How To Change App Icons: Personalize Your Phone And Desktop Today

Myles King 22 Aug 2025

Making your device truly yours feels pretty good, doesn't it? Our phones and computers are, in a way, extensions of ourselves. So, it's almost natural to want them to look and feel like us, too. Customizing app icons is a fun way to make your phone reflect your style, you know? Whether you dream of a minimalist home screen, want to embrace seasonal themes, or just fancy something new, changing those little squares and circles can make a big difference.

Perhaps you’re tired of the same old look, or maybe you find certain app icons a bit too jarring against your chosen wallpaper. Whatever your reasons, giving your digital space a fresh coat of paint, so to speak, can really boost how you feel about using your device. It’s about making things feel more organized, more personal, and, well, just more *you*. And that, honestly, is a pretty satisfying feeling.

This guide will walk you through the various ways to change app icons on different platforms, from iPhones to Android devices, and even delve into some advanced customization options for your Windows desktop. We’ll look at how to change or personalize app icons, and what you can do to find or even create your very own unique designs. So, let's get started on making your tech truly reflect your personality, because, you know, it’s really not that hard to do.

Why Bother Changing Your App Icons, Anyway?
Changing App Icons on Your iPhone (iOS)
- Using the Shortcuts App (iOS 14 and Later)
- Adjusting Icons with iOS 17 Features
Customizing App Icons on Android Devices
- Through Launcher Apps
- Built-in Customization and Theming
Giving Your Windows Desktop a Fresh Look
- Changing Icons for Desktop Shortcuts (Windows 10/11)
- Finding and Creating Your Own Icons
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips for a Cohesive Look
Making Your Device Truly Yours

Why Bother Changing Your App Icons, Anyway?

You might wonder why someone would go through the effort of changing their app icons. Well, it’s actually about more than just looks, you know? For many, it’s a way to express creativity and individuality. Our devices are so central to our daily lives, so it makes sense that we'd want them to feel like our own, rather than just a generic tool. A personalized home screen, for example, can make your phone feel a bit more inviting and less like everyone else's.

Beyond aesthetics, there are practical benefits, too. Some people find that custom icons help them organize their desktop better, making it easier to spot frequently used apps at a glance. If you replace generic icons with more meaningful images, you might find your workflow feels a little smoother, arguably. It's about creating a visual language that works for you, and that, in some respects, can really improve your daily interactions with your tech.

Plus, let's be honest, it's just plain fun! Giving your Windows 11 desktop a fresh, modern look or trying out a new theme on your iPhone can be a really enjoyable little project. It's a small change that can lead to a surprisingly big feeling of satisfaction, especially when you step back and see your unique setup. So, if you're looking to spruce things up, this is a great place to start, very much so.

Changing App Icons on Your iPhone (iOS)

For iPhone users, customizing app icons has become a very popular pastime, especially since iOS 14 introduced more robust options. This wikiHow teaches you how to change the displayed app and widget icons on your iPhone. Since iOS 17, several new customization features allow you to adjust the look of your app icons and widgets with just a few taps. If you have iOS 14 or later, you can also use the Shortcuts app to create completely custom app icons, which is pretty cool, actually.

Using the Shortcuts App (iOS 14 and Later)

The Shortcuts app is your main tool for creating custom app icons on an iPhone running iOS 14 or later. It might seem a little bit involved at first, but it’s quite straightforward once you get the hang of it. Basically, you're creating a shortcut that opens an app, and then you give that shortcut a custom icon and place it on your home screen. This means the original app icon stays in your App Library, but your custom one appears on your home screen, which is neat.

Here’s a general idea of how you do it:

Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
Tap the plus sign (+) in the top right corner to create a new shortcut.
Select "Add Action."
Search for "Open App" and choose it.
Tap "App" and select the application you want to customize.
Tap the small arrow icon (three dots) next to the shortcut name at the top.
Choose "Add to Home Screen."
Here, you can rename the shortcut to match the app's name or whatever you like.
Tap the icon next to the name. You'll then have options to "Choose Photo," "Choose File," or "Take Photo" to select your custom icon image.
Once you’ve picked your image, tap "Add" in the top right, and then "Done."

Your new custom icon will now appear on your home screen. You can then hide the original app icon from your home screen by moving it to the App Library, giving your home screen that perfectly curated look you're going for, you know.

