Replacing the standard application icon on Android is a task that arises among users for various reasons. Some people want to personalize the smartphone interface, others want to hide frequently used apps from prying eyes, and others simply don’t like the developer’s icon design. Unlike iOS, where customization options are strictly limited, Android provides several ways to change the appearance of applications - from simple solutions using launchers to complex manipulations with APK files.

It is important to understand that not all methods are equally safe and universal. For example, replacing an icon through the launcher works on any device without root access, but acts only visually - the application retains the original icon in the system. At the same time, editing APK allows you to change the icon at the file level, but requires technical skills and can disrupt the operation of the app. In this article we will analyze all the current methods, their pros, cons and implementation nuances on different versions of Android.

1. Replacing an icon through a launcher: the easiest way

Launchers (apps for launching applications) are the most accessible tool for changing the appearance of icons. Popular solutions like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher allow you not only to replace icons, but also to customize their size, shape, and even animation. The main advantage of the method is no root or technical knowledge is required.

To change the icon through the launcher:

  • 📱 Install the launcher from Google Play (we recommend Nova Launcher for the flexibility of settings).
  • 🔧 Go to the launcher settings (usually a long tap on the desktop → "Settings").
  • 🎨 Find the "Icons" or "Icon Themes" section and select the manual replacement option.
  • 🖼️ Long tap on the application icon → "Edit" → select a new image from the gallery.

Method limitation: the change only applies within the launcher. If you open the application menu through the standard Android interface or switch to another launcher, the icon will return to its original appearance. Also, some system applications (for example Settings or Phone) may not support replacement.

📊 What launcher are you using?
Standard (from the manufacturer)
Nova Launcher
Microsoft Launcher
Other
I do not use launchers
⚠️ Attention: On devices Xiaomi, Huawei and Samsung with proprietary shells (MIUI, EMUI, One UI) some launcher functions may be limited. For example, in MIUI it is not possible to change the icons of system applications without additional manipulations.

2. Using icon theme packs

If you don’t want to select icons for each application manually, you can install a ready-made one Theme pack. This is a set of icons in a single style that is automatically applied to all supported apps. Popular packages: Whicons, CandyCons, Moonshine.

How to set an icon theme:

  1. Download the theme pack from Google Play (make sure it is compatible with your launcher).
  2. Open the launcher settings → "Icon themes" → select the installed package.
  3. Apply changes. Unsupported applications will remain with the original icons.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🎨 Single style for all icons.
  • ⚡ Quick installation (no need to change each icon separately).
  • 🔄 Easy to return to the original view.

Disadvantages:

  • 🚫 Not all applications are supported (especially system ones).
  • 💰 Many high-quality themes are paid.
  • 🔄 When updating the package, the icons may get lost.
Theme package Compatible launchers Number of icons Price
Whicons Nova, Apex, Action 5000+ Free (premium $1.99)
CandyCons Nova, Lawnchair, Poco 4500+ Free
Moonshine Nova, Apex, Smart Launcher 6000+ $2.99
Flight Nova, Hyperion, Before 3800+ Free
💡

Before purchasing a paid theme, check whether it supports your frequently used applications. To do this, the package description usually contains a list of compatible apps.

3. Replacing the icon via ADB (without root)

If launchers are not suitable and you do not have root access, you can try changing the icon via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method works at the system level, but requires a connection to a computer and basic command line knowledge. Suitable for Android 8.0+.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → return to Settings → System → For developers).
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and install ADB Tools.
  3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and run:
adb shell

pm list packages | grep 'application_name' # find the full package name


cmd shortcut create-home --package 'package_name' --activity 'activity_name' --icon 'path_to_new_icon.png'

Example for application Chrome:

cmd shortcut create-home --package 'com.android.chrome' --activity 'com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main' --icon '/sdcard/Download/new_icon.png'

Method limitations:

  • 🔌 Requires a PC and a USB cable.
  • 📁 The new icon must be in the format .png and loaded into the phone memory.
  • 🔄 After updating the application, the icon may be reset.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect ADB commands may disrupt the system. Before experiments, make a backup copy of your data. On some devices (for example, Samsung With Knox), using ADB may reset the counter. security.

4. Manual editing of the APK file (for experienced users)

The most radical method is change the icon directly in the APK file.. This will require:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Java i Apktool.
  • 📦 Backup copy of the original APK.
  • 🔧 Command line skills.

Instructions:

  1. Download the APK of the application (for example, via APK Extractor from Google Play).
  2. Extract the APK using Apktool: 
    apktool d your_application.apk
  3. Go to the folder res → find the icons in the subfolders drawable- or mipmap- (usually the files are called ic_launcher.png or ic_launcher_foreground.png).
  4. Replace the icon files with your own (keep the original resolution and format!).
  5. Collect the APK back: 
    apktool b your_application -o new_application.apk
  6. Sign the APK (use uber-apk-signer or jarsigner).
  7. Install the modified APK on your phone.

