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If an app has disappeared from your Samsung phone, first check whether it is hidden or disabled; neither requires reinstalling. If it was uninstalled, reinstall it from the store where you originally got it—Google Play Store or Galaxy Store—and use the account tied to that store.
First, work out why the app is missing
A missing icon does not always mean the app was deleted. Samsung distinguishes apps that are hidden from apps that are uninstalled, and some preloaded apps can be disabled rather than removed. Use the remedy that matches what happened:
- Hidden: The app remains on the phone, but its icon is removed from the Home and Apps screens. Unhide it in Home screen settings.
- Disabled: The app is turned off. Re-enable it rather than trying to download a replacement.
- Uninstalled: Find it in the store’s app history and install it again.
Reinstall an app from Google Play
- Open the Google Play Store on your Galaxy phone.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Tap Manage apps & device, then Manage.
- Change the filter from Installed to Not installed. If you do not see the app, Google advises tapping This device at the top and then choosing Not installed.
- Find the app and tap Install. If it was disabled rather than uninstalled, Play Store may offer Enable.
Use the same Google Account that you used to get or buy the app. Google says apps bought on Google Play can be used on another Android device without paying again when that device is signed into the same account. See Google Play Help: Reinstall & re-enable apps.
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Reinstall an app from Galaxy Store
- Open Galaxy Store.
- Tap Menu (the three horizontal lines).
- Tap My apps, then open the Apps tab.
- Find the app and tap its download icon.
Galaxy Store requires a Samsung account. If you are looking for a purchased Galaxy Theme rather than an app, check the Themes tab in My apps. Samsung’s steps are in Manage apps on your Galaxy phone or tablet.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB, Black
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Unhide an app that is still installed
- Touch and hold an empty area of the Home screen.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Hide apps on Home and Apps screens.
- Under Hidden apps, deselect the app you want to restore, then tap Done.
Samsung says hiding an app removes its icon but does not remove the app itself. If these labels do not match your phone, Samsung notes that screens and settings can vary by model, software version, and wireless service provider.
If the app does not appear in either store
- Check the other store. Search both Google Play and Galaxy Store if you are unsure where you originally installed the app.
- Verify the account. Check that Play Store is using the Google Account associated with the app, or sign in to the Samsung account you used for Galaxy Store.
- Consider availability and compatibility. The developer may have stopped offering the app, or it may no longer support your device or software version. Samsung recommends checking app compatibility and contacting the developer when needed. Its guidance on installation problems is at Cannot update or install apps on Galaxy phone or tablet. Samsung’s Korea support page also notes that seller availability and changes to device or OS conditions can prevent a redownload; that guidance is market-specific, so it is not a universal guarantee about every Galaxy Store listing: Galaxy Store: checking purchased or installed apps.
What happens to the app’s data?
Reinstalling restores the app, not necessarily its previous data. The store’s reinstall instructions do not promise that old content or settings will return. After reinstalling, sign in to the app’s original account and check its own sync or backup options. If data is still missing, contact the app’s developer; recovery depends on how that app stored or backed up your information.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Samsung Galaxy S26, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 256GB, Black
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #2
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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