The quickest way to change an app's picture on your home screen
You can change how an app looks on your iPhone home screen by creating a custom icon using the Shortcuts app, which comes built into every iPhone. This method lets you replace the standard app icon with any image you want — a photo, a design, or a solid color. The process takes about two minutes once you understand the steps.
The icon you create is actually a shortcut that opens the app when you tap it. Your original app stays in your phone unchanged; you are just adding a new launcher with a custom picture on top of it. You can have both the original icon and your custom version on your home screen at the same time, or hide the original in your app library.
Key Takeaways
- Custom app icons are created using the Shortcuts app, which is free and already on your iPhone.
- You choose or create an image, then use Shortcuts to attach that image to a custom icon that opens the app when tapped.
- The process involves opening Shortcuts, creating a new shortcut, adding an "Open App" action, and setting a custom icon from your photos or a color.
- Your original app icon remains unchanged in your app library; the custom icon is a separate launcher you place on your home screen.
Open the Shortcuts app and start a new shortcut
Launch the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. If you cannot find it, swipe down from the top of your home screen and search for "Shortcuts" in the search bar. Tap the app to open it.
Once inside, tap the plus sign (+) in the top right corner to create a new shortcut. A blank canvas will open where you can build your custom icon.
Add the "Open App" action to your shortcut
In the new shortcut screen, tap the Add Action button (it looks like a circle with a plus sign). A menu of actions will appear.
Search for "Open App" in the search bar at the top of the actions menu. Tap the "Open App" action when it appears. A dropdown will show that says "Choose" — tap it and select the app you want to create a custom icon for. For example, if you want a custom icon for Instagram, tap "Choose" and find Instagram in the list.
Set your custom image as the icon
After you have selected your app, look at the top of the shortcut screen. You will see a small circle with the app's standard icon inside it. Tap that circle to open the icon editor.
A menu will appear with options to choose your icon. Tap "Choose Photo" to pick an image from your photo library, or tap "Choose Color" to use a solid color background. If you choose a photo, select the image you want and crop it if needed. The image will be resized to fit the icon shape automatically.
You can also tap "Choose Glyph" to pick a straightforward symbol (like a heart, star, or letter) if you want a minimal design. After you select your image or color, tap "Add" to confirm.
Name your shortcut and add it to your home screen
At the top of the shortcut screen, you will see the name field. Tap it and type a name for your custom icon — this is what will appear below the icon on your home screen. For example, you might name it "Instagram" or "Insta" depending on how much space you want.
Once you have named it, tap the three dots (•••) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen". A preview of your custom icon will appear. Tap "Add" in the top right to place it on your home screen.
Your iPhone will return to the home screen, and your new custom icon will appear. You can now move it around like any other app by long-pressing and dragging it to your preferred location.
Hide the original app icon if you want a cleaner look
If you want only your custom icon visible and not the original app icon, you can move the original app to your app library. Long-press the original app icon on your home screen and tap "Remove App". Choose "Remove from Home Screen" — this keeps the app on your phone but hides it from your home screen. You can still find it in your app library by swiping to the last home screen page.
Alternatively, you can keep both icons on your home screen if you prefer. There is no rule against having the original and your custom version side by side.
Change the icon image or name later
To edit your custom icon after you have created it, open the Shortcuts app and find your shortcut in the list. Tap the three dots next to it and select "Edit". You can then tap the icon circle at the top to change the image, or tap the name field to change the text. When you are done, tap "Done" to save your changes.
The updated icon will appear on your home screen automatically. If you want to delete the custom icon entirely, long-press it on your home screen and tap "Remove App," then choose "Remove from Home Screen." The shortcut will still exist in the Shortcuts app if you want to restore it later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo of a person as my app icon?
Yes. Any image in your photo library can become an app icon. Tap "Choose Photo" in the icon editor, select your image, and crop it to fit the square shape. The photo will be resized to icon size automatically.
Will tapping my custom icon open the app the same way as the original?
Yes. Your custom icon is a shortcut that opens the app directly. It works exactly like the original icon — tapping it launches the app with no delay or extra steps.
Can I use the same custom icon for multiple apps?
Yes. You can create separate shortcuts for different apps but give them the same image. Each shortcut is independent, so tapping one will open only the app assigned to that specific shortcut.
What happens if I delete the Shortcuts app?
Your custom icons will stop working because they are shortcuts stored in that app. You cannot delete Shortcuts from a standard iPhone, but if you somehow remove it, you would need to reinstall it to use your custom icons again.
Can I make my custom icon transparent or have a gradient background?
The Shortcuts app offers solid colors and images from your library. For more advanced designs like gradients or transparency, you would need to create the image in a photo editing app first, save it to your photos, and then import it as your custom icon image.