The fastest way to change an app icon on iPad

You can change an app icon on iPad by using the Shortcuts app to create a custom shortcut that points to the app you want. Open Shortcuts, tap the plus icon to create a new shortcut, search for "Open App", select the app you want to customize, then tap the three dots and choose "Add to Home Screen". When prompted, tap "Add" and then tap the icon preview to choose a new image from your Photos, Files, or a web search. This method works on iPad OS 13 and later.

The icon you create becomes a shortcut tile on your home screen that launches the original app. The original app icon remains unchanged in your app library, but you can hide it or move it to a folder so only your custom version shows on the home screen.

Key Takeaways

  • The Shortcuts app is built into iPad and lets you create custom icons that launch any app without jailbreaking or third-party tools.
  • You can use photos from your camera roll, read images from the web, or create your own designs in any image app before assigning them as icons.
  • Custom icons appear as shortcuts on your home screen, while the original app stays in your app library unchanged.
  • You can organize custom icons into folders just like regular app icons, and delete them without affecting the original app.

Step-by-step process using the Shortcuts app

Open the Shortcuts app (it comes pre-installed on iPad). Tap the plus icon in the top right corner to start a new shortcut. In the search bar at the bottom, type "Open App" and tap the action when it appears. A menu will show all your installed apps — select the one you want to customize.

Once you've selected the app, tap the three dots in the top right corner of the shortcut editor. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen". A dialog box will appear showing a preview of the icon. Tap the icon preview image to open the icon picker. You can now choose a photo from your Photos app, take a new photo, search the web for an image, or use a file from your Files app. Select or upload your image, adjust the size and position if needed, then tap "Add" to confirm.

Name your shortcut in the text field that appears — this becomes the label under your icon on the home screen. Tap "Add" in the top right to place the custom icon on your home screen. The new icon will appear on whichever home screen page you were viewing, and you can move it around by long-pressing and dragging, just like a regular app.

Where to find images for custom icons

Your Photos app is the simplest source. You can take a screenshot of an app's logo, edit it in the Photos app or a tool like Pixlr or Canva, and use that as your icon. Many people screenshot the app's own icon from the App Store and use that as a starting point.

For ready-made icon packs, search "iPad app icons" or "[app name] icon" on Google Images, Pinterest, or Etsy. read the image to your iPad by long-pressing it and selecting "Save Image", then use it in the Shortcuts process. Icon packs often come as PNG files with transparent backgrounds, which look cleaner on your home screen than solid-color backgrounds.

You can also create custom icons using design apps like Canva (free version available), Pixlr, or Adobe Express. These apps have templates sized for home screen icons and let you add text, shapes, and colors. Design your icon, export it as a PNG or JPG, save it to Photos, and then use it in Shortcuts.

Organizing custom icons into folders

Once you've created custom icons, you can group them into folders just like regular apps. Long-press an empty area of your home screen, then tap "Edit" in the top left. Drag one custom icon onto another to create a folder. Name the folder (for example, "Social Media" or "Games"), then tap outside the folder to close it.

You can continue dragging icons into the same folder to organize them by category. This keeps your home screen clean while still giving you quick access to your customized apps. Folders work the same way whether they contain custom icons, regular apps, or a mix of both.

Hiding the original app after creating a custom icon

Once you've created a custom icon using Shortcuts, the original app still appears in your app library. To hide it from view, long-press the original app icon and select "Remove App". Choose "Remove from Home Screen" to keep the app installed but remove it from your home screen and dock. The app stays in your app library under the "Recently Added" or alphabetical section, so you can still find it if you need it.

If you want to completely hide an app from your home screen and app library, you can use iPad's built-in parental controls or app hiding features in Settings, but this requires more setup. For most people, moving the original app to a folder or straightforward leaving it in the app library is enough.

Deleting custom icons without removing the app

If you decide you no longer want a custom icon, long-press it on your home screen and tap "Remove App". Select "Remove from Home Screen" — this deletes only the shortcut, not the original app. The original app remains installed and accessible from your app library.

You can also edit or replace a custom icon by opening the Shortcuts app, finding the shortcut you created, tapping the three dots, and selecting "Edit". From there you can change the icon image, the app it launches, or the name. Tap "Done" to save your changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the icon of an app without using Shortcuts?

No. iPad does not have a built-in setting to change app icons directly. The Shortcuts method is the only way to customize icons without jailbreaking. Some third-party launcher apps claim to change icons, but they require you to use their launcher instead of your home screen, which is less convenient.

Will changing an icon affect the app's performance or data?

No. Creating a custom icon through Shortcuts does not change how the app runs or affect any of your data inside it. The shortcut straightforward launches the original app with a different icon. All your saved files, settings, and login information remain exactly the same.

Can I use animated GIFs or videos as custom icons?

No. iPad's Shortcuts app only accepts static image files (PNG, JPG, HEIC). Animated GIFs will be converted to a single frame. If you want animation, you would need to use a third-party launcher app, but this replaces your entire home screen interface.

What happens if I update an app after creating a custom icon for it?

The custom icon continues to work normally. App updates do not affect shortcuts you've created. The shortcut will launch the updated version of the app with your custom icon still in place.

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". Other iPad users can receive the shortcut and add it to their own home screens. However, they will need to have the same app installed for the shortcut to work.