Changing app icons on your iPhone is a simple way to personalize your device and make it feel more like your own. All you need is the Shortcuts app and some custom icons, and you can give your iPhone a fresh new look in just a few minutes.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Change App Icons iPhone
Before you start changing your app icons, make sure you have the images you want to use saved to your iPhone. You can find custom icons online or create your own. Then, follow these steps to change your app icons:
Step 1: Open the Shortcuts App
Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. If you can’t find it, you can swipe down on your home screen to access the search feature and type in “Shortcuts.”
The Shortcuts app is a powerful tool that allows you to create custom actions on your iPhone. It’s pre-installed on all iPhones, so you don’t need to download anything.
Step 2: Create a New Shortcut
Tap the “+” icon in the upper right corner to create a new shortcut.
When you create a new shortcut, you’re essentially creating a new action that your iPhone can perform. In this case, the action will be opening an app.
Step 3: Add Action
Tap “Add Action” and search for “Open App.” Select the “Open App” action when it appears.
This step is what makes the shortcut functional. By choosing the “Open App” action, you’re telling your iPhone what you want the shortcut to do.
Step 4: Choose the App
Tap “Choose” and select the app you want to change the icon for.
You can change the icon for any app on your iPhone, but keep in mind that some apps may not work as well with custom icons.
Step 5: Add to Home Screen
Tap the three dots in the upper right corner, then tap “Add to Home Screen.”
This is the last step in the process. By adding the shortcut to your home screen, you’re creating a new icon that you can tap to open the app.
Step 6: Select a Custom Icon
Tap the icon next to the shortcut name and choose “Choose Photo.” Select the custom icon you want to use and tap “Add.”
Make sure the custom icon you select is the right size and resolution for your iPhone’s screen. Otherwise, it may not look as good as you’d like it to.
Step 7: Rename the Shortcut
Rename the shortcut to match the app’s name or whatever you’d like it to be called on your home screen.
You can name the shortcut anything you want, but it’s a good idea to keep it similar to the app’s name so you can easily find it.
After you complete these steps, the new icon will appear on your home screen. You can tap it to open the app just like you would with the original icon. Keep in mind that the original app icon will still be on your iPhone, but you can move it to the App Library or a folder if you want to keep your home screen looking clean.
Tips: How to Change App Icons iPhone
- Make sure the images you use for your custom icons are high-quality and the right size for your iPhone’s screen.
- You can use the Shortcuts app to create custom icons for web links, not just apps.
- If you change your mind and want to go back to the original icon, you can delete the shortcut and the original icon will reappear on your home screen.
- You can create multiple shortcuts with different icons for the same app if you want to have options.
- Keep the original app icons in a folder on your home screen so you can easily access them if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to the original app icon when I change it?
The original app icon will still be on your iPhone, but you can move it to the App Library or a folder to keep your home screen organized.
Can I change the icon for any app on my iPhone?
Yes, you can change the icon for any app on your iPhone using the Shortcuts app.
Do I need to download any additional apps to change my app icons?
No, the Shortcuts app is pre-installed on all iPhones, so you don’t need to download anything.
Can I use custom icons for web links as well as apps?
Yes, you can use the Shortcuts app to create custom icons for web links as well as apps.
What should I do if I want to go back to the original app icon?
If you want to go back to the original app icon, you can delete the shortcut and the original icon will reappear on your home screen.
Summary
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Create a new shortcut.
- Add the “Open App” action.
- Choose the app you want to change the icon for.
- Add the shortcut to your home screen.
- Select a custom icon.
- Rename the shortcut.
Conclusion
Customizing your iPhone’s app icons is a fun and easy way to make your device feel more personalized. With the Shortcuts app, you can change the icons for any app on your iPhone, and even create custom icons for web links. Just remember to use high-quality images and keep the original app icons organized so you can easily access them if needed. Whether you want to change one icon or all of them, the steps outlined in this article will help you achieve the look you want for your iPhone. So go ahead, get creative, and change those app icons!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.