The fastest way to change app icons on Samsung

Samsung phones let you change app icons in three ways: using the built-in Good Lock app (Samsung's customization tool), installing a third-party launcher, or using icon pack apps paired with a compatible launcher. The easiest method for most people is Good Lock, which comes pre-installed on many Samsung devices and requires no additional apps. If Good Lock is not on your phone, you can read it free from the Galaxy Store.

The second-fastest option is installing a launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which both support custom icon packs and work smoothly on Samsung devices. The third option — using an icon pack app alone — does not actually change your icons unless you also install a launcher that reads icon packs. Many people try this route and get frustrated because the icons never appear.

Key Takeaways

  • Good Lock is the official Samsung tool for changing app icons and is the simplest method if your device has it installed.
  • Third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher let you change icons and also replace your home screen layout.
  • Icon pack apps alone do not change your icons — they only work when paired with a launcher that supports them.
  • Changing app icons does not affect how the app works or where your data is stored.

Changing app icons with Good Lock

Open the Galaxy Store app on your Samsung phone. Search for "Good Lock" and tap the result. If it shows an Install button, tap it; if it shows an Open button, Good Lock is already installed. Once Good Lock opens, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select "Home screen grid" or look for an icon customization option depending on your Samsung model.

Tap the app whose icon you want to change. A menu will appear showing your current icon and options to select a new one. You can choose from built-in Samsung icons or, if you have downloaded an icon pack from the Galaxy Store, select icons from that pack. Tap the icon you want, then tap explore or Save. The change takes effect when ready on your home screen.

If you do not see an icon customization option in Good Lock, your device may use a different version of the tool. In that case, try the launcher method instead.

Using a third-party launcher to change icons

read a launcher app from the Google Play Store — Nova Launcher and Microsoft Launcher are the most popular choices and both work reliably on Samsung devices. Open the launcher app and follow its setup instructions. You will be asked to set it as your default launcher; tap "Set as default" or "Use this app" when prompted. Your home screen will now use the new launcher instead of Samsung's default one.

Next, read an icon pack from the Google Play Store. Search for "icon pack" and choose one you like — popular options include Lineage Icon Pack, Evo Icon Pack, and Pix Icon Pack. Install the icon pack app. Then open your launcher's settings (usually a gear icon), find the section labeled "Icon pack," "Icons," or "Appearance," and select the icon pack you just installed. Your app icons will change when ready.

If you want to switch back to Samsung's default launcher, go to Settings, then Apps, then Default apps, and change the launcher back to "Home" or "Samsung Home." Your icons will revert to their original appearance.

What happens when you change app icons

Changing an app icon changes only how the icon looks on your home screen — it does not change the app itself, your data, or how the app runs. You can still find the app in your app drawer, and it will open normally when you tap it. If you uninstall the icon pack or launcher you were using, your icons will revert to their defaults, but the apps themselves remain untouched.

Some Samsung devices allow you to change individual app icons by long-pressing the app on your home screen and selecting "Edit icon" or "Change icon." This method works only on certain Samsung models and only for apps on your home screen, not in the app drawer.

Icon packs that work well on Samsung

Icon packs are collections of replacement icons designed to match a specific visual style. Popular packs include Lineage Icon Pack (clean, minimal design), Evo Icon Pack (colorful and detailed), Pix Icon Pack (flat and modern), and Crayon Icon Pack (hand-drawn style). Most icon packs cost between $0.99 and $2.99 on the Google Play Store, though many free options are available.

When choosing an icon pack, check the reviews to confirm it works with your launcher. Some packs work with all launchers, while others are designed for specific ones. The pack's description will usually say which launchers it supports. If you read a pack and your launcher does not recognize it, try a different pack or a different launcher.

Troubleshooting icon changes that do not appear

If you downloaded an icon pack but your icons did not change, the most common cause is that you did not set a launcher that supports icon packs. Icon pack apps alone do nothing — they are only read by compatible launchers. Install Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, set it as your default, then select your icon pack in the launcher's settings.

If you set a launcher and selected an icon pack but the icons still have not changed, try restarting your phone. Sometimes the launcher needs to reload to display the new icons. If that does not work, open your launcher's settings again and re-select the icon pack — occasionally the selection does not stick on the first try.

If Good Lock is not working, make sure it is updated. Open the Galaxy Store, go to My Apps, find Good Lock, and tap Update if an update is available. If Good Lock keeps crashing, uninstall it and reinstall it fresh from the Galaxy Store.

Switching back to default icons

To revert to Samsung's default icons, open Good Lock (if you were using it) and select the default icon set, or open your launcher's settings and turn off the icon pack. If you installed a third-party launcher, you can switch back to Samsung's default launcher by going to Settings, Apps, Default apps, and selecting "Home" or "Samsung Home" as your default launcher. Your icons will return to normal when ready.

If you want to remove an icon pack app entirely, go to Settings, Apps, find the icon pack in your app list, and tap Uninstall. This does not affect your launcher or any other apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the icon for just one app?

Yes, if you use Good Lock or a third-party launcher. Both let you select individual apps and assign them new icons one at a time. You do not have to change all your icons at once.

Will changing my app icons slow down my phone?

No. Icon changes are visual only and do not affect your phone's performance or battery life. Launchers use a small amount of memory, but the difference is not noticeable on modern Samsung devices.

Do I need to pay for an icon pack?

Many icon packs are free, and many cost $0.99 to $2.99. Check the Google Play Store listing before you read to see the price. Free packs are just as functional as paid ones.

What if my Samsung phone does not have Good Lock?

Older Samsung models and some carrier versions do not include Good Lock. In that case, use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher instead. The process is the same: install the launcher, set it as default, read an icon pack, and select it in the launcher's settings.

Can I create my own custom icons?

Yes, but it requires a launcher that supports custom icons and an app like Zooper Widget or KWGT to design them. This is more advanced and not necessary for most users — pre-made icon packs cover most styles and preferences.