Why can’t I see my apps screen on a Samsung phone after a restart?
Answer
On many Samsung phones the apps list is opened by a swipe up or an Apps button, and Power saving or a changed home-screen setting can hide it. Check quick settings for Power saving or Do not disturb, then restore the Apps button or swipe gesture in Home screen settings.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- A factory reset should be a last resort; it erases local data.
- Do not install launcher cleaner apps from unknown links.
Follow these steps
Try the apps swipe first
On the home screen, swipe up (or swipe up twice on some One UI setups) to open the app drawer.
You should see: The full apps list appears, or the gesture does nothing.
Check quick settings toggles
Swipe down from the top once or twice and turn off Power saving, Do not disturb, or any Accessibility shortcut you do not recognize.
You should see: Toggles are off and the home screen looks normal again.
Turn the Apps button back on
Touch and hold an empty area of the home screen, open Home screen settings, and enable Apps button if that option exists. Place the Apps icon on the home screen/dock.
You should see: An Apps icon returns and opens the app list.
Open Settings from the notification shade
If the home screen is still confusing, open Settings from the gear icon in the quick panel—not a random home-screen widget—and confirm the default home app is Samsung Launcher/One UI Home.
You should see: Settings opens and the correct launcher is selected.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether a swipe up opens the app drawer, whether an Apps icon is missing, and whether Power saving is on in the quick panel.
Before you change anything: Do not factory-reset until you check home-screen settings. Note whether you use the Samsung launcher or another home app. Avoid unknown “fixer” apps from outside Galaxy Store/Play Store. Know your Google or Samsung account for app reinstall if needed.