The two ways to change iPhone app icons

You can change how app icons look on your iPhone in two ways: by using the Shortcuts app to create custom icons that replace the originals on your home screen, or by using the Focus feature to hide apps and rearrange what's visible. The Shortcuts method gives you the most control—you can use any image you want as an icon. The Focus method is simpler but only hides or rearranges existing apps rather than truly changing their appearance.

Both methods work on iPhone running iOS 15 or later. The Shortcuts approach takes about five to ten minutes per icon once you understand the steps. Focus-based changes take less time but offer fewer visual options.

Key Takeaways

  • The Shortcuts app lets you create custom icons using any image, then tap those shortcuts instead of the original app to open it.
  • You need to find or create an image file for each custom icon, then build a shortcut that opens the app and displays your chosen image.
  • Custom icons appear on your home screen as shortcuts, so your original app icons remain in the App Library unless you delete the apps themselves.
  • Focus lets you hide certain apps from view, which rearranges your home screen but does not change how remaining icons look.
  • Changing icons does not affect how the app works—it only changes what you see on your home screen.

Creating custom icons with the Shortcuts app

Open the Shortcuts app (it comes built into iPhone). Tap the plus sign in the top right to create a new shortcut. Tap "Add Action," then search for "Open App." Select the app you want to customize. This tells the shortcut which app to open when you tap it.

Next, tap "Add Action" again and search for "Ask for [App Name]"—this step is optional but recommended because it prevents the app from opening twice. Then add one more action: search for "Set Wallpaper" or "Show Result," whichever appears. This step is what makes the custom icon visible. Tap the three dots next to that action and select "Show When Run" so the image displays when you tap the shortcut.

Now tap the three dots in the top right of the shortcut editor, then tap "Add to Home Screen." A menu appears asking you to choose an image. You can take a photo, choose from your photo library, or search for an image online. Once you select the image, name the shortcut (this name appears below the icon), then tap "Add." The custom icon now appears on your home screen.

Finding or creating images for your custom icons

You need an image file for each custom icon. The image should be square (1024 by 1024 pixels works well, though smaller sizes like 512 by 512 also work). You can use a photo you took, read an image from the internet, or create one using a design app.

Many people find icon packs online—search "iPhone custom icons" or "[app name] icon" in Google Images. Right-click the image and save it to your phone. You can also use apps like Canva (free version available) to design straightforward icons. Once the image is saved to your Photos app, you can use it when creating a shortcut.

Keep your images organized in a phone folder so you can find them quickly. Create a new album in Photos called "Custom Icons" and save all your icon images there.

Using Focus to hide and rearrange apps

Focus is a built-in iPhone feature that lets you hide apps from your home screen temporarily. Open Settings, tap "Focus," then tap the plus sign to create a new Focus. Name it (for example, "Work" or "Minimal"). Tap "Apps," then tap the plus sign to add apps you want to hide. These apps will disappear from your home screen when this Focus is active.

You can set Focus to turn on automatically at certain times or when you arrive at a location. When the Focus is active, the hidden apps still work—they just do not appear on your home screen. You can still find them in the App Library or by searching. This method does not change how icons look; it only removes them from view.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is forgetting to add the "Show Result" or "Show When Run" action to your shortcut. Without this step, the custom image does not display, and the app just opens silently. Always include this action before saving the shortcut to your home screen.

Another mistake is using an image that is too small or the wrong shape. Square images work best. If your image is rectangular or very small, it may look stretched or blurry on your home screen. Test the icon before creating many shortcuts with the same image.

Do not delete the original app if you want the custom icon to work. The shortcut only opens the app—it does not replace it. If you delete the app, the shortcut will not function. Your original app icon remains in the App Library even after you create a custom shortcut.

Organizing custom icons on your home screen

Once you create custom icons, arrange them the same way you would arrange any app. Long-press an icon, tap "Move," then drag it to a new position. You can create folders to group related custom icons together. Long-press an icon, tap "Move," drag it onto another icon, and a folder appears.

Many people create a dedicated page on their home screen for custom icons, keeping original apps on other pages. This makes it straightforward to find both your customized shortcuts and your standard apps. You can also use Focus to show different home screens for different situations—for example, a "Work" Focus that hides entertainment apps.

Removing or editing custom icons

To remove a custom icon, long-press it and tap "Remove from Home Screen." The shortcut disappears, but the original app remains on your phone. To delete the shortcut entirely (not just from your home screen), long-press it, tap "Remove from Home Screen," then tap "Delete Shortcut."

To edit a custom icon, open the Shortcuts app, find the shortcut in your library, tap the three dots next to it, and tap "Edit." You can change the image, the app it opens, or the name. Tap "Done" to save your changes. The updated icon appears on your home screen when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the icons of apps I use most without using Shortcuts?

Not directly. The Shortcuts method is the main way to create custom icons on your home screen. Focus can hide apps but does not change their appearance. Some third-party launcher apps claim to change icons, but they require you to open the launcher first, which adds an extra step.

Will changing my icons affect how the app works?

No. Custom icons only change what you see on your home screen. The app itself works exactly the same way. Opening the app through a custom shortcut takes the same amount of time as opening it normally.

Can I use the same custom icon image for multiple apps?

Yes. You can create a shortcut for each app but use the same image for all of them. This is useful if you want a consistent look across your home screen. Just create separate shortcuts for each app and select the same image when adding each one to your home screen.

What happens if I update my iPhone to a new iOS version?

Custom shortcuts usually survive iOS updates, but it is a good idea to back up your phone before updating. If a shortcut stops working after an update, you can recreate it using the same steps. Your custom icon images remain in your Photos app.

Can I share custom icons with other people?

You can share the shortcut itself by opening it in the Shortcuts app, tapping the three dots, and selecting "Share." You can also share the image file separately. The person receiving the shortcut will need to add it to their home screen and select their own image, since shortcuts are tied to individual phones.