What Google shortcuts are and where they appear

When you open Google in your browser, you see a search box in the middle of the page. Below that box, Google shows you a row of small square icons — these are shortcuts. Each one links to a website you visit often. By default, Google fills these with sites it thinks you use: Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, and others. You can replace any of them with your own choices, or add more rows of shortcuts below the first one.

These shortcuts save you a click. Instead of typing a web address or searching for a site, you tap the icon and land there when ready. Google remembers your shortcuts across devices if you are signed into your Google account, so they appear the same way on your phone, tablet, and computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Shortcuts appear as small square icons below the Google search box, and you can add, remove, or rearrange them by clicking the pencil icon in the bottom right corner of the shortcut area.
  • Google shows you a list of sites you visit often and suggests them as shortcuts, but you can also type in any web address you want to add.
  • You can create multiple rows of shortcuts by adding more than the default number, and Google will organize them into additional rows automatically.
  • Your shortcuts sync across all your devices when you are signed into the same Google account, so changes you make on your computer appear on your phone too.

How to add a new shortcut to an empty slot

The easiest way to add a shortcut is to use an empty slot that Google leaves for you. Open Google in your browser and look at the row of icons below the search box. You should see one or more blank squares at the end of the row. Click on any blank square.

A small window will pop up showing you sites Google thinks you visit often. Scroll through the list and click the one you want to add. Google will place that site's icon in the square you clicked. If you do not see the site you want in the suggested list, type its web address into the search field at the top of the window — for example, type "wikipedia.org" or "reddit.com" — and click the result when it appears.

How to replace an existing shortcut

If you want to swap out a shortcut Google added by default, click the pencil icon that appears in the bottom right corner of the shortcut area when you hover your mouse over it. This opens edit mode, and you will see a small X in the top right corner of each shortcut icon.

Click the X on the shortcut you want to remove. The icon disappears, leaving an empty square. Click that empty square, and the same window from the previous section will open — choose a new site or type in a web address. Once you have made your changes, click outside the shortcut area or press Escape to exit edit mode and save your changes.

How to add more than one row of shortcuts

Google starts you with one row of shortcuts, usually holding about eight icons depending on your screen size. If you want more shortcuts than fit in one row, you can add them and Google will automatically create a second row below the first.

Click on any empty square in the first row, or remove a shortcut you do not use and click the empty square that results. Add your new site using the window that appears. Once you have filled the first row, the next shortcut you add will create a second row. You can continue adding shortcuts to fill multiple rows — there is no hard limit, though most people find two or three rows practical.

How to rearrange shortcuts in the order you want

If you want to move a shortcut to a different position — for example, putting your most-used site first — click the pencil icon again to enter edit mode. This time, instead of clicking the X, click and hold on the shortcut icon itself and drag it to a new position. You can drag it left, right, up to a different row, or down. Google will shift the other shortcuts to make room.

This works the same way on a phone or tablet, though you may need to press and hold the icon longer before dragging. Once you have arranged them the way you want, click outside the shortcut area to save and exit edit mode.

Troubleshooting shortcuts that do not appear or sync

If you add a shortcut on your computer but it does not show up on your phone, check that you are signed into the same Google account on both devices. Open your Google account settings on each device and confirm the email address matches. Shortcuts only sync between devices using the same account.

If a shortcut icon shows a broken image or blank square instead of the site's logo, try removing it and adding it again. Sometimes Google needs a moment to fetch the correct icon. If the shortcut itself works but the icon looks wrong, this is usually harmless — the link still goes to the right place. If a shortcut disappears on its own, Google may have removed it because the website is no longer reachable or because you cleared your browsing data. You can add it back anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a shortcut to a website that is not in Google's suggested list?

Yes. When you click an empty square or create a new one, type the web address directly into the search field at the top of the window. Google will add it even if it does not appear in the suggestions. This works for any website, including smaller sites, blogs, or internal company pages.

Do my shortcuts stay the same if I use Google in a different browser?

Yes, as long as you are signed into the same Google account. Your shortcuts are stored in your Google account, not in the browser itself. If you switch from Chrome to Firefox or Safari, sign in with your Google account and your shortcuts will appear the same way.

What happens to my shortcuts if I clear my browser history?

Your shortcuts will stay. They are stored in your Google account, not in your browser's local data. Clearing history, cookies, or cache will not remove them. However, if you specifically clear your Google account data or sign out of your account, you may lose access to them on that device.

Can I add a shortcut to a specific page within a website instead of the homepage?

Yes. Type the full web address including the path — for example, "wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology" instead of just "wikipedia.org". Google will create a shortcut to that specific page. When you click the shortcut, it will take you directly there instead of to the main homepage.

How many shortcuts can I add?

There is no set limit. You can add as many as you want, and Google will organize them into rows. Most people find two to four rows practical before the page becomes cluttered, but you can go higher if you need to.