How to change your app icon
You can change how an app looks on your home screen without changing the app itself. On iPhone, you use the Shortcuts app to create a custom icon that opens the real app when you tap it. On Android, most phones let you long-press the app icon directly and choose a new one from your launcher settings, though the exact steps depend on which Android version and launcher you have.
The iPhone method takes a few minutes the first time but works on any iPhone running iOS 13 or later. The Android method is usually faster, but some phones and launchers don't support custom icons at all — if you don't see an edit option when you long-press, your phone may not have this feature built in.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users create a shortcut in the Shortcuts app, assign a custom image, and place it on the home screen instead of the original app icon.
- Android users can usually long-press an app icon, tap "Edit icon" or similar, and select a new image from their phone or a custom icon pack.
- The app itself does not change — you are only changing what appears on your home screen.
- If your Android phone does not offer an edit option when you long-press, try a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which both support custom icons.
Changing your app icon on iPhone using Shortcuts
Open the Shortcuts app (it comes pre-installed on iPhone). Tap the plus sign to create a new shortcut. Search for and select the "Open App" action. Tap "Choose" and find the app you want to customize, then select it.
Next, tap the three dots in the top right corner of the shortcut editor. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen." Give the shortcut a name (this will appear under the icon), then tap the icon preview image at the top. You can take a photo, choose one from your photo library, or use an emoji. Once you have chosen your image, tap "Add" and the custom icon will appear on your home screen.
When you tap the new icon, it will open the app normally. You can now delete or hide the original app icon if you want — the shortcut will still work.
Changing your 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's launcher. Tap that option.
A window will open showing your current icon. Tap it to choose a new one. Most launchers let you pick from your photo library, use an emoji, or select from a built-in set of icons. Choose your new image and tap "explore" or "Save." The icon on your home screen will update when ready.
If you do not see an edit option when you long-press, your phone's launcher may not support custom icons. In that case, you can read a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, or Lawnchair from the Google Play Store. Install it, set it as your default launcher, and then try long-pressing the app icon again — most third-party launchers include icon customization.
Using icon packs on Android
Many Android launchers work with icon packs — collections of matching custom icons designed by other users. You can read icon packs from the Google Play Store for free or a small cost. Search for "icon pack" and look for ones that match your style.
Once you install an icon pack, open your launcher settings (usually by long-pressing your home screen and tapping "Settings" or "Preferences"). Look for "Icon pack" or "Icons" and select the pack you downloaded. Your home screen icons will change to match the pack's design. You can also mix and match — some launchers let you explore a pack to certain apps and keep custom icons on others.
Why your custom icon might not work
On iPhone, if your shortcut does not open the app, make sure you selected the correct app in the "Open App" action. If the icon does not appear on your home screen after you tap "Add to Home Screen," try restarting your phone and creating the shortcut again.
On Android, if the custom icon reverts to the original after you restart, your launcher may not support persistent custom icons. Try a different launcher or check your launcher's settings to see if there is an option to lock or save your icon choices. Some launchers require you to explore icons through their settings menu rather than by long-pressing.
Removing or resetting custom icons
On iPhone, swipe left on the custom shortcut icon and tap "Remove" to delete it from your home screen. The original app will still be on your phone and in the App Library. If you want to use the original icon again, just tap it in the App Library or search for it with Spotlight.
On Android, long-press the app icon and tap "Reset icon" or "Restore default icon" if that option appears. If it does not, you can delete the custom icon by long-pressing it and tapping "Remove." The original icon will return to your home screen. If you applied an icon pack and want to remove it, go to your launcher settings, find "Icon pack," and select "None" or "Default."
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my app icon affect how the app works?
No. Changing the icon only changes what appears on your home screen. The app itself works exactly the same way, and all your data, settings, and notifications remain unchanged.
Can I use any image as a custom app icon?
Yes, on both iPhone and Android you can use any photo, screenshot, or image file from your phone. On iPhone, the Shortcuts app will crop it to fit the icon shape. On Android, most launchers will do the same. Emojis also work on both platforms.
What if I want to change the icon back to the original?
On iPhone, delete the shortcut and use the original app icon from the App Library. On Android, long-press the app and select "Reset icon" if available, or delete the custom icon and the original will reappear. If you applied an icon pack, go to launcher settings and switch back to the default icons.
Do I need to pay for custom icons?
No. The Shortcuts app on iPhone is free, and most Android icon packs are free to read from the Google Play Store. Some packs cost money, but free options are widely available.
Can I change icons for apps I do not use often?
Yes. You can customize the icon for any app on your phone, whether you use it daily or rarely. This is useful if you want to organize your home screen by color, theme, or function.