Standard application icons on Android often look boring or don’t fit in to your style. Fortunately, you can replace them with own photoslogos or unique images without complex manipulations - even without superuser rights (ROOT). This instruction is suitable for most modern smartphones: from Samsung Galaxy to Xiaomi Redmi and Google Pixel.

We will consider 5 proven methods - from simple (using launchers) to advanced (via ADB or third-party utilities). You'll learn how to get around manufacturer restrictions, which image formats work best, and why some icons may reset after updates. And also - how to return everything back if you don’t like the result.

Important: the process does not require technical skills, but on some devices (for example Huawei or OnePlusthere may be additional restrictions due to proprietary shells. In this case, an alternative approach will help - read on.

Why are standard icons not changed directly?

Android by default blocks the replacement of application icons through system settings. This is due to:

  • 🔒 Security: manufacturers are afraid that users will install malicious images masquerading as icons.
  • 🎨 Uniformity interface: branded shells (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS) strive to maintain a recognizable design.
  • 📱 Limitations of the launcher: the standard application launcher (for example, Pixel Launcher or Samsung Experience) does not support customization.

However, you can bypass these limitations using third-party launchers, special applications or manual edits via ADB. Below are details about each method.

📊 How often do you change the interface design of your smartphone?
Once every month
Once every six months
Never changed
Only after buying a new phone

Method 1: Using custom launchers (the simplest method)

The fastest and safest method is install alternative launcher with support for changing icons. Popular options:

  • 📱 Nova Launcher (paid version allows you to change icons for each application separately).
  • 🎨 Apex Launcher (free, with support for icon packs).
  • ⚡ Lawnchair (lightweight open source launcher).
  • 🔧 Action Launcher (allows you to customize adaptive icons).

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

  1. Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as the main one.
  2. Press and hold your finger on the application icon → select Edit.
  3. Tap on the icon → Gallery → select your photo.
  4. Confirm the changes.

Optimal size - 192×192 or 256×256 pixels

Format - PNG (transparent background) or JPEG

Crop off unnecessary details in an editor (for example, Snapseed)

Save a copy of the original in case of an error

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⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi s MIUI 14), the launcher may be reset after a system update. To avoid this, disable automatic update of the launcher in Settings → Applications.

Method 2: Applications for replacing icons (without ROOT)

If the launcher is not suitable, try specialized ones utilities:

  • 🖼️ Icon Changer — allows you to replace icons with any images from the gallery.
  • 🔄 Awesome Icons —offers ready-made icon packs + the ability to upload your own.
  • 🎭 X Icon Changer —supports adaptive icons (for Android 8.0+).

Instructions for Icon Changer:

  1. Download the application from Google Play.
  2. Open it and select the application whose icon you want to change.
  3. Click Select image → select a file from the gallery.
  4. Confirm the creation of the shortcut (the original icon will remain in the application menu).
Application Requires ROOT? Support for adaptive icons Cost
Nova Launcher No Yes Free (Premium - $4.99)
Icon Changer No No Free (with advertising)
Awesome Icons No Yes Paid ($2.99)
X Icon Changer No Yes Free

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, Awesome Icons) may request permission to Overlay on top of other windows. This is necessary for operation, but disable it after configuration if you do not use the function constantly.

💡

If after replacing the icon looks blurry, check the resolution of the original image. The optimal aspect ratio is 1:1 (for example, 512x512 pixels).

Method 3: Manual change via ADB (for advanced)

If you are ready to experiment, you can change the icons directly via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method works without ROOT, but requires connection to a PC.

Steps:

  1. Turn on USB debugging in Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → For developers.
  2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm trust in the device.
  3. Open the command line (cmd) and enter:
adb shell pm set-install-location 2

adb pull /data/app/[application_package]-1/base.apk

Next:

  1. Open base.apk in the archiver (for example, 7-Zip) and find the folder res/drawable.
  2. Replace the icon files (usually called ic_launcher.png) with yours.
  3. Collect the APK back and install via adb install base.apk.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions can lead to k app crash or data reset. We recommend that you first create a backup copy of the APK.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

Make sure that the drivers for your smartphone are installed (download from the website manufacturer).

Try another USB cable (preferably the original one).

Restart your phone and PC.

Turn on the "Charge only" mode and select "File transfer" again when connecting.

Method 4: Creating shortcuts with custom icons

If the previous methods did not work, you can use a trick - create shortcuts with your icons and hide the original applications.

How to do it:

  1. Install application Shortcut Maker from Google Play.
  2. Select the application for which you want to change the icon.
  3. Click Create shortcut → Change icon → select your image.
  4. Move the shortcut to the home screen, and the original icon to a folder or disable it in the launcher settings.

Pros of the method:

  • ✅ Works on any device, including Huawei i Oppo.
  • ✅ Does not require ROOT or ADB.
  • ✅ You can return everything back in one click.

Cons:

  • ❌ There will be shortcuts on the main screen, and not real icons (can be confusing).
  • ❌ Some widgets will stop working.
💡

Shortcuts are the most versatile method, but they do not replace the original icons in the application menu.

Method 5: Using themes and icon packs

If you don’t need your own photo, but unique styleis enough, try ready-made themes:

  • 🎨 Whicons —minimalistic white icons.
  • 🌈 CandyCons —bright colored icons.
  • ▫️ Minima —black and white icons with accent colors.

How to apply:

  1. Install the launcher (for example, Nova or Apex).
  2. Download your favorite icon pack from Google Play.
  3. In the launcher settings, select Themes icons → apply the downloaded package.

⚠️ Attention: On Samsung s One UI some icon packs may not be displayed correctly due to the proprietary shell. Before purchasing, check the compatibility in the reviews.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing icons, users encounter typical errors:

Problem Cause Solution
Icon resets after reboot The launcher or application does not save settings Update the launcher or use Nova Launcher Prime
The image is blurry or stretched Inappropriate resolution Use PNG 192x192 or 256×256 pixels
Not all icons change System applications are blocked Try it ADB or create shortcuts
The icon is not updated in the menu applications The launcher cache is not cleared Reboot the phone or clear the launcher cache

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • 📵 Manufacturer restrictions: on Huawei i some Xiaomi customization is blocked at the firmware level.
  • 🔒 Security Policy: work phones (for example, with Knox) can block changes.
  • 📱 Android version: On Android 12+ adaptive icons behave differently.
💡

If you are using Samsung DeX desktop mode, the replaced icons may not display correctly. In this case, create a separate profile. launcher for desktop mode.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to return standard icons after replacement?

Yes. In launchers like Nova just click on the icon. → Reset. If you used ADB, reinstall the original application. For shortcuts, simply remove them from the main screen.

Why can’t I change the icons on my Xiaomi?

MIUI limits customization. Try:

  1. Install Nova Launcher and disable the standard launcher.
  2. Use Icon Changer to create shortcuts.
  3. Unblock Bootloader and flash custom firmware (for advanced users).
Is it possible to change icons without installing additional applications?

On most devices, no. Exception: some firmware (for example, LineageOS) support customization out of the box. data-i="248">with Samsung With One UI 5.0+ you can change icons via Themes, but the choice is limited.

Will replacing icons work after updating Android?

Depends from the method:

  • Launchers (Nova, Apex) - usually save the settings.
  • ADB-method - may be reset if the update overwrites the APK.
  • Shortcuts - remain, but may require re-configuration.

We recommend making backup copies before major updates.

Is it possible to replace icons of system applications (for example, Phone or Messages)?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • Through launchers - no problem.
  • Via ADB —possible, but risky (may cause the application to crash).
  • On Samsung/Huawei system icons are often protected.

It is better to use shortcuts or themes.