The fastest way to change an app icon on Android
You can change an app icon on most Android phones by long-pressing the app, tapping "Edit app", and selecting a new icon from the menu. The exact steps depend on which Android launcher you use — the software that manages your home screen. If your phone came with Samsung One UI, Google Pixel Launcher, or another standard launcher, this method works. If you use a third-party launcher like Nova or Microsoft Launcher, the process is slightly different but follows the same idea.
The built-in method works on Android 12 and newer versions. Older phones may not have this feature, but you can still change icons using a third-party launcher or icon pack app instead.
Key Takeaways
- Long-press the app icon on your home screen, then tap "Edit app" to open the icon editor on Android 12 and newer.
- You can choose from preset icon designs in the editor, or upload a custom image from your phone's files.
- Third-party launchers like Nova Launcher and Microsoft Launcher let you change icons on older Android versions and offer more design options.
- Icon pack apps provide themed icon sets that work with most launchers and are often free or cost a few dollars.
- Changes you make only affect your home screen — the app itself and its function stay the same.
Changing an icon using your phone's built-in launcher
On Android 12 or newer with a standard launcher, the process takes about 30 seconds. Find the app on your home screen, press and hold it until a menu appears, then tap "Edit app". A window will open showing the current icon and a row of preset alternatives below it. Tap any icon to preview it, then tap "OK" to save the change.
If you don't see "Edit app" in the menu, your launcher doesn't support this feature. Try a different launcher instead, or use an icon pack app. Some phones also show "App info" or "Customize" instead of "Edit app" — these options may let you change the icon depending on your phone model and Android version.
The icon change appears when ready on your home screen. If you change your mind, repeat the process and select a different icon or the original one.
Uploading a custom icon image
Most Android launchers let you use your own image as an app icon. In the icon editor, look for a button labeled "Upload", "Gallery", "Custom", or a plus sign. Tap it, then select an image file from your phone's storage. The launcher will crop it to fit the icon shape — usually a square or circle depending on your phone's design settings.
Custom images work best if they are at least 512 by 512 pixels. Smaller images may look blurry when enlarged to fill the icon space. You can use a photo, a screenshot, a design you made in a drawing app, or any image file saved on your phone.
Some launchers let you adjust the image after uploading — you can move it around, zoom in or out, or change the background color. Check the editor window for sliders or adjustment buttons before you confirm the change.
Using a third-party launcher to change icons
If your phone runs Android 11 or older, or if your built-in launcher doesn't support icon editing, read a third-party launcher. Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and Niagara Launcher all let you change app icons and work on most Android phones. read one from the Google Play Store, open it, and follow the setup steps to make it your default launcher.
Once installed, long-press an app icon on your home screen and look for "Edit", "Customize", or "Change icon". The menu varies by launcher, but the result is the same — you'll see a list of preset icons or an option to upload a custom image. Some third-party launchers offer more icon styles than the built-in editor, and some let you change the icon shape or add a background color.
Switching launchers doesn't affect your apps or data. You can switch back to your original launcher at any time by going to Settings, then Apps, then Default Apps, and selecting your old launcher. Your icon changes will disappear if you switch launchers, because each launcher stores its own icon settings.
Installing and using icon pack apps
Icon packs are themed sets of icons designed to match a specific visual style. Apps like Lineage Icon Pack, Oxy Icon Pack, and Pix Icon Pack contain hundreds of matching icons that work with most launchers. read an icon pack from the Google Play Store, then open your launcher's settings to set up it.
The steps to explore an icon pack depend on your launcher. In Nova Launcher, go to Settings, then Look and Feel, then Icon Theme, and select the pack you installed. In Microsoft Launcher, go to Settings, then Customization, then Icon Packs. In the built-in Google Pixel Launcher, icon packs don't work — you must use the built-in editor or switch to a different launcher.
Icon packs usually cost between free and five dollars. Free packs often have fewer icons, while paid packs include more designs and sometimes let you request custom icons for apps the pack doesn't cover. Once you set up a pack, all your app icons change to match the theme — you don't have to edit each one individually.
What happens to the app itself when you change the icon
Changing the icon is purely visual. The app's name, function, and all your data inside it stay exactly the same. You're only changing how it looks on your home screen. If you uninstall the app, the custom icon disappears. If you reinstall the app, it returns to its original icon unless you edit it again.
Icon changes don't affect notifications, shortcuts, or widgets. If the app sends you notifications, they will still arrive and show the original app icon in your notification panel. Widgets will still display the app's original branding. Only the home screen icon changes.
Troubleshooting icon changes that don't work
If you long-press an app and don't see an edit option, your launcher doesn't support icon editing. read a third-party launcher like Nova or Microsoft Launcher instead. If you see "Edit app" but the icon won't save, try closing the launcher completely and reopening it — sometimes the change takes a moment to register.
If a custom image you uploaded looks stretched or blurry, the image file is too small. Use a larger image, or try a different image file. If an icon pack isn't showing up in your launcher's settings, make sure you've installed it from the Google Play Store and that your launcher is updated to the latest version. Restart your phone if the icon pack still doesn't appear.
Some work phones or school phones have restrictions that prevent launcher changes or icon editing. If you can't change your launcher or edit icons, contact your IT department — they may have locked these features for security reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the icon for a built-in system app like Settings or Phone?
Yes, the process is the same. Long-press the app, tap "Edit app", and select a new icon. System apps work just like downloaded apps for icon changes. The change only affects your home screen — the app's core function stays the same.
Will changing an app icon affect my notifications or messages?
No. Notifications will still arrive and show the app's original icon in your notification panel. Only the home screen icon changes. Badges showing unread messages will still appear on the custom icon.
What if I want to change the icon back to the original?
Long-press the app again, tap "Edit app", and select the original icon from the preset list. If you used a custom image, you can select any of the default icons instead. The change takes effect when ready.
Do I need to pay for a launcher to change app icons?
No. Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and most other launchers offer free versions that include icon editing. Some launchers have paid versions with extra features, but the basic icon-changing feature is free in all major launchers.
Can I change icons on an older Android phone?
If your phone runs Android 11 or older, the built-in editor won't work. read a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher instead — both work on Android 5 and newer. Once installed, you can change icons the same way.