Important: The modified APK will not be updated via Google Play. When you update the original application, your edits will be reset. Also, some applications (for example, banking) are protected from modification and may refuse to work.

What to do if APK is not installed?

If the modified APK is not installed, check:

1. File signature (must be correct).

2. Android version (some APKs require a specific version).

3. (uninstall the original application before installation).

4. Security settings (allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security).

5. Replacing the icon using customizer applications

For users who do not want messing with ADB or editing APK, there are specialized applications like Icon Changer, Awesome Icons or X Icon Changer. They allow you to change icons without root, but with some restrictions.

How it works:

  • 📲 The application creates shortcut with a new icon on the desktop.
  • 🔗 The original application remains untouched.
  • 🎨 You can select icons from the gallery or built-in collections.

Example c X Icon Changer:

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Select the app whose icon you want to change.
  3. Upload a new image (resolution recommended 192×192 or 512×512).
  4. Create a shortcut on your desktop table.

Disadvantages of the method:

  • 📌 The shortcut takes up space on the desktop (the original icon remains in the application menu).
  • 🔄 When you delete the shortcut, access to the application through the new icon is lost.
  • 🚫 Some applications (for example, system ones) may not be supported.

Download the application from Google Play

Prepare a new image in PNG format

Make sure that the application is supported

Create a backup copy of the original icon (screenshot)

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6. Replacing the icon on rooted devices

If your phone has root access, the customization options expand. You can change the icons of system applications, edit files in /system/app or use modules for Magisk (for example, Iconify or Icon Pack Studio).

Instructions for rooted devices:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (for example Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to /data/app or /system/priv-app and find the application folder.
  3. Copy the original APK to computer, edit the icon (as in section 4) and replace the file.
  4. Change permissions to 644 (rw-r--r--).
  5. Restart the device.

Advantages:

  • 🔧 Full control over all icons, including system.
  • 🔄 Changes are saved after updates (if rights are configured correctly).

Risks:

  • 💀 Incorrect actions can lead to bootloop (loop loading).
  • 🔒 Some applications (for example, Google Pay) stop working on rooted devices.
  • 🛡️ The manufacturer's warranty is void.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Samsung Knox or Huawei ARK rooting may block access to some functions (for example, Samsung Pay or Secure Folder).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Method Difficulty Requires root Affects all applications Saves after updates
Launcher ⭐ ❌ No ❌ No (launcher only) ✅ Yes
Theme packages ⭐ ❌ No ❌ Partially ✅ Yes
ADB ⭐⭐⭐ ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No
Edit APK ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ❌ No ✅ Yes ❌ No
Customizer applications ⭐⭐ ❌ No ❌ No (shortcuts only) ✅ Yes
Root methods ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (with proper configuration)
💡

For most users, the optimal choice is launchers or theme packages. They do not require technical skills and. ADB and APK editing are suitable for experienced users, while root methods are suitable for enthusiasts who are willing to sacrifice a guarantee.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing icons on Android

Is it possible to change the icon of a system application (for example, “Settings” or “Phone”) without root?

Without root, it is impossible to completely replace the system application icon. However, you can:

  • Hide the original icon and create a shortcut with a new one through the launcher or customizer application.
  • Use ADB to create an alternative shortcut (but the original icon will remain in the application menu).

On devices with shells like MIUI or ColorOS sometimes disabling system applications through the settings helps, but this is not always safe.

Why does it reset after replacing the icon through the launcher?

This happens for several reasons reasons:

  • Updating the launcher or application.
  • Clearing the launcher cache (try restarting the launcher or rebooting the phone).
  • Conflict with other themes or settings.

Solution: check the settings launcher to reset to standard icons and disable automatic theme updates.

How to return the original icon?

The method depends on the replacement method:

  • Launcher/theme pack: reset the launcher settings or disable the theme.
  • ADB/customizer: delete the created shortcut.
  • Edited APK: reinstall the original application from Google Play.
  • Root methods: Restore the original APK from a backup.
Is it possible to change the icon for a specific user (in multi-user Android mode)?

Yes, but with limitations:

  • B in launchers (for example, Nova Launcher), icon settings are tied to the user profile.
  • ADB commands and APK editing are valid globally (for all users).
  • On some devices (for example, Samsung s Secure Folder) you can create duplicate applications with different icons.
Why are some icons in theme packages displayed incorrectly?

This is a typical problem associated with:

  • Incompatibility of the theme package with your launcher (check the list of supported launchers in the description themes).
  • Lack of an icon for a specific application in the package (theme developers cannot cover all apps).
  • Caching (try clearing the launcher cache in Settings → Applications).

Solution: manually replace the problematic ones icons through the launcher settings or contact the theme developer.