Android Tip: How to Stop App Icons from Automatically Being Added to HomeScreen

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When you install an app from Google Play, it’s shortcut is automatically added to your home screen by default, and I find it really annoying. It disturbs my home screen and if I installed like oh, 10-12 apps in one go, my home screen looks like an app store itself  :-x . If you also find this annoying, and want to disable it, it’s quite easy.

To do so, open Google Play.Screenshot_2015-01-13-14-19-42
Now, swipe right from the left of the screen and tap on Settings.Screenshot_2015-01-13-14-20-34

Now, under the General section on the Settings screen, untick the Add icon to Home screen option to disable the option. Now, if you want, you can return to the Play Store to any app, and close it. Now exit Google Play or straight away click/tap the home button return to your Home Screen and see there is no new icon of the newly installed app!
If you want to add any app’s shortcut to the Home Screen, you can open the apps drawer and long press on the desired app and drag it to the Home Screen to add the shortcut.

If you want to revert back, just follow the above and tick the Add icon to Home screen option to re-enable it.

We are influencers and brand affiliates.  This post contains affiliate links, most which go to Amazon and are Geo-Affiliate links to nearest Amazon store.