Technology has made it very easy for us to access our favorite apps and websites by just a few clicks. However, sometimes our favorite websites or web apps do not have mobile apps and we have to open them in the browser every time we want to use them. A link on the home screen can reduce the hassle involved in opening the browser and searching for the website every time. In this article, we will talk about how to add a link to the home screen on Android.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add A Link to Home Screen on Android
Adding a link to the home screen on an Android device can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you frequently visit a particular website or web application. By adding a link to the home screen, you can access your favorite website or web application with just a single tap on the home screen. Moreover, it makes it easier to open a web application in full-screen mode, which provides a better user experience. Here are a few more reasons why you should add a link to the home screen on Android:
- You can access your website or web app quickly without any delay.
- You don’t need to remember the URL of the website, which can be quite long and complex.
- You can customize the icon and the name of the link, making it easier to identify.
Method 1: Via Chrome Browser
Chrome is the most commonly used browser on Android devices. Here is how you can add a link to the home screen via the Chrome browser:
Steps:
1. Open the Chrome browser on your Android device.
2. Navigate to the website or web application you want to add to your home screen.
3. Tap on the three-dot icon at the top right corner of the screen.
4. From the drop-down menu, select “Add to Home screen”.
5. Rename the link if you want to change the default name, then tap on “Add”.
6. The link will now appear on your home screen.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use.
- Does not require any third-party apps or software.
Cons:
- The icon might not be customizable according to your preference.
Method 2: Via Microsoft Launcher
Microsoft Launcher is a free app launcher for Android devices, developed by Microsoft. One of its features is the ability to add custom links to the home screen. Here is how you can add a link to the home screen via the Microsoft Launcher app:
Steps:
1. Install the Microsoft Launcher app on your Android device from the Google Play Store.
2. Once installed, navigate to the home screen of your device.
3. Tap on and hold an empty space on the home screen until the customization options appear.
4. From the customization options, select “Widgets”.
5. Scroll down and find the “Microsoft Launcher” widget, tap and drag it to the home screen.
6. From the list of options in the widget, select “Customize this page”.
7. From the customization options, tap on “Add”.
8. Enter the name and URL of the website or web application you want to add, and set a custom icon if you’d like.
9. Tap on “Save” and the link will appear on the home screen.
Pros:
- Provides more customization options than the default Chrome browser method.
- The icon can be customized according to your preference.
Cons:
- Requires the installation of a third-party app.
- Has a slight learning curve to using the app.
Method 3: Via FastLink App
FastLink is a free app that was designed to help users add links to their Android home screens quickly and easily. Here’s how to add a link to the home screen via the FastLink app:
Steps:
1. Install the FastLink app on your Android device from the Google Play Store.
2. Once installed, open the app.
3. Click on the “+” icon at the bottom right corner of the screen to add a new link.
4. Enter the name and URL of the website or web application you want to add.
5. Choose a custom icon from the list of icons provided, or upload your own custom icon.
6. Click on “Save”.
7. The link will now appear on your home screen.
Pros:
- Provides a user-friendly interface for adding icons and links to the home screen.
- Allows for custom icons to be uploaded and used.
Cons:
- Requires the installation of a third-party app.
- The custom icon selection is limited.
What to Do If You Can’t Add a Link to Home Screen on Android
If you can’t add a link to the home screen on Android, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, try restarting the device and attempting the process again. Secondly, try clearing the cache of the browser or launcher you’re using. Finally, check if you have the latest version of the app installed. If none of these methods work, you can try using a different browser or launcher app.
Bonus Tip: How to Remove a Link from the Home Screen on Android
If you want to remove a link from the home screen on Android, simply tap and hold on the icon until the options appear. Then, drag the icon to the trash or remove option, depending on the launcher or device you are using.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I add a link to the home screen without using any third-party apps?
A: Yes, you can add links to the home screen via the Chrome browser.
Q2: Can I add multiple links to the home screen using any of these methods?
A: Yes, you can add as many links as you want to the home screen using any of the above-mentioned methods.
Q3: Can I change the name and icon of the link after adding it to the home screen?
A: Yes, you can change the name and icon of the link after adding it to the home screen.
Q4: How many icons can I add to the home screen?
A: The number of icons you can add to the home screen depends on the device and the launcher you are using.
Q5: Can I remove a link from the home screen?
A: Yes, you can remove a link from the home screen by tapping and holding on the icon and dragging it to the trash or remove option.
Final Thoughts
Adding a link to the home screen on Android can be a simple and useful task. There are various methods to do it, and each method has its own set of pros and cons. Ultimately, the method you choose depends on your personal preference and the level of customization you require. We hope this article has helped you understand how to add a link to the home screen on Android, and has provided some solutions to common problems that may arise.