Where to find the app color settings in iOS 18

iOS 18 lets you change the color of individual apps on your home screen through the customization menu. Open the app you want to customize, then swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center. Tap and hold on the app icon in your home screen, then select "Customize App" or "App Color" from the menu that appears — the exact wording depends on which app you're changing.

Not every app supports color customization in iOS 18. Apple's built-in apps like Mail, Calendar, Reminders, and Notes do. Many third-party apps have added the feature, but some haven't yet. If you don't see a color option when you long-press an app icon, that app doesn't support it yet.

Key Takeaways

  • Long-press an app icon on your home screen and look for "Customize App" or "App Color" in the menu to change its color.
  • Only apps that support iOS 18's customization feature will show color options — older apps may not have this ability.
  • You can choose from preset colors or, in some apps, pick a custom color that matches your home screen theme.
  • Color changes apply only to that specific app icon and don't affect the app itself when you open it.

Steps to customize an app's color

Start by finding the app on your home screen. Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears with several options. Look for "Customize App," "App Color," or "Edit App" — different apps use different labels for this feature.

Once you tap that option, a color picker will open. You'll see a row of preset colors to choose from. Tap the color you want, and the app icon will change immediately. Some apps also let you pick a custom color by tapping a color wheel or palette icon, which gives you more control over the exact shade.

After you've selected a color, tap outside the menu or press "Done" to save your choice. The app icon on your home screen will now display in the new color every time you look at it.

Using tinted icons versus full color customization

iOS 18 offers two different ways to change how your apps look. Tinted icons apply a single color overlay to your app icon while keeping its original design visible underneath. Full color customization lets you change the entire background or dominant color of the icon itself.

Which option you see depends on the app. Some apps only support tinting, while others let you pick a completely different background color. If an app offers both, you can usually toggle between them in the customization menu. Tinted icons tend to look more subtle and unified across your home screen, while full color changes make each app stand out more.

Matching app colors to your home screen theme

Many people customize app colors to match a specific color scheme or wallpaper. If you've set a wallpaper with dominant blues and greens, you can change your most-used apps to those same colors so your home screen feels coordinated.

iOS 18 can suggest colors based on your wallpaper if you use the automatic theme feature. When you customize an app, look for an option like "Match Wallpaper" or "Suggested Colors" — tapping this will show you colors that complement your current background. You can still override these suggestions and pick any color you want.

What to do if an app won't let you change its color

If you long-press an app and don't see a color customization option, the app either doesn't support the feature or hasn't been updated to support it yet. Developers add this feature gradually, so an app you use might not have it today but could get it in a future update.

Check the App Store to see if an update is available for that app. If one is, install it and try customizing again. If no update exists or the update doesn't add the feature, you'll have to wait for the developer to add support. In the meantime, you can customize other apps that do support it.

Resetting an app to its default color

If you change your mind about a color choice, you can revert to the app's original appearance. Long-press the app icon again and select "Customize App" or "App Color." Look for a "Reset" button, "Default," or an option showing the original app color. Tap it to restore the icon to how it looked before you customized it.

You can change an app's color as many times as you want. There's no limit to how often you customize, so feel free to experiment until you find a look you like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the color of apps that came with my iPhone?

Yes. Apple's built-in apps like Mail, Calendar, Notes, Reminders, and Photos all support color customization in iOS 18. Third-party apps vary — some support it and some don't yet. Long-press any app to see if the option appears.

Will changing an app's color affect how it looks when I open it?

No. The color change only affects the icon on your home screen. When you tap the app and it opens, it looks exactly the same as it always did. The customization is purely visual for the home screen.

Can I use any color I want, or only the ones shown in the menu?

Most apps show preset colors, but many also let you pick a custom color by tapping a color wheel or palette. This gives you access to thousands of colors instead of just the presets. Not every app offers this option yet.

What iOS version do I need for app color customization?

App color customization is a feature of iOS 18 and later. If you're running an older version of iOS, you won't see these options. Check Settings > General > Software Update to see what version you're running.

If I delete an app and reinstall it, will my color choice stay?

No. Deleting an app removes all its settings, including the color you chose. When you reinstall it, the app will be back to its default color, and you'll need to customize it again if you want to change it.