What you can add to Google's homepage

Google's homepage starts with a search box and a few default shortcuts below it — usually Gmail, Images, and a few others Google picks for you. You can replace those shortcuts with links to any website you visit regularly, and you can add as many as your screen will hold. The shortcuts appear every time you open a new tab or go to google.com, so they stay visible without taking up browser space.

The process is the same whether you use Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. You do not need to install anything or change any settings — Google lets you edit the shortcuts directly on the homepage itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add shortcuts to any website by clicking the plus icon below the search box on Google's homepage.
  • Each shortcut shows a small icon and the website name, and clicking it takes you straight to that site.
  • You can rearrange shortcuts by dragging them to a new position, or delete them by right-clicking and selecting remove.
  • Shortcuts are stored in your Google account, so they appear on any device where you sign in with the same account.
  • You can add up to about 12 shortcuts before they start wrapping to a second row, depending on your screen width.

How to add a new shortcut

Go to google.com or open a new tab in your browser. Below the search box, you will see a row of small icons with website names underneath them. At the end of this row, look for a plus sign icon labeled "Add shortcut" or "Create shortcut".

Click that plus sign. A small box will pop up asking you to enter a name and a URL. Type the name you want to see under the icon — this can be anything, like "Netflix" or "Bank Login" or "Project Tracker". Then paste or type the full web address in the URL field, starting with https:// or http://. Click "Done" and the shortcut appears immediately in your row.

If you do not see a plus sign, scroll right in the shortcuts row — it may be hidden off-screen if you already have several shortcuts. If it still does not appear, you may be using a private or incognito window, where shortcuts cannot be saved.

Changing the icon for a shortcut

When you create a shortcut, Google automatically pulls an icon from the website — usually the site's logo or favicon. Sometimes the icon is small or unclear. You can change it by right-clicking the shortcut and selecting "Edit shortcut".

In the edit box, click on the icon itself (the small image to the left of the name field). A menu will open showing you other icon options from that website. Pick the one you prefer and click "Done". If none of the options look good, you can leave it as is — the default icon will work fine.

Rearranging or removing shortcuts

To move a shortcut to a different position, click and hold on it, then drag it left or right to where you want it. Release the mouse button and it stays in the new spot. This is useful if you want your most-used sites at the front of the row.

To delete a shortcut, right-click on it and select "Remove". The shortcut disappears immediately, but you can always add it back later by clicking the plus sign again. Removing a shortcut does not affect the actual website — it only removes the link from your Google homepage.

Accessing shortcuts on other devices

If you sign into your Google account on another computer, phone, or tablet, your shortcuts appear automatically on that device's Google homepage too. This works because Google stores your shortcuts in your account, not just on one device.

If you use multiple Google accounts (for work and personal use, for example), each account has its own set of shortcuts. When you switch accounts, the shortcuts change to match the account you are signed into. If you are using a shared computer or a private browsing window, shortcuts will not save at all.

Troubleshooting shortcuts that do not appear

If you added a shortcut but it is not showing up, first check whether you are signed into your Google account. Look for your profile picture or email address in the top right corner of the page. If you see "Sign in" instead, click it and log in with your account.

If you are signed in and the shortcut still does not appear, try refreshing the page by pressing Ctrl+R (Windows) or Command+R (Mac). Sometimes the page needs to reload to display new shortcuts. If you added many shortcuts and they wrapped to a second row, scroll down to see whether it is below the visible area.

If a shortcut keeps disappearing after you add it, the website itself may be blocking it. This is rare, but some sites use security settings that prevent them from being bookmarked or saved as shortcuts. In that case, you can still visit the site normally — you just cannot pin it to your homepage.

Using shortcuts alongside your browser bookmarks

Google homepage shortcuts are different from your browser's bookmarks. Shortcuts appear only on Google's homepage, while bookmarks live in your browser's bookmark bar or menu. You can use both at the same time — they serve different purposes.

Shortcuts are best for sites you visit very frequently and want to see every time you open a new tab. Bookmarks work better for sites you visit less often, or for organizing links into folders. Some people use shortcuts for their top 5 to 10 sites and bookmarks for everything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add shortcuts on my phone or tablet?

Yes, if you use Chrome on Android or iOS. Open a new tab, tap the plus sign below the search box, and follow the same steps as on a computer. On other browsers or devices, the process may be different or not available — check your browser's settings to see what options it offers.

What happens if a website changes its URL or shuts down?

The shortcut will stay on your homepage, but clicking it will show an error page. You can delete the broken shortcut by right-clicking it and selecting "Remove". If the site moves to a new address, you can edit the shortcut by right-clicking it, selecting "Edit shortcut", and updating the URL.

Can I add shortcuts to pages inside a website, not just the homepage?

Yes. When you click the plus sign, paste the full URL of any page you want — for example, your Gmail inbox or a specific project page. The shortcut will take you directly to that page instead of the site's main homepage.

How many shortcuts can I add?

There is no hard limit, but most screens fit about 12 shortcuts in one row before they wrap to a second row. You can add more if you want them to wrap, but they become harder to find. Most people keep between 5 and 10 shortcuts for easy access.

Do my shortcuts sync if I use Google on different browsers?

Yes, as long as you are signed into the same Google account. Shortcuts sync across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you sign out of your account or use a private window, the shortcuts will not appear.