The fastest way to change an app icon on Android
You can change an app icon on Android using your phone's built-in launcher or a third-party launcher app. The method depends on which launcher you have. Most Android phones come with a default launcher — Samsung phones use One UI Launcher, Google Pixel phones use Pixel Launcher, and other brands use their own versions. Each launcher handles icon changes differently, and some do not support custom icons at all.
The simplest approach is to use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which both allow you to change individual app icons without needing to root your phone or install extra tools. If you want to avoid adding a new launcher, check whether your phone's built-in launcher has an icon customization feature — Samsung's One UI Launcher does, but Google's Pixel Launcher does not.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung One UI Launcher lets you change app icons directly by long-pressing an app and selecting the edit option, while Google Pixel Launcher does not support this feature.
- Third-party launchers like Nova Launcher and Microsoft Launcher work on any Android phone and give you full control over individual app icons.
- Icon pack apps provide the actual icon images you want to use, but they only work if your launcher supports custom icons.
- Changing an app icon through your launcher does not affect how the app works or how it appears in your phone's settings — it only changes what you see on your home screen.
Changing icons on Samsung phones with One UI Launcher
Samsung's One UI Launcher has a built-in icon editor. Long-press the app icon you want to change on your home screen. A menu will appear with options including "Edit icon" or "Change icon" — the exact wording depends on your Android version. Tap that option.
A second menu will open showing you preset icon designs that Samsung provides. Scroll through and select the one you want. You cannot upload your own image this way — you are limited to Samsung's built-in options. Once you select a new icon, tap "Done" or "explore" and the change takes effect when ready on your home screen.
If you do not see an "Edit icon" option when you long-press, your version of One UI Launcher does not support this feature. In that case, move to the third-party launcher method below.
Using a third-party launcher to change any app icon
Third-party launchers give you the most control. Nova Launcher and Microsoft Launcher are the most popular options and both are free to read from the Google Play Store. Install whichever one you choose, then open it and set it as your default launcher. Your phone will ask you which launcher to use when you press the home button — select the new launcher and choose "Always" to make it the default.
Once the new launcher is set as default, long-press any app icon on your home screen. A menu will appear with an "Edit" or "Customize" option. Tap it. You will see a field showing the current icon. Tap that field to open a list of icon packs you have installed, or to choose a custom image from your phone's photo library. Select the image or icon you want and confirm.
If you want access to more icon designs than what your phone's photo library offers, read an icon pack app from the Google Play Store — search for "icon pack" and you will find hundreds of free and paid options. Once installed, that icon pack will appear in the list when you edit an app icon in your launcher.
Finding and installing icon packs
Icon packs are apps that contain collections of pre-designed icons. They do not change your apps by themselves — they only work when your launcher (either built-in or third-party) pulls icons from them. Open the Google Play Store and search for "icon pack". Popular free options include Lineage Icon Pack, Evo Icon Pack, and Crayon Icon Pack. Paid packs usually cost between one and three dollars.
Install the icon pack you want. It will appear in your app drawer but you do not need to open it. When you edit an app icon in your launcher, the pack's icons will show up in the list of available options. You can install multiple icon packs at once and switch between them for different apps.
What happens when you change an app icon
Changing an app icon only affects what appears on your home screen. The app itself works exactly the same way. The icon change does not affect notifications, the app's name in your settings, how the app launches, or any of its features. If you uninstall the launcher or icon pack you used to make the change, the icon will revert to the default.
If you change your mind about a custom icon, long-press the app again and select "Edit" or "Change icon". You can switch back to the original icon or choose a different one at any time.
Why some launchers do not support custom icons
Google's Pixel Launcher, which comes on Google Pixel phones, does not allow you to change individual app icons. This is a design choice by Google — they want the launcher to stay minimal and consistent. If you have a Pixel phone and want to change app icons, you must switch to a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher.
Some other manufacturer launchers also lack this feature. If your phone's built-in launcher does not have an icon editing option, the third-party launcher method will always work as a backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo from my phone as an app icon?
Yes, if you use a third-party launcher. When you edit an app icon, most launchers let you choose an image from your phone's photo library. The image will be cropped to fit the icon shape. Samsung's One UI Launcher does not support this — it only lets you choose from preset designs.
Will changing an app icon affect my notifications or settings?
No. The icon change only affects what you see on your home screen. Notifications, app settings, and how the app works remain unchanged. If you uninstall the launcher or icon pack, the icon reverts to default but your app data stays the same.
Do I have to use a third-party launcher permanently?
No. You can switch back to your phone's default launcher at any time. Go to Settings, find Apps or Applications, select your default launcher, and change it back. Any custom icons you set will disappear, but your apps and data are unaffected.
What if my launcher does not show the icon pack I installed?
Some icon packs are designed for specific launchers and may not work with all of them. Try a different icon pack, or check the pack's description in the Play Store to see which launchers it supports. Nova Launcher and Microsoft Launcher work with most icon packs.