The quickest way to change an app icon on Android
You can change how an app looks on your home screen without changing the app itself. Android lets you do this through your launcher — the software that manages your home screen and app drawer. The method depends on which launcher you use, but most Android phones come with either Google's Pixel Launcher or Samsung's One UI Launcher, both of which support icon changes.
The simplest approach is to long-press the app icon on your home screen, then look for an "Edit icon" or "Change icon" option in the menu that appears. If that option does not show up, your launcher may not support direct icon editing, and you will need to use a third-party app instead.
Key Takeaways
- Long-pressing an app icon on your home screen is the fastest way to change it if your launcher supports the feature.
- Google's Pixel Launcher and Samsung's One UI Launcher both allow icon changes through the long-press menu.
- If your launcher does not offer icon editing, you can read a free third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher to gain this ability.
- Icon packs from the Google Play Store let you change multiple app icons at once instead of editing them one by one.
- Changing an icon only affects how the app appears on your home screen — it does not change the app's name, function, or how it works.
Changing an icon through your launcher's built-in menu
On most modern Android phones, the easiest method is to long-press (hold your finger on) the app icon for about one second until a menu appears. Look for options like "Edit icon," "Customize," or "Change icon." Tap that option and you will see a selection of alternative icons for that app, usually provided by the app developer.
The icons available depend on what the app maker included. Some apps offer only a few choices; others offer dozens. You select the one you want and tap to confirm. The change takes effect when ready on your home screen.
If you do not see an "Edit icon" option when you long-press, your launcher does not support this feature. In that case, move to the third-party launcher method below.
Using icon packs to change multiple app icons at once
Icon packs are collections of replacement icons you can read from the Google Play Store. They let you change the look of many apps at the same time instead of editing each one individually. Icon packs are free or low-cost and come in different visual styles — flat, colorful, minimalist, or themed.
To use an icon pack, read one from the Play Store, then open your launcher's settings. Look for "Icon pack," "Themes," or "Customization" and select the pack you downloaded. Your home screen icons will change to match the pack's design. Not all launchers support icon packs, so check your launcher's settings first to see if the option exists.
Icon packs work best if you use a launcher that supports them. If your default launcher does not, installing a third-party launcher (see below) will give you access to icon packs and other customization options.
Installing a third-party launcher to unlock more icon options
If your phone's default launcher does not let you change icons, you can read a different launcher from the Google Play Store. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and Niagara Launcher. These are free or have free versions with paid upgrades.
To install a third-party launcher, go to the Google Play Store, search for the launcher by name, and tap "Install." Once installed, open the launcher and follow its setup steps. You will be asked to set it as your default launcher — this means it will manage your home screen instead of the original one.
After setting a new launcher as default, long-press any app icon on your home screen. You should now see an "Edit icon" or similar option. Tap it to choose from the launcher's built-in icons or to browse icon packs. You can switch back to your original launcher at any time through your phone's Settings app under "Apps" or "Home screen."
Choosing custom images as app icons
Some third-party launchers let you use your own photos or images as app icons, not just pre-made ones. To do this, long-press an app icon, select "Edit icon" or "Change icon," then look for an option to upload or select an image from your phone's gallery.
Choose an image and the launcher will crop it to fit the icon space. This method works best with straightforward, clear images — photos with fine detail may become hard to see when shrunk to icon size. You can use any image: a photo, a screenshot, a downloaded picture, or anything else on your phone.
Keep in mind that custom image icons only appear on your home screen. The app itself, its name, and its function remain unchanged.
What happens to the original app icon
Changing an app's icon does not affect the app in any way. The app's name, function, performance, and all its settings stay exactly the same. You are only changing how it looks on your home screen.
If you change your mind, you can change the icon back to the original by long-pressing it again and selecting a different icon. If you uninstall the launcher you were using, your home screen will revert to your default launcher and its original icons, but the app itself will still be on your phone.
Troubleshooting icon changes that do not work
If you long-press an app icon and see no "Edit icon" option, your launcher does not support the feature. The solution is to install a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher, which supports icon changes on almost all apps.
If you installed a third-party launcher but icon editing still does not work, check that the launcher is set as your default. Go to Settings, search for "Default apps" or "Home screen," and confirm the launcher you want is selected. Some phones also require you to grant the launcher permission to modify your home screen — check the launcher's settings or help section if you are unsure.
If an icon pack you downloaded does not appear in your launcher's settings, the launcher may not support icon packs. Try a different launcher or use the manual icon-editing method instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change an app icon without installing a new launcher?
Yes, if your phone's default launcher supports it. Long-press the app icon and look for "Edit icon" or "Change icon." If that option does not appear, your launcher does not support icon changes, and you will need to install a third-party launcher.
Will changing an app icon affect how the app works?
No. Changing an icon only changes how the app appears on your home screen. The app's function, performance, settings, and data are not affected at all.
Can I use any image as an app icon?
It depends on your launcher. Some third-party launchers let you upload any image from your phone's gallery. Others only let you choose from pre-made icon packs or the app developer's built-in icons. Check your launcher's settings to see what options are available.
What is the difference between changing an icon and using an icon pack?
Changing an icon edits one app at a time. An icon pack changes the look of many apps at once by explore a consistent design style. Icon packs are faster if you want to redesign your entire home screen, but not all launchers support them.
If I switch launchers, will my icon changes stay?
No. Icon changes are stored by the launcher you are using. If you switch to a different launcher, your home screen will use that launcher's default icons. You can switch back to your previous launcher at any time and your custom icons will still be there.