If you’re a Mac user and have noticed that some of your apps are not showing up in Launchpad, it can be frustrating and confusing. Launchpad is a convenient way to access all your apps in one place, and if some are missing, it can lead to a cluttered and disorganized desktop. Fortunately, getting these apps back is a straightforward process that only requires a few simple steps. In this article, we will discuss why apps may not be showing up in Launchpad and how to fix the issue.
Why Are Apps Not Showing Up in Launchpad?
There can be several reasons why your apps are not showing up in Launchpad. Here are some of the most common causes:
The App Is Not Downloaded from the Mac App Store
If you downloaded an app from a third-party website and not from the Mac App Store, it may not show up in Launchpad. Only apps downloaded from the Mac App Store are automatically added to Launchpad.
The App Is Hidden in Launchpad
You can hide apps in Launchpad by pressing and holding their icons until they start to shake. Then, click on the X icon to hide the app. If an app is hidden, it will not show up in Launchpad.
Launchpad Database Is Corrupted
If the Launchpad database is corrupted, it can result in missing apps. This issue can occur due to various reasons such as a recent software update or a crash.
How to Get Apps Back in Launchpad
Now that you know why apps may not be showing up in Launchpad, let’s move on to the solutions to the problem.
Re-Downloading and Installing Apps from the Mac App Store
If an app is not showing up in Launchpad because it was not downloaded from the Mac App Store, you can download it again from the store. Follow these steps:
1. Open the Mac App Store.
2. Search for the app you want to download.
3. Click on the “Install” button to download and install the app again.
4. Once the app is installed, it should appear in Launchpad.
Unhiding Apps from Launchpad
If you have hidden an app in Launchpad, you can unhide it by following these steps:
1. Open Launchpad by clicking on its icon in the Dock or pressing the F4 key.
2. Click on the “All” tab to see all the apps installed on your Mac.
3. Find the app you want to unhide.
4. Click and hold the app icon until it starts to shake.
5. Click on the “X” icon that appears above the app icon to unhide it.
Resetting the Launchpad Database
If your Launchpad database is corrupted, you can try resetting it to fix the issue. Follow these steps:
1. Open the “Terminal” app from the Applications > Utilities folder.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: defaults write com.apple.dock ResetLaunchPad -bool true; killall Dock
3. Wait for the Dock to restart.
4. Open Launchpad to see if the missing apps are back.
Concluding Thoughts
If your Mac apps are not showing up in Launchpad, don’t panic. It’s a common issue that can be quickly resolved by following the steps we have outlined in this article. Remember to check if the app is downloaded from the Mac App Store, unhide it if it’s hidden, and reset the Launchpad database if necessary. Keeping your Mac organized is essential for productivity and efficiency, and Launchpad is a great tool for achieving that.
FAQs About Mac Apps Not Showing Up in Launchpad
Can I add non-Mac App Store apps to Launchpad?
Yes, you can add non-Mac App Store apps to Launchpad by creating aliases of the app and adding them to the Applications folder.
What should I do if the app is still not showing up in Launchpad?
If the app is still not showing up in Launchpad even after trying the methods mentioned in this article, you may need to contact Apple support for further assistance.
Can I remove pre-installed apps from Launchpad?
While you can’t delete pre-installed apps from your Mac, you can hide them from Launchpad by following the same process as hiding other apps.