The two ways to change iPhone app icons

You can change how an app icon looks on your home screen in two ways: by using the Shortcuts app to create a custom icon that launches the app, or by using the Home Screen customization features in iOS 16 and later to change the icon directly. The Shortcuts method works on any iPhone running iOS 12 or later. The native customization method is faster but only works on iOS 16 and newer.

Both methods keep the original app untouched—you are only changing what appears on your home screen. The app itself continues to work exactly as before.

Key Takeaways

  • The Shortcuts app method works on any iPhone and lets you use any image as an icon, but takes a few extra steps each time you create one.
  • iOS 16 and later lets you long-press an app icon and tap "Customize" to change it directly without using Shortcuts.
  • Custom icons created in Shortcuts appear as separate shortcuts on your home screen, not as replacements for the original app icon.
  • You can use photos from your camera roll, downloaded images, or emoji as custom icons.
  • If a custom icon stops working, delete it and create a new one—the original app is never affected.

Using Shortcuts to create a custom icon (works on all iPhones)

Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. Tap the plus icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut. Tap "Add Action" and search for "Open App". Select the app you want to customize from the list that appears.

Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the shortcut editor. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen". A dialog will appear asking for a name and icon. Type the name you want to appear under the icon, then tap the icon preview (the colored circle) to choose a custom image.

You can take a photo, choose one from your camera roll, use an emoji, or select a color. Once you have chosen your image, tap "Add" in the top right. The shortcut will now appear on your home screen with your custom icon and will open the app when you tap it.

Changing icons directly on iOS 16 and later

Long-press any app icon on your home screen until a menu appears. Tap "Customize" (or "Edit Home Screen" if that is the only option shown). The icon will now be editable.

Tap the app icon itself. A menu will appear with options to choose a photo, emoji, or color. Select what you want to use. Tap "Add" to confirm. The icon will update when ready on your home screen.

If you want to change the icon back to the original, follow the same steps and tap the app icon again, then tap "Reset" at the bottom of the menu.

Using photos and emoji as icons

Both methods accept emoji directly—just tap the emoji option and select one from the keyboard. Emoji icons are quick and work well for color-coding your home screen by category.

For photos, choose an image from your camera roll or read one from the web. Square images work best because they will not be cropped. If you use a rectangular photo, the system will crop it to fit the icon space. You can also use screenshots of images you find online—take a screenshot, then select it from your camera roll when customizing the icon.

Organizing custom icons into folders

Once you have created custom icons using either method, you can organize them the same way you organize regular apps. Long-press and drag an icon onto another icon to create a folder. Name the folder and add more icons to it by dragging them in.

This is especially useful if you create many custom icons—you can group them by category (work, entertainment, utilities) to keep your home screen clean. Custom icons created in Shortcuts can be moved and organized just like any other app.

Troubleshooting custom icons that stop working

If a custom icon created in Shortcuts stops opening the app, the shortcut may have been accidentally deleted or corrupted. Delete the icon from your home screen by long-pressing it and tapping "Remove from Home Screen". Open the Shortcuts app and check if the shortcut still exists in your library. If it does not, create a new shortcut following the steps above.

If the shortcut exists but the icon does not work, delete the shortcut from the Shortcuts app and create a new one. The original app is never affected by deleting a shortcut—only the custom icon disappears.

If you are using iOS 16 or later and a native custom icon stops working, long-press the app and tap "Customize" again. Tap the icon and select "Reset" to return it to the original icon, then customize it again if you want.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume a custom icon created in Shortcuts is the same as the original app. It is a shortcut that opens the app, so it takes a tiny bit longer to launch than tapping the original icon. If speed matters, keep the original app icon on your home screen as well.

Do not use very small or very detailed images as icons—they will be hard to see at that size. straightforward, bold images and emoji work much better. Test your icon by looking at it from a few feet away to make sure it is still recognizable.

Do not delete the original app thinking the custom icon will replace it. The custom icon is only a launcher. If you delete the app, the custom icon will stop working. Keep the original app installed on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the icon of a built-in app like Messages or Settings?

Yes, both methods work on built-in apps. On iOS 16 and later, long-press the app and tap "Customize" to change it directly. On older iPhones, use Shortcuts to create a custom icon that opens the built-in app.

Will a custom icon work if I update my iPhone?

Custom icons created in Shortcuts will continue to work after an iOS update. Native custom icons (iOS 16 and later) will also survive updates. If something breaks after an update, delete and recreate the icon.

Can I share a custom icon with someone else?

You can share a shortcut with another iPhone user by opening the shortcut in the Shortcuts app, tapping the three dots, and selecting "Share". They can then add it to their home screen with the same custom icon. Native custom icons cannot be shared this way.

What happens if I delete a custom icon by accident?

If you delete a custom icon created in Shortcuts, the shortcut still exists in your Shortcuts app library. Open Shortcuts, find the shortcut, and tap "Add to Home Screen" again to recreate the icon. The original app is never affected.

Can I use a GIF or video as a custom icon?

No, custom icons must be static images, emoji, or solid colors. GIFs and videos will not animate in the icon space. Convert a GIF to a still image or choose a single frame from a video to use instead.