How to Set a Bookmark Shortcut in Your Home Screen on Android

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: October 3, 2023 Fact Checked

Most Android web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Samsung's Internet, let you create shortcuts for your favorite websites on your home screen. When you tap one of these shortcuts, the website will open in the browser you used to create it. If a website has a progressive web app (PWA), which is basically a website that runs in its own app window rather than a browser tab, you can easily add that your home screen without having to navigate confusing menus. This wikiHow teaches you how to create a link to any website on your Android's home screen.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Chrome

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Open Google Chrome
. It's the round red, blue, yellow, and green icon labeled "Chrome" in the app drawer.
You can either search for the website or enter its URL directly into the search bar.

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Add the progressive web app (PWA) if available. Once the website loads, you may see a pop-up message asking you if you want to add the app to your home screen.^{[1]
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Research source} If you see this pop-up, the site has its own progressive web app (PWA)—simply tap Add to home screen on the message to add it to your home screen. When you tap the new shortcut on your home screen, it will take you right to the website in its own window. You're done!
- If you don't see this pop-up, just continue to the next step to add a shortcut.
It's at the top-right corner of Chrome.^{[2]
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It's toward the bottom of the menu, so you may have to scroll down to see it. A pop-up window will appear.^{[3]
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This is the text that will appear under your shortcut's icon on the home screen.^{[4]
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The shortcut is now on your home screen. To visit the website in Chrome, just tap the shortcut on the home screen.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Firefox

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It's the orange and purple fox icon in your app drawer.
You can search for the website in the search bar or just go directly to its URL.
3
Add the progressive web app (PWA) if available. Once the website loads, look for a house icon with a plus sign in the address bar. If you see this icon, this site has a progressive web app you can easily install on your home screen.^{[5]
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Research source} Tap the icon, and then select + ADD TO HOME SCREEN to add it. Now when you tap the new shortcut on your home screen, it will take you right to the website in its own window. You're done!
- If you don't have this icon, just continue to the next step.
It's at the bottom-right corner of the screen in some versions, and at the top-right in others.^{[6]
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This option is on the menu.^{[7]
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This is how the shortcut will be represented on your home screen.^{[8]
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A shortcut icon now appears on your home screen, ready to be placed where you'd like it to appear.^{[9]
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Now that you've added the shortcut, all you'll need to do is tap it on your home screen to visit the site in Firefox.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using the Samsung Internet Browser

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It's the blue-and-white Saturn icon in the app drawer.
You can search for the website in the search bar or just navigate to a specific URL.
3
Add the progressive web app (if available). If you see a plus sign on the left side of the address bar, the website has a progressive web app that you can easily install on the home screen. Just tap that + and select Homescreen—this will immediately place a new app for this site on your home screen. If you are able to do this, you're done! Now when you tap the new shortcut on your home screen, it will take you right to the website in its own window.^{[10]
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- If you don't have this icon, just continue to the next step.
It's the three horizontal lines at the bottom-right corner.
This option has a large plus (+) sign above it. A list of locations will appear.
It's toward the bottom of the list.^{[11]
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You don't have to change the name of the shortcut, but you can do so if you'd rather appear with a different name on your home screen. You now have an icon for this website on your home screen.

Community Q&A

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Question

Specifically for a Bookmark Shortcut, how do I change the icon?

Wing Hong Chan

Community Answer

Not every phone supports this, but you could use an icon pack with a third-party launcher (like Evie, which is what I use). Hold the app icon, then let go. Click "App options," "Change icon," then find your favorite icon. If you use LG, you don't need a third party launcher. Just hold the app icon, let go, then click the paintbrush that appears. You'll see a collection of icons there.

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Question

How do I change the picture on an icon?

Community Answer

Just hold down the item you wish to change the icon of and let go immediately without moving it. You will then see a paint-type logo to the top right of the icon you just held down. Press that, and you will be able to change the icon. There are pre-made icons used by other apps, or you could use an image from your gallery.

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Question

Why won't it add to home screen button show on Chrome when I do this?

Community Answer

Update your Chrome browser, as the browser may be outdated. You must use the latest Chrome version.

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