Change app icons using the Shortcuts app

The simplest way to change how an app looks on your home screen is to use Apple's built-in Shortcuts app. This method creates a shortcut that points to the real app but displays a custom icon instead. The shortcut sits on your home screen alongside your other apps, and tapping it opens the app normally.

Start by opening the Shortcuts app (it comes pre-installed on most iPhones). Tap the plus icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut. Search for "Open App" in the action menu, then select it. A dialog will appear asking which app to open — choose the app whose icon you want to change.

Once you've selected the app, tap the three dots in the top right of the shortcut editor. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen". A new screen will appear where you can name the shortcut and choose its icon. Tap the icon preview (usually a colorful square) to pick a custom image from your photos, use an emoji, or choose from preset icons.

After you've set the icon and name, tap "Add" in the top right. The shortcut will now appear on your home screen with your chosen icon. You can delete the original app icon from your home screen if you want, though the app itself remains installed on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • The Shortcuts app lets you create custom icons that open real apps, without changing the apps themselves.
  • You can use photos, emojis, or preset icons to customize how each shortcut appears on your home screen.
  • Creating a shortcut takes about two minutes and does not affect how the app works or what data it stores.
  • You can organize multiple shortcuts for the same app with different icons, or delete the original icon and keep only the custom version.
  • This method works on iPhone 12 and newer; older models may have limited icon customization options.

Use a photo or emoji as your custom icon

When you tap the icon preview in the Shortcuts app, you'll see three options: "Photo", "Emoji", or "Preset Icons". Choosing "Photo" lets you pick any image from your camera roll or take a new photo on the spot. The app will crop the image to fit the square icon shape.

Emojis are often the fastest choice — tap "Emoji", search for the emoji you want, and it will appear on your home screen when ready. A single emoji works well if you want something straightforward and recognizable. Photos work best if you use a clear, straightforward image with good contrast, since small details won't show up well at icon size.

If you want the same icon for multiple apps, take a screenshot of your chosen image or emoji and save it. Then use that same image for each shortcut you create. This creates a consistent look across your home screen.

Organize your custom icons into a folder

If you create many custom icons, your home screen can become crowded. You can group them into a folder just like regular apps. Long-press an empty area of your home screen, then tap the plus icon to add a new folder. Name it something like "Custom Apps" or "Shortcuts".

Now long-press any custom icon shortcut and select "Move". Drag it into the folder you just created. You can add as many shortcuts as you want to a single folder. When you tap the folder, it opens to show all the shortcuts inside, and you can tap the one you want to use.

This approach keeps your home screen clean while still giving you quick access to all your custom icons. You can create multiple folders if you want to organize shortcuts by category — for example, one folder for social media shortcuts and another for productivity apps.

What happens to the original app icon

Creating a custom icon shortcut does not remove or change the original app. The real app stays installed on your phone exactly as it was, with all your data, settings, and login information intact. The shortcut is just a separate launcher that points to it.

You can delete the original app icon from your home screen by long-pressing it and selecting "Remove from Home Screen". This hides the icon but leaves the app installed. If you ever want to use the original icon again, you can find the app in your App Library (swipe to the rightmost home screen) and add it back.

If you delete the shortcut instead, the original app remains on your phone and in your App Library. You can create a new shortcut with a different icon anytime. Nothing about the app's function or your data changes — you're only changing how it appears on your home screen.

Troubleshooting custom icons that don't appear

If you create a shortcut but the custom icon doesn't show up on your home screen, first check that you actually tapped "Add" at the end of the process. The shortcut won't be created until you confirm. If the icon appears but looks wrong, try deleting the shortcut and creating it again with a different image.

On older iPhone models (iPhone 11 and earlier), custom icons may not display correctly because those phones don't support the full Shortcuts customization features. If you're on an older model and the icon doesn't appear, try using a preset icon instead of a photo or emoji.

If the shortcut opens the wrong app, long-press the shortcut and select "Edit". Tap the three dots, scroll to "Open App", and make sure the correct app is selected. Save the changes and try again.

Using icon packs and theme apps

Some apps in the App Store claim to change your icons with a single tap, but they work differently than the Shortcuts method. These apps create a theme or icon pack that you can read, but they still require you to use the Shortcuts app to actually explore the icons to your home screen.

Icon pack apps can be useful if you want a complete matching set of icons for all your apps, rather than customizing each one individually. read the pack, open it, and look for an option to "Add to Home Screen" or "Create Shortcut". The app will guide you through creating shortcuts with the pack's icons.

Be aware that some icon pack apps ask for permissions they don't need, or include ads. Stick with packs from well-known developers, and read the reviews before downloading. The free Shortcuts method works just as well if you're willing to customize icons one at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change app icons without using Shortcuts?

Not on standard iPhone home screens. Apple does not offer a built-in way to change app icons directly. The Shortcuts method is the official way to customize icons. Some third-party apps claim to do this, but they either use Shortcuts behind the scenes or require you to use a different launcher app, which is not supported by Apple.

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

No. Creating a custom icon shortcut does not touch any of the app's data, settings, or logins. When you tap the shortcut, it opens the real app exactly as it was. All your saved information stays the same.

Can I change icons on apps I don't own?

Yes. You can create a shortcut for any app installed on your phone, regardless of who made it. The shortcut is yours to customize — the app developer has no control over it.

What if I want to change back to the original icon?

Delete the custom shortcut by long-pressing it and selecting "Remove". Then find the original app in your App Library (swipe right from your last home screen) and add it back to your home screen. The original icon will appear exactly as it did before.

Do custom icons work on the lock screen?

Custom icon shortcuts appear on your home screen and in your App Library, but not on the lock screen. Lock screen app shortcuts use the app's original icon. You can still add lock screen shortcuts to open apps quickly, but they will show the standard app icon.