How to change app icons on any Android phone

App icons on stock Android can pose a challenge for users seeking personalization, as the native system does not allow for direct changes. To achieve a customized look, one must turn to third-party tools and icon packs. The process of altering your app icons is straightforward once you have the necessary components in place.

QUICK ANSWER

To change app icons on an Android phone, you will need a shortcut maker app or a third-party app launcher, along with an icon pack. Utilize the settings within the launcher or shortcut maker to modify your icons.

JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

How to change app icons individually

Changing icons on an individual basis is quite manageable, although most Android devices lack this feature natively. A third-party launcher such as Niagara, Action Launcher, or Lawnchair is typically required. Below is a guide using Nova Launcher, which should be applicable to any third-party launcher.

1. Install your chosen icon pack along with Nova Launcher.
2. Set up your Nova Launcher home screen according to your preferences.
3. Locate the app icon on your home screen that you wish to change.
4. Long press the app and select the pencil icon.
5. Tap the icon image on the left side of the window.
6. Choose your icon pack.
7. Select the desired icon.
8. Press the Done button to finalize your changes.

While this tutorial employs a third-party launcher, users can also opt for a shortcut maker app from the Google Play Store to theme individual icons, even when using the stock launcher. However, some tested options may add an extra shortcut graphic, which might not appeal to everyone.

How to change all of the app icons with an icon pack

Applying an entire icon pack is a quicker and simpler method than changing icons individually. As with the previous method, a third-party launcher is necessary. In this example, we will again use Nova Launcher.

1. Install Nova Launcher and your chosen icon pack.
2. Long-press a blank area on your home screen and select Settings.
3. Navigate to Look & feel.
4. Tap Icon style.
5. Select Icon theme and choose your icon pack.
6. Upon returning to the home screen, your icons will now reflect the new theme.

Many icon packs also offer a direct application feature, provided you have a compatible phone or launcher installed. Typically, you can open the icon pack after downloading it, locate the apply button, and apply it directly from the icon pack app.

How to theme icons with Material You

Since the introduction of Android 12, Material You has served as the design language for Android, allowing users to theme icons based on their wallpaper. This feature is accessible through the Wallpapers and style section of your device.

1. Long press a blank space on your home screen and select Wallpaper and style.
2. Locate the Themed icons option and enable it.
3. Return to your home screen to see the changes.
4. Note that on some devices, such as Samsung, you may need to navigate to the color palette section to find the themed icons option.

This method does not provide an extensive theme but offers a quick way to align your icons with your wallpaper and color palette, including dark mode settings.

How to change icons on a Samsung phone

Samsung users enjoy an additional avenue for acquiring icon packs without resorting to third-party applications. The Samsung Galaxy Theme Store allows browsing and purchasing icon packs that seamlessly integrate with Samsung’s One UI launcher.

Samsung Theme Store

1. Long press a blank area on your home screen and select the Themes option.
2. When the Theme Store opens, select the Icons option at the bottom.
3. Browse and download your desired icon pack.
4. After downloading, tap Menu at the bottom right, then My Stuff at the top left. Select Icons from the top row.
5. Choose the icon pack you wish to install.
6. Tap the Apply button to implement the changes.

It is important to note that icon packs from the Samsung Theme Store do not theme every icon in your app drawer, which may limit their effectiveness.

Good Lock via Theme Park

For those looking for more customization, Good Lock, available in select regions, offers the Theme Park extension to create personalized icon packs.

1. Download Good Lock and the Theme Park extension from the Samsung Galaxy Store.
2. Open Theme Park and navigate to the Icon tab.
3. Select Create New to access the main icon-theming screen.
4. Choose your preferred icon shape, color, and tray color.
5. You may also select a third-party icon pack by clicking on Icon pack.
6. To change individual icons, tap the 3-dot menu in the top right corner and select Change icons.
7. Select the icon you wish to change, then choose the new icon.
8. Once you’ve configured your settings, return to the main screen and tap Save.
9. Name your new custom icon pack.
10. Apply the icon pack directly through Theme Park or the Samsung Theme Store.

While Theme Park may present a learning curve, it offers powerful customization options once users become familiar with its features.

FAQ

<button type="button" class="ell”><span class="eml”>Do some apps let you change the app icon natively?

Yes, certain applications, such as Textra and Pulse SMS, allow users to change the app icon directly from within their settings, bypassing the need for device settings or third-party apps.

<button type="button" class="ell”><span class="eml”>Is it possible to rename apps as well as change their icons?

Indeed, while only a few applications support this feature, shortcut makers and Nova Launcher are among them. However, renaming apps system-wide is not feasible without root access.