Personalization is one of the main advantages of the platform Android over its competitors. Many users, immediately after purchasing a new smartphone, are faced with the desire to change the standard, sometimes boring interface to something more unique and convenient. The standard launcher (shell) often offers limited capabilities, but the system allows you to flexibly customize the appearance of the desktop, icons and application menus.
Changing the appearance of app icons affects not only the aesthetics, but also the ergonomics of using the device. The correctly selected shape, color or size of an element can speed up the search for the desired utility and make interaction with the gadget more pleasant. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods for transforming the interface: from standard settings to installing third-party apps.
Built-in desktop appearance settings
Before installing additional software, it is worth exploring the capabilities of your current shell. Smartphone manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Samsung or Huaweioften embed their own themes and editors directly into the system. To access them, it is usually enough to make a long tap (press) on an empty space on the desktop.
In the menu that opens you will find the item Settings or Wallpaper and style. Here you can change the grid size, which will directly affect the appearance of your applications. Increasing the number of cells will make the icons smaller, but will allow you to fit more elements on one screen. Reducing the grid, on the contrary, will make the icons larger and more noticeable.
Some shells allow you to change the shape of icons without third-party apps. For example, in the theme settings you can choose round, square or drip icons. This change applies to all apps at once, creating a consistent visual style. If your model supports Always On Display, styling may also affect the lock screen.
⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with stock Android (for example, Google Pixel or Motorola), built-in customization options may be very limited. In such cases, the system relies on third-party launchers for deep customization.
Changing the launcher as a radical change method
The most effective way to completely transform the appearance of applications is to install an alternative launcher. This is a specialized application that replaces the standard desktop, application menu and notification panel. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher.
After installing and launching the new launcher, the system will prompt you to select it as the default application. Select the option you want and click Always. Now when you press the Home button you will be taken to the new interface. Most modern launchers allow you to fine-tune the indentation, animation of opening folders, and the style of the Dock panel (the bottom line with favorites).
Particular attention should be paid to customizing the application grid. In advanced launchers, you can set an individual number of rows and columns for the desktop and for the application menu separately. This gives you the freedom to place large weather widgets next to small utilities without disturbing the overall harmony.
☑️ Selecting a new launcher
It is important to understand that changing the launcher does not delete your data or the applications themselves. This is just a change in the way they are displayed. You can always return to the factory shell by going to the phone settings and resetting the default application in the “Default Applications” section.
Using icon packs for a unique style
If you are satisfied with the functionality of the current desktop, but are not happy with the design of the icons, Icon Packs will come to the rescue. The store Google Play has thousands of sets available in various styles: from minimalism and neon to realistic 3D images.
To use such a package, your current launcher must support this function. Standard shells from many brands have built-in support, but sometimes you need to install a special plugin. After downloading the set of icons, go to the launcher settings, find the section Appearance or Icon style and select the downloaded package.
Not all icons in the package can automatically be replaced. Some rare applications will remain with the standard icon. In this case, many launchers allow you to change the icon manually: long-tap on the icon, select “Edit” and click on the image to select a new style from the installed package.
⚠️ Attention: High-quality icon packs from famous designers are often paid. Free analogues may contain advertising or have an incomplete set of graphics for popular services.
What to do if the icon does not change?
If automatic replacement does not work, try clearing the launcher cache in the phone settings. Sometimes the system requires a reboot to pick up the new graphic resources of the package.
Adjusting the size and transparency of icons
The visual perception of the interface greatly depends on the scale of the elements. In the settings of most launchers there is a slider Icon scale. By increasing it, you make applications more visible, which is useful for users with low vision or on high-resolution screens.
You can also adjust the transparency of the labels under the icons or hide them altogether. This creates the effect of a “clean” desktop, where only graphic images of apps are visible. This approach is often used in minimalist design themes.
| Setting option | Impact on the interface | Where to look for the setting |
|---|---|---|
| Grid size | Number of applications on the screen | Desktop settings |
| Icon scale | Visual size of the icon inside the cell | Appearance settings |
| Padding | Distance between applications | Advanced grid settings |
| Animation | Speed and smoothness of menu opening | Animation settings |
By experimenting with indents, you can achieve the effect of “air” in the interface. A too-tight layout can make it difficult to press with your finger, especially on devices with small screens. The optimal distance is considered to be one that allows you to confidently hit the target without touching neighboring elements.
To create the effect of “floating” icons, try setting dark wallpapers and using translucent icon packs. This will add depth to the interface.
Hiding applications and creating folders
Sometimes changing the appearance of applications means not only decorating them, but also organizing the space. Removing rarely used apps from the Home screen helps you focus on what's important. You can move them to the application menu or hide them completely.
The function of hiding applications (App Hider) is available in many shells. Hidden apps disappear from the desktop and from the general list, but remain installed on the system. You can find them only through a special settings section or by typing a secret code in the dialer.
Grouping applications into folders is another way to organize the view. You can drag one icon onto another to create a folder. Inside a folder, you can change the order of elements, assign a name to the folder itself, and even change the background color. Some launchers allow you to stack folders on top of each other.
For frequently used utilities, it is convenient to use widgets. They take up more space than a regular icon, but provide quick access to functions (such as turning on a flashlight or viewing the weather) without opening the application itself.
⚠️ Attention: Hiding system applications may cause your phone to not work properly. Do not hide apps whose purpose you do not know, especially those related to networking or security.
Advanced customization through ADB and third-party utilities
For users who want to go beyond the standard settings, there are more complex methods. Using USB debugging and commands ADB allows you to change system parameters that are hidden from the average user. This requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.
Using special commands, you can forcefully change the screen density (dpi), which will globally affect the size of all interface elements, including text and navigation buttons. However, this method is dangerous: an incorrect value can make the interface unreadable.
adb shell wm density 480There are also utilities that allow you to change the font of system notifications and application names. This requires presence root access in some cases, but many modern tools work without them, using special accessibility permissions.
Deep system modification via ADB gives maximum freedom, but carries the risk of turning the phone into a “brick” if there is an error in the command. Always check the values before entering.
Remember that any deep customization must be justified. Often it is enough just to choose the right wallpaper and a high-quality icon pack to make your phone look like a completely new device, without the risk of compromising system stability.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does changing the launcher affect the speed of the phone?
High-quality launchers are optimized and work quickly. However, heavy shells with a lot of animations can consume more RAM, which on older devices can lead to slight delays.
Is it possible to return everything as it was if you don’t like the new look?
Yes, absolutely. Just remove the installed launcher or icon pack. The system will automatically return to the standard desktop. If you changed the settings inside the standard theme, you can reset them in the themes menu.
Why do some icons not change after installing the package?
This happens if the author of the icon package did not draw a unique icon for a specific application. In this case, the system displays a standard icon. Many launchers allow you to replace it manually by selecting any similar icon from the set.
Is it safe to download themes from third-party sites?
You should only download themes and icon packs from the official store Google Play or verified repositories. Files from unverified sources may contain malicious code masquerading as design elements.
How to change the appearance of application folders?
In most launchers, when opening a folder, you can click on its name or background to change the color, shape, or add background blur. In stock shells, these options are often limited to a choice of multiple colors.