Adjusting Icons with iOS 17 Features

With iOS 17, Apple has continued to expand customization options, making it even easier to adjust the look of your app icons and widgets. While the Shortcuts app still offers the deepest level of custom icon creation, iOS 17 introduced several new features that allow for more subtle, system-wide changes or easier adjustments to widgets. For instance, you might find more options within specific apps or through Focus modes that can alter the appearance of your home screen elements. These updates, in a way, give you a little more control over the visual experience without needing to create individual shortcuts for every single app, which is quite handy.

Sometimes, app developers themselves will offer alternative icons within their app settings. It's always worth checking an app's settings menu to see if they provide different icon choices. This is a very simple way to change an icon without using the Shortcuts app at all, actually. These built-in options tend to integrate seamlessly with the system, offering a polished look. So, before you dive into Shortcuts, just have a quick look inside the app itself, you know.

Customizing App Icons on Android Devices

Android, famously, offers a lot of freedom when it comes to personalization. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various ways to change app icons on different platforms, from iPhones to Android devices, and even delve into some advanced customization options. For Android users, the possibilities are pretty vast, ranging from simple changes to a complete overhaul of your device's look. It's often a bit more straightforward than on iOS, thanks to the open nature of the Android system, arguably.

Through Launcher Apps

One of the most popular ways to change app icons on Android is by using a third-party launcher app. Launchers essentially replace your phone's default home screen interface, giving you a lot more control over its appearance and functionality. Apps like Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, or Lawnchair are very popular choices. They allow you to apply entire icon packs, which are collections of custom icons designed to give your phone a consistent new look. You can usually find these icon packs on the Google Play Store, so, there are tons of options.

Here’s how it generally works with a launcher:

Download and install a launcher app from the Google Play Store.
Set it as your default launcher (the app will usually prompt you to do this).
Download an icon pack that you like from the Google Play Store.
Go into the settings of your chosen launcher app.
Look for an "Icon Pack" or "Appearance" section.
Select the icon pack you just downloaded and apply it.

Most launchers also let you change individual app icons. You can usually long-press an app icon on your home screen, tap "Edit" or a similar option, and then choose a custom image from your gallery or pick an alternative icon from your installed icon packs. This gives you a really fine-tuned control over your home screen's look, which is pretty cool, you know.

Built-in Customization and Theming

Some Android phone manufacturers offer their own built-in customization options that let you change app icons without needing a third-party launcher. For example, Samsung phones with One UI often have a "Themes" store where you can download themes that include new icon sets. These themes can change your wallpaper, lock screen, and app icons all at once, providing a very cohesive look, actually. Other manufacturers like OnePlus or Xiaomi also have their own theme engines that offer similar capabilities, so, it's worth checking your device's settings.

These built-in options are usually quite easy to use. You just browse through the available themes or icon packs within your phone's settings, preview them, and then apply the one you like. The advantage here is that they are typically well-integrated into the system, meaning they usually work smoothly and don't require extra apps. It’s a slightly less flexible option than a full-blown launcher, perhaps, but it’s often a simpler starting point for personalization, very much so.

Giving Your Windows Desktop a Fresh Look

Your desktop isn't just for work; it's also a personal space, and customizing it can make a big difference in how you feel about your computer. Perfect for anyone looking to give their Windows 11 desktop a fresh, modern look, changing app icons on your PC is a straightforward process, but it involves several steps that vary depending on whether you’re working with shortcuts or actual program files. It’s a bit different from phones, but still very much doable, you know.

Changing Icons for Desktop Shortcuts (Windows 10/11)

To change an app’s icon in Windows, you’ll typically need to create a shortcut for it. In many cases, when a program installs on your system, it also creates a shortcut that is placed on the desktop, but that does not apply to all apps on your PC. If an app doesn't have a desktop shortcut, you can easily create one yourself. Just find the executable file (usually in `Program Files` or `Program Files (x86)`), right-click it, and select "Send to" > "Desktop (create shortcut)".

Once you have a shortcut, changing its icon is pretty simple:

Right-click the shortcut on your desktop.
Select "Properties."
In the "Shortcut" tab, click the "Change Icon..." button.
You’ll see all alternative icons available for the app in the Windows library, or you can browse for your own icon file (which needs to be in .ico format).
Select the preferred icon and click “OK” to confirm.
Click "Apply" and then "OK" on the Properties window.

This will change the icon for that specific shortcut. Remember, this only changes the shortcut's icon, not the original program's icon in the Start Menu or taskbar, which is a key distinction, you know. But for your desktop, it’s a very effective way to personalize things, arguably.

