Android is a versatile operating system developed by Google that has revolutionized the smartphone industry. Android devices are widely used all around the world, and it has tons of features and options to customize your device as per your preferences. One such feature is the Message Icon, which allows users to manage their messages and stay connected with their friends and family. However, sometimes users may face an issue where they can’t find the Message Icon on their device or mistakenly delete it.
Losing your Message Icon can be very frustrating, and you might think it’s impossible to bring it back. But don’t worry, in this article, we’ll walk you through some easy methods to get your Message Icon back on Android. We’ll discuss why this topic is essential and what you need to do to recover your Message Icon.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get the Message Icon Back on Android
The messaging app is one of the most used features on Android smartphones. It lets you communicate with your friends and family, share your thoughts and expressions, and makes the communication process hassle-free. Without the Messaging Icon, you can’t access your messages or receive notifications when you receive a text or multimedia message.
In addition, getting your Message Icon back on the home screen or app drawer will make it easier to access your messages from anywhere on your device. So, if you’re facing the issue of a missing Message Icon on Android, then it’s crucial to get it back as soon as possible to avoid missing out on any important messages.
Method 1: Reinstall the Default Messaging App
The default messaging app is the pre-installed messaging app on Android devices, such as Google Messages or Samsung Messages. If you accidentally deleted the Message Icon, it might have been uninstalled or disabled. In that case, you need to reinstall the default messaging app to bring back the Message Icon.
Here are the detailed steps you need to follow:
1. Open the Google Play Store or Samsung App Store.
2. In the search bar, type ‘Messages’ or ‘Messaging,’ depending on your device’s default messaging app.
3. Browse for the messaging app and click on the ‘Install’ or ‘Update’ button.
4. After the app is installed or updated, go to the home screen and check if the Message Icon is back.
Pros: Reinstalling the default messaging app is a quick method to get the Message Icon back on your home screen. It’s also unlikely to cause any data loss or affect your other apps or settings.
Cons: If your phone storage is running low, you might face difficulties in installing the app. In addition, if your device doesn’t support the default messaging app, you might not be able to install it, and this method won’t work.
Method 2: Unhide the Message Icon from the App Drawer
Sometimes, the Message Icon may not be visible on the home screen, but it’s hidden in the app drawer. Therefore, you need to unhide the Message Icon to access your messages.
Here are the detailed steps you need to follow:
1. Open the App Drawer by swiping up from the bottom of the home screen.
2. Look for the Messaging App (Google Messages or Samsung Messages) and long-press the icon.
3. Now, drag and drop the Messaging icon on the home screen and place it where you want it.
4. If you can’t find the Messaging app in the App Drawer, go to the ‘Settings’ app, and click on ‘Apps and Notifications.’
5. Find the ‘Messaging’ app and click on it.
6. In the App Info screen, select ‘App Info’ again, which will open the Messaging app details.
7. Ensure that the ‘Show notifications’ option is enabled and that the app is not hidden from the app drawer.
Pros: Unhiding the Message Icon from the App Drawer is an easy and quick method to get the Message Icon back on your home screen. It doesn’t require any additional downloads or installations.
Cons: If your device’s OS version is outdated, you might face difficulties in finding the Messaging App in the App Drawer or Settings. In addition, sometimes, the Messaging App may not reappear on the home screen after completing the above steps.
Method 3: Create a Shortcut to the Messaging App
If the Messaging App is installed on your device but not visible on the home screen or App Drawer, you can create a shortcut to access the app quickly.
Here are the detailed steps you need to follow:
1. Get to the App Drawer by swiping up on the home screen.
2. Long-press the Messaging App icon and then drag it to the home screen where you want the shortcut to be placed.
3. Release the icon to create a shortcut.
Pros: Creating a shortcut is a simple method to get the Message Icon back on your home screen. It’s quick and doesn’t affect other apps or settings.
Cons: If the Messaging App is not installed on your device, this method won’t work. In addition, if there are too many icons on your home screen, this method could make your home screen look cluttered.
What to Do If You Can’t Get the Message Icon Back on Android
If all the above methods haven’t worked, here are some additional fixes:
1. Restart your Android device: Sometimes, restarting your phone can fix minor issues, including the missing Message Icon. Press and hold the power button, then select ‘Restart.’
2. Reset your home screen launcher: If you’re using a third-party home screen launcher, try resetting it to the default settings. Open the ‘Settings’ app, go to ‘Apps and Notifications,’ find your home screen launcher app, and then click on ‘Storage and Cache.’ Tap on ‘Clear Storage’ to reset your home screen launcher.
3. Check for software updates: Make sure your device’s software is up to date. Go to ‘Settings’ and select ‘System.’ Then click on ‘Software updates’ to check for new updates.
4. Contact your device manufacturer: If you’re still having trouble getting the Message Icon back, contact your device’s manufacturer or your carrier’s support team for further assistance.
Bonus Tip
If you use the Google Assistant feature on your device, you can use voice commands to send and receive text messages without opening the Messaging App. Simply activate the Google Assistant by holding the home button or saying ‘Ok Google,’ and then say ‘Send a text message’ or ‘Read my text messages.’
5 FAQs
Q1: How do I know which default messaging app my Android device is using?
A: To find out which default messaging app your Android device is using, go to ‘Settings’ and select ‘Apps and Notifications.’ Then click on ‘Default apps’ and select ‘Messaging app.’ Here you’ll see which messaging app is set as the default on your device.
Q2: Why did my Message Icon disappear?
A: There could be several reasons why your Message Icon disappeared. It might have been uninstalled or disabled, hidden in the App Drawer, or accidentally deleted. Sometimes, it may be due to a software bug or a third-party app interfering with your device.
Q3: Will reinstalling the default messaging app affect my messages?
A: Reinstalling the default messaging app won’t affect your messages, but it might erase any customized settings or preferences for the app.
Q4: How do I access my messages without the Message Icon?
A: You can access your messages by opening the App Drawer and clicking on the Messaging App. Alternatively, you can ask Google Assistant to read your messages aloud or send a message on your behalf.
Q5: How do I avoid accidentally deleting the Message Icon?
A: To avoid accidentally deleting the Message Icon, you can lock your home screen by pressing and holding an empty area on your home screen, select ‘Home screen settings’ or ‘Wallpaper and style,’ then enable ‘Lock Home screen layout.’
Final Thoughts
The Message Icon is an essential feature on Android devices that lets you stay connected with your friends and family. Losing it can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are several methods to get the Message Icon back. Whether you reinstall the default messaging app, unhide the app from the App Drawer, create a shortcut on your home screen, or try some additional fixes, getting your Message Icon back just takes a few steps. We hope this article helped you recover your Message Icon successfully, and you can now resume texting your loved ones.