Why does my Direct Dial shortcut disappear after a software update?

[AC Question]

Direct Dial shortcut disappears after software updates

This is driving me nuts. Ever since a security update installed a month ago, any direct dial shortcuts or web url shortcuts on my home screen disappears after updates are installed. To verify this, I turned off automatic updates, added a direct dial shortcut to my home screen, then manually ran an update on a random application. As soon as the installation was complete, the direct dial shortcut disappeared. I did this test several times, so it definitely has something to do with the software update process. Any idea on how to stop this behavior?

This is happening on a US Cellular Galaxy S4.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Have you already tried wiping the cache partition? http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-5744

 

[Andy Spears]

Yes, and I have also performed a factory reset twice.

 

[B. Diddy]

Strange. Do other widgets disappear, or only the Direct Dial?

It might be worth reinstalling the firmware using Kies or Smart Switch.

 

[Andy Spears]

Only the direct dial and chrome bookmark widgets. All other widgets remain after performing app updates.

 

[Andy Spears]

I switched to using the Google Now Launcher. The shortcuts no longer disappear.

 

[JimS196]

This has been happening on my S4 from USCC, just direct dial and contacts widgets disappearing shortly after I add them. Started after the upgrade, and USCC has no answer.

 

[bdcoach]

Re: Direct Dial shortcut disappears after software updates

This is driving me nuts. Ever since a security update installed a month ago, any direct dial shortcuts or web url shortcuts on my home screen disappears after updates are installed. To verify this, I turned off automatic updates, added a direct dial shortcut to my home screen, then manually ran an update on a random application. As soon as the installation was complete, the direct dial shortcut disappeared. I did this test several times, so it definitely has something to do with the software update process. Any idea on how to stop this behavior?

This is happening on a US Cellular Galaxy S4.

I am having the very same issue as you ever since I did the update.
Rebooted and whipped

 

[asheroto]

Hi, using a OnePlus phone and this has occurred at least for the last 3 OTA updates. Guess it's still a problem in 2021!

 

[mustang7757]

Hi, using a OnePlus phone and this has occurred at least for the last 3 OTA updates. Guess it's still a problem in 2021!

Welcome to AC!
Which one plus phone you have? Do you use a 3rd party launcher?

 

[asheroto]

Hi, OnePlus 6T. Using the native launcher

 

[mustang7757]

Hi, OnePlus 6T. Using the native launcher

Strange it happens on native launcher, your not rooted or anything? I don't use shortcuts for dialer myself let me see if @Javier P can help .

 

[Javier P]

Re: Direct Dial shortcut disappears after software updates

Welcome to the forums. We discussed a similar issue in this thread.

https://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=1036064