Having trouble with Google on your iPhone? Whether the app is missing or not working right, restoring it can be simple.
This guide will show you step-by-step how to get Google up and running again on your iPhone, so you can get back to searching and using Google services smoothly.
Why is the Google app gone from iPhone?
There are a few reasons why the Google app may have disappeared from your iPhone. For one thing, the app could be hidden and still installed on your device.
Check your iPhone’s App Library by swiping from left to right on your home screen pages. The Google app may be stored here even if it’s no longer visible on your home screen.
It’s also possible the app uninstalled itself accidentally due to a glitch or software bug. Try reinstalling the Google app from the App Store and see if that fixes the issue.
Rarely, an iOS system update could fail which causes apps to disappear. As a troubleshooting step, you may want to do a reset of all settings on your iPhone to see if that resolves the problem.
See also: Why Do My Apps Keep Moving (iPhone)?
How to get the Google app back on the iPhone
If the Google app has disappeared from your iPhone, as mentioned above, it may still be installed but hidden.
Check the App Library on your iPhone by swiping all the way left past your home screens. Look for the Google app icon here and you can re-add it to the home screen by long pressing it.
If the app has been deleted, search for “Google” in the App Store and install it again. Make sure to be signed in with the same Apple ID you had originally.
If you’re unable to launch or reinstall the app, try resetting your phone settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This may fix issues preventing the Google app from functioning properly.
Occasionally, app issues can be fixed by updating your iOS version. Check if an update is available in Settings > General > Software Update.
I’m unable to download the Google app
If you’re having trouble downloading the Google app on your iPhone, you need to consider several factors.
First, your iPhone needs a good internet connection to download apps. If your Wi-Fi or mobile data is unstable, this can prevent downloads.
Your Apple ID also plays a role. If you’re not signed in to the App Store with your Apple ID, you won’t be able to download apps.
Another factor is the version of iOS you’re using. Older versions of iOS might not support some apps, so updating your iOS could solve the issue.
Sometimes, the problem could be with the App Store itself. If it’s going through technical difficulties, it might temporarily affect app downloads.
How to put Google on your home screen
Putting Google on your home screen means adding the Google app icon to the main screen of your smartphone or tablet. This way, you can quickly access Google without having to search for the app each time.
On an iPhone, the Google app will be among the first apps you see when you unlock your phone. It’s a convenient way to have faster access to Google’s search or other features.
To place the Google app on your iPhone’s home screen, first, make sure you have the Google app installed. If not, download it from the App Store (see above).
Once installed, swipe left on your home screen to view your App Library, which shows all your apps. Find the Google app. You can use the search bar at the top to find it quickly. Then press and hold the Google app icon.
Drag the icon to the left edge of the screen. This will take you back to your home screen. Finally, drop the app where you want it on your home screen. The Google app will now be easily accessible from your home screen.
How to have the Google widget on iPhone
The Google widget is a small, interactive tool you can add to your iPhone home screen. It gives you quick access to Google’s search functions without opening the full app.
With the widget, you can search the web, your photos, and more, directly from your home screen. On iPhones, it also supports voice search, so you can tap the widget and start speaking to search with Google.
Widgets come in various sizes and styles, so you can choose one that fits your home screen layout.
To put the Google widget on your iPhone, first make sure you have the Google app installed, then customize your home screen by pressing and holding an empty space until the apps start to jiggle.
This will bring up the editing mode. Look for the plus (+) icon, usually found in the top corner of the screen, and tap it. This opens the widget gallery where you can find and select the Google widget.
After choosing it, you can pick the widget size and style you prefer. Then, just tap ‘Add Widget’ and place it wherever you like on your home screen.
Finally, press ‘Done’ to save your changes, and the Google widget will be ready for use, providing quick access to Google’s search and other features right from your home screen.
Using Google on iPhone without the Google app
While the dedicated Google app provides a centralized place for services, you have many options through the browser, alternative apps, and Siri to continue using Google’s search, maps, mail and other features on your iPhone even without the main Google app installed.
If you don’t have the main Google app, you can use the Google website in the Safari browser. Go to google.com in order to search, check Gmail, use Google Maps, and access other Google services through the mobile website.
You can also install alternative apps like Gmail, Maps, Chrome, Photos, and more from the App Store.
Also, you can set Google as your default search engine. Go to Settings > Safari > Search Engine and select Google to make it the default for searches within Safari.
Another way to use Google on the iPhone is to use Siri for Google searches. Ask Siri questions and it will search Google for answers, since Apple has partnerships with Google for Siri responses.
You can also access Google Drive files in Files app. Files integrate with Google Drive so you can open, edit and save Google Drive files directly on your iPhone.
See also: How To Back Up An iPhone To Google Drive?
Using Google instead of Safari on my iPhone
Safari is the default browser, but you’re free to download and use other browsers like Google Chrome. To do this, go to the App Store, search for Google Chrome, and download it.
After installing, open Chrome and you can start using it for your internet searches and browsing.
Keep in mind, however, that some iPhone features might still open links in Safari, as it’s the built-in browser for iOS.