The fastest way to change app icon colors on iPhone
You can change app icon colors on iPhone using the Shortcuts app, which lets you create custom colored icons that replace the originals on your home screen. The process involves making a shortcut that opens the app you want, then assigning it a custom icon and color. This doesn't change the app itself — it creates a launcher button that sits on your home screen instead of the real app icon.
The colored icon you create is technically a shortcut, not the app. When you tap it, it opens the app normally. The real app icon stays the same in your App Library, but your home screen shows whatever color and design you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Custom colored icons are created using the Shortcuts app and replace the original icon only on your home screen, not throughout iOS.
- You need to open Shortcuts, create a new shortcut that opens the app, then customize its icon color and name before adding it to your home screen.
- The original app remains unchanged in your App Library and settings — only the home screen launcher gets the new color.
- You can create multiple colored versions of the same app by making separate shortcuts with different colors and names.
Opening Shortcuts and creating a new shortcut
Start by opening the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. If you don't have it, read it from the App Store — it's made by Apple and is free. Tap the plus sign or "Create Shortcut" button to start a new shortcut.
Search for the action called "Open App" in the search bar at the bottom of the screen. Tap it to add it to your shortcut. A menu will appear asking which app you want to open — select the app whose icon color you want to change. That's the only action your shortcut needs.
Assigning a custom color and icon
Once you've added the "Open App" action, look at the top of the screen. You'll see a circle with the app's current icon inside it. Tap that circle to open the icon customization menu.
A menu will appear with options to change the icon and color. You can choose from preset icons, upload a photo, or use an emoji. Below the icon options, you'll see color choices — tap the color you want. The circle at the top will update to show your selection in real time.
After you've chosen your color and icon, tap "Done" to close the customization menu. Then tap the three dots at the top right of the shortcut editor and select "Add to Home Screen." Name your shortcut (this name will appear below the icon), then tap "Add" to place it on your home screen.
Using emoji and photos as custom icons
The icon customization menu lets you use an emoji instead of the app's original icon. Tap the emoji option, then select any emoji you want. This is useful if you want a straightforward, colorful icon that doesn't look like the app's branding.
You can also upload a photo from your camera roll. Tap the photo option, select an image, and iOS will use it as your icon. The photo will be cropped to a square and displayed at the size of a home screen icon. Combined with a color choice, this lets you create highly personalized launchers.
Creating multiple colored versions of the same app
You can make as many shortcuts as you want pointing to the same app, each with a different color or icon. This is useful if you want to organize apps by category or mood — for example, a red version of Messages for urgent contacts and a blue version for casual ones.
To do this, repeat the process: create a new shortcut, add the "Open App" action pointing to the same app, customize the icon and color differently, and add it to your home screen with a new name. Each shortcut is independent, so you can have five different colored versions of Safari on your home screen if you want.
Organizing colored icons into folders
If you create many colored versions of apps, your home screen can get crowded. You can organize them by dragging one icon onto another to create a folder. iOS will suggest a folder name based on the apps inside, but you can rename it by tapping and holding the folder, then selecting "Rename."
Folders let you keep your home screen clean while still having quick access to your custom-colored shortcuts. You can create folders by category (Communication, Productivity, Entertainment) or by color theme if you're designing a specific aesthetic.
Removing or editing a colored icon shortcut
To remove a colored icon from your home screen, tap and hold it, then select "Remove from Home Screen." This deletes only the shortcut launcher — the original app stays installed and unchanged.
To edit an existing shortcut's color or icon, open the Shortcuts app, find the shortcut in your library, tap and hold it, and select "Edit." Make your changes to the icon or color, then tap "Done." The updated icon will appear on your home screen the next time you refresh or restart your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing the icon color affect how the app works?
No. The app itself works exactly the same way. You're only changing the appearance of the launcher on your home screen. The app's settings, data, and functionality remain completely unchanged.
Can I change the color of an app icon without using Shortcuts?
Not directly. iOS doesn't have a built-in setting to change app icon colors. Shortcuts is the standard method most iPhone users rely on. Some third-party apps claim to do this, but they work the same way — by creating a shortcut launcher with a custom color.
What happens if I delete the Shortcuts app?
Your custom-colored icon shortcuts will stop working and may disappear from your home screen. The original apps will still be in your App Library. If you reinstall Shortcuts, you'll need to recreate your shortcuts.
Can I share my colored icon shortcuts with other people?
Yes. In the Shortcuts app, tap and hold a shortcut, select "Share," and choose how you want to send it. Other iPhone users can open the shared shortcut and add it to their own home screen, though they may need to adjust the icon color to match their preference.
Do colored icon shortcuts work on iPad?
Yes. The Shortcuts app works the same way on iPad, and you can create colored icon launchers using the same process. They'll appear on your iPad home screen just like on iPhone.