The fastest way to change an app icon
You can change how an app looks on your iPhone home screen using the Shortcuts app, which comes built into every iPhone. The process takes about two minutes per app: you create a shortcut that points to the app you want, give it a custom icon (a photo, emoji, or image file), and place it on your home screen instead of the original app icon.
This method works on iPhone XS and newer running iOS 13 or later. The shortcut launches the real app when you tap it, so the app itself runs normally—only the icon on your home screen changes. You can keep the original app icon in your app library if you want, or hide it entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Shortcuts app, tap the plus sign to create a new shortcut, and search for "Open App" to select the app you want to customize.
- Tap the three dots at the top right, then tap the icon circle to choose a photo, emoji, or image file as your new icon.
- Name your shortcut, tap "Add to Home Screen," and the custom icon will appear on your home screen when you finish.
- You can use any image file stored on your phone, read icon packs from the web, or use emoji and text as icons.
- The original app still works normally—the shortcut is just a visual replacement on your home screen.
Step-by-step: Creating a custom app icon with Shortcuts
Open the Shortcuts app (the purple icon with a wand). Tap the plus sign in the top right corner to start a new shortcut. In the search bar at the bottom, type "Open App" and tap the action that appears. A menu will show all your installed apps—select the one you want to customize.
Now tap the three dots at the top right of the screen. Tap the icon circle (it looks like a small rounded square). You will see three options: "Choose Photo," "Choose File," or "Choose Color." Tap "Choose Photo" to pick an image from your phone, or "Choose File" if you have downloaded an icon pack. You can also tap the color option and then tap "Emoji" to use an emoji as your icon.
After you choose your icon, tap "Done." Give your shortcut a name—this is what will appear below the icon on your home screen. Tap the play button to test that it opens the app correctly. Then tap the three dots again and select "Add to Home Screen." Confirm the name and icon one more time, then tap "Add." Your custom icon will now appear on your home screen.
Where to find icon packs and images
You do not have to create icons from scratch. Many websites offer free icon packs designed for iPhone shortcuts. Search "iPhone icon pack" in your web browser, read a ZIP file to your phone, and extract it. The images will save to your Files app or Photos app, and you can use them when you create your shortcut.
Popular sources include Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay, which have free high-resolution images you can read and use as app icons. You can also create your own icons using free design tools like Canva—just make sure to read them as PNG or JPG files to your phone. Square images (1024 × 1024 pixels) work best, but the Shortcuts app will resize any image to fit.
Using emoji as app icons
The simplest way to change an app icon is to use an emoji. When you create your shortcut and tap the icon circle, select "Choose Color," then tap "Emoji" at the bottom. A keyboard will appear with all available emoji. Pick one and tap "Done." The emoji will become your app icon—no image files needed.
Emoji icons are small and straightforward, which makes them fast to create and straightforward to spot on your home screen. You can use a single emoji, or combine multiple emoji to create a custom look. Keep in mind that emoji render slightly differently depending on your iPhone model and iOS version, so test it before you finalize.
Organizing custom icons into folders
If you create many custom icons, your home screen can get crowded. You can organize them into folders just like regular apps. Long-press an empty space on your home screen, tap "Edit," then drag one custom icon onto another to create a folder. Name the folder (for example, "Social Media" or "Games") and tap "Done."
Folders let you keep your home screen clean while still having quick access to your custom icons. You can create as many folders as you need, and move icons in and out of them at any time by long-pressing and dragging.
Hiding the original app icon after creating a shortcut
Once you have created a shortcut with a custom icon, you may not want the original app icon cluttering your home screen. Long-press the original app icon and tap "Remove App." You will see two options: "Remove from Home Screen" or "Remove from Home Screen and App Library." Choose the first option to keep the app installed but hidden from your home screen—you can still find it by swiping left to the App Library.
If you choose "Remove from Home Screen and App Library," the app will be deleted entirely from your phone. Most people choose the first option so they can still access the app if needed, but the custom shortcut icon becomes the main way they launch it.
Troubleshooting common problems
The shortcut does not open the app: Make sure you selected the correct app in the "Open App" action. Tap the three dots, then tap the app name to double-check. If the app is not showing up in the list, the app may not be installed or may not be compatible with Shortcuts.
The icon looks blurry or stretched: Use a square image (equal width and height). Rectangular or very small images may not display clearly. Try downloading a new icon pack or creating a new image in Canva with 1024 × 1024 pixel dimensions.
The shortcut is slow to open the app: Shortcuts can take a second or two longer than the original app icon. This is normal. If it takes more than 5 seconds, try deleting the shortcut and creating a new one.
I cannot find the Shortcuts app: Shortcuts comes pre-installed on iPhone XS and newer. If you cannot find it, swipe left to the App Library, search for "Shortcuts," and tap it. If it is not there, your iPhone model may not support it—you would need iPhone XS or newer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change app icons without using Shortcuts?
No, Shortcuts is the only built-in way to change app icons on iPhone. Some third-party apps claim to change icons, but they actually create shortcuts behind the scenes, just like the Shortcuts app does. Using the official Shortcuts app is faster and more reliable.
Will changing an app icon affect how the app works?
No. The custom icon is only a visual change on your home screen. The app itself runs exactly the same way, and all your data and settings stay the same. You are just replacing the icon that appears on your home screen.
Can I change the icon for system apps like Settings or Messages?
Yes, you can create shortcuts for any app, including system apps. Search for the app name in the "Open App" action and select it. The process is identical to changing icons for third-party apps.
What happens if I delete the shortcut?
The original app stays on your phone and works normally. If you removed the original app icon from your home screen, you can find it again in the App Library. Deleting the shortcut only removes the custom icon you created.
Can I share custom icons with other people?
You can share the shortcut itself by tapping the three dots and selecting "Share," but the person receiving it will need to recreate the custom icon on their own phone. You can share the image file you used as the icon, and they can use it when they create their own shortcut.