The fastest way depends on your phone type
Changing an app icon works differently on iPhone and Android, and the method also depends on which version of the operating system you're running. On iPhone, you use the Shortcuts app to create a custom icon that launches the real app underneath. On Android, most phones let you long-press the app icon directly and edit it, though some older versions or custom launchers require a different approach. Both methods take less than a minute once you know the steps.
The icon you create is cosmetic only—it doesn't change how the app works or where your data lives. You're just changing what you see on your home screen.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users create a custom icon using the Shortcuts app, which takes about one minute and requires a small image file.
- Android users can usually long-press the app icon, tap "Edit icon" or similar, and select a new image directly from their phone.
- Custom icons on iPhone are technically shortcuts that launch the real app, so they appear as separate items on your home screen.
- You can use any image file as a custom icon—a photo, emoji screenshot, or downloaded image—as long as it's saved to your phone.
Changing an app icon on iPhone
Open the Shortcuts app (it comes pre-installed on iPhone). Tap the plus icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut. Tap "Add Action," then search for and select "Open App." Choose the app you want to customize from the list. Tap the three dots in the top right, then tap "Add to Home Screen."
A dialog will appear asking for a name and icon. Tap the colored circle next to the name field—this is where you set the custom icon. You can choose a solid color, use an emoji, or tap "Choose Photo" to select an image from your phone's photo library. Once you've picked your icon, tap "Add" in the top right. The shortcut will appear on your home screen with your custom icon and will open the app when you tap it.
The custom icon shortcut is separate from the original app icon, so you'll see both on your home screen unless you delete or hide the original. To hide the original app, long-press it and select "Remove from Home Screen" (this hides it but doesn't delete it).
Changing an app icon on Android
Long-press the app icon you want to change. A menu will appear with several options. Look for "Edit icon," "Customize," or a pencil icon—the exact wording depends on your phone manufacturer and Android version. Tap that option.
A dialog will open showing the current icon and options to change it. You can usually select from preset icon packs, choose a solid color, or tap "Choose Image" to pick a photo or image from your phone. Select your new icon and tap "explore" or "Save." The icon on your home screen will update when ready.
If you don't see an edit option when you long-press, your phone may be using an older Android version or a custom launcher. Try long-pressing and looking for "App Info" or "Properties" instead, though these older versions may not support icon changes directly. Alternatively, you can read a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which both allow custom icons.
Where to find images to use as custom icons
You can use any image saved to your phone—a photo you took, a screenshot, or a downloaded file. If you want a polished look, search for "app icon pack" or "[app name] icon" on Google Images, then save the image to your phone's photo library. Many icon packs are free and designed specifically for this purpose.
Emoji also work well as custom icons. On iPhone, you can type an emoji directly into the icon field in Shortcuts. On Android, take a screenshot of a large emoji, crop it to a square, and use that image as your icon. Websites like Emojipedia let you copy emoji directly, and you can paste them into a notes app, screenshot them, and crop the result.
Why your custom icon might not appear
On iPhone, make sure you're using the Shortcuts app method, not just renaming the app—renaming doesn't change the icon. If your custom icon shortcut doesn't appear on your home screen after you create it, check that you tapped "Add to Home Screen" at the end of the process.
On Android, if the edit option doesn't appear, your phone may not support custom icons through the standard method. Check your phone's settings under "Display" or "Home Screen" to see if there's a launcher setting you can change. Some phones also require you to use their official launcher (like Samsung's One UI launcher) rather than a third-party one to access icon customization.
Organizing custom icons without cluttering your home screen
On iPhone, custom icon shortcuts can pile up quickly. Create a folder on your home screen and move all your custom icon shortcuts into it, keeping your main screen clean. You can also use multiple home screen pages and dedicate one to custom icons.
On Android, the same approach works—create folders and organize by category. Some launchers like Nova also let you hide the original app icon entirely once you've created a custom one, so you only see the version you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the icon of a built-in app like Settings or Messages?
On iPhone, yes—use the Shortcuts app method to create a custom icon that opens any built-in app. On Android, it depends on your phone, but most allow it through the standard long-press method. Some phones restrict changes to certain system apps, so try long-pressing to see if the option appears.
Will changing the app icon affect my notifications or data?
No. The icon is purely visual. Your notifications, messages, data, and app function remain exactly the same. On iPhone, the custom icon shortcut will show notifications from the original app underneath.
What image size works best for a custom icon?
Square images work best since app icons are square. A 512×512 pixel image or larger gives you the clearest result, but smaller images will work too—your phone will scale them automatically. Most phones accept JPG, PNG, and other common image formats.
Can I undo a custom icon and go back to the original?
Yes. On iPhone, delete the custom icon shortcut from your home screen—the original app icon remains unchanged. On Android, long-press the app and look for "Reset icon" or "Restore default icon," or straightforward delete the custom version and the original will reappear.
Do custom icons work on the lock screen?
On iPhone 16 and newer, you can add custom icon shortcuts to the lock screen, and they will display with your custom icon. On older iPhones and most Android phones, lock screen icons are controlled by the system and cannot be customized this way.