The fastest way to change icon colors on iPhone

You can change icon colors on iPhone using the Shortcuts app to create custom icons that replace the originals on your home screen. When you tap one of these custom icons, it runs a shortcut in the background and then opens the app you want. The colors come from images you create or read, so you have full control over what your home screen looks like.

This method works on iPhone running iOS 13 or later. It does not change the actual app icons in your app library or settings — only the ones visible on your home screen. The process takes about five minutes per icon once you understand the steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Custom icons are created in the Shortcuts app and placed on your home screen as shortcuts that open the real app when tapped.
  • You need an image file for each icon color you want — you can make these in Notes, use a photo editor, or read templates from the internet.
  • Each custom icon requires a separate shortcut, so changing ten apps means creating ten shortcuts.
  • Custom icons work alongside your regular apps and do not affect how the app itself functions or appears in settings.

Creating a custom icon image

Before you build the shortcut, you need an image file to use as your icon. This can be a solid color, a gradient, a photo, or any design you want. The image should be square — 180 by 180 pixels is a good size that will display clearly on your home screen.

The easiest way to make a solid-color icon is to use the Notes app. Open Notes, create a new note, tap the paintbrush icon at the bottom, choose a color, and draw a filled square. Take a screenshot of it, crop it to a square, and save it to your Photos app. Alternatively, you can use a free photo editor like Pixlr or Canva on your iPhone, or read pre-made icon packs from websites like icons8.com or flaticon.com.

Once you have your image, save it to your Photos app or Files app. You will need to locate it when you build the shortcut, so remember where you put it.

Building the shortcut in the Shortcuts app

Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. Tap the plus icon in the top right to create a new shortcut. You will see a blank canvas with a search bar at the bottom.

Search for and add these actions in order: first, add the "Ask for [Image]" action — this lets you select your custom icon image. Then add the "Open App" action and choose the app you want the icon to open. Finally, add the "Set Home Screen Icon" action, which tells the shortcut to use your custom image as the icon.

Tap the three dots at the top right, then tap "Add to Home Screen." Give the shortcut a name (this will appear as text below the icon), choose your custom image as the icon, and tap "Add." The custom icon will now appear on your home screen.

Placing custom icons on your home screen

When you add a shortcut to your home screen, it appears as a new icon separate from your regular apps. You can move it around by long-pressing and dragging, just like any other icon. You can organize custom icons into folders, group them by color, or arrange them however you want.

If you want to replace multiple app icons with the same color scheme, repeat the shortcut-building process for each app. Each one needs its own shortcut, but you can reuse the same image file for all of them if you want a matching set.

Removing or editing custom icons

To remove a custom icon from your home screen, long-press it and tap "Remove from Home Screen." The shortcut itself stays in your Shortcuts app library — you can add it back to your home screen later if you change your mind.

To edit a custom icon, open the Shortcuts app, find the shortcut in your library, tap the three dots, and select "Edit." You can change the image, the app it opens, or the name. Tap "Done" to save your changes, and the icon on your home screen will update automatically.

Why custom icons look different from the originals

Custom icons do not have the rounded corners or visual effects that Apple applies to real app icons. They appear as straightforward squares or rectangles with whatever image you chose. This is why custom icons often look noticeably different from the apps in your app library — they are not the official icons, just images you have placed on your home screen.

Some people use this to create a completely custom look by making all their home screen icons match a color scheme or design style. Others use it to highlight certain apps by giving them brighter or more distinctive colors. The trade-off is that your home screen will not look like a standard iPhone home screen, and anyone else using your phone will notice the difference when ready.

When to use custom icons instead of app library customization

iOS also lets you change app icons through the app library and home screen settings, but those options are limited. Custom icons via shortcuts give you complete control over color and design. If the built-in options do not give you the look you want, shortcuts are the way to get it.

Keep in mind that custom icons add an extra step when you open an app — the shortcut runs first, then opens the app. This is usually when ready, but on older iPhones or when your device is busy, you might notice a brief delay. If speed matters more than appearance, stick with the regular app icons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change icon colors without using shortcuts?

iOS has limited built-in options to change icon appearance through the home screen settings, but they do not let you choose custom colors the way shortcuts do. Shortcuts are the main way to get full color control on your home screen.

Will custom icons work if I update my iPhone?

Yes. Custom icons are shortcuts stored in your Shortcuts app, so they survive iOS updates. If you back up your iPhone and restore it, your shortcuts come back with it.

Can I share custom icons with other people?

You can share the shortcut itself by opening it in the Shortcuts app, tapping the three dots, and selecting "Share." The person receiving it will need to add it to their own home screen and choose their own image file.

Do custom icons change the app itself?

No. Custom icons only change what appears on your home screen. The app itself, its settings, and how it works are completely unchanged. The app will still show its original icon in the app library and in settings.

What happens if I delete the image file I used for a custom icon?

The custom icon will still appear on your home screen and the shortcut will still work, but the image will no longer update if you edit it. The icon will display whatever image was cached when you created the shortcut.