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How to fix a disappearing Dock on Mac

The macOS Dock is a great way to access your favourite apps quickly and easily. But if you’re having problems with it disappearing then there are a few ways to ensure that it sticks around.

In this article we show how to keep your Dock in view.

Use System Preferences to set up the Dock

The simplest way to adjust the settings for the Dock is by using System Preferences. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen and then select System Preferences from the dropdown menu.

In the window that appears, you’ll find an option for the Dock on the top line between Desktop & Screen Saver and Mission Control. Click on it.

You’ll now be presented with various settings for the Dock, including its size and position on the screen. Look at the column of tick boxes at the bottom of the window.

Here you’ll find one called ‘Automatically hide and show the Dock’. Ensure that it is unticked, and then the Dock should now remain visible at all times (unless you choose to go full-screen on an app).

Right-clicking on the Dock

Another way to access the Hide setting is to right-click on the dock itself. As there are icons for various apps already in place, you’ll need to find the vertical line on the right hand side that separates the apps from the Downloads and Trash section.

Hovering the cursor over this will change it into a double-ended arrow. When you see this, right-click to open the quick settings menu.

In here you’ll see the option to Turn Hiding Off. Select this and your Dock should stay present on screen whenever you’re not in full-screen mode.

Resetting the Preferences list

If you’re still getting issues with the Dock disappearing after you’ve followed the steps above, then it could be problem with a corrupted file or other non-settings based issue.

The first thing to do is check if there are any system updates available that you can install. This is easy to do: click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner, select App Store, and when it opens click on the Updates tab.

Should this be empty then it might be worth deleting the preferences file instead. This will reset your Dock back to the way it was when you first got your Mac, so any app shortcuts you’ve since placed there will need to be added again afterwards.

Open Finder, then hold down the Option key and click on the Go option in the Menu Bar at the top of the screen. This shows a few options that are usually hidden , one of which is Library. Click this and then select the Preferences folder.

Scroll down until you find a file named com.apple.dock.plist . You’ll need to delete this file (either by using the Backspace key or dragging it to the Trash).

Now reboot your machine and macOS will create a new default preferences list which should hopefully clear the problem.

If you’re still getting issues then we’d recommend contacting Apple customer support .

We also look at How to Hide Recent Apps from Dock in MacOS here .

Author: Martyn Casserly , Contributor

Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.

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Dock Disappeared on Mac? Try These 12 Fixes

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewed by

Last updated: December 21, 2023

Expert verified

If your Dock disappeared on Mac, try one of these fixes:

• Exit full-screen mode to reveal the Dock​ ​ and disable the auto-hide feature in System Settings under Desktop & Dock​ ​ .
• Force quit and restart Dock using Activity Monitor.
• Use the killall Dock command in the Terminal to restart the Dock​ ​.
• Delete com.apple.dock.plist in the Preferences folder and restart the Mac​ ​.
• Create a new account with default settings​ ​ to get rid of corrupt user files.

Recently, I ran into a problem: my Mac Dock disappeared. This was really frustrating because I use the Dock all the time to open my daily apps. So, I started looking for ways to fix it. After trying out different things, I found some really quick and easy methods to get the Dock back. In this guide, I’m going to share these tips with you, so you can easily restore your Dock if it ever disappears.

Before We Begin

Corrupt apps and infected programs can affect your Mac’s performance and interfere with other programs, causing issues like disappeared Dock. Download MacKeeper and use its Smart Uninstaller to rid your Mac of any faulty apps or programs causing performance issues.

How to Fix Disappearing Dock on Mac

If your Dock disappeared on Mac, there are several ways to get it back. Below, I have shared some tried and tested troubleshooting tips to restore the Dock on your Mac.

1. Exit the Full-Screen Mode

The first thing to do is exit the full-screen mode if you’re using it. A window in full-screen mode covers your Dock. Due to this, your Mac Dock keeps disappearing visually from your screen.

To exit full-screen mode and restore the Dock, follow these steps:

• Move your cursor to the top of the screen.
• A navigation bar will appear and you’ll see the red, yellow, and green buttons.

• Hover your mouse over the green button, and a drop-down menu will appear. Choose Exit Fullscreen . Simply clicking the green button also exits the full screen.

