The fastest way to change app icons on iOS 16 and later
You can change how an app looks on your home screen by creating a shortcut that points to the app and giving that shortcut a custom icon. This works on iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and all later versions. The process takes about two minutes per app and uses the Shortcuts app, which comes built into every iPhone and iPad.
The shortcut itself does nothing except open the real app — it is just a container for the custom icon. When you tap it, it launches the app you chose, exactly as if you had tapped the original icon. You end up with two icons on your home screen: the original app and your shortcut with the new look.
Key Takeaways
- Custom app icons are created using the Shortcuts app, which is free and built into iOS 16 and later.
- Each custom icon is actually a shortcut that opens the real app, so the original app icon stays on your phone.
- You can use any image as an icon — a photo from your camera roll, a downloaded image, or an emoji.
- The shortcut takes about two minutes to set up, and you can change the icon back to the default at any time by deleting the shortcut.
Step-by-step: creating a custom icon with Shortcuts
Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus sign in the top right corner to create a new shortcut. Tap "Add Action" and search for "Open App". Select "Open App" from the results.
Tap the "App" field that appears. A list of all your installed apps will show up. Find and tap the app you want to create a custom icon for — for example, Messages or Instagram. The app name will now appear in the shortcut.
Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the screen. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen". A dialog will appear asking for a name and an icon. Change the name to whatever you want the shortcut to be called on your home screen.
Tap the icon preview (the small circle showing the app's current icon). You will see three options: "Choose Photo", "Choose File", or "Choose Color". Tap "Choose Photo" to pick an image from your camera roll, or "Choose Color" to use a solid color or emoji. Once you pick your icon, tap "Add" to place the shortcut on your home screen.
Where to find images and icons to use
You can use any image stored on your phone as a custom icon. Take a screenshot of something you like, save a photo from the web, or use an emoji. Many websites offer free icon packs designed for this purpose — search for "iOS app icons" or the name of the app plus "icon" to find options.
If you want a specific style, apps like Unsplash and Pexels have free images you can read directly to your phone. You can also create straightforward icons using the Notes app or a drawing app, then save them as images. The icon will be cropped to a square, so make sure the important part of your image fits in the center.
Organizing multiple custom icons on your home screen
If you create custom icons for several apps, your home screen can get crowded. You can organize them by moving the shortcuts into a folder. Long-press one shortcut, tap "Move", and drag it onto another shortcut to create a folder. Name the folder whatever you want — for example, "Social Media" or "Messaging".
You can also move the original app icons to a different page or into a folder so you only see the custom versions. This keeps your home screen looking clean and consistent. Remember that the original app still works normally; the shortcut is just a visual replacement.
Changing or removing a custom icon
To change a custom icon, long-press the shortcut on your home screen and tap "Edit Home Screen". Tap the icon preview and choose a new image. Tap "Done" to save the change.
To remove a custom icon entirely, long-press the shortcut and tap "Remove from Home Screen". The original app will still be on your phone and will work normally. You can create a new custom icon for the same app at any time by repeating the steps above.
Why the original app icon stays on your screen
The Shortcuts app creates a separate icon that opens the app — it does not replace the original icon itself. This means you will see both the custom shortcut and the original app icon on your home screen unless you move one of them. Most people move the original app to a different page or into a folder so they only see the custom version.
This design protects you from accidentally losing access to an app. If something goes wrong with the shortcut, the original app is still there and still works. You can also switch back to the original icon at any time by straightforward deleting the shortcut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change app icons on iOS 15 or earlier?
No. The Shortcuts method works only on iOS 16 and later. If you have an older version, you cannot create custom app icons through the built-in tools. You would need to update your device to iOS 16 or later to use this feature.
Will the custom icon work if I restart my phone?
Yes. The shortcut and its custom icon stay on your home screen after a restart. The icon will look and work exactly the same the next time you use your phone.
Can I use a video or GIF as a custom icon?
No. Custom icons must be still images — photos, screenshots, or solid colors. Videos and animated GIFs will not work. If you try to use one, the Shortcuts app will show a static preview instead.
What happens if I delete the Shortcuts app?
If you delete the Shortcuts app, all the custom icons you created will stop working. The original apps will still be on your phone and will function normally. You can reinstall Shortcuts from the App Store and recreate your custom icons.
Can I share a custom icon shortcut with someone else?
Yes. Long-press the shortcut, tap "Share", and send it via Messages, Mail, or AirDrop. The other person can open the shared shortcut and add it to their home screen. They can then edit the icon to match their preferences.