The Facebook groups shortcut bar located at the top of the Facebook app allows you to quickly switch between your favorite groups. However, sometimes you may run into an issue where you can’t add new groups to this shortcut bar. Here’s why this happens and how to fix it.
What is the Facebook Groups Shortcut Bar?
The Facebook groups shortcut bar appears at the top of the Facebook app, right below your profile icon and notifications. It contains shortcuts to some of your favorite Facebook groups, allowing you to quickly tap on a group to open it.
By default, the shortcut bar includes your Recent Groups – groups you’ve visited most recently. However, you can customize it to pin your favorite groups for quick access.
Why Can’t I Add Groups to the Shortcut Bar?
There are a couple of reasons why you may be unable to add more groups to the Facebook groups shortcut bar:
- You’ve reached the maximum number of pinned groups – The shortcut bar only allows you to pin up to 8 groups. If you already have 8 groups pinned, you’ll need to unpin an existing group first before being able to add a new one.
- The group is restricted – You can only add groups you are a member of to the shortcut bar. If you try to add a restricted or closed group that you aren’t a member of, it will not work.
- App issues – Sometimes an app bug or glitch prevents adding new groups. Trying force quitting and relaunching the Facebook app may help resolve this.
How to Add Groups to the Facebook Shortcut Bar
If you aren’t yet at the max number of pinned groups, here is how to add groups to the Facebook shortcut bar:
- Open the Facebook app and tap on the Groups tab at the bottom.
- Browse and open the group you want to add to the shortcut bar.
- At the top of the group, tap on the ⋮ menu icon.
- Select “Pin to Shortcuts”
The group should now be pinned to the shortcut bar for quick access!
Removing Groups from the Shortcut Bar
To make room for new pins, you may need to unpin existing groups. Here’s how to remove groups:
- Open the Facebook app and tap the Groups tab.
- Tap on the group you want to unpin from the shortcut bar to open it.
- Tap on the ⋮ menu icon at the top.
- Select “Unpin from Shortcuts”
The group will now be removed from the shortcut bar.
Re-ordering Pins in the Shortcut Bar
You can also customize the order in your pinned groups appear in the shortcut bar:
- In the Facebook app, tap and hold on a group pin in the shortcut bar.
- Drag it left or right to rearrange the order.
- Drop the group pin in the new position.
The group shortcuts will now appear in your customized order!
Shortcut Bar Not Showing Up?
In some cases, the groups shortcut bar may disappear entirely. If it’s missing, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Force quit and relaunch the Facebook app
- Update to the latest version of the Facebook app
- Check that the shortcut bar is enabled in your Facebook app settings
- Log out then log back into your Facebook account
This should make the shortcut bar reappear so you can once again access your pinned group shortcuts.
Can’t Add More Than 8 Shortcuts
Remember, you can only pin up to 8 group shortcuts in the bar. If you already have 8 pinned, you’ll need to unpin an existing one first before being able to add a new group.
To see how many you currently have pinned, count the number of icons in your shortcut bar. Once you unpin a group and drop to 7 or less pins, you’ll then be able to add another one.
Conclusion
The Facebook groups shortcut bar provides quick access to your favorite communities. By following the steps above, you can customize which groups show up, rearrange their order, and troubleshoot issues with adding new pins.
With a personalized shortcut bar, you’ll be able to easily keep up with conversations in the Facebook groups that matter most.