This will exit the full-screen mode, and your Dock will reappear.

2. Try the Hotkeys

If you accidentally press the hotkeys Option ⌥ + Command ⌘ + D , it can cause the Dock on your Mac to disappear. This is because this hotkey toggles the Dock’s auto-hide feature.

To make the Dock visible again, simply press Option ⌥ + Command ⌘ + D once more.

This action will revert the setting and ensure the Dock remains constantly visible on your screen.

3. Check Dock Settings

The next thing to check is the automatic hiding setting if your Dock disappeared on Mac. Move your mouse to the bottom of the screen and see if the Dock appears. If it does, it means your auto-hide settings are on.

Follow these steps to check Dock settings on Mac:

• Click the Apple icon and select System Settings .

• Select Desktop & Dock in the Settings window.

• Toggle off the Automatically hide and show the Dock switch.

• This will make your Dock visible on your screen.

You can also access the auto-hide settings by right-clicking the Dock. Right-click the Dock and select Turn Hiding Off to stop the Dock from hiding automatically.

4. Force Quit and Restart Your Dock

If your Dock has disappeared on your Mac, it could be due to a temporary error in the operating system. A quick solution to try is to force quit and restart the Dock.

Follow the steps below to force quit and restart your Dock to fix the Dock disappeared on Mac issue:

• Press the Command ⌘ + Space keys to open Spotlight . Type Activity Monitor and press Enter .

• Choose the CPU tab in Activity Monitor.

• Search for Dock in the search bar.

• Select the Dock program and click the x icon in the top toolbar.

• Choose Force Quit in the pop-up to quit the Dock app.

• Lastly, restart your Mac to enable the Dock again.

5. Restart Your Mac

Restarting your Mac can often resolve issues like a disappearing Dock because it resets the system’s state, clearing temporary glitches and system errors. Here’s how to restart your Mac:

• Click the Apple menu and select Restart .

• If you have any open applications with unsaved work, you’ll be prompted to save your changes. Close any open apps or save your work, then click Restart .

• You can also restart your Mac using a keyboard shortcut: Press Control ^ + Command ⌘ + Power Button (or Eject/Touch ID button) simultaneously.

This will immediately restart your Mac without saving your work, so use this method with caution.

• If your Mac is frozen or unresponsive, you can force a restart. To do this, press and hold the Power button for about 10 seconds until the Mac turns off, then press the Power button again to turn it back on.

6. Look for Software Conflicts

Software conflicts on a Mac, particularly when multiple apps compete for the same system resources, can cause the Dock to disappear on your Mac. This happens because the operating system may become unstable under such conflicts.

If your Dock disappeared on Mac, check for software conflicts by following these steps:

• Open Activity Monitor via the Utilities folder in your Applications .

• Look for apps with high CPU usage or memory consumption in the Activity Monitor. Click the CPU tab to find resource-intensive programs.
• Select the app(s) you don’t need or the ones causing conflicts, and quit them by clicking the small x in the top bar.

• This should free up RAM on your Mac and resolve the Dock disappearance issue.

7. Update Dock and macOS

If your Dock disappeared on Mac, it might be due to not having the latest software update. Apple regularly releases updates to improve system performance and fix bugs. Missing these updates can sometimes lead to issues like the Dock disappearing. So, its best to update your Mac to the latest macOS version.

Follow the steps below to update your macOS :

• Navigate to the Apple menu > System Settings .
• Click General and select Software Update .

• Wait for your Mac to check for any available updates.
• If updates are available, click Update Now .

• Restart your Mac when the update process is complete. The Dock should reappear on your Mac screen.

8. Restart the Dock With Terminal Command

Another efficient method to restore your Dock is by restarting it using a Terminal command. This approach is particularly useful for addressing temporary glitches and restoring the Dock to its normal functionality.

Here’s how to use a Terminal command to restore Mac Dock:

• Click the magnifying glass icon in the menu bar to open Spotlight Search .

• Type Terminal to launch the Terminal app.

• Type the following command and press Enter :

• Your Dock should restart, and the issue should be resolved.

