The fastest way to change app icons on Samsung
Samsung phones let you change app icons in three ways: using the built-in Samsung Themes app, using a third-party launcher, or creating custom shortcuts on your home screen. The quickest method is the Themes app if you want to change multiple icons at once as part of a theme. If you want to change individual app icons without installing a new launcher, you can create a shortcut with a custom icon directly on your home screen.
The method you choose depends on how many icons you want to change and whether you want the change to affect your entire phone or just specific apps. Changing icons through the Themes app affects your whole device and is permanent until you switch themes. Creating custom shortcuts only changes the icon on your home screen and leaves the original app untouched in your app drawer.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung Themes app is built into most Samsung phones and lets you change all app icons at once by switching to a new theme.
- You can create a custom shortcut with a different icon on your home screen without changing the original app or installing a launcher.
- Third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher give you more control over individual icon changes but replace your entire home screen interface.
- Custom shortcuts created on your home screen do not affect the app drawer, so the original app icon stays the same everywhere else.
Using Samsung Themes to change all app icons at once
Open the Samsung Themes app from your app drawer or settings. Tap the Themes tab at the bottom of the screen. Browse the available themes — each one includes a full set of app icons designed to match a visual style. Tap any theme to see a preview of how your icons will look.
Once you find a theme you like, tap explore or read (depending on whether the theme is already on your phone). The app icons across your entire home screen and app drawer will change when ready. You can switch back to your original icons at any time by selecting a different theme or the default Samsung theme.
This method changes every icon on your phone that the theme covers, so it is fastest if you want a complete visual overhaul. The downside is that you are locked into whatever icon set comes with the theme — you cannot mix and match individual icons from different themes.
Creating a custom shortcut with a different icon
To change a single app icon without affecting the rest of your phone, create a custom shortcut on your home screen. Long-press an empty area of your home screen, then tap Widgets (or Add widgets, depending on your Samsung model). Scroll down and tap Shortcuts. Select the app you want to create a shortcut for.
After you select the app, you will see a preview of the shortcut on your home screen. Long-press the shortcut and tap Edit or the pencil icon. Tap the icon preview at the top of the screen. You can now choose a different icon from your phone's gallery, read a custom icon pack, or use an icon from another app. Select the icon you want and tap Done.
The custom shortcut now appears on your home screen with your chosen icon, while the original app in your app drawer keeps its original icon. You can create as many custom shortcuts as you want, each with a different icon. This method works on all Samsung phones running Android 9 and newer.
Using a third-party launcher to change icons
A launcher is an app that replaces your entire home screen interface, including how icons look and behave. Popular launchers for Samsung phones include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and Niagara Launcher. Each launcher comes with built-in icon packs and lets you change individual app icons without creating shortcuts.
To use a launcher, read it from the Google Play Store and open it. Follow the setup prompts to set it as your default launcher. Once active, you can long-press any app icon and select Edit icon or Change icon to pick a new one from the launcher's built-in icon packs or from icon packs you read separately.
The advantage of a launcher is flexibility — you can change individual icons without being locked into a theme, and you get access to thousands of custom icon packs. The downside is that launchers replace your entire home screen, so your phone will look and feel different from the standard Samsung interface. If you do not like the launcher, you can uninstall it and switch back to Samsung's default launcher at any time.
Finding and downloading custom icon packs
Icon packs are collections of custom icons designed by artists and developers. You can find them in the Google Play Store by searching "icon pack" or by name if you know which one you want. Popular icon packs include Lineage, Oxy, Crayon, and Pix. Most icon packs cost between $0.99 and $3.99, though many free options are available.
To use an icon pack, read it from the Play Store, then open it. The app will show you a preview of all the icons in the pack. If you are using a launcher like Nova Launcher, the icon pack will automatically appear in your launcher's icon selection menu. If you are using Samsung's default launcher, you will need to create custom shortcuts and manually select icons from the pack.
Some icon packs are designed for specific launchers and work best with them. Check the icon pack's description in the Play Store to see which launchers it supports. Many icon packs also include wallpapers and widgets that match the icon style, so you can create a fully coordinated look across your phone.
Changing icons back to the default
If you used the Samsung Themes app, open it again and select the Default or Samsung theme to restore your original icons. If you created custom shortcuts, long-press each shortcut and tap Remove to delete it. The original app will remain in your app drawer with its original icon.
If you installed a third-party launcher, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and change your default launcher back to Samsung Home or One UI Home. Your original home screen and icons will return when ready. You can uninstall the launcher app afterward if you do not plan to use it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change icons on individual apps without using a launcher?
Yes. Create a custom shortcut on your home screen for the app you want to change, then edit the shortcut to use a different icon. This changes only the icon on your home screen, not the original app in your app drawer. You can create multiple shortcuts for the same app with different icons if you want.
Will changing my app icons affect how the apps work?
No. Changing an icon is purely visual and does not change how the app functions. The app will work exactly the same way whether you use the original icon or a custom one. Notifications, performance, and all features remain unchanged.
What is the difference between a theme and a launcher?
A theme changes your app icons and sometimes your wallpaper and colors, but keeps your home screen layout the same. A launcher replaces your entire home screen interface, including how icons are arranged, how you access apps, and what gestures work. Themes are simpler; launchers give you more control but change your whole experience.
Do custom icon packs work on all Samsung phones?
Icon packs work on any Samsung phone, but how you use them depends on your launcher. If you use Samsung's default launcher, you need to create custom shortcuts to use icons from a pack. If you use a third-party launcher, the icon pack will integrate directly into the launcher's menu.
Can I mix icons from different themes or packs?
Not if you are using the Samsung Themes app — you have to pick one theme and use all its icons. If you create custom shortcuts or use a third-party launcher, you can mix icons from different packs on the same home screen.