“Can’t add to Home Page” Android. Upgrading from Pixel 6 to Pixel 8a: How to Fix Missing Shortcuts

I recently upgraded my Pixel 6 to a Pixel 8a. While the transition was mostly smooth, I encountered an issue with missing shortcuts, including both URL web shortcuts and OneNote shortcuts. Here’s how I resolved the problem.

Missing Shortcuts After Upgrade

After upgrading, I noticed that none of my web shortcuts or OneNote shortcuts appeared on the home screen. Initially, I thought I could simply re-add them, but this proved more complicated than expected.

URL Shortcuts

When attempting to pin URLs, the process seemed to go smoothly. However, the shortcuts didn’t actually appear on the home screen.

OneNote Shortcuts

OneNote was slightly more helpful by presenting an error message when I tried to add shortcuts.

A quick Google search revealed that I wasn’t the only one experiencing this issue Can’t add Notes to phone Home Screen after Oreo update! – Microsoft Community. Many users reported similar problems, especially after the Oreo update, but none of the threads I found offered a solution. Most were either locked or unanswered.

The Solution: Fixing the Shortcut Issue

Determined to find a solution, I started thinking about potential settings that might be blocking the shortcuts. Here’s what I discovered:

1. Check “Display Over Other Apps” Permissions: Ensure that the “Display Over Other Apps” permission is enabled for the apps you’re trying to create shortcuts for.
2. Disable Developer Options: I remembered that I had “Developer Options” turned on for app development purposes. As soon as I switched off Developer Options and restarted my phone, the shortcuts appeared correctly on the home screen.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Missing Shortcuts

1. Turn Off Developer Options:
   • Go to Settings.
   • Scroll down and tap on System.
   • Select Developer Options and toggle it off.
2. Restart Your Phone: After turning off Developer Options, restart your phone to apply the changes.
3. Re-add the Shortcuts: Try adding your URL and OneNote shortcuts again. They should now appear on the home screen without issues.

Conclusion

If you’re facing similar issues with missing shortcuts on your Pixel 8a, turning off Developer Options and restarting your device can resolve the problem. This simple fix saved me a lot of frustration and hopefully, it helps you too. For more troubleshooting tips, feel free to check other posts on our blog or visit the Microsoft Community for additional support.