9. Reset the Doc’s PLIST file

If the Dock on your Mac has disappeared due to corrupt files, one solution is to reset the Dock’s preference file. Keep in mind that doing this will remove any customizations you’ve made to the Dock, such as added apps or size adjustments. This step sets the Dock back to its default state.

Follow these steps to reset the PLIST file of the Dock:

• Navigate to Finder , click Go in the top menu, and select Go to Folder .

• Enter the following path in the window that appears and press Enter .

• Open the Preferences folder.

• Look for a file named com.apple.dock.plist and drag it to the Bin. Alternatively, you can right-click the file and select Move to Bin .

• Restart your Mac for the changes to take effect and Dock to reappear.

10. Clear Cache and Temporary Files

Over time, your Mac collects cache and temporary files, which can lead to system issues, like the Dock disappearing. When you remove the cache and delete temporary files on your Mac , it frees up space and system resources. This makes your Mac run more smoothly and avoid software conflicts, potentially fixing issues with the Dock.

Follow the steps below to clear your Mac’s cache and temporary files:

a. Clear Your Mac’s Cache

• Launch Finder on your Mac.

• Click Go in the menu bar and choose Go to Folder .
• Type the following path in the text box and press Enter .

• Select all files present in the Caches folder. Right-click the selected files and select Move to Bin .

• This will clear the cache on your Mac, and if the cache is interfering with the Dock’s performance, it should resolve.

Alternatively, you can use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup feature to remove junk files on your Mac . Here’s how to use it:

• Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
• Open MacKeeper and click Safe Cleanup in the left sidebar.

• Tap the Start Scan button.

• This will scan your Mac for junk files. Select the files you want to delete or click Check All .

• Tap the Clean Junk Files button.

• The junk files on your system will be deleted, and you’ll get a Cleaning Completed notification. Click Rescan if you want to repeat the process.

• Check if your Dock appears after cleaning cache files.

b. Remove Your Mac’s Temporary Files

• Open Finder , head to the Go menu, and click Go to Folder .
• Type the following path in the text box and press Enter :

• Now, locate the folder labeled com.apple.dock and drag this folder to the Bin or right-click it and select Move to Bin .

11. Create a New User Account

Creating a new user account on your Mac can fix a disappearing Dock issue. A new account starts with default settings, which helps eliminate conflicts or corrupted settings in your old account.

Follow the steps below to create a new user account on Mac:

• Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and choose System Settings .
• Click Users & Groups in System Settings.

• Click the Add User button

• Enter your administrator’s name and password and tap Unlock .

• Enter the required information, including the user’s name, account name, and password, and click Create User .

• Log out of your current account and log in to the newly created account to see if the Dock reappears.

12. Reset the PRAM or SMC

Resetting the PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) or SMC (System Management Controller) can resolve the Dock disappeared on Mac issue. They reset certain hardware and software settings that may be causing the issue.

The process for resetting the SMC and PRAM varies depending on the model of your Mac, but here are the general steps to follow:

To Reset the PRAM

• Shut down your Mac .
• Press the Power button to turn it back on.

• Immediately press and hold the Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + P + R keys.

• Hold these keys for approximately 20 seconds or until you hear the startup sound twice.
• Release the keys and let your Mac finish starting up.

To Reset the SMC

• Power down your Mac.
• Unplug the power cord, and wait for at least 15-20 seconds.
• Plug the power cord back in, then wait approximately 5 seconds.
• Press the Power button to turn on your Mac and see if the Dock problem is resolved.

6 Reasons Why Your Dock Disappeared on Mac

There are several reasons why the Dock might disappear on your Mac:

• 🔄 Software Conflicts : Multiple applications trying to use the same system resources can cause the Dock to vanish.
• 🕒 Outdated macOS : Not updating your macOS can lead to bugs, including the disappearance of the Dock.
• ⚡ Temporary System Glitches : Sometimes, temporary errors in the operating system can cause the Dock to disappear.
• 📂 Corrupt Files or Apps : Corrupted files, especially in user account settings, or malicious apps can lead to the Dock vanishing.
• 🗑️ Cache and Temporary File Accumulation : Over time, accumulated cache and temporary files can cause system issues, affecting the Dock’s functionality.
• 🔧 Corrupted Dock Preferences : Sometimes, the preference files for the Dock can become corrupt, causing it to disappear.

