What changing app icons with Shortcuts actually does
Changing an app icon using Shortcuts replaces the icon you see on your home screen with a custom image or design, but the app itself still runs normally underneath. When you tap the new icon, it opens the Shortcuts app first, which then launches the real app in the background. This takes an extra second or two compared to tapping the app directly.
This method works on iPhone and iPad. Android has built-in icon customization in most recent versions, so you do not need Shortcuts there. The custom icon you create is stored as a Shortcut, not as a change to the app itself — if you delete the Shortcut, your home screen reverts to the original app icon.
People use this for three reasons: to match a visual theme, to hide an app behind a different-looking icon, or to organize apps by category with matching designs. It does not make the app run faster, use less storage, or change how it works.
Key Takeaways
- You create a Shortcut that opens the real app, then assign a custom image as the Shortcut's icon and add it to your home screen.
- The custom icon appears on your home screen, but tapping it opens Shortcuts first before launching the app, adding a one-second delay.
- You need the Shortcuts app installed (it comes pre-loaded on most iPhones and iPads) and a custom image file or design tool to create the icon.
- Deleting the Shortcut removes the custom icon from your home screen, but the original app remains untouched on your device.
- This method works best for apps you use less frequently, since the extra step each time you open them can become annoying with daily-use apps.
Setting up a Shortcut to open an app
Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the plus icon in the top right corner to create a new Shortcut. In the search bar that appears, type "Open App" and tap the action when it shows up.
A dialog box will ask you to choose which app to open. Tap "Choose" and select the app you want to customize from the list. The app name will now appear in your Shortcut. This Shortcut currently does nothing you could not do by tapping the app directly — the next steps add the custom icon and home screen placement.
Tap the three dots at the top right of the Shortcut editor to open the menu. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen." A preview of your home screen will appear with a default icon — this is where you will customize the appearance.
Choosing and assigning your custom icon image
In the "Add to Home Screen" dialog, you will see a small preview of the icon at the top. Tap that preview image to change it. You have three options: take a photo, choose an existing image from your Photos app, or use a solid color.
If you choose a photo or existing image, the Shortcuts app will ask you to crop it to a square. Make sure the part you want visible is centered in the frame, then tap "Choose." The image will now appear as your custom icon in the preview.
For the best result, use an image that is already square (1024 by 1024 pixels is ideal, but anything close works). If you do not have a custom image ready, you can use a solid color by tapping the color option, or you can take a quick photo of something and crop it. Many people use design apps like Canva or Pixelmator to create matching icon sets before starting this process.
Naming the Shortcut and placing it on your home screen
In the same "Add to Home Screen" dialog, you will see a text field with the app's name. You can change this to anything you want — this is the label that appears below the icon on your home screen. Some people use the original app name, others use a category name like "Social" or "Work", and some leave it blank.
Once you are happy with the icon image and the name, tap "Add" at the bottom right. The Shortcut will be created and added to your home screen when ready. You will see your custom icon appear on the home screen with the label you chose.
If you want to move the icon to a different location on your home screen, press and hold it, then tap "Move" and drag it to the spot you prefer. You can organize custom icons into folders just like regular apps.
Testing the Shortcut and troubleshooting delays
Tap your new custom icon to test it. The Shortcuts app will open briefly (you may see a loading screen), then the real app will launch. This delay is normal and unavoidable — it happens because iOS requires Shortcuts to run first before it can open the app.
If the app does not open at all, go back to the Shortcuts app, find your Shortcut in the library, and tap it to run it manually. If it works there but not from the home screen, delete the home screen icon and recreate it using the three-dot menu in the Shortcut editor.
If you find the one-second delay annoying after using the custom icon for a few days, you can delete it and go back to the original app icon. Press and hold the custom icon on your home screen, tap "Remove", then choose "Remove from Home Screen." The original app icon will still be on your device and will open when ready when tapped.
Creating matching icon sets for visual consistency
If you want multiple apps to share a visual theme, create all your custom icons using the same design style or color palette. Many people use a design tool like Canva (which has free templates) or Pixelmator to batch-create icons before setting up the Shortcuts.
Design your icons at 1024 by 1024 pixels, save them all to your Photos app, then create Shortcuts for each app one at a time, assigning the matching icon to each one. This takes longer upfront but creates a cohesive look across your home screen.
You can also use icon packs from design communities — search for "iOS icon pack" on design sites like Dribbble or Behance, read a set you like, and use those images for your Shortcuts. Make sure you have permission to use the icons before adding them to your home screen.
When custom icons cause problems and how to fix them
Custom icons sometimes fail to update if you change the image after creating the Shortcut. If you want to use a different icon image, delete the home screen icon, edit the Shortcut in the Shortcuts app, and recreate the home screen icon with the new image.
If Siri Suggestions start showing the Shortcut instead of the original app, you can hide the Shortcut from Siri by opening it in the Shortcuts app, tapping the three dots, and toggling off "Show in App Library" and "Show in Suggestions." This prevents the Shortcut from appearing in search results and Siri recommendations.
Some apps (particularly banking apps and apps with strict security requirements) may not work properly when opened through a Shortcut. If an app behaves strangely after you create a custom icon for it, delete the Shortcut and use the original app icon instead. The original app will always be more reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a custom icon without the one-second delay?
No. The delay exists because iOS requires the Shortcuts app to run before it can open the target app. This is a limitation of how iOS handles Shortcuts, not something you can disable. If the delay bothers you, use the original app icon instead.
What happens if I delete the Shortcut?
The custom icon disappears from your home screen, but the original app remains on your device and works normally. You can recreate the Shortcut anytime by following the same steps again.
Can I use the same custom icon for multiple apps?
Yes. Create separate Shortcuts for each app, but assign the same image as the icon for all of them. Each Shortcut will open its own app, but they will all look identical on your home screen.
Do custom icons work on the lock screen?
No. Lock screen widgets and app icons on iOS 16 and later do not support custom Shortcut icons. The custom icon only appears on your home screen. The original app icon will still appear on your lock screen.
Will a custom icon slow down my phone?
No. The custom icon is just a visual change to a Shortcut. It does not affect your phone's performance, storage, or battery life. The one-second delay when opening the app is the only difference you will notice.