What changing an app icon means and why you might do it
Changing an app icon means replacing the image that represents an application on your home screen, dock, or desktop with a different image you choose. The app itself still works the same way — you are only changing how it looks. People do this to organize their phone or computer visually, to make frequently used apps stand out, or simply because they prefer a different design.
The method depends on what device you use and what operating system it runs. iPhones and iPads have built-in tools. Android phones vary by manufacturer and version. Windows and Mac computers each have their own approach. None of these changes affect how the app runs or what it does.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone and iPad users can change app icons through the Shortcuts app, which lets you create custom icons that launch the original app.
- Android users can long-press an app icon on most phones and select "Edit icon" or use a third-party launcher app for more options.
- Windows users can right-click an app shortcut, select Properties, and choose a new icon from your computer or online sources.
- Mac users can copy an image, select the app in Finder, open Get Info, and paste the image into the icon well at the top left.
- Custom icons on iPhone require the Shortcuts app to work; they do not replace the original icon in Settings or App Library.
Changing app icons on iPhone and iPad
The official way to change an app icon on iPhone or iPad is through the Shortcuts app, which comes built in. You create a shortcut that opens the app you want, then assign a custom image to that shortcut. When you tap the shortcut on your home screen, it launches the app normally.
Open the Shortcuts app and tap the plus sign to create a new shortcut. Search for and add the "Open App" action, then select the app you want to customize. Tap the three dots at the top right, then tap "Add to Home Screen." Choose an image for the icon — you can take a photo, pick one from your library, or use an emoji. Name the shortcut and tap "Add." The custom icon now appears on your home screen and launches the app when tapped.
This method creates a separate icon on your home screen; it does not change the original app icon in Settings or the App Library. If you want to remove the custom icon later, simply delete it from your home screen like any other app.
Changing app icons on Android phones
Android phones vary by manufacturer, but most recent models let you change app icons directly. Long-press the app icon on your home screen until a menu appears. Look for an option labeled "Edit icon," "Change icon," or a pencil symbol. Tap it and select a new image from your phone's gallery or a built-in icon pack.
If your phone does not show an edit option, you can use a third-party launcher app like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, or Niagara Launcher. Download the launcher from Google Play, set it as your default home screen, and then use its icon customization features. Launchers let you change icons without affecting the actual app, and you can switch back to your phone's default launcher anytime.
Some Android phones also allow you to change icons through their theme or customization settings. Check your phone's Settings app under Display, Themes, or Customization to see what options your manufacturer provides.
Changing app icons on Windows
On Windows, you change the icon of a shortcut, not the app itself. Right-click the app shortcut on your desktop or taskbar and select "Properties." In the window that opens, click the "Shortcut" tab, then click "Change Icon" near the bottom.
Windows shows you a set of built-in icons to choose from. You can also browse your computer for image files — Windows accepts .ico, .exe, .dll, and image formats like .png and .jpg. Select the image you want and click "OK," then click "Apply" and "OK" again. The shortcut now displays your chosen icon.
If you want to change the icon of an app pinned to your taskbar, right-click it, right-click the app name that appears, select "Properties," and follow the same steps. The original app in your Programs folder remains unchanged; only the shortcut displays the new icon.
Changing app icons on Mac
On Mac, you can change an app icon by replacing the image file that represents it. Find an image you want to use — this can be a photo, a downloaded icon, or a screenshot. Copy the image to your clipboard (right-click it and select "Copy").
Open Finder and navigate to Applications. Find the app you want to change, right-click it, and select "Get Info." At the top left of the Get Info window, you will see the app's current icon. Click it once to select it, then paste your new image (Command+V). The icon updates immediately. Close the Get Info window and the change is complete.
To revert to the original icon, open Get Info again, click the icon, and press Delete. The app returns to its default icon. If you want to use an icon file (.icns format), you can drag it directly onto the icon well in the Get Info window instead of copying and pasting.
Where to find custom icons and icon packs
If you do not want to create your own icons, many websites and apps offer free icon packs. For iPhone, search the App Store for "icon pack" or "icon themes" — these apps provide collections of icons you can screenshot and use in Shortcuts. Popular sources include Flaticon, Icons8, and Noun Project, though you should check each site's terms about personal use.
For Android, icon packs are available in Google Play and often work directly with your launcher. For Windows and Mac, Flaticon and similar sites let you download individual .png or .ico files. Always check the license before using an icon — most free icons allow personal use but may restrict commercial use.
What happens if you change an app icon
Changing an app icon does not affect how the app works, what data it stores, or how it connects to the internet. The app runs exactly as it did before. You are only changing the visual representation on your screen.
On iPhone, custom icons created through Shortcuts appear only on your home screen, not in Settings, Spotlight search results, or the App Library. On Android, changed icons appear on your home screen and in your app drawer. On Windows and Mac, changed icons appear wherever you placed the shortcut or pinned the app.
If you uninstall an app, any custom icon or shortcut you created for it stops working. If you reinstall the app, you will need to recreate the custom icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the icon of an app without using a shortcut on iPhone?
Not through Apple's built-in tools. The Shortcuts app method is the official way. Some third-party apps claim to change icons directly, but they actually create shortcuts behind the scenes, just like Shortcuts does.
Will changing an app icon affect my saved data or login information?
No. The app itself does not change, so your data, passwords, and settings remain exactly as they were. You are only changing the picture on your screen.
Can I change the icon of an app that is pinned to my Windows taskbar?
Yes. Right-click the pinned app, right-click the app name in the menu that appears, select Properties, click the Shortcut tab, and then click Change Icon. Follow the same process as changing a desktop shortcut.
What image formats work for custom app icons?
On iPhone, any image in your photo library works. On Android, it depends on your launcher, but most accept .png, .jpg, and .gif files. On Windows, .ico, .png, .jpg, and .exe files work. On Mac, .png, .jpg, and .icns files work best.
If I change an app icon and then update the app, will my custom icon stay?
On iPhone and Android, yes — your custom icon or shortcut remains. On Windows and Mac, yes — the shortcut keeps its custom icon. The app update does not affect the icon you assigned.