Changing icons on your iPhone can be a fun way to personalize your device and make it truly your own. It’s a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to switch up those app icons for a fresh new look on your home screen.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Change Icons on iPhone
Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about what we’re trying to accomplish here. By changing the icons on your iPhone, you’re essentially replacing the default app images with custom ones that you prefer. This can range from sleek and professional to quirky and fun, depending on your style. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Download the Shortcuts app
The first thing you’ll need to do is download the Shortcuts app from the App Store if you don’t have it already.
The Shortcuts app is a powerful tool that Apple offers to automate various tasks on your iPhone. In our case, we’ll be using it to create a new icon for an app.
Step 2: Open the Shortcuts app and tap the ‘+’ icon
Once you have the Shortcuts app, open it and tap the ‘+’ icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut.
Creating a new shortcut is the foundation of changing your app icon. Think of it as telling your iPhone, “Hey, when I tap this image, I want you to open this app.”
Step 3: Tap ‘Add Action’
After tapping the ‘+’ icon, your next move is to tap ‘Add Action’ to choose what the shortcut will do.
In this case, you’re going to select an action that opens an app. This is important because it links your new icon to the app you want it to represent.
Step 4: Search for the app you want to change the icon for
Type in the name of the app in the search bar and select it when it shows up.
This step is crucial because it ensures that the new icon you’re creating will open the correct app. Make sure you select the right one!
Step 5: Tap the three dots in the top right corner
After selecting the app, tap the three dots in the top right corner. This will take you to the settings for your new shortcut.
Tapping the three dots is like saying, “Okay, I’ve told you what app to open, now let’s get down to business and customize this shortcut.”
Step 6: Tap ‘Add to Home Screen’
In the settings menu, tap ‘Add to Home Screen’ to begin the process of changing the icon.
This is where the magic happens. By adding the shortcut to your home screen, you’re one step closer to having that new, custom icon.
Step 7: Tap the icon next to the text field
This will bring up options for choosing a new icon.
When you tap the icon, you’ll see options to take a photo, choose a photo, or choose a file. This is where you can get creative and pick an icon image you love.
Step 8: Choose or take a photo for your new icon and tap ‘Add’
Once you’ve selected your new icon image, tap ‘Add’ to finalize the process.
Choosing the right image is key. It can be anything from a picture you’ve taken to a graphic you’ve designed. Make sure it’s something that you’ll easily recognize as the app it represents.
Step 9: Rename the shortcut and tap ‘Add’
You can rename the shortcut to whatever you’d like. This will be the name displayed under the icon on your home screen.
Renaming your shortcut isn’t necessary, but it can help you remember what the icon is for, especially if the image isn’t immediately clear.
After completing these steps, you’ll see your new icon on your home screen. Tapping it will open the app just like the original icon did. Pretty neat, right?
Tips: How to Change Icons on iPhone
- Make sure the images you choose for your new icons are clear and easily recognizable.
- Remember that the original app icon will still be on your phone, so you may want to move it to a different page or folder.
- If you ever want to change the icon back to the original, just delete the shortcut you created.
- Keep in mind that while the new icon will open the app, it won’t show any notifications that the app may have.
- Have fun with it! Changing icons is a chance to show off your personality and make your iPhone feel more like ‘you.’
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any image for my new icon?
Yes, you can use any image you’d like, whether it’s a photo you’ve taken or an image you’ve found online.
Will changing the icon delete the app?
No, changing the icon will not delete the app. It simply creates a shortcut to the app with a custom image.
Can I still get notifications from the app with a changed icon?
The new icon itself won’t show notifications, but the original app icon will still display them as usual.
Is it possible to change icons on an iPad?
Yes, the process is the same for changing icons on an iPad as it is on an iPhone.
Can I change the icon for any app?
Most apps will allow you to change their icon using this method. However, some built-in Apple apps may not be customizable.
Summary
- Download the Shortcuts app
- Open the Shortcuts app and tap the ‘+’ icon
- Tap ‘Add Action’
- Search for the app
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner
- Tap ‘Add to Home Screen’
- Tap the icon next to the text field
- Choose or take a photo for the new icon and tap ‘Add’
- Rename the shortcut and tap ‘Add’
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Changing icons on your iPhone is a simple and fun way to personalize your device. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalistic look or want your phone to reflect your hobbies and interests, custom icons can make your home screen uniquely yours. Remember, this isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a way to make your iPhone experience more enjoyable and tailored to your preferences. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your icon choices. After all, isn’t it cool to have a phone that’s as unique as you are?
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.