How to Change App Icons iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's modern world, personalization of technology has become increasingly important for users wanting their devices to reflect their personal style and preferences. iPhones, known for their sleek design and user-friendly interface, offer various levels of customization, including the ability to change app icons. Let's dive into a step-by-step guide on how to change app icons iPhone, make your device look fresh and more personalized.

Understanding App Icon Customization on iPhone

Before delving into how to change app icons iPhone, it’s essential to understand what app icons are. These are the small graphic symbols that represent applications on your smartphone. While Apple maintains a consistent design language for its system icons, custom icons break the monotony, adding an aesthetic edge to your home screen. Customizing app icons on an iPhone involves using the Shortcuts app, a versatile application for automating functions on iOS devices.

Requirements Before You Begin

To successfully change app icons on your iPhone, ensure the following:

Your iPhone is running iOS 14 or later.
The Shortcuts app is installed on your device (this comes pre-installed on iOS 13 and beyond).
You have the desired custom icons saved in your Photos or Files app.
Access to online platforms like Pinterest or Google Images, where you can find free app icon packs.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change App Icons iPhone

Open the Shortcuts App

First, locate and open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. This application is your gateway to automating tasks and is essential for changing app icons.
Create a New Shortcut

Tap on the "+" button at the top right corner to create a new shortcut. This action allows you to map an app to a customized icon.
Add an Action

Select “Add Action” and type "Open App" in the search bar. Choose the "Open App" option from the list of actions.
Select the App You Want to Customize

Tap on the “App” button that appears next to the phrase "Open." Browse the list of applications installed on your phone and choose the one whose icon you wish to change.
Customize the Shortcut’s Appearance

Tap the options button (⋮ icon) in the top-right corner, then tap “Add to Home Screen.”

Here, you can give your shortcut a custom name that will appear under the app icon on your home screen.

Click the icon next to the name field, which will allow you to choose a photo from your library to use as the new app icon.
Select the Custom Icon

Choose the image you previously prepared or downloaded for use as your new icon. Adjust its positioning if necessary.
Add the Shortcut to Your Home Screen

Once you’re happy with your customized icon and app name, tap “Add” in the top-right corner. Your custom app icon should now appear on the home screen.
Relocate or Remove the Original App

To maintain a clean home screen, you can move the original app to the App Library (iOS 14 and later) by long-pressing the app, selecting "Remove App," and then "Move to App Library."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a third-party app to change app icons on an iPhone?
No, you can change app icons using the built-in Shortcuts app without needing any third-party applications. However, you might use other apps for finding icons.
Will changing app icons affect functionality?
No, creating a shortcut with a custom icon doesn't impact the functionality of the app. It essentially creates a shortcut to the app with a new image.
Can I revert back to the original app icons?
Yes, simply delete the shortcuts from your home screen and relaunch the original app from the App Library to restore the original icons.
Is there a way to eliminate the “opening” delay?
Currently, using shortcuts to change icons might show a brief “shortcut opening…” banner, but this doesn't significantly impact performance.

Enhancing Your iPhone Experience

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily learn how to change app icons iPhone and personalise your device like never before. Customizing app icons not only makes your home screen visually appealing but also adds a unique touch that reflects your individuality. Apple's ecosystem supports multiple customisation options, making it both fun and accessible for users to tailor their experience.

Remember that with each iOS update, Apple strives to improve user experience, potentially offering more integrated solutions for customising your device in the future. Until then, mastering the use of the Shortcuts app for personalisation is a valuable skill for any iPhone user.