The easiest way to change app icons on iPhone is by creating shortcuts with the Shortcuts app. You can select a custom image for any app icon by making a shortcut to open the app, then adding it to your home screen.
Below I‘ll explain why you may want to change icons and walk through the full process step-by-step. I‘ve been customizing iPhones for years, so I‘ll also share my best tricks for making great looking icons that really make your iPhone your own. Let‘s dive in!
Why Would You Want to Customize Your iPhone‘s App Icons?
I‘m guessing you‘re here because you want to upgrade your iPhone‘s look with custom icons. Here are the most common reasons people change their icons:
1. The default icons are boring
C‘mon Apple, those minimalist icons they use are so blah. Sure, they look "clean" but who wants 30 icons of white shapes on pastel squares?
With millions of iPhones out there, custom icons let you stand out from the crowd.
2. Certain icons are ugly or confusing
You‘re not alone if icons like Game Center or Tips drive you crazy every time you see them. Some of Apple‘s default designs are real head-scratchers.
No design taste required – if an icon bugs you, swap it out pronto for peace of mind.
3. You want to make your apps more recognizable
All those flat geometric icons tend to blend together for a lot of people.
Using more distinctive custom icons for your most-used apps makes them easier to pick out at a glance, especially helpful on cluttered home screens.
4. Custom icons let your personality shine through
Your iPhone is with you almost everywhere you go, so why not inject some of your personal style?
Custom icons are a great way to showcase your interests, hobbies and favorites. A sports fan could use team logos, someone into boardgames might use pieces from their collection, a dog lover could have different dog breeds. You get the picture.
It may sound silly but having an iPhone that reflects YOU makes using it every day a little more fun.
5. Icons can help organize your home screen
With custom images, you can color-code apps by category, designate certain icons for work apps, or use photos of friends/family to tag frequently used contacts.
Using icons as visual cues takes the headache out of sorting through pages of apps and folders.
So if any of those scenarios resonate with you, you‘d probably enjoy tinkering with your iPhone icons. And the good news is it‘s totally doable as long as you‘re on iOS 14 or higher.
A Brief History of App Icon Customization on iPhone
It‘s kind of crazy that something as basic as choosing your own app icons wasn‘t built into iOS from the start. But Apple gonna Apple.
Let‘s look back at the evolution of iPhone icon customization:
Origins
The original iPhone OS back in 2007 didn‘t support ANY third-party apps, much less custom icons. Apple eventually opened up the App Store in 2008 but still no icon options.
Jailbreaking
For years, the only way to customize iOS was by "jailbreaking" – hacking into the operating system to remove Apple‘s restrictions. This let you install unapproved apps with tweaks like icon theming.
Clearly not an option for most people, especially since jailbreaking could "brick" your phone.
Early Workarounds
In 2011, Apple finally added the option to change wallpaper, prompting developers to make wallpapers with fake app icons. You lined them up to "trick" iOS. More trouble than it was worth.
Web Clips
iOS 4 in 2010 introduced "web clips," home screen bookmarks to websites that could have custom icons. Brands like Facebook made web app versions with icons.
But performance was slow and it only worked for sites with web apps. Still no universal icon options.
Workflow App
This automation app debuted in 2014, letting users create workflows with custom icons that opened other apps. But Apple limited shortcuts heavily until…
iOS 14‘s Shortcuts
In 2020, Apple finally delivered full-fledged custom icons for all with iOS 14‘s upgraded Shortcuts app! Let‘s see how to make it happen…
As you can see, iPhone users waited a long time for the basic option to personalize their devices with custom icons. But the Shortcuts method makes that power accessible to anyone on iOS 14 or newer.
How to Change Icons on iPhone Step-By-Step
Without further ado, here is the process for customizing iPhone app icons using the Shortcuts app:
Step 1: Download the Shortcuts App
The Shortcuts app by Apple is the gateway for swapping your existing app icons. Search for "Shortcuts" on the App Store and install it if you don‘t already have it.
[App Store link to download Shortcuts]You‘ll need iOS 14 or higher for full custom icon functionality. But if you aren‘t able to update, older versions of Shortcuts can still change some icons.
Step 2: Create a Shortcut for the App Icon You Want to Change
Open the Shortcuts app and tap the "+" symbol in the top right to create a new shortcut.
The key is making a shortcut that just opens your target app. Here‘s how:
- Search for "Open App"
- Tap the "Open App" action to add it
- Tap the "App" field next to it
- Search for and select the app you want a new icon for
For example, I would search for and choose the Messages app if I wanted to customize that icon.
