, create to-do lists, and organize your thoughts, you can add a shortcut on your Google Home Screen for quick access to your notes. Follow these steps to add a shortcut from the Google Keep app:
Open the Google Keep app on your Android device.
Tap and hold the note or list that you want to create a shortcut for.
In the options that appear at the top of the screen, tap the icon that looks like three vertical dots or three horizontal lines.
From the drop-down menu, select “Add to Home Screen” or “Add shortcut.”
You may be prompted to customize the name of the shortcut. You can keep the default name or provide a more descriptive label.
Tap “Add” or “OK” to confirm and add the shortcut to your Google Home Screen.
Once added, the shortcut will appear on your home screen, allowing you to quickly access the selected note or list in the Google Keep app. You can easily refer to your important information or check your to-do list with just a tap.
This method is particularly useful for individuals who rely on Google Keep for organizing their thoughts, managing tasks, and capturing important reminders. By having a shortcut on your home screen, you can save time and stay on top of your daily activities and ideas.
Remember to update or remove the shortcuts as needed to keep your home screen organized and clutter-free. Regularly reviewing your shortcuts will ensure they reflect your current note-taking and organizing needs.
With shortcuts from Google Keep, you can have quick and convenient access to your notes, lists, and reminders right from your Google Home Screen, enhancing your productivity and simplifying your digital organization process on your Android device.
