Android personalization: how to change the VKontakte application icon

The standard interface of the Android operating system provides ample customization options, but often the basic design elements seem too familiar or boring to users. Changing the visual design is one of the easiest ways to refresh the perception of a device without the need for deep intervention in the system. A particularly popular request among smartphone owners is the desire to highlight the social networks we use most often. In particular, the standard blue icon is present on the screens of millions of devices, and many enthusiasts want to replace it with something more unique or suitable for the overall color scheme of the desktop. Fortunately, the Android ecosystem does not limit us to rigid boundaries, allowing us to change graphic elements through various tools: from built-in launcher functions to specialized utilities.

Specifically, the standard blue icon VKontakte is present on the screens of millions of devices, and many enthusiasts want to replace it with something more unique or suitable for the overall color scheme of the desktop. Fortunately, the Android ecosystem does not limit us to rigid boundaries, allowing us to change graphic elements through various tools: from built-in launcher functions to specialized utilities.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the available personalization methods, evaluate their pros and cons, and also give step-by-step guide for implementing your idea. You'll learn how to safely change the icon without losing app functionality, and what pitfalls you might encounter along the way. Ready to turn your smartphone into a unique device? Let's get started.

Using third-party launchers for customization

The most reliable and professional way to change the appearance of your desktop is to install an alternative launcher. The standard skin of your smartphone (whether MIUI, One UI or pure Android) often has limitations on replacing icons of individual applications without installing entire theme packages. Third-party launchers remove these limitations by providing full control over every pixel of the screen.

Popular solutions such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcherallow you to edit shortcuts individually. You don't need to change all the icons at once; You can only replace the social network icon. This is an ideal option for those who want to maintain the usual logic of the system, but add visual accents.

• 🎨 Ability to use third-party icons from Google Play.
• ⚙️ Flexible customization of the grid, size and animation of the desktop.
• 🚀 Optimization of performance and smoothness interface.
• 🔄 Quickly restore the standard view in one click.

The installation process of such a launcher usually takes several minutes. After downloading the application from the store, you need to set it as the default launcher in the system settings. Then, long press on the icon VKontakte calls up the editing menu, where you can select new graphics from the gallery or downloaded package.

It is worth considering that some smartphone manufacturers, for example Xiaomi or Huawei, may block the installation of third-party launchers or limit their functionality in the background. In such cases, the system may periodically reset the settings to default, returning the standard icons. This requires additional settings in the "Autostart" or "Battery" section.

⚠️ Attention: When installing a third-party launcher, widgets from the standard desktop may stop displaying correctly or disappear altogether. Be prepared for the fact that some system widgets will have to be replaced with analogues.

Method of creating a shortcut through widgets

If you do not want to install heavy launchers or change the entire shell, you can use the built-in function of creating shortcuts through widgets. This method works on most modern versions of Android and does not require the installation of additional software, except perhaps a simple tool for creating shortcuts if your firmware does not support it natively.

The essence of the method is that we create a new shortcut on the desktop that leads to the same application, but has a different image. In fact, this is not replacing the original icon in the application menu, but creating a new “shortcut” on the main screen. This is a safe and reversible process.

To implement it, you will need a helper application, for example Shortcut Maker or similar. Such utilities allow you to select any installed application, download an arbitrary image for it from the gallery and place it on the desktop. The original application remains untouched.

• 🖼️ Complete freedom to choose an image (photo, logo, drawing).
• 📱 Works on any Android without changing the launcher.
• 🛡️ Security: system files are not modified.

The algorithm of actions is extremely simple: download the utility, select it in the list of applications VKontakte, click on the icon preview area and load the desired picture. After confirmation, a new icon appears on the desktop. You can simply delete the old icon or hide it in a folder.

Path to the Shortcut Maker menu: Applications → VKontakte → Icon → Gallery

An important nuance is that notifications in this case may be displayed differently. Depending on the Android version and the specific launcher, the badge with the number of unread messages may not be displayed on the custom shortcut. This is a tradeoff you have to make for aesthetics.

Using Icon Packs

For those who prefer a holistic style, there are special icon packs. These are sets of graphic elements made in a single design style: minimalism, neon, retro, material design, and so on. Installing such a package allows you to change the appearance of dozens of applications at the same time, including VKontakte.

Most icon packs work in conjunction with launchers that support them (for example, Nova, Apex, Smart). However, some modern themes can also be applied through built-in theme stores from smartphone manufacturers, such as Galaxy Themes or MIUI Themes.

