By default, every time an application is installed on an Android terminal from the Google Play store, an icon is generated on the desktop. This is often annoying, as many users do not want this to happen. Well, with a few simple steps you prevents shortcuts from being created indiscriminately.
The truth is that this is something that should not be activated in the Google Play settings, but that the Mountain View company has decided to configure in this way so that it can always be quickly locate the icon that allows you to start the application. But, the truth is that for those who are ordained this is a real nuisance.
The fact is that with the steps that we will leave below, and that any user regardless of the knowledge they have can perform, it prevents the creation of shortcuts and, therefore, favors that your desktop is perfectly ordered.
The steps to follow
The first thing to do is open the application that gives access to the Google Play store and, once this has been done and you are in the main screen of this development, you have to click on the upper left to open a drop-down menu with all the existing options.
At this point, what you have to do is select the option Settings, which is the penultimate of all existing ones. A new screen is accessed in which are all the possibilities offered in the Google Play configuration section and, the one that must be deselected, is called Add icon to home screen (which is the "culprit" of what happens). Once this is done, the problem is solved and, now, if you want to put a shortcut on the desktop this is only done by hand, not automatically.
If you want to activate the creation, you must do the process but activating the aforementioned option. The fact is that as you have seen, shortcuts are prevented from being created on the desktop in a very simple way and it only takes five minutes. If you want to know other tricks for your Android terminal, you can discover them in this section of .
How to do it from the home screen (current launchers)
In many recent versions and layers of Android the option to add new icons no longer depends on Google Play, but on launcher (Home screen). Press and hold an empty space on the desktop, enter Home screen settings and uncheck the type box or switch «Add icon to home screen» for new apps. The name may vary depending on the manufacturer (e.g., Home, Home Screen, or Launcher Settings), but the purpose is the same: to prevent duplicates with the app drawer.
Add icons manually whenever you want
With the automatic option disabled, you will be able to choose which apps arrive on the desktop. Open the app drawer, press and hold the icon you're interested in, and drag to desktop or choose "Add to Start." This way, you avoid clutter and only leave shortcuts for what you use every day.
Prevent self-installing apps and unwanted access
If you see apps or shortcuts that you don't remember having set, check two key points: the web navigation and notifications. Be wary of banners that open new tabs and invite you to download APKs or redirect you to Google Play without context; always check the URL and close the extra tab. A browser with ad blocking (e.g. Brave) can reduce intrusive pop-ups on ad-heavy sites. Be careful with Phishing SMS that impersonate banks or parcel services: don't install anything from links in messages or from pages with "urgent buttons." Android always warns when downloading an APK; if you don't expect it, cancel it.
Manage permissions and control what your apps can do
In addition to order, it is advisable limit permissions to minimize unwanted behavior. Go to Settings> Applications, enter the app and tap Permissions to choose between options such as Allow, Allow only if the app is in use, always ask o Do not allow (location, camera, microphone, etc.). From Security & Privacy > Privacy > Permissions Manager You'll see which apps use each permission and you can revoke them. Activate "Pause app activity if not in use» to automatically remove permissions from those you don't use, and if you need to, disable the access to camera or microphone from Privacy Controls. Some steps may vary depending on the version and manufacturer, but the goal is clear: more control and fewer surprises on your home screen.
With these settings and precautions, you'll have a desktop without duplicate access, with only the essentials. Disable automatic creation (in Google Play if your version allows it or from the home screen), manually add useful items, monitor notifications and permissions, and keep order without sacrificing the speed to open your favorite apps.
