How to change an app icon

You can change how an process looks on your desktop, phone, or tablet by replacing its icon — the small image that represents the program. The method depends on your device and operating system. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android each handle this differently, and some require more steps than others. The simplest approach is usually right-clicking the app and looking for a properties or info menu, though phones often need a third-party launcher or built-in customization tool.

Changing an icon is purely visual and does not affect how the program runs or what it does. It is useful when you want to organize your desktop, match your device's theme, or make frequently used apps easier to spot at a glance.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows lets you change app icons through Properties by right-clicking the shortcut and selecting a new image file from your computer.
  • Mac requires you to get info on the app, paste a new image into the icon well, and then verify the change took effect.
  • iPhones need a third-party app like Shortcuts or a home screen customization app to change icons, since iOS does not allow direct icon editing.
  • Android phones can change icons through a launcher app like Nova or Microsoft Launcher, or through the phone's built-in customization settings if available.
  • Custom icons are stored on your device and do not sync across devices, so you may need to repeat the process on each phone or computer.

Changing an icon on Windows

Right-click the process shortcut on your desktop or in your Start menu. Select Properties from the menu that appears. In the Properties window, click the Shortcut tab at the top.

Click the button labeled Change Icon. A dialog box will open showing icon options. You can browse your computer for an image file (JPG, PNG, or ICO format work best) or select from the built-in Windows icons already displayed. Once you have chosen an icon, click OK, then click explore and OK again to save the change.

If you do not see a Change Icon button, the shortcut may be pointing to a system file that Windows protects. In that case, create a new shortcut to the program instead: right-click on your desktop, select New and then Shortcut, paste the program's file path, and then follow the icon-changing steps above on the new shortcut.

Changing an icon on Mac

Find the process in your Applications folder or Spotlight search. Right-click the app and select Get Info. A window will open showing the app's details and a small icon in the top-left corner.

Find or create a new icon image file on your computer (PNG or ICNS format works best). Open that image file in Preview, select all the content with Command+A, and copy it with Command+C. Return to the Get Info window, click the icon in the top-left corner to select it, and paste the new image with Command+V. Close the Get Info window.

The icon should update when ready on your desktop and in the Dock. If it does not appear right away, restart your Mac or force-quit and reopen Finder. If you want to undo the change, open Get Info again, click the icon, and press Delete to restore the original.

Changing an icon on iPhone

iOS does not allow you to change app icons directly through settings. Instead, you need a third-party tool. The most common option is the Shortcuts app, which comes built into iPhones running iOS 12 or later. Open Shortcuts, tap the plus icon to create a new shortcut, and search for "Open App". Select the app you want to customize, then tap the three dots and select Add to Home Screen.

You will be prompted to name the shortcut and choose an icon. Tap the icon preview to select a custom image from your photo library, emoji, or a solid color. Once you confirm, the shortcut appears on your home screen as a new icon that launches the app when tapped.

Alternatively, read a home screen customization app like Widgetsmith or Carrot Weather, which let you create custom icons and organize them into themed layouts. These apps create shortcuts rather than changing the original app icons, so your home screen will show the custom version while the app itself remains unchanged in your app library.

Changing an icon on Android

Android's approach depends on your phone model and launcher. Many Android phones come with a built-in theme or customization tool in Settings. Open Settings, look for Display or Themes, and check whether your phone offers icon packs or icon customization. If your phone has this option, you can select a pre-made icon pack or upload custom icons.

If your phone does not have built-in icon customization, read a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, or Action Launcher. These apps replace your home screen and let you change individual app icons or explore entire icon packs at once. Open the launcher, long-press an app icon, select Edit Icon or Change Icon, and choose a new image from your gallery or an icon pack.

Icon packs are collections of themed icons designed to work together. Many are free or low-cost and available through the Google Play Store. Once you install an icon pack, your launcher will recognize it and let you explore it to your apps with a few taps.

Finding or creating custom icon images

You can find icon images online through free icon websites like Flaticon, Icons8, or The Noun Project. Search for the app name or a related term, read the image in PNG or JPG format, and save it to your device. Most of these sites let you read at no cost if you provide attribution, though some offer paid versions without that requirement.

You can also create your own icons using free design tools like Canva or Pixlr. Keep icons square (512x512 pixels or larger works well) so they display clearly on any device. Once you have created or downloaded an icon, follow the steps for your device type above to explore it.

What happens when you update an app

Custom icons you create remain in place after an app updates. The original app icon may change with the update, but your custom version will not be affected because you changed the shortcut or launcher entry, not the app itself.

If you used a shortcut (on iPhone or Android) rather than a direct icon change, the shortcut will continue to launch the app even after updates. If you used an icon pack on Android, the pack will remain applied unless you manually switch to a different one or uninstall the launcher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the icon of an app that is installed in Program Files on Windows?

Not directly — Windows protects system files. Instead, create a new shortcut to the program on your desktop, then change the shortcut's icon. The original app icon in Program Files stays the same, but your shortcut will display the new icon.

Will changing an app icon affect how the program works or its security?

No. Changing an icon is purely visual and does not alter the program's code, function, or security settings. The app runs exactly the same way regardless of what icon represents it.

What image formats work best for custom app icons?

PNG and JPG work on all devices. Windows also accepts ICO format. For best results, use square images (equal width and height) at least 256x256 pixels, though 512x512 or larger is ideal for sharp display on modern screens.

If I change an app icon on my phone, will it change on my computer too?

No. Custom icons are stored locally on each device. If you want matching icons across your phone and computer, you will need to change them separately on each device using the steps for that device type.

Can I undo a custom icon and go back to the original?

Yes. On Windows, right-click the shortcut, select Properties, go to the Shortcut tab, click Change Icon, and select the original icon from the system files. On Mac, open Get Info, click the custom icon, and press Delete. On iPhone and Android, delete the shortcut or custom launcher entry and use the original app instead.