Package name	Style	Number of icons	Compatibility
LineX Icon Pack	Minimalism / Lines	5000+	Nova, Lawnchair
CandyCons	Bright / Cartoon	3000+	Most launchers
Whicons	Monochrome / White	4000+	Universal
Pie Icon Pack	Material Design	2500+	Android 9+

The process of applying the package is usually boils down to installing an application with icons and then selecting it in the launcher settings in the “Icon style” section. If the required icon for a particular application is not in the package, the launcher often allows you to manually match the missing icon with any other from the set.

This solution saves time, since you do not need to select an image for each application separately. The bag designers have already thought through the compatibility of colors and shapes. However, if you need a unique icon for just one social network, purchasing a whole package may be an unnecessary expense.

⚠️ Attention: The interfaces of theme stores and launchers are updated frequently. Menu items may have different names depending on the software version. If you do not find the section you need, use the search inside the launcher settings.

Manual replacement through the file manager (for advanced)

There is a more complex method that involves direct work with application resources or theming the system at a deep level. This method requires superuser rights (root) or the use of specific tools like Substratum (on older versions of Android) or modules Magisk.

Without root access, it is impossible to replace the system icon inside the application's APK file without violating the digital signature, which will lead to an installation error or unstable operation of the application. Therefore, we will consider the option of using theming through overlays, if your system supports it.

For users with an unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk there are modules that allow you to replace system resources. This allows for the maximum degree of customization, but carries risks. An error when editing system files can lead to a “bootlap” (cyclic reboot) of the device.

Risks of obtaining root access

Obtaining superuser rights will void the warranty on the device in most cases. In addition, banking applications and some Anti-Cheat games may refuse to work on rooted smartphones for security reasons.

If you do decide to take this step, be sure to create a full system backup (Nandroid backup) before making any changes. This is the only insurance that will bring your phone back to life in the event of a fatal error.

• 🔓 Full control over system resources.
• 🎯 Ability to change icons in the application menu, and not just on the desktop.
• ❌ High risk of system breakdown due to inept handling.
• 📉 Loss of warranty and problems with payment security.

For the average user who just wants to change the picture, this method is redundant and is not recommended. Modern Android provides enough tools at the user interface level to achieve the desired result without the risk of “bricking” the gadget.

Troubleshooting problems and common errors

During the customization process, users often encounter a number of typical problems. Understanding their causes will help you quickly return the interface to functionality. The most common situation is that the icon has changed, but the application does not launch or the wrong application is launched.

This can happen if the wrong target was selected when creating the shortcut. For example, you created a shortcut not to the application itself VKontakte, but to its widget or settings. Carefully check the selection of the target action in the shortcut creation menu.

Another problem is that the icon is displayed as a white sheet or a standard Android robot. This means that the launcher was unable to read the image file. The image format may not be supported (use JPG or PNG) or the file may be damaged. Try resaving the image in another editor.

⚠️ Attention: If after installing the launcher the phone starts to slow down a lot or discharges quickly, check the animation settings. Disabling heavy effects in the launcher settings often solves the performance problem on older devices.

It is also worth remembering that updates to the application itself VKontakte can sometimes reset icon associations in some launchers. If the icon suddenly returns to the standard one, simply re-apply the customization through the shortcut editing menu.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Will the icon be reset after updating the application VKontakte?

In most cases, when using a third-party launcher or widgets, the icon is saved. However, if you used the system file editing method (with root access), then updating the application will overwrite the changed resources and the icon will return to the default one. When using shortcuts, the update is safe.

Is it possible to change the icon on iPhone (iOS) in the same way?

On iOS it is not possible to use third-party launchers. The only way to change the icon is to use the Shortcuts app, creating an automation to open the app with its own icon. This is similar to the method with widgets on Android, but the functionality is more limited.

Does changing the icon affect the operation of notifications?

When using standard launchers and icon packs, notifications (badges with numbers) work correctly. If you create a shortcut through a third-party designer application, the notification counter on such a shortcut is often not displayed, since it is not a native element of the system.

Is it safe to install applications for changing icons?

Yes, if you download them from the official Google Play store. Avoid downloading APK files from questionable sites as they may contain malicious code. Applications for changing icons usually do not require access to your personal data, except for access to the storage to select an image.

How to get all the icons back if I didn’t like it?

If you used a launcher: go to its settings and select “Reset icon style” or delete the launcher, returning the standard one. If you used shortcuts: simply delete the created shortcuts from the desktop with a long press. The original application in the menu will remain untouched.