The two ways to change app icons on iPhone

You can change how app icons look on your iPhone in two ways: using the Shortcuts app to create custom icons that replace the originals when you tap them, or using the Home Screen customization features in iOS 14 and later to change icon appearance through widgets and icon packs. The Shortcuts method gives you the most control — you can use any image as an icon and link it to the app you want. The Home Screen method is simpler but more limited, since it relies on icon packs designed by third parties.

Both methods work on iPhone 11 and later. If you have an older iPhone, the Shortcuts method still works, but Home Screen customization features may not be available.

Key Takeaways

  • The Shortcuts app lets you create custom icons that open any app when tapped, using any image you upload or find online.
  • You need to create a Shortcut for each app whose icon you want to change, then add it to your Home Screen.
  • Icon packs from the App Store offer pre-made icon sets, but they work through widgets or require the Shortcuts method to function as direct app replacements.
  • Custom icons created in Shortcuts appear on your Home Screen alongside your original app icons — you can hide or delete the originals to clean up your screen.
  • Changing app icons does not affect how the app works or where your data is stored; it only changes what you see on the Home Screen.

Using the Shortcuts app to create custom icons

Open the Shortcuts app (it comes built into iOS). Tap the plus icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut. Search for and add the "Open App" action. Tap "Choose" and select the app you want to open. This is the app that will actually launch when you tap your custom icon.

Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the shortcut editor, then tap "Add to Home Screen." A dialog will appear asking you to name the shortcut and choose an icon. Tap the icon preview (the colored circle) to change it. You can take a photo, choose an image from your photo library, or pick a color and symbol. Once you have chosen your icon, tap "Add" in the top right. The custom icon will now appear on your Home Screen.

Repeat this process for each app whose icon you want to change. You can organize your custom icons into folders or arrange them however you like. If you want to hide the original app icons, you can move them to a folder or delete them from the Home Screen (this removes them from view but does not uninstall the app).

Finding and using icon packs from the App Store

Search the App Store for "icon pack" or "custom icons." Many are free or cost a few dollars. Popular options include Brass, Mango, and Unfolder. Download an icon pack and open it to see what icons are available. Most icon packs show you previews of their designs before you commit to using them.

Some icon packs work as widgets that you add to your Home Screen — these display the icons but do not replace your app icons when tapped. Others provide instructions for using the Shortcuts method: they give you a link to download each icon, and you follow the Shortcuts steps above to create custom app launchers. A few icon packs include their own app that manages custom icons, though this is less common.

Icon packs are useful if you want a cohesive visual style across multiple apps without designing each icon yourself. However, they require more setup than simply changing the system appearance, and they work best if you are willing to use the Shortcuts method for each app.

Hiding or removing original app icons after creating custom ones

Once you have created custom icons in Shortcuts, your Home Screen will show both the custom icon and the original app icon. To clean this up, you can move the original app to a folder or remove it from the Home Screen entirely.

To move an app to a folder, press and hold the original app icon, then drag it onto another app icon. iOS will create a folder containing both apps. You can name the folder (for example, "Original Apps") and move all your original app icons into it. This keeps them out of sight but accessible if you need them.

To remove an app from the Home Screen without uninstalling it, press and hold the app icon and tap "Remove from Home Screen." The app will disappear from your Home Screen but will still be installed on your iPhone and accessible through Spotlight search or the App Library.

What happens to your apps when you change their icons

Changing an app icon does not affect how the app works, where your data is stored, or any of your settings within the app. Your login information, photos, messages, and all other data remain exactly as they were. The change is purely visual — it only affects what you see on your Home Screen.

If you use iCloud to sync your iPhone with other Apple devices, your custom Home Screen layout (including custom icons) will sync to those devices as well. This means if you set up custom icons on your iPhone, they will appear on your iPad or Mac if you have iCloud sync enabled.

Troubleshooting custom icons that do not work

If a custom icon you created does not open the app when tapped, open the Shortcuts app and check the shortcut. Make sure the "Open App" action is pointing to the correct app. If the app name has changed or been updated, you may need to select it again. Tap the app name in the action and choose the app from the list.

If your custom icon disappears from your Home Screen after restarting your iPhone, this can happen if iOS updates or if there is a conflict with your Home Screen layout. You can recreate the shortcut by following the steps above. To prevent this, avoid creating too many custom icons at once — add them gradually and test them after each one.

If an icon pack from the App Store is not working, check whether it requires the Shortcuts method or if it uses widgets. Read the app's description or instructions carefully. Some icon packs have been discontinued or are no longer maintained, so they may not work on the latest iOS version. In that case, try a different icon pack or use the Shortcuts method with your own images.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change app icons without using Shortcuts?

iOS does not have a built-in way to change app icons directly. The Shortcuts method is the most reliable way to do it. Some icon packs offer widgets that display custom icons on your Home Screen, but these do not replace the app icons themselves — they are separate items that sit alongside your regular apps.

Will changing my app icons affect my data or login information?

No. Custom icons only change what you see on your Home Screen. All your app data, login information, photos, messages, and settings stay exactly the same. The app itself works identically whether it has a custom icon or the original one.

Can I use any image as a custom app icon?

Yes. You can take a photo with your camera, choose an image from your photo library, or download an image from the internet and save it to your phone. The Shortcuts app will resize it to fit the icon format. For best results, use square images or images where the important part is in the center.

What if I want to go back to the original app icons?

Delete the custom icons from your Home Screen by pressing and holding them and tapping "Remove." Then move your original app icons back out of any folders where you stored them. Your original icons will work exactly as they did before.

Do custom icons work on the lock screen?

No. Custom icons created through Shortcuts only appear on your Home Screen. Your lock screen will continue to show the original app icons if you have lock screen shortcuts or widgets enabled. The lock screen customization features in iOS 16 and later do not support custom app icons.