The fastest way to change an app icon on Android
You can change how an app looks on your home screen without downloading anything extra. The method depends on which Android launcher you have — the software that controls your home screen layout. Most Android phones come with either Google Launcher (called Pixel Launcher on Google phones) or Samsung One UI Launcher. Both let you long-press an app icon and pick a new one from a menu.
The process takes about 30 seconds. Long-press the app icon on your home screen until a menu appears, tap "Edit icon" or the pencil icon, choose a new image from your phone's gallery or the app's built-in icon pack, and confirm. If you don't see an edit option, your launcher may not support this feature — in that case, you can use a third-party launcher instead.
Key Takeaways
- Long-press an app icon on your home screen and look for "Edit icon" or a pencil symbol to change it directly without extra apps.
- Google Launcher and Samsung One UI Launcher both support icon changes, but the menu names and steps differ slightly between them.
- You can use a photo from your gallery, a screenshot, or an icon pack as your new app image.
- If your launcher doesn't offer icon editing, install a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher to unlock this feature.
- Icon changes only affect how the app appears on your home screen — the app itself and its function stay the same.
How to change an icon on Google Launcher (Pixel phones)
On a Google Pixel phone or any phone running Google Launcher, the process is straightforward. Long-press the app icon you want to change until the home screen enters edit mode and a menu bar appears at the bottom. Tap the pencil icon or "Edit icon" option in that menu.
A dialog box will open showing your current icon and options to change it. You can either pick an image from your phone's gallery, use a built-in icon pack if the app offers one, or take a new photo. Select your new image, crop it if needed, and tap "OK" or "Save." The icon on your home screen updates when ready.
How to change an icon on Samsung One UI Launcher
Samsung phones use a slightly different process. Long-press the app icon until a menu appears, then tap "Edit icon" (the pencil symbol). This opens a selection screen where you can choose from the app's default icons, your phone's gallery, or Samsung's built-in icon packs.
If the app has multiple built-in icon options, you'll see them displayed as thumbnails. Tap the one you want, then confirm. If you want to use a custom image from your gallery, tap "Gallery," select your image, adjust the crop if needed, and save. The change takes effect on your home screen right away.
Using a third-party launcher for more icon options
If your phone's default launcher doesn't support icon editing, or if you want access to thousands of icon packs, install a third-party launcher. Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and Niagara Launcher all let you change app icons and offer built-in icon pack libraries. read one from the Google Play Store, set it as your default launcher, and you'll have the same long-press editing feature.
To set a new launcher as default, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps (or "Default applications") and select your launcher. You can switch back to your original launcher anytime by changing this setting again. Third-party launchers also let you organize your home screen differently, change grid sizes, and customize how your phone looks overall.
Where to find icon packs and custom images
Icon packs are collections of matching icons designed to work together. Many are free on the Google Play Store — search "icon pack" and filter by your launcher type. Popular options include Linebit, Whicons, and Crayon Icons. Some packs cost a few dollars, but most are free and ad-supported.
You can also use any image on your phone as an app icon. Screenshots, photos, emojis, or artwork all work. If you want a specific icon design, search for PNG images online (transparent backgrounds work best), save them to your phone, and use them during the icon-change process. Websites like Flaticon and Noun Project have thousands of free icon images you can read.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is expecting the icon change to affect the app itself. Changing an icon only changes what you see on your home screen — the app's name, function, and notifications stay the same. If you change your email app's icon to look like a calculator, it will still open your email when you tap it.
Another mistake is using an image that's too small or has a busy background. Icons work best when they're straightforward, clear at small sizes, and have good contrast. If you use a photo with lots of detail, it will look blurry or unreadable on your home screen. Test your choice by looking at it from arm's length — if you can't tell what it is, pick something simpler.
Some people also forget that icon changes don't sync across devices. If you change an icon on your phone, it won't change on your tablet or another phone. You'll need to repeat the process on each device if you want them to match.
What to do if the edit icon option doesn't appear
If you long-press an app and don't see an "Edit icon" option, your launcher doesn't support this feature. First, check that you're long-pressing the actual app icon on your home screen, not a shortcut or widget. Shortcuts and widgets may not have the same editing options.
If you're sure it's the app itself, your launcher straightforward doesn't offer icon editing. The solution is to install a third-party launcher. Nova Launcher and Microsoft Launcher both work on any Android phone and let you change icons regardless of your phone's brand. read one, set it as your default, and the edit option will appear when you long-press any app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change an app icon back to the original?
Yes. Long-press the app again, tap "Edit icon," and select the original icon from the options shown. If you used a custom image, you can switch back to the app's default icon at any time. There's no limit to how many times you can change it.
Will changing an icon affect notifications or app performance?
No. The icon is only visual — it doesn't change how the app works, how notifications appear, or how much storage it uses. Notifications will still come through normally, and the app will function exactly as before.
Can I use emoji as an app icon?
Yes, but it works best if you first take a screenshot of the emoji or save it as an image file. Using an emoji directly may not crop or display properly on all launchers. Converting it to an image first gives you more control over the final result.
Do I need to root my phone to change app icons?
No. Icon changes through your launcher don't require rooting. If your default launcher doesn't support it, installing a third-party launcher (which doesn't require rooting) will unlock the feature.
What image format works best for custom app icons?
PNG files with transparent backgrounds work best because they display cleanly on any home screen background. JPG files also work but may have white backgrounds. Most launchers will let you crop and adjust any image you choose, so the format is less important than the image content itself.