Finding and Creating Your Own Icons

We take you through the entire process, from finding and downloading icons to changing app icons to creating your own icons. Before we explore downloading icons, remember that you may not limit yourself to downloading what already exists. You may even create your own unique icons using tools like Canva or GIMP. This opens up a whole world of possibilities for truly unique customization, actually.

Where to find icons:

**Online Icon Libraries:** Websites like Iconfinder, Flaticon, or DeviantArt offer thousands of free and paid icons. Just search for what you need.
**Icon Packs:** For Windows, you can sometimes find icon packs that include many .ico files designed for a consistent theme.
**Extracting from Programs:** Sometimes, programs themselves contain multiple icons you can use.

How to create your own icons:

**Canva:** This is a user-friendly online design tool. You can create a small graphic, then download it as a PNG, and then use an online converter to change it to an .ico file.
**GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program):** A free and powerful image editor, similar to Photoshop. You can design icons from scratch or modify existing images, then save them directly as .ico files.
**Photoshop/Illustrator:** If you have access to professional design software, these offer the most control for creating high-quality custom icons.

When creating your own, make sure the image is square and relatively small (e.g., 256x256 pixels) for the best results, and remember it needs to be saved as an .ico file for Windows to recognize it as an icon. There are many free online tools that can convert PNG or JPG images to .ico format, which is very convenient, you know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people often have about changing app icons:

Can I change all app icons on my phone?

You can change most app icons, yes, especially on Android with launchers or on iOS using the Shortcuts app. However, some system apps or deeply integrated services might be harder to change, or the change might only apply to the home screen shortcut, not the app within the App Library or app drawer itself. It really depends on the platform and the app, you know.

Is changing app icons safe for my device?

Generally, yes, changing app icons using the methods described (system features, trusted launcher apps, or official app settings) is safe. However, always be cautious when downloading icon packs or custom images from unknown sources, as they could potentially contain malware. Stick to reputable app stores and well-known developers, which is just good practice, actually.

Why do my custom iPhone icons open the Shortcuts app first?

When you use the Shortcuts app on iOS to create custom app icons, the system first opens the Shortcut itself, which then immediately opens the intended app. This brief flicker is just how the Shortcut works. There isn't a way to completely bypass this on iOS at the moment, but it's usually very quick, and many users find the aesthetic benefit worth this minor delay, arguably.

Tips for a Cohesive Look

Changing just one or two icons might feel a bit disjointed, you know? For a truly polished and personalized device, think about creating a cohesive theme. This means choosing icons that share a similar style, color palette, or aesthetic. For example, if you like a minimalist look, pick icons that are simple and have muted colors. If you prefer something vibrant, go for bold, colorful designs. Consistency is, in a way, key to making your home screen feel truly yours.

Consider your wallpaper, too. Your icons should complement your background, not clash with it. A busy wallpaper might benefit from simpler icons, while a plain background could handle more detailed or artistic ones. Also, think about grouping apps by color or function, and then applying custom icons that enhance that organization. You can learn more about calendar management on our site, which, like icon changes, can help organize your digital life. It's all about creating a visual harmony that makes your device a pleasure to use, really.

Don't be afraid to experiment, either. Try out different icon packs or custom designs. What looks good in a preview might feel different on your actual screen. The beauty of customization is that you can always change it again if you don't love it. So, have fun with it, play around with colors and styles, and find what truly resonates with you. It's your device, after all, and it should reflect your unique taste, very much so. For more ways to personalize your digital experience, you might want to check out this page on how to change your name on your Google account, too.

Making Your Device Truly Yours

So, we've covered quite a bit about how to change app icons across different systems, from your iPhone with its clever Shortcuts app and iOS 17 features, to the versatile world of Android launchers and built-in themes, and even how to spruce up your Windows desktop with custom shortcuts. It’s clear that whether you want a minimalist home screen, seasonal themes, or just something new, there are many ways to make your device reflect your style. The ability to find, download, or even create your own icons using tools like Canva or GIMP means you're not limited to what's already out there, which is pretty empowering, actually.

Giving your tech a personal touch can really make a difference in how you interact with it every day. It transforms a generic gadget into something that feels uniquely yours, which, you know, can be a rather satisfying experience. So, why not give it a try? Explore the options available for your device, pick out some new icons, or perhaps even design a few yourself. There's a whole world of personalization waiting for you, and it's just a few taps or clicks away. Go ahead and make your digital space truly reflect who you are, because, honestly, it's worth the effort.

How To Cope When Life Brings Change

Mental Musings and Meltdowns: May 2016

Appreciating Change | The Freshman Experience and Culture Shock

Celeflash News