Standard application icons on Android become boring over time - especially if you have been using your smartphone for several years. Fortunately, the system offers many ways to change them: from basic launcher settings to deep customization via ADB or third-party utilities. But not all methods are equally safe and universal.

In this article we will examine 7 proven methods how to change icons on an Android smartphone, including solutions for devices without root access and with limited settings (for example, on Xiaomi or Samsung with proprietary shells). You'll learn how to apply themed icon packs, create your own icons, or even revert to the default look if an experiment doesn't work out. And also what pitfalls await when using unofficial methods.

We warn you right away: some methods require technical skills or can lead to system failures. But don’t worry - we noted all the risky steps and offered alternatives for beginners.

📊 How often do you change the appearance of your smartphone?
Once a month
Several times a year
Only when buying a new one
Never changed

1. Using themes (the easiest way)

Most modern Android smartphones support design themesthat automatically change application icons, wallpapers and even fonts. This method does not require the installation of additional apps and works on devices Samsung (One UI), Xiaomi (MIUI), Oppo (ColorOS) and other brands with proprietary shells.

To apply a theme:

  1. Open Settings → Appearance → Themes (item name can differ).
  2. Select the theme you like from those offered or download a new one in Theme Store.
  3. Click Apply - icons will change automatically.

✅ Pros: fast, secure, does not require root access.

❌ Cons: the selection of icons is limited to available themes, not all applications are supported.

💡

On Samsung Galaxy you can combine elements of different topics. For example, take icons from one theme and wallpaper from another. To do this, in the theme settings, select Settings → Mix with another theme

2. Changing icons through the launcher (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If standard themes do not suit you, install third-party launcher a app that replaces the standard Android interface. Popular options: Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Lawnchair. They allow you to install icon packs from Google Play or create your own icons.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

  • 📱 Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one (at the first start the system will offer to do this).
  • 🎨 Download the one you like icon pack (for example, Whicons, CandyCons or Fluid).
  • 🔧 Go to the launcher settings: Long press on the desktop → Settings → Appearance → Icon style.
  • 🖼️ Select the installed icon pack and apply the changes.

🔹 Additional features:

  • 🎯 Changing the shape of icons (round, square, adaptive).
  • 🖌️ Setting the size and padding between icons.
  • 🔄 Ability to return standard icons in one click.

Download the launcher from the official store|Make a backup copy of the current settings|Check the compatibility of the icon pack with your version of Android|Disable battery optimization for the launcher-->

⚠️ Attention: Some icon packs may not support all installed applications. In this case, the icons will remain standard or will be cut off. Before purchasing a paid pack, check its compatibility. description.

3. Manual replacement of icons through "Shortcuts" (without root)

If you need to change the icon for only a few applications, you can do without launchers. Android allows you to create custom shortcuts with any images. This method works for all. devices, including Google Pixel with pure Android.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Find in Google Play an application for creating icons, for example Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker.
  2. Select the application for which you want to change the icon.
  3. Upload your own image (you can download it from the Internet or take a screenshot).
  4. Create a shortcut on the desktop - the original icon will remain in the application menu, but will be displayed on the screen new.

📌 Where can I get icons?

  • 🌐 Sites like Flaticon or Icons8 (look for icons in the format .png with a transparent background).
  • 🎨 Create your icon in Canva or Figma (recommended size - 192×192 pixels).
  • 📱 Use ready-made packs from Google Play (even if you don't install the launcher, you can extract the icons through the file manager).
What to do if the new icon looks blurry?

Blurriness occurs due to incorrect image resolution. The optimal size for Android icons is 192x192 pixels. If your image is smaller, stretching will result. to loss of quality. Also make sure that the background is transparent (.png format), otherwise there will be a white square around the icon.

4. Changing icons via ADB (for advanced users)

If you are ready to dive into technical details, you can change the icons of system applications via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). involves working with the command line. Suitable only for Android 10 and newer - on older versions the system may block changes.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with ADB drivers i installed Platform Tools.
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
  • 📁 Ready-made icons in format .png (the file name must match the original name of the icon in APK).

Commands for replacement (example for the application Google Play Market): 

adb shell

pm path com.android.vending # find the path to APK


pull /data/app/com.android.vending-1/base.apk # copy APK on PC


Change the icon in the APK through the APK Editor, then:


adb install -r base.apk # install the modified APK

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can lead to application failures or even bricking of the device. We recommend that you first test the method on a non-system application. (for example, a calculator). Also note that after updating the application via Google Play your changes will be reset.

💡

The ADB approach is suitable for enthusiasts who want to change the icons of system applications (for example, “Settings” or “Phone”). For regular applications it is easier. use the launcher or manual replacement via shortcuts.

