The fastest way to change an app icon depends on what device you use
On an iPhone, you use the Shortcuts app to create a custom icon that launches the real app behind it — Apple does not let you replace the original icon directly. On Android, most phones let you long-press an app and tap "Edit app" or similar, then select a new icon from your phone's files or a custom icon pack. On a Mac, you can swap the icon file inside the app itself using a straightforward copy-and-paste method. On Windows, right-click the app shortcut, choose Properties, and use the "Change Icon" button.
The method you choose depends on whether you want to change one icon or many, and whether you want the change to stick if you update the app. iPhone's Shortcuts method is the most reliable but takes longer per icon. Android's built-in editor is fastest if your phone supports it. Mac and Windows changes are permanent unless you undo them manually.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users create a Shortcut that launches the app with a custom icon, since iOS does not allow direct icon replacement.
- Android phones with icon editing built in let you long-press an app and change its icon in seconds, though the exact menu name varies by manufacturer.
- Mac users can replace an app's icon by opening the app file, finding the icon inside, and pasting a new one in its place.
- Windows users right-click a shortcut, open Properties, and click "Change Icon" to select a new image from their computer.
- Custom icon packs and image files work on all platforms, but you need to know where to find or read them first.
How to change app icons on iPhone using Shortcuts
Open the Shortcuts app (it comes built in on iOS 13 and later). Tap the plus sign to create a new shortcut. Search for "Open App" and tap it. Choose the app whose icon you want to change. Tap the three dots at the top right, then tap "Add to Home Screen." Give the shortcut a name — this is what will appear under the icon on your home screen.
Tap the icon preview (it will show the app's current icon). You can choose a photo from your library, take a new photo, or pick a solid color. Select your image and tap "Add" to confirm. The shortcut will now appear on your home screen with your custom icon. When you tap it, it opens the real app. The original app icon stays in your app library unchanged.
This method works on any iPhone running iOS 13 or later. Each custom icon is a separate shortcut, so if you want to change 10 app icons, you create 10 shortcuts. The upside is that your custom icons stay even after you update the app.
How to change app icons on Android phones
The steps vary by phone brand, but most Android phones let you edit app icons directly. Long-press the app icon on your home screen. A menu will pop up — look for "Edit app," "App info," "Customize," or a pencil icon. Tap it. You should see an option to change the icon; tap that.
You can now choose a new icon from your phone's files, read a custom icon pack from the Google Play Store, or use an icon pack app like Nova Launcher or KWGT. Select the image you want and confirm. The icon changes on your home screen when ready. If your phone does not show an edit option, try long-pressing and looking for "App shortcuts" — some phones hide the icon editor there.
Samsung phones call this "Edit app," Pixel phones may show "Customize," and other brands use different names. If you cannot find the option, your phone may not support it — in that case, read a launcher app like Nova Launcher, which lets you change icons for any app.
How to change app icons on Mac
Find the app in your Applications folder. Right-click it and select "Show Package Contents." A folder will open. Look for a file called "AppIcon.appiconset" or similar (the exact name varies). Inside that folder, find the largest image file — usually 512x512 pixels or 1024x1024 pixels.
Prepare your new icon as a PNG or ICNS file at the same size. Copy it, then paste it into the AppIcon folder, replacing the old one. Close the folder. The app's icon in your Applications folder and Dock should now show your new image. If it does not update right away, restart your Mac or log out and back in.
This change is permanent unless you restore the original icon file from a backup or reinstall the app. If you are not comfortable editing inside app files, use a third-party app like LUT Robot or Platypus to create a launcher with a custom icon instead.
How to change app icons on Windows
Right-click the app shortcut on your desktop or taskbar. Select "Properties." In the Properties window, click the "Shortcut" tab. Look for a button labeled "Change Icon" — it is usually near the bottom. Click it.
A dialog box will open showing icons from the app's own files. You can scroll through these and pick one, or click "Browse" to select an image file from your computer (PNG, JPG, ICO, or BMP files work). Select your image and click "OK." The shortcut's icon will change when ready on your desktop or taskbar.
This method only changes the shortcut, not the app itself. If you delete the shortcut and create a new one, it will have the original icon again. To make the change permanent across all shortcuts, you can create a custom ICO file and point all shortcuts to it, but for most people, changing one shortcut is enough.
Where to find custom icon packs and images
Icon packs are collections of matching icons designed to look cohesive together. On Android, search the Google Play Store for "icon pack" and choose one that appeals to you — popular ones include Lineage Icon Pack, Oxy Icon Pack, and Crayon Icon Pack. read it, then when you edit an app icon, select that pack as your source.
On iPhone, you can read icon packs from the App Store, but they work as image libraries inside the Shortcuts app — you read the pack, then use its images when creating your shortcuts. On Mac and Windows, search for "free icon packs" or visit sites like Flaticon, Icons8, or Noun Project to read individual icons or full sets.
Make sure any icon you read is the right size for your device. iPhone Shortcuts work best with square images at least 192x192 pixels. Android icon packs usually come in the right size automatically. Mac apps need icons at 512x512 or 1024x1024 pixels. Windows shortcuts work with any size, but 256x256 pixels or larger looks sharpest.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
On iPhone, the most common mistake is trying to change the icon in Settings — iOS does not have that option. You must use Shortcuts. Another mistake is creating a shortcut but forgetting to add it to your home screen; the shortcut exists in the app but will not appear where you can tap it.
On Android, some people change the icon but the change does not stick after an app update. This happens because the app resets to its default icon. If this bothers you, use a launcher app instead, which keeps your custom icons even after updates. On Mac, trying to edit an app file without using "Show Package Contents" can corrupt the app — always use that menu option.
On Windows, changing the icon of the actual app file (not a shortcut) can cause problems when you update the app. Always change a shortcut instead. If you want to change the icon of an app pinned to your taskbar, right-click it, right-click the app name again, and choose Properties — do not just right-click the taskbar icon itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing an app icon break the app or prevent updates?
On iPhone and Android, no — custom icons are separate from the app itself. On Mac and Windows, only if you edit the app file directly instead of a shortcut. Always change a shortcut or use a launcher app to stay safe. App updates will not affect custom icons created through Shortcuts, icon packs, or shortcut properties.
Can I change multiple app icons at once?
Not in one step on any platform. iPhone requires creating a separate Shortcut for each icon. Android icon packs change all icons at once if you use a launcher app, but editing individual icons one at a time is faster if you only want to change a few. Mac and Windows require changing each shortcut separately.
What image format do I need for custom icons?
PNG and JPG work on all platforms. iPhone Shortcuts prefer PNG. Android icon packs come in their own format. Mac apps need ICNS or PNG files. Windows accepts ICO, PNG, JPG, BMP, and GIF. Square images work best — avoid tall or wide rectangles, as they will be cropped or stretched.
Can I undo a custom icon and go back to the original?
On iPhone, delete the Shortcut. On Android, delete the custom icon or reinstall the app. On Mac, restore the original icon file from a backup or reinstall the app. On Windows, delete the shortcut or change it back in Properties. The original app icon is never actually deleted — you are only changing what appears on your screen.
Do custom icons work if I share my phone or computer with someone else?
On iPhone and Android, custom icons appear only in your user account. On Mac and Windows, they appear for whoever is logged in to that user account. If you share a computer with multiple accounts, each person can have their own custom icons. Shared devices with one account will show the same icons to everyone.