Tips to Prevent the Dock Disappeared Mac Issue

To prevent the Dock from disappearing on your Mac, follow these tips:

• 🔄 Regularly Update macOS : I can’t stress enough how important it is to keep your macOS and apps updated. These updates often include fixes for the bugs that can cause big problems, like your Dock disappearing.
• 🚦 Monitor Software Conflicts : Be cautious of installing too many apps that might conflict with each other, especially those that heavily modify the system. If you notice your Dock acting up after installing a new app, there might be a conflict.
• 🗑️ Manage Cache and Temporary Files : Regularly clear cache and temporary files (using MacKeeper as I do) to prevent system overload and potential glitches.
• 💾 Backup Regularly : Maintain regular backups of your system. This ensures you can restore settings in case of major issues.
• ⚠️ Avoid Tweaking System Files : Refrain from modifying system files unless you’re sure about the changes; incorrect modifications can lead to system instability.
• 🔒 Use Reliable Software : Only download and install apps from trusted sources to reduce the risk of malware and software conflicts.
• 🛠️ Regular System Checkups : Perform regular maintenance checks using Disk Utility and other macOS diagnostic tools to keep the system running smoothly.

Fix Your Dock-Related Issues With MacKeeper

Problematic apps can often cause the Dock to disappear on your Mac. When apps or software conflict, they can disrupt your computer’s normal functioning, sometimes making the Dock disappear. The quickest way to get rid of such apps is by using MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller. It helps quickly remove faulty apps and their leftovers, preventing system issues.

Here’s how to uninstall faulty apps on your Mac using MacKeeper:

• Open MacKeeper and click Smart Uninstaller in the left sidebar.

• Click Start Scan .

• This will scan your Mac and show you a list of apps. Find and select the unused or conflicting apps and tap Remove Selected .

• Click Remove again to confirm the deletion.

• This will delete the selected apps and display a Removal Completed message on your screen. Click Rescan to repeat the process.

What Else Can MacKeeper Do?

Besides clearing the cache and uninstalling corrupt apps, MacKeeper can scan your Mac for virus , remove login items , and delete duplicate files on Mac . Check out my MacKeeper review to learn more about its features . 

Bring Back macOS Dock Disappeared

If your Dock disappeared on Mac, it can be an inconvenient experience. Here are some tips to keep your Mac running smoothly to prevent similar issues in the future:

• Update your apps on Mac regularly to fix known bugs or system glitches.
• Monitor your Mac CPU, GPU, and RAM usage to identify resource-intensive or suspicious background programs.
• Kill background processes on your Mac to make sure no suspicious programs consume system resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i do if my dock disappears frequently.

If your Dock disappears frequently, check to see if any of your settings have been changed. You can also use Terminal to reset the Dock which may fix any settings errors. Resetting your PRAM and SMC can also help. If nothing else works, reinstall macOS .

How can I tell if software conflicts are causing my Dock to disappear?

You can tell if software conflicts are causing your Dock to disappear by checking for apps with high CPU or memory usage in the Activity Monitor. Quitting unnecessary apps or those causing conflicts can resolve the issue. You can also boot your Mac into Safe Mode to load only the essential system components.

Can I personalize the appearance of my Dock?

Yes, you can personalize the appearance of your Dock in System Settings > Desktop & Dock . You can modify the Dock’s size, position, and more to make it look and function the way you want. You can also add or remove apps and files by dragging them on or off the Dock.

How do I add an app to my Dock?

To add an app to your Dock, simply drag its icon from the Applications folder to the Dock. Alternatively, you can right-click an app’s icon in the Applications folder and select Add to Dock to add it.

Can I change the Dock’s position on my screen?

Yes, you can change the position of your Dock to the left, right, or bottom of your screen in System Settings > Desktop & Dock . Experiment with different positions to find the one that works best for you.

I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

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Home PC Mac How to Re-Add Missing Dock Icons on Mac

How to Re-Add Missing Dock Icons on Mac

Before we begin, let’s see why they are missing in the first place.

Why Are Your Dock Icons Missing?

Believe it or not, a certain icon is probably missing from your Mac’s Dock because you have removed it yourself. But you would remember doing that, right?

