Changing the visual design of your smartphone is the first step towards personalizing the device, which allows you to turn a standard gadget into a unique tool that reflects your style. Owners of smartphones Huawei and Honorworking on the basis of shells EMUI or new HarmonyOSare often faced with the limitations of the standard launcher, which does not allow you to simply replace the icon of a specific application with a long press, as is implemented in the clean one. data-i="35">However, the absence of a direct “Change” button in the context menu does not mean the procedure is impossible. There are several proven methods, ranging from the official theme gallery to installing third-party shells that completely change the logic of the desktop. In this article, we will analyze all the available options, their pros and cons, and also answer the question of how to do this without losing the functionality of widgets and folders. Android.
However, the absence of a direct “Change” button in the context menu does not mean the procedure is impossible. There are several proven methods, ranging from the official theme gallery to installing third-party shells that completely change the logic of the desktop. In this article we will analyze all the available options, their pros and cons, and also answer the question of how to do this without losing the functionality of widgets and folders.
It is important to understand that EMUI shell has a deeply integrated security system that blocks direct editing of system files without root access, so most secure methods are based on creating an “add-on” or using system functions theming. You will learn not only to change pictures, but also to adapt the interface to your needs, making navigation more intuitive.
⚠️ Attention: Shell interfaces EMUI and HarmonyOS are regularly updated. The location of menu items may vary slightly depending on the software version and model of your device.
Using the official "Themes" application
The easiest and safest way to change the appearance of the interface is to use the built-in system application Themes (or Themes). This method does not require the installation of additional software and guarantees stable operation of all system functions, since theme packages are tested for compatibility with your version of the operating system.
First, open the application Themes on the desktop. In the bottom menu, select the tab Collections or Categories, where you will often find sections with names like “Icons”, “Style” or “Minimalism”. Here you can find both free and paid sets that will replace the entire icon pack at once, rather than selectively.
If you only want to change certain apps, this method may seem limited, but it's ideal for those who want to completely update visual style devices. After downloading the theme, click the button Apply, and the system will automatically replace all standard images with new ones that match the selected design.
It is worth noting that some themes may not have analogues for all apps you have installed, in which case the system will leave standard icons or use a universal template. This creates some visual heterogeneity, which is difficult to correct without the use of more advanced tools.
Creating shortcuts through the Themes application
Unlike global theme change, the application Themes has hidden functionality for creating application shortcuts with a modified design. This method allows you to selectively edit the appearance of specific apps, leaving the rest unchanged, which gives greater control over personalization.
Go into the application Themes and go to the profile (usually the person icon in the lower right corner). Select item Application shortcuts (sometimes called Create shortcut). Here you will see a list of all installed apps. Select the desired application, click on it and select an image from the gallery or suggested options.
- 🎨 You can download any image from your phone's memory, having first cropped it to the desired format.
- 📱 The system will automatically apply anti-aliasing effects so that the picture looks organic on the desktop.
- 🔄 The old shortcut will be replaced with a new one, but the application itself will remain in its place in the list of apps.
The main advantage of this method is preserving the original structure of the desktop. You don't need to get used to the new arrangement of elements, only the visual markers change. However, the method has a significant disadvantage: a new shortcut is created, rather than the old one being edited, so widgets or live icons (for example, displaying the number of unread messages) may stop updating on the new icon.
To create a high-quality shortcut, use images with a transparent background (PNG format) so that they look good on any wallpaper background.
Using third-party launchers
If the built-in tools Huawei seem too limited for you, the best solution would be to install a third-party launcher. Third-party launcher is an application that completely replaces the standard desktop, providing advanced customization options, including detailed editing of each icon.
Popular options are Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher. After installing such an application and making it the default one, you get full control over the desktop grid, animation and, of course, graphic elements. To change the icon, just long press on the application and select Edit or Edit.
In the menu that opens, you can select an image from the gallery, take an icon from the installed icon pack (set of icons) or even use emoji. This provides endless possibilities for creativity. In addition, many launchers allow you to hide standard shortcuts, creating a completely clean and unique interface.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a third-party launcher, some system functions, such as Smart Folder or gesture controls, may not work correctly or require additional configuration in the accessibility menu.
Using the Shortcut Maker application
For those who do not want to completely change their desktop, but need the flexibility of third-party launchers, there is an excellent solution - the application Shortcut Maker. This is a utility specially designed for creating custom shortcuts, folders and even widgets from scratch, and it works great on devices Huawei.
The principle of operation is simple: you open Shortcut Maker, select the type of object to be created (Application), find the desired app in the list. Next, in the “Icon” section, you can choose a ready-made set, upload your own image, or even create a gradient background with text. After setting all the parameters, press the button Create shortcut.
The advantage of this method is its versatility. You can create shortcuts that lead not just to launching the application, but to a specific function within it (for example, directly to creating a new contact or to a specific site in the browser). This improves performance and speeds up access to frequently used actions.
☑️ Check before installing the launcher
Comparison of methods for changing icons
To make it easier for you to choose the appropriate method, we have prepared a comparison table. It will help you weigh the pros and cons of each method, taking into account your priorities: safety, beauty or functionality.
| Method | Complexity | Flexibility | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official themes | Low | Low (sets only) | Minimal |
| Shortcuts in “Topics” | Average | Average (one at a time) | Minimum |
| Third-party launcher | High | Maximum | Replaces the desktop |
| Shortcut Maker | Medium | High | Creates duplicate shortcuts |
As can be seen from the table, for most users the optimal balance is to use the built-in shortcut editor or application Shortcut Maker. They allow you to achieve the desired result without deep intervention in the operation of the operating system.
Why did the notification badge disappear after changing the icon?
When creating a new shortcut, the system often perceives it as a separate object not related to the original application. Therefore, the counter of unread messages (badge) will not be displayed. To see notifications, you will have to leave the original shortcut or use a launcher that supports this function.
Possible problems and their solutions
During the customization process, you may encounter a number of difficulties. For example, after applying the theme, the icons became too large or, conversely, small, or white squares appeared around them that were not there before. This can be solved through the screen settings: go to Settings → Desktop and wallpaper → Style and select the “No background” option or change the grid size.
Another common problem is the inability to delete a created shortcut in the usual way. If you used Shortcut Maker or the built-in editor, you need to delete a new shortcut in the same way as any regular application: by long pressing and selecting the item Delete. However, the original application will remain in the menu of all apps.
Sometimes users complain that after updating the system, all settings were lost. This is normal behavior, as major updates firmware can reset user modifications to the interface. In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated, so it makes sense to save the original icon images in a separate folder.
The most stable result is obtained by using official themes, while third-party launchers provide maximum freedom of action, but they require time to set up.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the icons of system applications (Phone, Messages)?
Yes, this is possible through third-party launchers or by creating a new shortcut through the app Themes or Shortcut Maker. However, standard system icons can be protected from direct replacement without superuser rights.
Is it safe to install third-party launchers on Huawei?
Yes, if you download them from official stores AppGallery or Google Play. Popular launchers like Nova or Microsoft Launcher have been tested by millions of users and do not contain malicious code.
Why do new icons look blurry?
This happens if the original image has a low resolution. For application icons, it is recommended to use images of at least 512x512 pixels in size, and better 1024x1024.
Will the theme be reset after you restart the phone?
No, applied themes and created shortcuts are saved in the device memory and do not require re-installation after turning off or restarting the smartphone.