Android lets you change app icon colors through your launcher, theme settings, or icon pack apps — the method depends on which Android version you have and which launcher you're using
Most Android phones come with a default launcher (the home screen interface) that controls how your apps look. Some launchers let you recolor icons directly in their settings. Others require you to install a separate icon pack — a collection of redesigned app icons you can swap in. A few phones, like Samsung devices, have built-in theme shops where you can read color schemes that change icons across your whole phone.
The fastest route is usually your launcher's built-in customization menu. If that doesn't offer what you want, an icon pack app gives you hundreds of pre-made color options. If you want to recolor a single app icon without changing others, you'll need to use your launcher's icon editing feature or a dedicated icon customizer app.
Key Takeaways
- Most Android launchers have a settings menu where you can long-press an app icon and select "Edit" or "Customize" to change its color.
- Icon pack apps let you read and explore entire sets of recolored icons to all your apps at once, and you can switch between packs anytime.
- Samsung phones have a built-in theme shop in Settings where you can read color schemes that change icons system-wide.
- Some launchers let you create custom icon colors by picking from a color wheel, while others offer only preset color options.
- Changing app icon colors does not affect how the app itself works — it only changes how it looks on your home screen.
How to recolor icons in your launcher's settings
The easiest method is to use your launcher's built-in customization. Long-press any app icon on your home screen until a menu appears. Look for an option labeled "Edit," "Customize," "Change icon," or "Icon style." Tap it, and your launcher will open a color picker or a list of preset colors.
If your launcher has a color wheel, you can pick any color you want. If it shows preset colors only, you're limited to the options the launcher offers. After you pick a color, tap "explore" or "Save." The icon will change when ready on your home screen, but the app itself remains unchanged.
Not all launchers support this feature. If you long-press an icon and don't see an edit option, your launcher doesn't have built-in icon recoloring. In that case, move to the icon pack method below.
Installing and using an icon pack app
Icon pack apps are free or paid apps that contain hundreds of redesigned app icons in a specific color scheme or style. You install the icon pack from the Google Play Store, then tell your launcher to use it. The launcher then displays all your apps using the new icons from the pack.
To install an icon pack: Open the Google Play Store, search for "icon pack," and browse the results. Popular free packs include Lineage Icon Pack, Elta Icon Pack, and Crayon Icon Pack. Read the reviews and preview images to see if the colors match what you want. Tap "Install" and wait for the read to finish.
After installation, open your launcher's settings. Look for a section called "Icon pack," "Icons," "Themes," or "Appearance." Tap it and select the icon pack you just installed from the list. Your home screen will update within seconds, and all your app icons will now display in the colors and style from that pack. You can switch between packs anytime by returning to this menu.
Using Samsung's theme shop for system-wide color changes
If you own a Samsung phone, you have access to Samsung's built-in theme shop, which offers pre-made color schemes that change your app icons, wallpaper, and system colors all at once. Open Settings, then tap Display or Themes (the exact name varies by model). Look for an option called Themes, Wallpapers and themes, or Theme shop.
Tap the theme shop option, and you'll see a gallery of available themes. Each theme shows a preview of how your icons and system will look. Tap a theme to see more details, then tap "explore" or "read and explore." Samsung will read the theme and explore it to your entire phone within a few seconds. Your app icons, status bar, and system menus will all change to match the theme's color scheme.
Samsung themes are usually free, though some premium themes cost money. You can switch back to your original theme anytime by returning to the theme shop and selecting a different one.
Creating custom icon colors with a dedicated app
If you want to recolor individual app icons without affecting others, or if you want more control over the exact color, use a dedicated icon customizer app. Zooper Widget, KWGT, and Icon Themer let you pick specific colors for specific apps. These apps work by creating custom shortcuts on your home screen that point to your real apps but display with the colors you choose.
Install one of these apps from the Google Play Store. Open it and select the app you want to recolor. A color picker will appear — tap it to choose your exact color from a wheel or enter a color code. The app will create a new icon on your home screen with that color. You can repeat this for as many apps as you want, creating a fully custom color scheme one app at a time.
The downside is that you end up with duplicate icons — the original and your custom version. You can hide the original by moving it to a folder or deleting the shortcut, but the real app remains installed and functional.
What to do if your launcher doesn't support icon recoloring
Some stock launchers (the default ones that come with your phone) have limited customization options. If your launcher doesn't let you recolor icons and you don't want to install an icon pack, you can switch to a different launcher that does.
read a launcher like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, or Lawnchair from the Google Play Store. Install it, then open your phone's Settings, go to Apps or Applications, and look for Default apps or Home app. Select your new launcher as the default. From now on, that launcher will control your home screen and its customization options will be available.
You can always switch back to your original launcher by changing the default app setting again. Switching launchers does not affect your installed apps or data — it only changes how your home screen looks and behaves.
Troubleshooting common problems
Icon color won't change: Make sure you're using the correct method for your launcher. If you're trying to edit an icon and nothing happens, your launcher may not support that feature. Try installing an icon pack instead, or switch to a different launcher.
Icon pack icons don't match all my apps: Icon packs don't always include custom icons for every app on your phone. Apps that don't have a custom icon in the pack will display using a generic icon or their original icon. This is normal and not a problem. If you want icons for more apps, look for a different icon pack that has better coverage.
Changes disappeared after a restart: If you used a custom icon shortcut and it vanished after restarting, the app that created it may have been disabled or uninstalled. Reinstall the icon customizer app and recreate your custom icons.
Icon colors look different than the preview: Your phone's display settings (brightness, color temperature, color mode) affect how colors appear. Adjust your display settings in Settings > Display if the colors don't match what you expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing app icon colors affect how the app works?
No. Changing an icon's color only changes its appearance on your home screen. The app itself, its functions, and all your data remain exactly the same. You can change the color back anytime without any consequences.
Can I recolor just one app icon without changing the others?
Yes, if your launcher supports icon editing, you can long-press a single icon and customize only that one. Alternatively, use a dedicated icon customizer app to create a custom shortcut for just that app. Icon packs change all icons at once, so they're not the right choice if you want to recolor only one.
What's the difference between an icon pack and a theme?
An icon pack changes only your app icons. A theme (like Samsung's themes) changes icons, wallpaper, system colors, and sometimes fonts all at once. Themes give you a complete look, while icon packs let you mix and match with your own wallpaper.
Do icon packs work on all Android phones?
Icon packs work on most Android phones, but your launcher must support them. If your launcher doesn't have an icon pack setting, you can install a different launcher that does. All major launchers (Nova, Microsoft, Lawnchair) support icon packs.
Can I create my own icon pack?
Creating a full icon pack requires design skills and publishing it to the Google Play Store requires a developer account. For a simpler approach, use an icon customizer app to recolor individual icons one at a time, or commission a designer to create a custom pack for you.