![Show GIF or screenshots walking through selecting Open App action and choosing an app]
This builds a shortcut with a single action – open your chosen app. Now for the icon swap…
Step 3: Rename the Shortcut and Add it to the Home Screen
Tap the text at the very top of the screen to rename your shortcut.
Change the name to match your target app – e.g. "Messages" for the Messages app. This makes it logical.
Tap the three dot menu next to the shortcut name.
Choose "Add to Home Screen." This adds the shortcut as a home screen icon.
![Show GIF demonstrating renaming the shortcut and adding to home screen]
When you tap that shortcut from your home screen in the future, it will automatically open your target app.
Step 4: Change the Icon Image for Your Shortcut
Here‘s where you get to pick a custom icon photo.
On the Add to Home Screen page:
Tap the default shortcut app icon at the top.
Choose "Choose Photo" to select from your photos.
Pick an image to use as your new app icon.
I like picking a related logo or graphic for brands, snapshot from the app, or an object that symbolizes it. Get creative!
For Messages, I chose an SMS speech bubble icon I found online as the replacement graphic.
![Show screenshot selecting new photo]
Make sure your image is high resolution – at least 1024×1024 pixels for a crisp icon.
Step 5: Configure the Icon and Add it to Your Home Screen
Almost done! A couple last steps:
Pick a home screen background color for behind the icon if you want.
Optionally, remove the shortcut name text under the icon for a cleaner look.
Tap "Add" to add your newly customized shortcut icon to your home screen!
![Show GIF tapping Add to finalize icon]
The Shortcuts app will minimize and your home screen will show your sparkly new custom icon. Tap it to open the linked app.
Step 6: Remove the Old App Icon (Optional)
If you want to fully replace the original app icon, remove it from your home screen:
- Long press the old icon until the icons start wiggling.
- Tap the X on the app icon to delete it.
- Choose "Remove from Home Screen" to banish the icon.
The app will still be accessible in your search and App Library. But now only your custom icon remains on your home page. Satisfying!
![Show GIF demonstrating removing original app icon]
Repeat this whole process for any other apps you want to give the custom icon treatment. Enjoy your stylish new iPhone setup!
Pro Tips for Creating Great Custom Icons
Don‘t just stop at the defaults when making your own iPhone icons. Use these pro tips:
Pick recognizable imagery
Custom icons work best when their image clearly conveys what app it links to. Using the app‘s official logo, a relevant object, or photo from the app itself helps.
Use high resolution source images
Avoid pixelation by using source images sized at least 1024×1024 pixels. PNGs and SVGs work great.
Simplify cluttered logos
If using a logo, create simplified flat vector version without small text or intricate details that won‘t render well as an icon.
Make sure icons stand out
Choose imagery with colors that contrast well with your wallpaper. Bolder, brighter colors tend to stand out as icons.
Create a unified style
While you can mix and match, picking a consistent art style creates cohesion across your newly customized icons.
Double check accessibility
If using VoiceOver, ensure custom icons still work well with the screen reader using the Accessibility Inspector.
Change it up regularly
One of the best parts of custom icons is you can easily change them whenever inspiration for a new style strikes!
Different Ways to Customize Icons
While Shortcuts are the go-to way to change iPhone icons thanks to Apple support, here are some other ways people have customized icons:
| Method | How it Works | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| Jailbreaking | Hack the iOS filesystem to install themes | Risks "bricking" phone |
| Web clips | Make site bookmarks with custom icons | Only works for sites with web apps |
| Overlay wallpapers | Walls with mock icons to "replace" real ones | Tedious lining up icons |
| Enterprise certificates | Special licenses to install unapproved apps/icons | Expensive, get revoked |
| Stickers on screen | Literally stick new images over icons | Won‘t actually open apps |
As you can see, Shortcuts is by far the easiest and most sustainable way to customize all your iPhone icons. While Apple took their sweet time adding an official solution, Shortcuts deliver a great experience.
Awesome App Icon Ideas and Inspiration
Completely stumped on how to make your icons feel more "you"? Don‘t worry, I got you covered.
Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:
Themes
Fandom – App icons using imagery from video games, movies, bands, sports teams etc. you love
Nature – Icons featuring plants, landscapes, animals and more for a soothing vibe
Emoji – Each app icon is a different emoji symbolizing that app
Minimalist – Clean, simple icon graphics distilling each app to its essence
Your Interests and Hobbies
- Music – Album covers, instruments, musicians etc.
