The Two Ways to Change iPad App Icons

You can change how an app looks on your iPad home screen in two ways: using the Shortcuts app to create a custom icon that launches the app, or using the Home Screen customization features in iPadOS 16 and later to swap the icon directly. The Shortcuts method works on any iPad running iPadOS 12 or newer. The direct method is faster but only works on iPadOS 16 and up.

Both methods keep the original app untouched — you are only changing what appears on your home screen. The app itself continues to work exactly as before.

Key Takeaways

  • iPadOS 16 and later let you change app icons directly by long-pressing the app, tapping "Edit Home Screen," and selecting a new icon from the app's options.
  • The Shortcuts app method works on older iPads and lets you use any image as an icon, but requires one extra tap to open the app.
  • Custom icons you create in Shortcuts appear as separate tiles on your home screen and do not replace the original app icon.
  • You can organize custom icons into folders just like regular apps, and you can delete them without affecting the original app.

Changing Icons Directly on iPadOS 16 and Later

If your iPad runs iPadOS 16 or newer, the fastest way is to long-press the app icon on your home screen until a menu appears. Tap "Edit Home Screen" at the bottom of the menu. A second menu will open showing icon options — tap the current icon at the top. Your iPad will show you the available icon choices for that app. Select the one you want and tap "Add" in the top right corner.

Not every app offers multiple icon options. Apple's built-in apps like Mail, Calendar, and Reminders usually have several. Third-party apps may have none, one, or a few. If an app has no alternatives, the icon option will not appear when you long-press it.

After you select a new icon, your home screen updates when ready. The app works exactly as before — only the visual appearance changes.

Using the Shortcuts App for Older iPads or Custom Images

The Shortcuts app comes built into every iPad. Open it and tap the "+" button in the top right corner to create a new shortcut. Tap "Add Action" and search for "Open App." Select the app you want to customize. Tap the three dots in the top right, then tap "Add to Home Screen."

A dialog box will appear asking for a name and icon. Type the name you want to appear under the icon. Tap the icon preview image to choose a new one. You can use a photo from your photo library, a solid color, an emoji, or a symbol. After you select your icon, tap "Add" and choose where on your home screen you want it to appear.

This creates a new tile on your home screen that launches the app. The original app icon stays where it was. When you tap the custom icon, it opens the app normally — there is no visible difference once the app is running.

Organizing and Removing Custom Icons

Custom icons you create in Shortcuts behave like regular apps. You can move them around your home screen by long-pressing and dragging. You can put them in folders by dragging one icon onto another. You can delete them by long-pressing, tapping "Remove from Home Screen," and confirming.

Deleting a custom icon does not delete the original app or the shortcut itself — it only removes the tile from your home screen. If you delete the shortcut from the Shortcuts app, the custom icon will no longer work, but the original app remains untouched.

Choosing Between the Two Methods

Use the direct method (iPadOS 16+) if your iPad supports it and the app offers icon options you like. It is faster and requires no extra steps. Use the Shortcuts method if your iPad runs an older version of iPadOS, if you want to use a custom image or emoji as an icon, or if the app has no built-in icon options. The trade-off is that the Shortcuts shortcut takes one extra tap to open the app.

You can also use both methods on the same iPad. Some apps might have a built-in icon you like, while others might need a custom icon from Shortcuts. There is no limit to how many custom icons you can create.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the "Edit Home Screen" option does not appear when you long-press an app, your iPad is running iPadOS 15 or earlier. Use the Shortcuts method instead. If a custom icon you created stops working, open the Shortcuts app and check that the shortcut still exists. If it is gone, you can recreate it.

If you want to undo a direct icon change on iPadOS 16+, long-press the app again, tap "Edit Home Screen," and select the original icon. The change takes effect when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any image as a custom icon?

Yes, if you use the Shortcuts method. You can pick any photo from your photo library, take a new photo, use an emoji, or select a symbol. The direct method on iPadOS 16+ only lets you choose from the icons the app developer provided.

Will changing the icon affect how the app works?

No. Changing the icon is purely visual. The app runs exactly the same way, stores the same data, and sends the same notifications. You are only changing what the tile looks like on your home screen.

What happens if I delete a custom icon I created in Shortcuts?

The tile disappears from your home screen. The original app stays on your iPad. The shortcut itself remains in the Shortcuts app unless you delete it there too. You can recreate the custom icon anytime by making a new shortcut.

Can I change the icon of built-in iPad apps like Settings or Photos?

The direct method on iPadOS 16+ only works with apps that have icon options built in by the developer. Most built-in apps do not offer alternatives. You can always create a custom icon for any app using the Shortcuts method.

Do I need to update my iPad to change app icons?

No. The Shortcuts method works on any iPad running iPadOS 12 or newer. If you want to use the faster direct method, your iPad needs iPadOS 16 or later. You can check your iPad version in Settings under General, then About.