Changing application names on Android is not just a fad, but an effective way to improve the ergonomics and visual perception of your desktop. The standard operating system interface often offers limited options for personalization, forcing users to put up with official app names that may be too long or awkward.
However, thanks to the openness of the architecture Androidthere are proven methods to work around these limitations. You can replace standard shortcuts with custom ones using built-in launcher tools or third-party utilities. This allows you to create a unique menu structure, where each application will be named as it is convenient for you.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available ways to change names. We will consider both the use of third-party launchersand the creation of specific shortcuts through system functions. It is important to understand that changing the name on the icon does not change the real name of the app in the system settings or store Google Play.
Using third-party launchers
The most reliable and functional way to rename an application is to install an alternative launcher. The standard shell from the smartphone manufacturer (for example, MIUI or OneUI) often blocks editing shortcuts, while third-party solutions provide this function out of the box.
Popular launchers, such as Nova Launcher, Smart Launcher or Lawnchairallow Edit shortcut labels in a couple of taps. Just hold down the icon on the desktop, select “Edit” and enter a new name. The system will automatically apply the changes without having to create new objects.
The advantage of this method is that you retain the functionality of the original application. You simply change its display in the menu and on the desktop. At the same time, app updates through the store do not reset your custom names, since the launcher stores these settings in its own configuration database.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher - market leader with the maximum number of appearance settings.
- 🎨 Smart Launcher - automatically sorts applications and allows you to easily change their names.
- ⚡ Lawnchair - light and fast launcher in pure Android style with a function editing.
⚠️ Attention: After installing a new launcher, it may not become active by default immediately. You will need to go to
Settings → Applications → Default applicationsand select the installed launcher as the main screen.
Creating custom shortcuts through settings
Some smartphone manufacturers integrate the ability to rename directly into the system shell. This is often found in devices from Samsung, Xiaomi or Honor. If your phone supports this function, you will not have to install additional software.
The process usually looks like this: you long press the application icon until the context menu appears. In it you need to look for the item “Change”, “Rename” or the pencil icon. By clicking on it, a text input field opens where you can enter any name.
It is worth noting that in some firmware versions this function is hidden or does not work correctly with system applications. If the rename option is missing from the long press menu, it means that your current launcher does not support direct editing of labels. In this case, you will have to use the method of creating a new shortcut.
If the standard menu does not allow you to change the name, try deleting the application from the desktop (without deleting the application itself!) and adding it again from the general list of apps - sometimes this resets the name display cache.
Method of adding a shortcut to the desktop
A universal method that works on almost any device with Android is creating a new shortcut using a system widget. This method is a little more complicated than simply renaming it in the launcher, but it is guaranteed to work even on the oldest versions of the system.
The essence of the method is that you do not change the name of an existing icon, but create a complete copy of it with a new name. The original application remains in the application menu under its name, and your custom version appears on the desktop. This allows you to have several shortcuts to one app with different names for different purposes.
To implement it, you need to go into desktop editing mode, usually this is a long press on an empty area of the screen. Next, select the “Widgets” section. Among the list of widgets, you need to find the item “Shortcuts” or “Shortcut” (the name may differ depending on the phone model, for example, in Pixel it’s just “Shortcuts”). When selecting a specific application from this list, the system will prompt you to enter a new name before placing the icon.
⚠️ Attention: When using this method, you may end up with a duplicate application: one in the general menu with the old name and one on the desktop with the new one. This is not a bug, but a feature of how shortcut widgets work.
☑️ Algorithm for creating a custom shortcut
Advanced customization through Shortcut Maker
For those who want to get full control over the appearance of icons and their names, there is a specialized application Shortcut Maker. This is a powerful tool that allows you not only to change the text, but also to completely replace the graphic image of the icon with any picture from the gallery.
The application works on the principle of generating intent filters. It creates a new shortcut that links to the target app but uses your display settings. You can set a name that is several words long, use special characters or even emoji in the name, which is often prohibited by standard means.
In the interface Shortcut Maker you select the application, click on the name area and enter the desired text. You can also change the icon by selecting it from the built-in library or uploading your own file. After setting, just click the “Create shortcut” button, and it will appear on your desktop.
- 🖌️ Ability to load any images as an icon.
- 📝 Support for long names and text formatting.
- 🔄 Creating shortcuts for specific actions inside applications (for example, immediately open camera).
Comparison table of renaming methods
To make it easier for you to choose the appropriate method, we have compiled a comparison table of the main methods. It will help you evaluate the labor costs and functionality of each option.
| Method | Complexity | Requires software installation | Keeps the original |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party launcher | Low | Yes | Yes (visually) |
| System menu | Very low | No | No (replaces) |
| Shortcut widget | Medium | No | Yes (duplicate) |
| Shortcut Maker | High | Yes | Yes (duplicate) |
Third-party launchers are the only solution that changes the application name globally in all menus, without creating duplicates on the desktop.
Possible problems and their solutions
During the customization process, users may encounter a number of technical nuances. For example, after updating the system or the application itself, custom shortcuts created through widgets may stop working or appear as “broken” icons. This is because the updated version of the app may have a changed package ID.
Memory limitations are also worth considering. Creating hundreds of custom shortcuts through third-party utilities may slightly increase the load on the launcher's RAM, although on modern devices this is almost unnoticeable. If the phone starts to slow down when scrolling through the desktop, try deleting unused shortcuts. 6-8 GB RAM it's practically unnoticeable. If your phone starts to slow down when scrolling through your desktop, try deleting unused shortcuts.
Sometimes after changing the launcher, weather or clock widgets that were configured earlier disappear. This is normal, since widgets are tied to a specific launcher. You will have to add them again through the new interface menu. Don't be alarmed, widget data is not lost.
⚠️ Attention: Shell interfaces (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS) are constantly updated. