Changing app icons on an iPhone can be an interesting way to customize the look of your device and make it more personal. Apple has been a forerunner when it comes to providing a seamless user experience, however, one of the limitations could be the inability to change your app icons. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the challenge of changing app icons on iPhone, the things you should prepare for before attempting this, various methods to help achieve this, why it may not be possible, additional tips and FAQs related to this topic.
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The Challenge of Changing App Icons on iPhone
If you’re an iPhone user, then you must know that app icons cannot be changed on the device. The original set of icons are set in place to preserve the user experience. The inability to customize these icons can be tedious for users who like having their devices personalized and unique.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you begin, it is important to note that none of these methods require a jailbreak. However, you should prepare the following:
- iPhone (of course!)
- The app you want to change the icon for
- A computer with iTunes installed
- The new icon image that you want to change to
- iOS 14 software update
Method 1: Using the Shortcuts App
Changing app icons using the shortcuts app on your iPhone is one of the easiest methods.
Steps:
- Open the “Shortcuts” app on your iPhone
- Tap the “+” button on the top right-hand corner of the screen
- Tap “Add Action”
- Tap “Scripting”
- Tap “Open App”
- Tap “Choose”
- Select the app you want to change the icon for and tap “Add Action”
- Tap “Add Action” again
- Tap “Web”
- Tap “URL”
- Add the URL address for the image you want to use as your icon
- Tap the “…” icon and then “Add to Home Screen”
- Edit the name of the app icon and then tap “Add”
Pros:
- Easy to use
- No need for a computer
Cons:
- You need to create a shortcut for each app icon you want to change
- The shortcut will appear first before the actual app
Method 2: Using Custom Icon Packs
Another way to change app icons on your iPhone is by using custom icon packs.
Steps:
- Download and install a custom icon pack
- Open the “Shortcuts” app on your iPhone
- Tap the “+” button on the top right-hand corner of the screen
- Tap “Add Action”
- Tap “Scripting”
- Tap “Open App”
- Tap “Choose” and select the app you want to change the icon for
- Tap “Add Action” and then tap "Text"
- Type in the name of the app
- Tap “Add Action” again and then tap “Scripting"
- Tap “Open App” and select the app you want to open when the new icon is tapped
- Tap the “…” icon and then “Add to Home Screen”
- Select “Add Action” and then select “Web”
- Enter the URL address for the custom icon pack
- Choose the icon pack you want and download the icon you want to use
- Go back to the “Shortcuts” app and choose the icon you just downloaded
- Edit the name of the app icon and tap “Add”
Pros:
- You can personalize your device with the icon pack of your choice
- You can customize multiple app icons at the same time
Cons:
- You have to go through the process of creating a custom icon for each app
- May require more time and effort compared to other methods
Method 3: Using a Third-Party App
Using a third-party app to change app icons could also be a solution to personalizing your iPhone.
Steps:
- Download a third-party app to help you change app icons
- Open the app and follow the instructions to download the icon pack you want to use
- On the app, select the app whose icon you want to change and choose the new icon you want to use
- Save the new icon and go back to your home screen. The new icon should be ready to use.
Pros:
- A simple solution to changing app icons
- You can change multiple icons at the same time
Cons:
- You have to download a third-party app
- Some apps may have hidden fees or in-app purchases
Why Can’t I Change My App Icons on iPhone?
There are several reasons why you might not be able change your app icons on iPhone. Some of these reasons include:
- The iPhone operating system is limited and does not allow customization of app icons
- Apple’s branding guidelines do not permit any unauthorized modification of app icons
- Some apps may not have any customizations available, or may have limited options
Below are possible fixes:
- Try using the various methods explained in this blog post to see what works for you
- Reach out to the developer of the app to find out if they have any customization options available
Additional Tips
- Avoid downloading any apps that claim to change app icons without proper research as these could harm your device
- Remember to use reliable websites or software to download custom icon packs or images
- Be sure to check the recommended icon size before using an image for your app icon
5 FAQs About Changing App Icons on iPhone
Q1: Does changing app icons affect the functionality of the apps?
A: No, changing the app icons does not affect the functionality of the apps. The apps continues to work as it previously used to.
Q2: Can changing app icons be done on any iPhone model?
A: Yes, changing app icons can be done on any iPhone model that has the iOS 14 software update.
Q3: Can I use just any image for my app icon?
A: No, not all images are suitable for app icons. It is important to use recommended image size and dimension for your app icon.
Q4: Is it necessary to update my iPhone before I begin?
A: Yes, updating your iPhone to the iOS 14 software update is necessary for most methods of changing app icons.
Q5: What do I do if I change my mind about a custom app icon I created?
A: Simply go to the “Home Screen” setting on your iPhone. From there, you can choose the original app icon for the app.
In Conclusion
There are different methods to help achieve the customization of app icons on iPhone even though there are some limitations. With these methods, you can switch up your device and make your user experience more personal. It’s important to note that no matter the method used, you should avoid downloading any third-party apps that could harm your device.