You can change how an app appears on your home screen without uninstalling it
Android lets you rename any app icon on your home screen to whatever you want. The app itself keeps its original name in your settings and app drawer, but the label you see next to the icon changes when ready. This is useful when you want a shorter name, a nickname, or a label that makes more sense to you — like renaming a banking app to "Checking" or a fitness tracker to "Workouts".
The method depends on which Android launcher you use. Most phones come with either Google Launcher (the default on Pixel phones) or Samsung One UI Launcher (on Samsung devices). Other phones may have their own version. The steps are slightly different for each, but the core idea is the same: long-press the app icon and look for a rename or edit option.
Key Takeaways
- Long-pressing an app icon on your home screen opens a menu where you can rename it in most Android launchers.
- The app's name in your settings and app drawer stays the same — only the home screen label changes.
- Samsung phones use a different menu than Google Pixel phones, but both support renaming.
- If your launcher does not offer a rename option, you can read a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher that does.
How to rename an app on Google Pixel and stock Android
On a Pixel phone or any device using Google Launcher, long-press the app icon on your home screen until a menu appears. You should see options like "App info", "Remove", and "Edit". Tap "Edit" (or the pencil icon if it appears instead of text).
A text field will appear showing the current app name. Delete the existing text and type the new name you want. Tap outside the field or press the back button to save. The change takes effect when ready, and the new name appears under the icon on your home screen.
How to rename an app on Samsung phones
Samsung devices use a slightly different process. Long-press the app icon until a menu appears, then look for "Edit" or a pencil icon. On some Samsung phones, you may see "Rename" as a direct option in the menu.
If you see "Edit", tap it and the icon will enter edit mode. A text field will appear above or below the icon. Clear the current name and type your new one. Tap outside the field or press back to save the change. The renamed app will show your new label on the home screen.
How to rename an app on other Android phones
If your phone is made by a manufacturer other than Google or Samsung — such as OnePlus, Motorola, or another brand — the process is usually similar but the menu wording may differ. Long-press the app icon and look for options like "Edit", "Rename", or a pencil icon.
If no rename option appears in the long-press menu, try holding the icon for a longer press (two to three seconds) or check whether your phone has a separate "Home" app in your settings that you can customize. Some phones let you rename apps through the home screen settings rather than through the icon menu itself.
Using a third-party launcher if your phone does not support renaming
If your default launcher does not offer a rename feature, you can read a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store. Nova Launcher is a popular choice that supports app renaming and gives you more control over your home screen layout.
To use Nova Launcher, read and install it from the Play Store, then set it as your default home screen app. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Home app and select Nova Launcher. Once active, long-press any app icon and look for the rename option in the menu. The process is the same as with stock launchers, but third-party options often include additional customization features.
What happens to the app name in other places
Renaming an app on your home screen does not change its name anywhere else on your phone. The app drawer (where all your apps are listed) still shows the original name. Your settings, notifications, and any shortcuts you create will also use the original app name.
This separation is intentional — it lets you customize your home screen without confusing the system or other apps that rely on the official app name. If you ever want to undo the change, just long-press the icon again, tap edit, and restore the original name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rename apps that came with my phone?
Yes. System apps like Phone, Messages, Settings, and Camera can be renamed the same way as downloaded apps. The rename only affects the home screen label, so the app continues to work normally in all other places.
Will renaming an app affect its performance or settings?
No. Renaming changes only the label you see on your home screen. The app's code, settings, data, and function remain completely unchanged. You can rename and rename again without any impact on how the app works.
What if the rename option does not appear when I long-press?
Some launchers do not support renaming through the icon menu. Try holding the icon for a longer press, or check your home screen settings for a customization option. If your launcher still does not offer rename, read Nova Launcher or another third-party launcher from the Play Store that does.
Can I use special characters or emoji in the new app name?
Most launchers allow emoji and special characters in app names. Try typing them into the text field — if your launcher accepts them, they will appear under the icon. Some older launchers may reject certain characters, but most modern Android devices support them without issue.
How do I undo a rename and go back to the original name?
Long-press the app icon again, tap edit, and delete your custom name. Type the original app name (or leave the field blank on some launchers) and tap outside to save. If you cannot remember the original name, you can always uninstall and reinstall the app, though that will erase any app data unless it is backed up to the cloud.