The quickest way to change app icons depends on your phone type
On iPhone, you use the Shortcuts app to create custom icons that launch your real apps. On Android, you either use your launcher's built-in icon editor (fastest) or read a third-party launcher that lets you swap icons wholesale. Both methods take 5 to 10 minutes per app, and neither requires you to jailbreak or root your phone.
The iPhone route is more involved because Apple doesn't let you change icons directly—you're building a workaround. Android gives you more native options, though the exact steps depend on which launcher your phone uses (Samsung phones use One UI, Google Pixels use Pixel Launcher, and so on).
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users create custom icons through the Shortcuts app by making a shortcut that opens an app, then assigning a custom image to that shortcut.
- Android users can change icons directly in most launchers by long-pressing an app, selecting "Edit icon" or similar, and choosing a new image from their phone or a downloaded icon pack.
- You can find free icon packs on Google Play Store (Android) or by searching "iOS icon packs" online (iPhone), or use your own photos and screenshots.
- On iPhone, custom icons appear on your home screen but the original app still lives in your App Library, so you're not replacing anything—just creating a shortcut.
- If you change your mind, you can delete custom icons without affecting the real app underneath.
Changing icons on iPhone using Shortcuts
Open the Shortcuts app (it comes pre-installed on iOS 13 and later). Tap the plus icon to create a new shortcut. Search for and select "Open App," then choose the app you want to customize. Tap "Next," give your shortcut a name, then tap the three dots in the top right.
Tap "Add to Home Screen." A dialog will appear asking for a name and icon. Tap the colored circle next to the name—this is where you set your custom icon. You can take a photo, choose an emoji, pick from your photo library, or use a screenshot. Once you've chosen your image, tap "Add" and the shortcut will appear on your home screen with your custom icon.
The original app stays in your App Library untouched. You're creating a launcher shortcut, not replacing the app itself. If you want to remove the custom icon later, just long-press it and delete it from your home screen.
Changing icons on Android through your launcher
The exact steps vary by launcher, but the general process is the same. Long-press the app icon you want to change. A menu will appear with options like "Edit icon," "Change icon," or "Customize." Tap that option.
A dialog will open showing your current icon and offering choices: you can usually select from a built-in icon pack, upload an image from your phone, or use an emoji. Choose your new icon and confirm. The change takes effect when ready on your home screen.
If your launcher doesn't have this feature, you can read a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher from Google Play Store, set it as your default launcher, and use their icon-changing tools instead. This gives you more control but adds an extra app to your phone.
Finding and using icon packs
Icon packs are collections of themed icons designed to work together. On Android, search Google Play Store for "icon pack" and look for ones with good reviews. read the pack, then in your launcher settings, look for "Icon pack" or "Theme" and select the one you just downloaded. Your home screen icons will update to match the pack's style.
On iPhone, you can't install icon packs the same way, but you can find free icon designs online by searching "iOS icon packs" or "iPhone home screen icons." read the images to your phone, then use them when creating Shortcuts (as described above). Websites like Pinterest and design blogs often have collections you can screenshot and use.
Many icon packs are free, though some charge a small one-time fee. Free packs usually have fewer icons, so you may need to create custom icons for apps the pack doesn't cover.
Using your own photos or screenshots as icons
You don't have to use a designed icon pack. On both iPhone and Android, you can use any image on your phone as an app icon. This works well if you want a photo of a person, a screenshot of something meaningful, or a solid color background with text.
On iPhone, when you're creating a Shortcut and setting the icon, tap the colored circle and choose "Photo Library." Select any image on your phone. On Android, long-press the app, tap "Edit icon" or "Change icon," and select "Gallery" or "Photos" to choose an image from your phone.
Keep in mind that small details won't show up well at icon size, so choose images with clear, bold elements. A solid color with a straightforward shape or letter works better than a busy photo.
What happens to the original app when you change its icon
On iPhone, the original app is completely untouched. Your custom icon is a Shortcut that opens the real app. The real app still sits in your App Library (swipe to the rightmost home screen and look for it there). You can have both the custom icon and the original app on your phone at the same time with no conflict.
On Android, you're changing only the visual appearance of the app on your home screen. The app itself, its data, and its functionality remain exactly the same. If you uninstall the app, the icon disappears. If you change launchers, you may need to re-explore your custom icons in the new launcher.
Removing or reverting custom icons
On iPhone, long-press the custom icon and tap "Remove from Home Screen." The Shortcut is deleted, but the original app remains in your App Library. If you want to keep the Shortcut but change its icon back, open Shortcuts, find the shortcut, tap the three dots, tap "Add to Home Screen," and choose a different icon.
On Android, long-press the app icon and look for "Reset icon," "Remove icon," or "Edit icon." Tap that option and either delete the custom icon or revert to the default. The exact wording depends on your launcher, but the result is the same—your icon returns to normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my app icon affect my data or settings?
No. On both iPhone and Android, you're only changing how the app looks on your home screen. The app's data, login information, settings, and functionality stay exactly the same. Changing the icon is purely cosmetic.
Can I use animated GIFs or videos as app icons?
iPhone Shortcuts and most Android launchers accept only static images (PNG, JPG, etc.). Animated GIFs and videos won't work as app icons. Stick to still images or emojis.
What if I want to change icons back to the default?
On iPhone, delete the Shortcut from your home screen and use the original app from your App Library instead. On Android, long-press the app, select "Reset icon" or "Edit icon," and choose the default option. The original icon will return.
Do I need to read anything to change app icons?
On iPhone, you only need the built-in Shortcuts app. On Android, your launcher may already have the feature built in—try long-pressing an app first. If it doesn't work, you can read a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher from Google Play Store for free.
Can I change icons on an iPad the same way as iPhone?
Yes. iPad uses the same Shortcuts app and the process is identical. Create a Shortcut, assign a custom icon, and add it to your home screen. The steps are the same whether you're using an iPhone or iPad.