Well, the fact is that you probably wouldn’t as the Dock isn’t locked. Therefore, you might have dragged and dropped the icon from your Dock by mistake. This is actually incredibly easy as Dock icons can be removed in a matter of seconds.

You can try and see for yourself. Click and hold on the icon in your Dock that you want to remove (don’t worry, you’ll restore it later). Drag it away from the Dock, and then release. You will notice that the icon has vanished and that macOS has a pretty interesting vanishing animation for this.

All in all, that’s probably what happened to your missing Dock icon. Computer viruses could also be the reason behind missing Dock icons, but that’s highly unlikely to happen.

Restoring Missing Dock Icons

First and foremost, you need to know that the program whose icon is missing isn’t gone from your computer. The program is still installed and you can still find its icon.

The icons that you see on your Dock are actually all just shortcuts. The following methods will show you how to restore them.

Method 1: Drag and Drop

The easiest way to restore your missing icon is by reversing the process that led to its disappearance. In other words, you have to find the missing program on your computer, drag it, and drop it in the Dock. Here’s how you can do that:

• Open the Finder in macOS.

• Search for the missing Dock icon.
• Once you have found it, click on its icon and drag it to the Dock.
• Do not release the icon until the icons on your Dock have moved by one place, creating space for your missing icon. You can go across the Dock and choose where you want to place your missing icon. Simply drop the icon where you want, and voila – it has been restored.

What If You Can’t Find the Missing Icon in the Applications Folder?

The icons that you won’t find in the Applications folder are the ones on the right side of the Dock. These icons actually represent folders themselves. In macOS, the built-in system folders shortcuts are almost always stored on the right side. This includes the Documents, Downloads, Applications, and other folders.

To restore them on older macOS versions, do the following:

• Open your macOS Finder.
• Click on your user folder. You will notice that all of the previously mentioned folders are located inside your user folder.
• Drag them to the right side of the Dock and drop them.

For newer macOS version, here’s what you need to do:

• Open the Finder.
• Pull down the GO Menu.

• Locate the folder that you want to restore.

If you still can’t find an icon or folder that went missing, search through the Finder thoroughly. You can use the Finder’s search bar. If the program is still installed or if the folder hasn’t been deleted, it will definitely be there.

Method 2: Dock the Icon While Running the Program

When you run a certain program, it will appear in the Dock. The program’s icon will remain there for as long as the program is running. Once you close the program, its icon will be automatically removed from the Dock.

You can use this to your advantage. Here’s how:

• Find the program whose icon is missing from your Dock.
• Run it. Its icon will appear on the right side of your Dock.
• Simply grab it by clicking and holding, and drag it to the left side of the Dock.

After that, when you close the program, its icon will remain in the Dock.

Method 3: Use Keyboard Shortcuts

The third and final method that you can use to restore missing Dock icons requires you to use Keyboard shortcuts.

• Navigate to the folder or icon that you want to move to the Dock.
• Select the icon or folder.
• Press Control + Shift + Command + T simultaneously.

Always Win Playing Hide n Seek on Your macOS

Have you managed to restore your missing Dock icons using some of the mentioned methods? Which of your icons likes to play hide and seek the most? Let us know in the comments below.

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How to add Safari to my Dock?

My Mac mini system tray (Dock) havs so many icons. However Safari's icon is not available in the Dock. I can see the application in my Applications folder.

How can I put Safari onto my Dock, so I can directly access it from my desktop itself without having to find it in my Applications folder?

• Welcome to Stack Overflow! This question is better suited for superuser.com and I have voted to move it there. After five people vote, your question will move automatically. –  Greg Hewgill Oct 2, 2009 at 4:32
• 2 It's called the dock, not the system tray. –  nobody Oct 2, 2009 at 4:51

3 Answers 3

Double click safari to open it. Then, when it's open, right click on it's icon on the dock (which you call the system tray), and say `keep in dock' (or options -> keep in dock on snow leopard).

Drag-n-drop the icon from a finder window to the Dock.

Here is an article on the Apple website about the Dock in general, but also includes information on how to add or remove icons from the Dock.

