Modern smartphone users strive for maximum personalization of their device, turning a faceless gadget into a reflection of their own style. One of the most popular tasks in this process is customizing application icons, including social network VKontakte. The standard blue icon can become boring over time, and the desire to replace it with something more aesthetic or minimalistic arises among many owners of devices based on Android.
Fortunately, the Android ecosystem provides ample opportunities to change the appearance of the interface without the need to obtain superuser rights or complex system reprogramming. There are several proven methods to implement this idea: from using the built-in functions of the manufacturer's shell to installing third-party launchers. The choice of a specific method depends on the model of your smartphone and the desired depth of changes.
In this guide we will analyze in detail all the available options for replacing the icon VKontakte. We'll look at both simple solutions for beginners and advanced customization techniques for those who want to create a unique visual style for their desktop. You will learn what tools are needed, where to look for quality icon packs and how to avoid common mistakes when customizing.
Using built-in themes and application stores
Many smartphone manufacturers have already built into their shells powerful tools for changing the appearance of the system. If you have a device from companies Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei or Oppo, there is a high probability that the standard "Themes" or "Theme Store" application will allow you to change the icon VK without installing additional software.
First you need to go in the system settings and find the section responsible for appearance. It is usually called Themes, Wallpaper and style or Personalization. Inside this section there is often a separate “Icons” tab where you can select a ready-made package or create your own mix. Some skins allow you to change application icons individually, which is ideal if you want to change only VK, leaving the rest standard.
However, it is worth considering that the range free themes may be limited, and premium packages require payment with the store's internal currency. In addition, not all manufacturers provide the ability to customize icons for third-party applications like VKontakte directly through system settings.
⚠️ Attention: In some regions, theme stores from manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi GetApps or Samsung Galaxy Store) may have a limited catalog. If you don't find the icon you're looking for, try changing the region in your Mi or Samsung account settings, but do so with caution as this may affect other services.
The process usually looks like this:
- 🎨 Open the application
Themeson your smartphone. - 🔍 Enter “VK icons” or “social networks” in the search.
- 📥 Download the package you like and apply it to the system or selected applications.
Before applying a global theme, create a backup copy of the current screen layout through the launcher settings to quickly return everything as it was if you don’t like the new style.
Using third-party launchers for complete customization
If the built-in capabilities of the system seem limited to you, the most effective solution would be to install a third-party one launchers. A launcher is an application that completely replaces the standard desktop and application menu, providing full control over every element of the interface, including grid size, animations and, of course, icons.
Popular solutions such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Smart Launcherhave built-in editors icons After installing such a launcher, you just need to hold your finger on the icon VKontakte, select "Change" or "Edit", and then select a new picture from the gallery or installed icon pack. This gives maximum flexibility: you can use any images, logos or even photographs as icons.
An important advantage of launchers is their independence from the Android version. Even on old devices with an outdated shell, you can get a modern and beautiful interface. Moreover, many launchers support the creation of profiles, which allows you to change the entire style of your phone with one touch.
To achieve the best result, it is recommended to follow this algorithm:
- 📲 Install the selected launcher from the Google Play Store.
- ⚙️ Set it as the default launcher in the settings system.
- 🖼️ Download a separate Icon Pack that is compatible with your launcher.
- ✏️ Long tap on the VK icon and replace it with a new one from the selected set.
⚠️ Attention: After installing a third-party launcher, some system gestures (for example, swipe up to search or call an assistant) may no longer work correctly. You will need to configure these gestures manually in the settings of the new launcher or use special utilities to emulate them.
Using widgets to replace the application shortcut
Sometimes the user does not need to change the system icon in the application menu, but All you need to do is change the visual display of the social network login on the main screen. In this case, widgetscome to the rescue. This method allows you to place a button of any shape and size on the desktop, which will launch the application VKontakte.
There are many widget applications, such as KWGT Kustom Widget Maker or ready-made widget packages from various developers. With their help, you can create a button stylized to match any design: from neon signs to minimalist geometric shapes. When you click on such a widget, the system will redirect you directly to the application.
This method has its own nuances. The widget takes up more screen space than a standard 1x1 icon and can look alien if you don't style it to match the rest of your desktop. However, to create unique scenes with wallpaper, this is often the only right solution.
To add a shortcut widget, follow these steps:
- 📍 Long-press an empty space on the desktop and select the "Widgets" menu.
- 📂 Find an application for creating widgets or a ready-made one in the list package.
- 🖱️ Drag the desired element to the screen and in the settings link it to the launch VK.
How to hide the original icon after creating the widget?
