The fastest way to change an app icon on iOS
You can change how an app looks on your home screen by creating a shortcut that points to that app and giving the shortcut a custom icon. iOS does not let you edit the app's actual icon file, but this shortcut method works on any iPhone or iPad running iOS 13 or later. The process takes about two minutes per app once you understand the steps.
The tool you need is the Shortcuts app, which comes built into every iPhone and iPad. You create a shortcut that opens the app you want, assign it a custom image or icon, and place it on your home screen. When you tap the shortcut, it opens the app exactly as if you had tapped the original icon—the only difference is what you see on your screen.
Key Takeaways
- You use the Shortcuts app (built into iOS) to create a custom icon that opens any app you choose.
- The shortcut can use a photo from your camera roll, an emoji, a symbol from the SF Symbols library, or a solid color as its icon.
- Each custom icon you create is technically a separate shortcut, so you can have both the original app and your custom version on your home screen if you want.
- The shortcut opens the app with no delay or extra steps—tapping it is the same as tapping the original app icon.
Opening the Shortcuts app and creating a new shortcut
Tap the Shortcuts app on your home screen. If you cannot find it, swipe down from the top of your screen and search for "Shortcuts" in the search box. Once the app is open, look for the plus sign (+) button in the top right corner and tap it to create a new shortcut.
A blank shortcut workspace will open. At the bottom of the screen, tap "Add Action." A menu will appear showing different categories of actions you can add. Scroll down and tap "Apps," then tap "Open App." A list of all your installed apps will appear. Find the app whose icon you want to change and tap it.
The shortcut now contains one action: opening that app. You will see a card showing the app name and icon. This is the foundation—now you customize how it appears on your home screen.
Naming your shortcut and assigning a custom icon
At the top of the shortcut workspace, you will see a text field with the app's name. Tap it and type a new name if you want—this is what will appear below the icon on your home screen. You can keep the original name or change it to anything you like. When you are done typing, tap outside the text field.
Now tap the app icon card itself (the colored square showing the app's current icon). A menu will pop up with icon options. You will see three buttons: "Choose Photo," "Choose Color," and "Choose Icon." Tap whichever matches what you want to use.
If you choose "Choose Photo," you can pick any image from your camera roll or take a new photo. If you choose "Choose Color," you pick a solid background color and the app name will appear as text on that color. If you choose "Choose Icon," you get access to hundreds of symbol designs from Apple's SF Symbols library—these are straightforward, clean icons in various styles.
Picking a photo or symbol for your icon
If you selected "Choose Photo," your photo library will open. Find the image you want to use as your icon and tap it. The image will be cropped to a square. You can pinch to zoom in or out and drag to reposition the image until it looks right, then tap "Choose" to confirm.
If you selected "Choose Icon," you will see a grid of symbols organized by category. Scroll through the categories on the left (like "Objects," "Nature," "Symbols") and tap one to see all the icons in that group. When you find an icon you like, tap it. It will appear as a preview on your shortcut card. If you want to change the color of the symbol, tap the colored circle next to the icon preview and choose a new color.
If you selected "Choose Color," straightforward tap the color you want from the palette that appears. The shortcut card will update to show a solid-colored background with the shortcut name displayed as text.
Adding the shortcut to your home screen
Once your icon looks the way you want, tap the three dots (⋯) button in the top right corner of the workspace. A menu will appear. Tap "Add to Home Screen." A preview of how your icon will look will appear, along with a text field showing the name. You can adjust the name one more time if needed.
Tap "Add" in the top right. You will be taken to your home screen, and you can see the new icon in edit mode. It will appear wherever you want to place it—you can drag it to a specific location or leave it where it lands. Tap "Done" in the top right corner to finish.
The custom icon is now on your home screen. Tap it anytime to open the app. The shortcut will open the app when ready with no extra prompts or delays.
Removing the original app icon if you want a cleaner look
If you want only your custom icon to appear on your home screen and not the original app icon, you can hide the original. Long-press the original app icon and tap "Remove App." Choose "Remove from Home Screen" to keep the app installed but hide it from your home screen. You can still find it by searching or in the App Library.
This is optional—many people keep both the original and the custom icon on their home screen, or put the custom icon on the home screen and leave the original in the App Library. There is no right answer; it depends on how you like your screen organized.
Troubleshooting common problems
If your shortcut does not open the app when you tap it, make sure the app is still installed on your device. If you deleted the app, the shortcut will not work. You can recreate the shortcut with a different app, or reinstall the original app.
If the icon does not look the way you expected on your home screen, remember that iOS may explore a slight visual effect to it. Try using a simpler image or a solid color if a detailed photo does not look right. You can always edit the shortcut later by opening the Shortcuts app, finding your shortcut, tapping the three dots, and selecting "Edit."
If you want to delete a custom icon shortcut, long-press it on your home screen and tap "Remove App," then choose "Remove from Home Screen." The shortcut will be deleted, but the original app will remain on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the icon of a built-in app like Mail or Calendar?
Yes. The Shortcuts app works with any app on your device, including built-in apps. Create a shortcut that opens Mail, Calendar, Settings, or any other app, then assign it a custom icon the same way you would for a third-party app.
Will the shortcut slow down my phone or use extra battery?
No. A shortcut that straightforward opens an app runs when ready and uses no more resources than tapping the app directly. The shortcut is just a pointer to the app, not a separate process running in the background.
Can I use a GIF or animated image as my custom icon?
No. iOS shortcuts only support static images. If you choose a GIF or video, it will be converted to a still frame. Use a regular photo or PNG file for best results.
What happens if I update the app—will my custom icon still work?
Yes. Updating an app does not affect the shortcut. Your custom icon will continue to open the app normally, even after updates.
Can I organize custom icons into folders?
Yes. Custom icon shortcuts behave like regular app icons. You can long-press a custom icon, tap "Move," and drag it into a folder, or create a new folder by dragging one icon onto another.