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How to Get Safari Icon Back on iPhone Home Screen

Mehvish Mushtaq is a computer engineer by degree. Her love for Android and gadgets made her develop the first Android app for Kashmir. Known as Dial Kashmir, she won the prestigious Nari Shakti award from the President of India for the same. She has been writing about technology for 6+ years and her favorite verticals include how-to guides, explainers, tips and tricks for Android, iOS/iPadOS, social media, and web apps. You can also find her posts on MakeTechEasier, TechWiser, and NerdsChalk.

Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit and worked briefly as a copywriter. In his free time, he satiates his curiosity about streaming platforms and devices like Apple TV and Google TV. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often bumping it longer.

• Look for app folders and search for Safari in the home screen.
• Use App Library to bring Safari back to the home screen.

Fix 1: Unhide Home Screen Page

If the Safari icon has gone missing along with other app icons, you might have hidden a home screen page.

Step 1: On your iPhone’s home screen, touch and hold the page dots at the bottom until you see the thumbnails of your home screen.

Step 2: The pages that have checkmarks under them are enabled. Look for the page with the Safari browser and tap on the selection circle under it to enable it.

That’s it. Now, go to your phone’s home screen, and you should see the Safari icon.

Fix 2: Remove Screen Time Restrictions From iPhone

If you can’t find Safari on your iPhone using the above methods, you must check and remove screen time restrictions from the Safari app.

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone > go to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions .

Step 2: Tap on Allowed Apps . Turn off the toggle next to Safari . It should turn green.

That’s it. Go to your home screen, and you should see the Safari app. If the Safari icon is missing, use the above methods to put it back on the home screen.

Fix 3: Reset Home Screen Layout

Resetting the home screen layout of your iPhone will delete folders that you have created on the home screen and put all the pre-installed Apple apps, including Safari, at their original location. This will help in restoring Safari to the home screen.

To reset the home screen layout, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout .

Once reset, go back to the home screen, and you should see the Safari icon happily sitting over there. If Safari doesn’t work, learn how to fix Safari not working on your iPhone .

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Last updated on 25 April, 2024

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How To Fix A Missing Safari Icon On iPhone Or iPad

Safari is built into iOS and cannot be removed from your iPhone or iPad (except when the device has been jailbroken), but it can go missing from the home screen. If it does, it's often easy enough to locate it.

You can usually find it with the Spotlight — swipe down on the home screen and search "safari." Sometimes a user will tuck Safari into a cluttered folder where the icon can get lost. To find it, you just have to look for it.

Suppose you always launch the app from the App Library, and the Safari icon is missing. In that case, it's possible the browser was accidentally deleted from the App Library — a space where all apps are auto-organized into tidy folders. You can hide an app from the Home Screen when it's being moved to the App Library. When it's also deleted from the Library, the icon can go missing.

But what's more likely is that the restriction features in iOS are hiding Safari from you. Parental controls or Screen Time management can hide Safari from view, according to Apple .

How to bring the missing Safari icon back

Before reconfiguring the restriction features on your iPhone or iPad, try resetting the Home Screen. The Safari icon may be hidden, not the app itself. Here's what Apple  recommends.

• Open Settings.
• Find and tap General.
• Select Transfer or Reset iPhone .
• Select Reset.
• Select Reset Home Screen Layout.
• Select Reset Home Screen.

Resetting the Home Screen sends all app icons back to their original slots.

If you still can't see Safari, Screen Time is hiding the app from you. Screen Time is a feature that limits how much time you're allowed on a particular app. It's protected with a PIN (that's supposed to be different from the password that unlocks your iPhone or iPad). 

You can either disable Screen Time entirely, or just safelist Safari.

• Tap Screen Time.
• Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
• Enter your passcode.
• Tap Allowed Apps.
• Enable the switch next to Safari to allow it.

To disable the feature entirely, you can also toggle off the switch next to Content & Privacy Restrictions.

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How to Fix a Disappearing Dock in macOS Monterey

Recently, my six-year-old granddaughter was using my iMac (as I’ve learned the hard way, this isn’t a great idea). When she was finished “writing,” my macOS Monterey Dock had disappeared.

Well, actually, it hadn’t disappeared. However, instead of staying visible at the bottom of my iMac’s screen, it would appear only when I moved my mouse cursor to the bottom of the screen. It would vanish when I moved the mouse cursor setup. Some folks like this implementation, but I don’t.

