The fastest way to change app icons depends on your phone type

On iPhone, you use the Shortcuts app (built into iOS 13 and later) to create custom icons that launch apps with a tap. On Android, you install a third-party launcher app like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which lets you swap icons directly without extra steps. Both methods take about five minutes to set up for your first icon, then two to three minutes per additional icon.

The iPhone method creates a shortcut that looks like an icon on your home screen—it's technically a shortcut to the app, not the app itself. The Android method replaces icons within the launcher app, so your actual apps stay unchanged. Neither method affects how the app works or what it does.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone users open the Shortcuts app, create a new shortcut pointing to an app, add a custom image, and save it to the home screen as an icon.
  • Android users install a launcher app like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, then right-click an app and select the option to change its icon.
  • iPhone shortcuts take up home screen space like regular apps and can slow down your phone if you create hundreds of them.
  • Android launchers replace your entire home screen interface, so you can change icons without creating separate shortcuts.

How to change app icons on iPhone using Shortcuts

Open the Shortcuts app (the blue icon with white lines). Tap the plus sign in the top right corner to create a new shortcut. Tap "Add Action," then search for "Open App" and select it. Tap "Choose" and pick the app you want to give a custom icon to.

Next, tap the three dots in the top right of the shortcut editor. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen." A dialog will appear asking for a name and icon. Tap the colored circle next to the name field to choose a custom image—you can take a photo, pick one from your library, or use an emoji. After you set the image, tap "Add" in the top right. The shortcut now appears on your home screen as a custom icon that opens the app when tapped.

Common mistake: tapping the app name instead of the colored circle. The app name field is just for labeling; the colored circle is where you set the icon image. If you want to use a photo or downloaded icon image, make sure it's saved in your Photos app first.

How to change app icons on Android using a launcher app

read a launcher app from the Google Play Store. Nova Launcher (free version available) and Microsoft Launcher (free) are the most common choices. Open the app and follow the setup prompts, which usually ask you to set it as your default launcher. You'll see a dialog asking "Set as default launcher?"—tap "Set as default" or "Always."

Once the launcher is active, long-press any app icon on your home screen. A menu will appear with options like "Edit," "Remove," or "Change Icon." Tap "Change Icon" (the exact wording varies by launcher). A gallery of icon packs will appear. Select one, then choose the icon you want. The app icon on your home screen updates when ready.

If you don't see a "Change Icon" option, your launcher may not support it, or you may need to purchase an icon pack. Free launchers like Nova Launcher's free version include basic icon-changing features, but some advanced options require the paid version or separate icon pack purchases.

Where to find custom icon images for iPhone

For iPhone shortcuts, you need an image file saved in your Photos app. You can read icon packs from websites like Flaticon.com or Icons8.com, which offer free and paid icon sets. Search for the app name plus "icon" to find images that match your style.

You can also use emoji as icons—just type an emoji into the icon field and it will appear on your home screen. This is the fastest option if you want something quick without downloading files. Some people take screenshots of app logos from the App Store and crop them to use as custom icons.

Icon packs and themes for Android

Android launchers work with icon packsLineage Icon Pack, Pixel Icons, and Frost. You read them from the Google Play Store, then select them in your launcher's settings.

Most launchers have a settings menu (usually a gear icon) where you can choose which icon pack to use. Once you select a pack, all compatible apps on your home screen switch to icons from that pack automatically. If an app isn't included in the pack, it keeps its original icon. Icon packs are free or cost a few dollars; paid packs usually offer more icons and regular updates.

What happens to your original apps

On iPhone, your original apps stay in the App Library (swipe to the rightmost home screen page). The custom shortcuts you create are separate items on your home screen—they don't replace the original app icons. If you delete a shortcut from your home screen, the app itself remains installed and unchanged.

On Android, your original apps stay installed and work exactly as before. The launcher only changes how they appear on your home screen. If you uninstall the launcher or switch to a different one, your apps revert to their default icons. The apps themselves are never modified.

Performance and storage considerations

On iPhone, creating many shortcuts can slow down your phone because each shortcut is a separate item that takes up processing power. If you create more than 50 to 100 shortcuts, you may notice your home screen takes longer to load or your phone runs slower. Stick to customizing the apps you use most often.

On Android, launchers use minimal storage (usually 10 to 50 MB) and don't significantly affect performance unless you're using an older phone with very limited RAM. Icon packs are small files, typically 5 to 20 MB each. If you're running low on storage, uninstall unused icon packs or launcher apps you're not using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change app icons without using Shortcuts on iPhone?

No, Shortcuts is the only built-in method on iPhone. Some third-party apps claim to change icons, but they work the same way—by creating shortcuts. Sticking with the official Shortcuts app is more reliable and doesn't require downloading extra apps.

Will changing app icons affect notifications or badges?

On iPhone, shortcuts show notifications and badge counts just like the original app. On Android, it depends on your launcher—most launchers pass through notifications correctly, but some older or less common launchers may not display badges. Test with one app first to see if your launcher supports it.

What if I want to change icons back to the original?

On iPhone, delete the shortcut from your home screen and use the original app from the App Library. On Android, open your launcher settings and select "Default" or "None" for the icon pack, or switch to a different launcher. Your apps always keep their original icons in the system.

Can I use the same custom icon for multiple apps?

Yes, on both iPhone and Android. On iPhone, you can create multiple shortcuts with the same image pointing to different apps. On Android, icon packs automatically explore the same design style across all apps, so they look coordinated even though each app has its own icon.

Do custom icons work on the lock screen?

On iPhone, custom shortcuts don't appear on the lock screen—only on your home screen. On Android, lock screen icons depend on your launcher and phone model. Most Android phones don't show app icons on the lock screen at all, so this isn't usually an option.