How To Change App Icons – Free Design Resources

How to Change App Icons: A Comprehensive Guide for All Devices

App icons play a crucial role in the user experience of smartphones, tablets, and computers. They provide a visual representation of the app’s purpose and functionality, and they help users quickly identify and access their favorite apps. While many apps come with pre-designed icons, you may want to customize them to match your personal style or to better reflect the content of the app. This article will guide you through the process of changing app icons on various devices, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.

Changing App Icons on iOS Devices

For iOS devices running iOS 14 and above, Apple introduced the ability to customize app icons using the Shortcuts app. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Create a New Shortcut:

Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap the + button in the top-right corner.
Select Add Action, then search for Open App.
Choose the app you want to customize the icon for.

2. Add a Glyph:

Tap the Glyph button in the action card.
Select the Image option.
Choose an image from your photo library or take a new photo.
You can also use a custom icon from the internet by tapping Browse and selecting the desired image.

3. Save the Shortcut:

Tap the Next button.
Enter a name for the shortcut (e.g., "Custom Instagram Icon").
Tap Done to save the shortcut.

4. Add the Shortcut to Your Home Screen:

Go to the My Shortcuts tab in the Shortcuts app.
Tap the three dots icon next to the shortcut you just created.
Select Add to Home Screen.
Tap Add to confirm.

The customized shortcut icon will now appear on your home screen. When you tap it, the original app will open as usual.

Note: Apple’s guidelines prohibit changing app icons in a way that misrepresents the app’s functionality or brand identity.

Changing App Icons on Android Devices

On Android devices, the process of changing app icons varies depending on the device manufacturer and the Android version. However, the general steps are as follows:

1. Use a Third-Party App:

Install a launcher app from the Google Play Store, such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, or Smart Launcher.
Open the launcher app and grant it necessary permissions.

2. Select the App Icon:

Long-press on the app icon you want to customize.
Select Edit or Customize from the options.

3. Choose a New Icon:

Tap on the app icon preview to browse different options.
You can choose an icon from the launcher’s built-in gallery or select a custom image from your photo library.

4. Save the Changes:

Once you have selected a new icon, tap on the Save button.
The customized app icon will now be applied on your home screen.

Changing App Icons on Windows Devices

For Windows 10 and 11, there are two ways to change app icons:

1. Use a Custom Icon File:

Download or create an icon file in the ICO format.
Right-click on the app icon you want to customize.
Select Properties and go to the Shortcut tab.
Click on Change Icon.
Navigate to the ICO file and select it.
Click OK to save the changes.

2. Use a Third-Party App:

Install a custom icon manager app from the Microsoft Store, such as IconPackager or Winaero Tweaker.
Open the app and browse through the available icon packs.
Select an icon pack and apply it to the desired app.

Note: Changing app icons on Windows devices requires elevated permissions. You may need to run the icon manager app as an administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change app icons on all devices?

Yes, the process of changing app icons is supported on most modern smartphone, tablet, and computer devices.

2. Is it safe to change app icons?

Yes, it is generally safe to change app icons using the methods described in this article. However, using third-party apps or modifying system files may introduce security risks.

3. Can I restore the original app icons?

Yes, you can always revert to the original app icons. On iOS, delete the custom shortcut and the app will revert to its default icon. On Android and Windows, follow the same steps to change the icon and select the original icon option.

4. Can I change app icons for system apps?

On some Android devices, you can change the icons for system apps using custom launchers. However, this may not be supported on all devices.

5. Why can’t I customize app icons on my device?

Some devices may have restrictions on customizing app icons. This could be due to device limitations, security policies, or software updates.

Conclusion

Changing app icons is a simple and effective way to personalize your devices and make them more visually appealing. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily customize app icons on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. Remember to use high-quality images and follow any applicable guidelines to ensure a seamless and enjoyable user experience.