The brand's smartphones Vivo are known for their unique visual shell style Funtouch OS or OriginOS (depending on the region). However, even the most well-thought-out standard solutions become boring over time, and users have a natural desire to personalize the device. Changing the appearance of your desktop is the easiest and most effective way to make your smartphone truly your own.
Unlike many other manufacturers, Vivo provides built-in tools for deep customization that do not require obtaining root access or complex flashing. The system allows you to change not only the wallpaper, but also entire packs of application icons. This process is intuitive, but has its own nuances depending on the software version.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for changing icons: from using the official theme store to installing third-party launchers. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes when setting up and where to look for quality content to update the interface of your gadget.
Built-in personalization capabilities in Funtouch OS
The first and most logical step is to use standard system tools. The Vivo shell has a pre-installed application iThemethat serves as a central hub for all visual content. Here you can find thousands of ready-made solutions adapted specifically to the screen resolution and menu style of your devices.
To get started, find an application on your desktop called iTheme or “Themes”. After launch, go to the “Profile” or “My Resources” section if you have already downloaded something before. Use the Store or Featured tab to find new options. Selection algorithms often suggest content based on your download history.
The process of applying a new theme usually affects not only icons, but also wallpaper, notification sounds, and notification shade style. If your goal is to change only application icons, you will need to select the "Customize Theme" option before applying or download a separate icon pack if it is available in your region.
⚠️ Note: In some regions (for example, Russia or Europe), the theme store may be limited or have a reduced catalog compared to the Chinese version of the firmware. If you do not find the options you need, this may be due to geographic restrictions of the service.
It is important to understand that the standard shell Funtouch OS has its limitations. Not all third-party themes support a full set of icons for all applications you have installed. Often you can see that the icons of instant messengers have changed, but the icons of system utilities remain standard.
Before downloading a heavy theme with many animations, check the amount of free RAM. Excessive graphical load can lead to micro-lags on smartphones with 4 GB of RAM or less.
Using third-party launchers for complete freedom
If the built-in capabilities seem insufficient to you, the best solution would be to install a third-party launcher. This application replaces the standard desktop, giving full control over the grid of icons, gestures and animations. Popular solutions like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchair work perfectly on Vivo devices.
After installing the launcher, the system will automatically prompt you to select an application for the home screen. You need to click "Always" or select a new launcher in the default settings. After this, you will have access to advanced appearance settings that do not depend on the restrictions of the smartphone manufacturer.
Third-party launchers allow you to assign custom icons for each application individually. You can download the icon pack from Google Play and apply it in the launcher settings, or manually select an image from the gallery for a specific shortcut. This gives maximum flexibility in creating a unique design.
- 🎨 Nova Launcher - a classic choice with a huge number of grid and gesture customizations.
- 🚀 Microsoft Launcher - integrates perfectly with the Windows ecosystem and has beautiful daily wallpapers.
- 🌿 Lawnchair - a lightweight launcher that simulates pure Android (Pixel UI), ideal for minimalists.
- 🛠️ Smart Launcher —automatically sorts applications into categories, saving you time.
It is worth noting that when using a third-party launcher, some proprietary Vivo functions, such as specific control gestures or smart screen widgets, may not work correctly or become inaccessible. This is a compromise made for the sake of complete visual freedom.
Step-by-step guide for changing icons through settings
For those who do not want to install additional applications, there is a manual replacement method through the system menu, available in the latest firmware versions. This method allows you to change the icon for a specific application without changing the entire theme.
First, you need to hold your finger on an empty space on the desktop to bring up the edit menu. In the list that appears, select Desktop settings or Icon style. In some versions OriginOS this option is included in a separate “Styles” application.
Next follow the algorithm: find the application whose icon you want to replace. A long press on a shortcut will often bring up a context menu where there may be a “Change Icon” button (pencil or palette). If there is no such button, go to the launcher settings through the general phone settings menu.