If you have created a beautiful widget, but the old VKontakte icon remains in the dock or on the screen, you can hide it. Most launchers have a "Hide apps" option in their settings. Just find VKontakte there and uncheck the box. The original icon will disappear from the desktop, but will remain available through the search or the menu of all applications.
Icon packs and their compatibility with the system
The market for graphic elements for Android is huge, and finding a suitable style will not be difficult. Thousands of icon packs (Icon Packs) are available on the Google Play Store, from simple black and white sets to bright cartoon collections. However, not every package will automatically apply to all applications, especially such popular ones as VKontakte.
The compatibility problem arises because icon developers do not always add support for every existing application. If the selected package does not have a special icon for VK, the system will display a standard icon or a default icon from the set. To avoid this, choose packages marked “1000+ icons” or check the list of supported applications in the description.
You should also pay attention to the license. Many high-quality sets are paid, but often developers release free “light” versions or hold promotions. Before purchasing, make sure that the package supports your launcher (usually Nova, ADW, Apex and other popular solutions).
| Package name | Style | Number of icons | VK support |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineX Icon Pack | Linear, minimalism | 2500+ | Yes, built-in |
| CandyCons | Bright, flat design | 4000+ | Yes, built-in |
| Whicons | White monochrome | 1200+ | Partially (depending on the version) |
| Pieify Icon Pack | Round, Material Design | 3000+ | Yes, built-in |
⚠️ Attention: App interfaces and available features in theme stores may be updated by the developers without notice. If you do not find the item you need in the menu, check with the official help center of your smartphone manufacturer or update the Themes application to the latest version.
Icon packs only work in conjunction with a supported launcher or system theme. Simply installing a package without an active launcher is not enough to apply changes.
Manually creating icons through image editors
For those who want to get a truly exclusive result, there is a method for manually drawing or editing icons. Using graphic editors on your phone, such as PicsArt, Canva or specialized utilities like Icon Pack Studio, you can create an icon VKontakte from scratch.
This approach requires basic design skills and an understanding of the requirements image formats. The icon should be square, preferably with a resolution of at least 512x512 pixels in order to look clear on screens with high pixel density. You can overlay the VK logo on any background, add textures, gradients or glow effects.
After creating an image, you need to save it to the gallery, and then assign it to an application shortcut through the launcher functions (as described in the second section). This gives complete creative freedom: you can make an icon in a cyberpunk, retro style or to match the color of your wallpaper.
Main steps for creating your own icon:
- ✂️ Find a high-quality VKontakte logo in PNG format with a transparent background.
- 🎨 Open the editor and create a canvas size
512x512pixels. - 🖌️ Place your logo, add a background and decorative elements.
- 💾 Save the result and set it as an application icon.
☑️ Preparing to create icons
Possible problems and ways to solve them
During the customization process, users may encounter a number of technical difficulties. The most common problem is that the icon does not change or returns to its original form after a reboot. This often happens if the launcher was closed by the system to save memory or if the rights to change the desktop were revoked.
Another common situation is a style mismatch. A new icon may stand out from the general ensemble if it has a different shape (for example, round among square ones) or a different color temperature. In such cases, it is recommended to use the launcher functions to bring all icons to a single style, for example, using shape masks.
It is also worth mentioning the impact of updates to the application itself VKontakte. Sometimes after a major update, social network developers may reset some bindings, although this rarely happens. If the icon disappears, simply repeat the procedure for assigning an icon through the launcher settings.
If all else fails, try clearing the launcher cache:
Settings → Applications → Your Launcher → Memory → Clear cacheDo not confuse with the "Clear data" button, as this will reset all your desktop settings to factory settings.
Why does the VK icon not change after installing the package?
Most likely, the selected icon package does not contain a ready-made template for the VKontakte application, or your launcher does not support automatic application of icons from this package. Try changing the icon manually through the shortcut editing menu by selecting an image from the gallery.
Is it possible to change the icon without installing the launcher?
Yes, this is only possible if the shell of your smartphone (MIUI, OneUI, EMUI) has a built-in function for changing icons in the theme settings. This cannot be done on stock Android without third-party applications.
Does changing the icon affect the operation of the application?
No, replacing the graphic icon does not affect the functionality of the application in any way VKontakte. You will receive notifications, messages and updates as usual. Only the visual display of the launch shortcut changes.
Is it safe to use third-party launchers?
Using popular launchers from the official Google Play store is absolutely safe. They do not have access to your personal data, correspondence or passwords, working only with displaying the desktop interface.
How to get all the icons back?
To return the standard view, just go to the launcher settings and select "Reset settings" or change the theme to "System default". If you used widgets, simply delete them from the desktop with a long press.