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Chrome add to homescreen feature doesn't work any more

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va3jlf

Newbie
I used to be able to create shortcuts in Chrome and then via the menu add to Home screen. The menu item is still there but it does nothing and nothing is copied to the desktop. This functionality is gone after the update to Android 8. I also have a tablet that is still on Android 7 and I am still able to send shortcuts to the desktop on it. Has this functionality been replaced with something else that I am not aware of because I really used that feature a lot? My launcher is Go Launcher Z. I have googled but came up empty. The shortcuts that I have already on my desktop continue to work fine but I cannot add any more. Thanks in advance.
 
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My homescreen has lots of shortcuts but there is ample space on the front page (enough space for two shortcuts at least). The only launcher that seems to allow the shortcuts is the Google now launcher but it does not allow me to use the folders and shortcuts like Go Launcher Z. And this functionality has been lost since going to Android 8. Before that I was able to add shortcuts to desktop no problem.
 
@va3jlf I've had issues with shortcuts disappearing on my S8+ for months. For some reason that appear to not work even when there is space on the homepage. But what happens is that for some weird reason the system creates a new page to the furthest right from the home screen and dumps the shortcut there! I've never been able to fix the issue and as such have create shortcuts by default switched off.

Regarding the Chrome issue, mine works as explained above. However when the 2nd screen pops up to add the shortcut, instead of choosing Add, long press on the icon and it will allow you to drop it onto the homepage.

Hope this helps.
 
Jay3001, my experience is not the same as yours. I looked carefully and no extra pges to the right of the homescreen is being created. But you mention your option "create shortcuts by default" which you set off. Where is this option, I couldn't find it. What launcher do you use?

I also tried long pressing on the icon in the window for adding the shortcut and nothing happens. I think it must be the launcher.
 
Hi, sorry for the late reply @va3jlf I'm using the default launcher.

You can find the setting within the home screen options:
  1. Long press on the home screen,
  2. Pick Home Screen Settings,
  3. Toggle Add apps to homescreen,
  4. See attached pic.
Sorry it's not working for you. If I get the time I'll data clear the Samsung launcher to see if it fixes my issues, that may also fix yours.

I would not recommend you do this tho as it will most likely clear all your homescreens and may make the phone unstable until a reboot.
 

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Hi Jay3001 and thanks for this. I tried loading the Samsung default launcher, found your screen, and was able to add shortcuts to the desktop so it does seem that it is indeed a problem with Go Launcher Z and Android 8. As I mentioned before, the functionality exists on my tablet which is on still on Android 7 and running the same Go Launcher Z. I also was able to do this on my phone before the update to Oreo. I have set up my phone using lots of widgets and this Is why I use Go Launcher Z otherwise I would change the launcher and be done with it. I posted a note on the Go Launcher Feedback and I will see what they reply. I will post any results.
 
JAy3001 said:
Oh, you need to post an image of your home screen now with all these widgets running. :goofydroid: :thumbsupdroid:
Click to expand...
I will attach a screenshot later. I don't have LOTS of widgets - actually, just 2, the scrolling calendar on the left and a weather widget in the top right corner which syncs to my weather station and updates the weather. But I have 3 folders which contain apps and shortcuts ECS and Weather. All this would be lost if I change launchers.
 
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va3jlf said:
Here's the screenshot
Click to expand...
I thought I would close off the thread. What I ended up doing was changing my launcher to Nova. I have been able to do everything I did before with Go Launcher Z INCLUDING adding shortcuts to the home screen. Don't know whether it is a bug or feature of Go Launcher Z, but I am now very happy with Nova.
 
va3jlf said:
I thought I would close off the thread. What I ended up doing was changing my launcher to Nova. I have been able to do everything I did before with Go Launcher Z INCLUDING adding shortcuts to the home screen. Don't know whether it is a bug or feature of Go Launcher Z, but I am now very happy with Nova.
Click to expand...

So glad to see your post va3jlf. I've been having the same problems and I too have Go Launcher. I'm going to change to Nova after reading how much you like it. Thanks so much!
Diann*
 
I've got an Honor 10 with Android 8.1.0 and have similar problem with creating shortcuts using the built in launcher or Go Launcher (which I prefer).

Just downloaded the Nova launcher and "Add to Home Screen" function on Chrome browser doesn't work for me either. It says it's created shortcut on the desktop but nothing appears.
 
This issue hasn't been resolved on my end either. I've tried many launchers and when I try to add a website to my home screen, it says that it did however it didn't.
I rely on that feature and it's just awful not being able to add to my home screen. And I've checked all of my screens.
~Is there a solution or something equalivent?~
Diann*
 
My Galaxy s8 was not allowing me to add shortcuts to home screen after update. I took a suggestion from an earlier comment, and long-pressed home screen. From there in bottom right corner HOME SCREEN SETTINGS. There is an option to LOCK HOMESCREEN LAYOUT that had been toggled to enabled. After disabling that feature, all is well with my apps' positioning.
 
rustyfrog666 said:
I've got an Honor 10 with Android 8.1.0 and have similar problem with creating shortcuts using the built in launcher or Go Launcher (which I prefer).

Just downloaded the Nova launcher and "Add to Home Screen" function on Chrome browser doesn't work for me either. It says it's created shortcut on the desktop but nothing appears.
Click to expand...
I had the same maddening proiblem with GS7 and android 8. Till i changed the
va3jlf said:
Jay3001, my experience is not the same as yours. I looked carefully and no extra pges to the right of the homescreen is being created. But you mention your option "create shortcuts by default" which you set off. Where is this option, I couldn't find it. What launcher do you use?

I also tried long pressing on the icon in the window for adding the shortcut and nothing happens. I think it must be the launcher.
Click to expand...
had same maddening problem with galaxy s 7. changed launcher and everything is hunky dory.thanks for the tip
 
Dannydet said:
Is your home screen full of shortcuts?
You may not have any open space
Have you tried a different launcher?
Click to expand...


Doesn't the launcher just start an entirely new page on the homescreen if you go over?
 
I was having same issue until I uninstalled any additional launcher, then I went to Home Settings and let only ONE Home Screen, I had several options. Now is working back. In other words, your home button does not have to give you any options, if you select it, it need to go directly to home screen.
 
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Hello everyone. I was having the same problem on my LG V35 8.0 with the stock launcher and nova launcher, but after following Fabimar (post#19) actions, I have bookmarks back on my home screen. In other words, I had to have a default home launcher to be able to add bookmarks. Thank you.
 
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