The fastest way depends on what device you own
Changing an app icon works differently on iPhone, Android, and Windows or Mac computers. On iPhone, you use the Shortcuts app to create a custom icon that launches the real app underneath. On Android, most phones let you long-press an app and pick a new icon directly from your launcher. On Windows and Mac, you right-click the app, access its properties or info, and swap in a new image file. The steps take between two and five minutes once you have a replacement icon ready.
Before you start, decide whether you want to change the icon just for yourself or across all devices where you use that app. Personal customization (iPhone and Android) stays on that phone only. If you use the same app on multiple devices, you will need to change the icon separately on each one.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone requires the Shortcuts app to create a custom icon; the original app stays unchanged underneath.
- Android lets you change icons directly in most launchers by long-pressing the app and selecting a new image.
- Windows and Mac both use the app's properties or info panel to swap in a new icon file you provide.
- You need a replacement image file (PNG, JPG, or similar) before you begin, or you can search online for icon packs.
- Custom icons on phones stay on that device only and do not sync across your other devices.
Changing an app icon on iPhone
Open the Shortcuts app (it comes pre-installed on iPhone 12 and newer; older phones can download it free from the App Store). Tap the plus sign to create a new shortcut. Search for "Open App" and select it. Choose the app whose icon you want to change. Tap the three dots, then tap "Add to Home Screen."
On the next screen, tap the icon preview at the top. You can take a photo, choose an existing image from your photo library, or pick a solid color. Once you have selected your new icon, name the shortcut (use the app's real name so you do not forget what it does), then tap "Add." The custom icon now appears on your home screen and launches the app when tapped. The original app icon in your app library stays the same.
If you want to remove the custom icon later, swipe left on it from your home screen and tap "Remove." The original app remains installed and unchanged.
Changing an app icon on Android
The exact steps depend on which launcher your phone uses (Samsung phones use One UI, Google Pixel phones use the Google Launcher, and other brands vary). The most common method works on most Android phones: long-press the app icon on your home screen until a menu appears. Look for an option called "Edit icon," "Change icon," or "Customize." Tap it.
A menu will show you icon options, often organized by category. You can browse built-in icons, or tap "Gallery" or "Custom" to upload your own image file. Select your new icon and confirm. The change takes effect immediately on your home screen. If your launcher does not offer this option, you can download a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher from the Google Play Store, which both support custom icons.
Some Android phones also let you change icons through the app drawer itself. Open your app drawer, long-press the app, and look for the same customization options. The method varies by manufacturer, so if the home screen approach does not work, try the app drawer.
Changing an app icon on Windows
Right-click the app shortcut on your desktop or in your Start menu. Select "Properties" from the menu. In the Properties window, click the "Shortcut" tab. Look for a button labeled "Change Icon" (it may be near the bottom of the window). Click it.
A dialog box will open showing available icons from the app's own files. You can browse through these built-in options, or click "Browse" to select an image file from your computer. Choose your new icon and click "OK" twice to save the change. The icon on your desktop or Start menu updates immediately.
If you want to use a custom image you found online, download it to your computer first (as a PNG, JPG, or ICO file). Then follow the same steps and use the "Browse" button to locate your downloaded file. Windows will convert most image formats to work as an icon.
Changing an app icon on Mac
Right-click the app in your Applications folder or wherever it is stored. Select "Get Info" from the menu. At the top of the info window, you will see the app's current icon. Click it once to select it, then press Delete or Backspace to remove it. The icon will revert to a blank document image.
To add a new icon, find an image file on your computer (PNG or JPG work well). Drag that image file directly onto the blank icon area in the Get Info window. Mac will convert it to an icon and apply it to the app. Close the Get Info window and the change is complete. The new icon appears in your Applications folder and in Spotlight search results.
If you want to restore the original icon later, open Get Info again, click the icon, press Delete, and close the window. Mac will restore the app's default icon.
Where to find replacement icon images
You can create your own icon using any image editor (even the built-in Photos app on phones or Preview on Mac), or you can search online for icon packs. Websites like Flaticon, Icons8, and Noun Project offer thousands of free icons you can download. Search for the app name plus "icon" to find options that match the app's purpose.
Icon packs designed for Android (like Lineage OS Icon Pack or Niagara Launcher icons) often work well for custom icons on any platform. Download the image to your device, then follow the steps above for your phone or computer. Most free icons are available as PNG files, which work on all devices.
If you want icons that match a specific style or color scheme, search for "icon pack [style name]" — for example, "icon pack minimal" or "icon pack colorful." Many designers share free packs on sites like DeviantArt or through app stores.
What happens to custom icons when you update your apps
On iPhone, your custom shortcut icon stays the same even when the app updates. The shortcut still launches the updated app, but the icon you created does not change. On Android, custom icons also persist through app updates in most launchers. On Windows and Mac, custom icons remain in place after updates as well.
The only exception is if you uninstall and reinstall an app. On phones, you would need to recreate the custom icon (or re-select it in your launcher). On computers, the shortcut itself remains, but if you delete the app, the shortcut will no longer work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the icon of an app that is not on my home screen?
On Android, yes — open your app drawer, long-press the app, and customize it there. On iPhone, you must create a Shortcuts shortcut, which adds an icon to your home screen. On Windows and Mac, you can only change icons for shortcuts or apps you have already placed somewhere accessible, like your desktop or Applications folder.
Will changing an app icon affect how the app works?
No. Changing the icon is purely visual and does not alter the app's function, settings, or data. The app runs exactly the same way whether it has its original icon or a custom one.
Can I use any image file as an app icon?
Yes, but smaller, simpler images work best. Very large files or complex photos may look blurry when shrunk to icon size. PNG and JPG files work on all devices; Windows and Mac also accept ICO files. Aim for square images at least 512 pixels wide for the clearest result.
What if I want to undo a custom icon and go back to the original?
On iPhone, delete the Shortcuts shortcut from your home screen. On Android, long-press the app and select "Reset icon" or "Restore default icon" (wording varies by launcher). On Windows and Mac, open Properties or Get Info again and delete the custom icon to restore the original.
Do custom icons sync across my devices?
No. Custom icons stay on the device where you created them. If you want matching icons on your iPhone and iPad, or on your Windows laptop and desktop, you will need to change them separately on each device.