Why Did My App Disappear From The Dock?

May 5, 2020 | Apple macOS, Apple Mac Software

It’s very easy to accidentally delete Apps from the Dock. If this happens, don’t worry . . . The App is still on your Mac. You just need to put it back on the Dock.

What Is The Dock?

The Dock is that bar at the bottom of your screen filled with icons for different Apps.

If you double click an App on the Dock, the App opens.

The icons on the Dock are not the actual Apps. Each one is an alias. An alias is simply a signpost with directions to the actual Apps location on the Mac.

It’s exactly like a signpost on a road. If it’s removed . . .  the places it was pointing to don’t disappear.

This is why you can delete App icons on the Dock and have no impact on the App itself.

How Do I Add and Remove Apps From The Dock

To add an App to the Dock, go to the Finder. This the smiley face icon on the bottom left-hand corner of the Dock.

Macintosh Finder

Double click the Finder icon. If you don’t see a Finder window, go to the Menu Bar at the top of the screen, click File then choose New Finder Window.

On the left-hand side of the Finder window, in the grey sidebar, you will see Applications. Click this to view all the Apps on your Mac.

To put an App on the Dock, click on it then drag it to the Dock.

To remove and App from the Dock, click on the App icon, and drag it off the Dock. When you let go it will disappear.

What Else Can I Do With The Dock?

You can find more information about the Dock and suggestions on how to use it here – Is Your Dock Filled With Strange Icons? Let’s Clean It Up…

Get more help on our main Mac Support page. 

No Problem Mac Call 310-621-5679
John Carroll - No Problem Mac

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