Setting up macOS Monterey Dock Preferences

You can set up your Dock’s Preferences with these steps:

1. Go to the Apple logo () on the top left of your Mac’s display.

2. Go to System Preferences.

3. Click Dock & Menu Bar.

4. If “Automatically hide and show the Dock” is checked, deselect the checkbox next to it. 

That will, in theory, fix it. However, I had to restart my iMac to make the change take effect.

Are you in Full-Screen mode?

If you’ve done this and the Dock still won’t stay visible, make sure you’re not in Full-Screen mode . When in Full-Screen mode, the current window will cover your Dock.

To exit full-screen mode, move your cursor up to the top of your screen. The top Navigation Bar will reappear, along with the red and green buttons for Close and Full-Screen. 

Click on the green Full-Screen button to go back to the normal view, and your Dock will reappear. 

Related articles:

• How to Move the Dock from One Monitor to Another on a Mac
• macOS 101: How to Take Full Advantage of the Dock
• How to Disable ‘Show Recent Applications in Dock’ in macOS Catalina

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In my case, the problem was encountered by gaming pc mouse (Mad Cats). When I put back previous mouse, everything was working fine. It is probably because of the hi resolution of the mouse and lack of drivers…

My iMac is old. There is no box to click in the general category, system preferences, to force the top toolbar to stay visible in word. Yet it used to be visible all the time. I can get it to be visible for while working on one doc but as soon as I’m through with that doc, the toolbar on top goes away as well. So frustrating. How can I set the top toolbar so it stays permanently?

not mush use if you want full screen with the dock visible. I am sick of computer developers deciding what I want on my computer, that I spent my money on.

Best way to PREVENT this problem (and others) from occurring with grandkids, etc. is to turn on the Guest User account and have them use it instead of your user account.

Thanks. How to fix the Dock not showing (after hovering the mouse arrowhead pointer over the lower area of the display), after booting the Mac when “Automatically hide and show the Dock” is checked? In such scenario forcing quit of Dock fixes it. Until it happens again about 30% of times after booting. It only happens sometimes right after booting.

When such issue arises, Command tab or Top-right corner Screen Saver or Mission Control (Spaces) = F3 or Launchpad = F4 or sometimes Recent items do not show, or cannot copy (Command C).

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macOS User Guide

• What’s in the menu bar?
• Work on the desktop
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• Set up Family Sharing
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If the Dock on your Mac contains a question mark

If an app’s icon is in the Dock and you delete the app from your Mac, the icon remains in the Dock but is covered by a question mark.

Remove the question mark icon: Drag the icon out of the Dock until Remove is shown.

To download again an app you purchased from the Mac App Store, see Install purchases from the App Store .

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

safari icon has disappeared from dock. i have tried resetting settings but this has not helped, safari icon has disappeared from dock. i have tried resetting settings but this has not helped

Safari icon has disappeared from dock. I have tried resetting settings but this has not helped. how do I get the icon back on the dock?

iPhone 4S, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Nov 22, 2012 2:28 AM

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Nov 22, 2012 2:29 AM in response to lisamareeg1

if you have Safari in your Application folder just drag it over the dock to the place where you want the icon to be.

Nov 22, 2012 3:36 AM in response to Munas

if you mean on the screen of my phone and drag to dock - its not on the screen at all.

Nov 22, 2012 3:37 AM in response to Munas

but - thanks Munas 🙂

Nov 22, 2012 3:37 AM in response to lisamareeg1

huff, sorry did not notice you are talking about an iPhone.

Nov 22, 2012 5:31 AM in response to lisamareeg1

Go to settings general reset reset home screen

Nov 22, 2012 5:34 AM in response to lisamareeg1

Check Settings > General > Restrictions: should be disabled > Safari : ON.

If the settings are correct and Safari is still missing then

Settings > General > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout.

Nov 22, 2012 10:46 PM in response to ckuan

Thanks ckuan. the restrictions was already set at disabled and safari was already "on" however I enabled then disabled and all is fine now.

Tks to all who made a suggestion🙂

Nov 22, 2012 10:48 PM in response to lisamareeg1

You're welcome.