- Cooking/Baking – Utensils, ingredients, dishes
- Reading – Book characters, shelves, bookmarks
- Sports – Equipment, team logos, action shots
- Cars – Brand logos, custom vehicles
Literally anything you‘re into can inspire great custom icons!
Organizing Home Screens
- Color code apps by type, e.g. social media, work, creative, leisure
- Use photos of friends/family for your contacts
- Make folders more recognizable with descriptive icons
Smart icon theming takes organization next level.
App Branding Cheat Sheet
For quick ideas tailored to popular apps:
- Messages – Speech bubbles, text emojis
- Phone – Old school handsets, keypads
- Mail – Envelopes, mailboxes, stamps
- Calendar – Calendars, appointments, reminders
- Photos – Camera, film canister, landscapes
- Clock – Clocks, hourglasses, sundials
- Settings – Gears, switches, sliders
- Safari – Compasses, maps, landmarks
And check out iconic brands like Disney, Starbucks, Target – their app icons are perfect to adapt!
Or just search "[app name] icon png" and you‘ll find endless options. Mix and match for a one-of-a-kind iPhone screen.
Best Places to Find Custom Icons for Free or Paid
Creating your own custom icons does take some work. If you don‘t have design experience, the easiest route is downloading icon packs made by others.
But where can you find great custom iPhone icons? I‘ve rounded up top sources:
Etsy
Tons of graphic designers sell beautiful, polished icon packs on Etsy. Searches like "iOS 14 icons" or "iPhone custom icons" will reveal packs for any style.
Gumroad
Another marketplace where creators sell digital products like icon packs ready for download. subscriptions etc.
App Store Icon Packs
You can browse icon themes and packs built for iOS right in the App Store. Zedge and Iconic are popular.
Searching Pinterest turns up free icons and full icon packs people have uploaded. Great for individual icons.
FlatIcon
One of my favorite sources for FREE custom icons. Browse 1.3 million icons in any category.
Iconfinder
600,000+ free icons designed for iOS and other uses. Tons to browse and experiment with.
IconArchive
Database of over 300,000 free icons at your fingertips. Can be hit or miss but worth digging.
Iconmonstr
Mix of free and premium icons. Useful for finding iOS-optimized icons.
For more control with a premium product, icon packs on Etsy and Gumroad are clutch. But you can‘t beat free sites for total customization freedom!
More Ways to Customize and Personalize Your iPhone‘s Look
Swapping out icons is just one piece of making your iPhone your own. Don‘t stop there – try these customizations for bonus personal flair:
Custom Wallpaper
Set any image or photo as your wallpaper for serious personalization. It will really make your icons pop!
Organize Apps Aesthetically
Arrange apps in an artful way – columns, rows, clusters. Alphabetize or color-code them.
Reduce Home Screen Clutter
Hide lesser used apps in the App Library to only showcase your favorites.
Make Styled Widgets
Match your icon style with on-theme widgets like calendar, clock, reminders etc.
Customize Control Center
Rearrange and curate your Control Center shortcuts to match your needs.
Change Folder Names/Icons
Rename folders and make custom cover images so they stand out.
Additional Home Screens
Make multiple home screens for different focuses – one for work, hobbies, travel etc.
Animated Wallpapers
Use the new iOS 16 animated backgrounds for even more movement and personality.
See how you can tweak almost everything to make your iPhone cater to you? Changing icons is just the gateway to total customization.
Reset Icons If Needed
No need to fear commitment – you can revert back to the original iOS icons any time:
Delete custom Shortcuts to remove icons
Tap and hold to "wiggle" icons, then tap x to delete
Reset wallpapers and widgets to default
It only takes a minute to strip customizations if you ever miss the classic iPhone aesthetic.
But something tells me once you personalize your device, you won‘t want to go back!
Make Your iPhone Truly Yours with Custom Icons
As you can see, customizing your iPhone app icons is readily doable thanks to the powerhouse Shortcuts app.
While switching icons takes a little initial effort, it allows you to put your own stamp on one of your most-used gadgets. Plus you can change up the style endlessly for a fresh look whenever you want.
So don‘t settle for a cookie cutter iPhone home screen! Dive into creating custom icons tailored to YOUR interests and style.
I hope all these tips give you the knowledge, inspiration and confidence to customize. Enjoy making your iPhone your own. Just shout if you have any other questions!