5. Installing custom firmware (for advanced users)

If you want full control over the appearance of Android, including icons, consider installing custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Paranoid Android. These firmwares often include:

  • 🎨 Built-in themes with unique icons.
  • 🔧 Advanced launcher settings (including adaptive icons).
  • 🔄 Ability to change system icons without ADB.

🔧 What is needed for installation:

  1. Unlocked bootloader (on some devices this resets the data!).
  2. Installed custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
  3. Suitable firmware for your model (check on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA).

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may lead to data loss and unstable operation of the device. On some models (for example, Samsung c Knox) this will also block access to Samsung Pay and other protected functions.

Firmware Theme support Requires root Installation complexity
LineageOS ✅ (built-in + third-party) ❌ Average
Pixel Experience ✅ (style Pixel) ❌ Low
Paranoid Android ✅ (advanced customization) ❌ High
MIUI (custom builds) ✅ (Xiaomi themes) ✅ (for some functions) Average

6. Applications for dynamic icons (Icon Pack Studio, X Icon Changer)

If you want to create unique icons your own style, use specialized applications:

  • 🎨 Icon Pack Studio — allows you to design your own icon packs from scratch or edit existing ones.
  • 🔄 X Icon Changer — changes icons via ADB, but with a convenient graphical interface.
  • 🖼️ Iconizer —automatically selects icons from installed packs for new applications.

📌 Example of work in Icon Pack Studio:

  1. Select the basic shape of the icon (circle, square, rounded rectangle).
  2. Download the application logo or select from the library.
  3. Adjust colors, shadows and effects.
  4. Export the pack and apply through the launcher.

✨ Ideas for customization:

  • 🌈 Gradient icons — choose colors to match the wallpaper.
  • 🖤 Minimalistic style —plain icons with barely visible logos.
  • 🎮 Gamer design — icons in the style PlayStation or Xbox.

7. Returning standard icons (if something went wrong)

Experiments with appearance sometimes end unsuccessfully: icons become blurry, are not displayed, or conflict with the shell. You can return everything “as it was” in several ways:

🔄 For launchers:

  • Open the launcher settings (for example, Nova) and select Reset settings.
  • Delete the current icon pack and reboot the device.

📱 For system themes:

  • Go to Settings → Appearance → Themes and select the standard theme.
  • On Samsung you can reset the theme settings via Settings → General management → Reset → Reset theme settings.

🚨 If the icons disappeared or became white:

⚠️ Attention: This is a sign of a failure launcher cache. Try:
  1. Reboot your device.
  2. Clear the launcher cache in Settings → Applications → [Your launcher] → Memory → Clear cache.
  3. If the problem persists, reinstall the launcher.

🔧 For ADB changes:

  • Remove the modified APK and install the original version from Google Play.
  • If you replaced the system application, you may need to reset to factory settings (but this is a last resort case!).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing icons on Android

Is it possible to change icons without a launcher and root access?

Yes, but the choice will be limited. You can:

  • Use standard themes (if they are supported by your device).
  • Create custom shortcuts through applications like Shortcut Maker.
  • Install alternative versions of applications (for example, Google Chrome has themed icons in some assemblies).

However, for complete freedom you will still need a launcher or ADB.

Why did the icon reset after updating the application?

This is normal behavior: when updating via Google Play the application is reinstalled, and all modifications (including changed icons) are reset. To avoid this:

  • Disable auto-update for this application in Google Play.
  • Use a launcher with a function of “fixing” icons (for example, Nova Launcher can save settings even after updates).
  • For system applications, apply changes via ADB after each updates.
How to make the icons automatically adjust to the wallpaper?

Some launchers (for example, Lawnchair or Before Launcher) support dynamic iconsthat change color depending on the wallpaper. To do this:

  1. Install a launcher with support Dynamic Colors (on Android 12+).
  2. Enable the option Adaptive icons in the settings launcher.
  3. Select wallpaper with a predominant color - the icons will adapt to them.

On Samsung a similar function is called Color palette and works in standard launcher One UI.

Is it possible to change icons in the application menu (and not just on the desktop)?

It depends on the launcher:

  • Standard Android launcher: no, icons in the application menu can only be changed through themes or ADB.
  • Nova Launcher: yes, if you enable the option Icons in the application menu in the settings.
  • Lawnchair: supports changing icons both in the menu and on the desktop table.

On devices Xiaomi i Samsung the application menu is often tied to the system launcher, so changing it may require disabling the standard shell.

Is it safe to install icon packs from unknown sources?

Risks depend on the source:

  • 🛡️ Google Play: relatively safe, but read reviews - some packs may contain advertising.
  • 🌐 Third-party sites (APK): high risk of viruses. Before installation, check files through VirusTotal.
  • 📁 Manually downloading icons: safe if you download only images (.png, .svg) without executable files.

🔍 Signs of a dangerous pack: asks for permission to SMS, contacts or access files for no reason. Also avoid packs that require you to disable Google Play Protect.