☑️ Icon replacement algorithm
After selecting a new image, the system will apply the changes instantly. If you choose a picture from the gallery, make sure it is in a square format and high resolution to avoid blur when scaling.
| Method | Complexity | Flexibility | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shop themes (iTheme) | Low | Medium | Minimum |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | High | Replaces desktop |
| Manual replacement | High | Spot | Absent |
| Change via PC (ADB) | Very high | Maximum | Requires debugging |
Keep in mind that manual replacement through standard settings may be reset after updating the system or clearing the launcher cache. For permanent results, it is better to use specialized applications or launchers.
Where to find high-quality icon packs and themes
The quality of visualization directly depends on the source of the content. The official store Vivo Theme Store guarantees compatibility, but often offers paid content or watermarked options in the free version. Alternative sources may offer more recent and interesting designs.
One of the best sources is the store Google Play. Search for “Icon Pack” and filter the results by rating. Many developers create universal packs that work on top of any launcher. Pay attention to the number of downloads and the date of the last update.
There are also specialized forums and communities, such as XDA Developers or thematic channels in Telegram. There, enthusiasts share modified themes in which system icons for settings, battery and network status have been changed, which cannot be done using standard means.
⚠️ Attention: By downloading themes and icon packs from third-party sites (not from official stores), you risk installing malware. Always scan files with an antivirus before installing APK files.
When searching, pay attention to the license. Some authors require a donation for the use of their work for commercial purposes or simply as a token of gratitude for their work. Respect for copyright supports the development of a community of content creators.
How to install a theme manually from a .mtz file?
Files with the .mtz extension are intended for the MIUI shell, but some of them can be adapted for Vivo through special converters or theme emulator applications, but this requires root access and can lead to unstable operation of the system. Without root access, installing third-party theme files is impossible.
Compatibility issues and common errors
Not all icons fit perfectly on the desktop. A common problem is the appearance of standard gray icons for applications that were not taken into account by the theme author. This happens because the icon pack does not have a graphical image for a specific application.
In such cases, high-quality launchers allow you to configure a “mask” for unsupported icons. You can choose the shape (circle, square, rounded square) and background color so that unused icons look harmonious and do not stand out from the overall style.
Another common mistake is the size of the icons not matching the desktop grid. If the icons are too large or small, go to the launcher settings and find the setting Grid size or Scale Icon. Choose a value at which the interface looks balanced.
Sometimes after changing the theme, the signature under the icons (application name) disappears. This is not a bug, but a feature of some minimalist themes. You can return signatures in the desktop settings by enabling the option Show application names.
- ⚙️ Check the screen resolution in the settings if the icons look stretched.
- 🔄 Reboot the device after installing the heavy theme to apply all the resources.
- 📂 Make sure you have enough disk space to cache the new theme's graphics.
If you notice rapid battery drain after changing the interface, the new theme may contain live wallpapers or complex animations that constantly load the processor. In this case, you should return to a static image.
Icon compatibility depends not on the phone model, but on the version of the shell and the installed launcher. Universal packs work wherever there is support for third-party themes.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about customizing icons on Vivo
Is it possible to change the icons of system applications (Settings, Phone) without root?
Yes, this is possible through the use of third-party launchers that intercept the display of shortcuts. However, in some deep system menus, original icons may be displayed, since they are hardwired into the system partition, access to which is limited.
Why were my icons reset after updating Android?
Major operating system updates often reset the launcher or theme settings to factory settings to ensure stability. It is recommended to make a backup copy of your launcher settings before updating the software.
Is it safe to use applications for changing icons from the Play Market?
Applications from the official Google Play store undergo security checks and are generally safe. They do not require special permissions, except access to the storage to load resources and the “On top of other windows” right for the launcher to work.
How to get all the icons back if you don’t like the new design?
Go to your phone settings, find the “Desktop” section or open the themes application. Select the standard “Default” theme or remove the third-party launcher in the application settings menu to return the system to its original state.
Does changing icons affect the performance of a Vivo smartphone?
Static icons themselves do not affect performance. However, using launchers with many widgets and animated wallpapers can increase RAM consumption and battery power, especially on budget models.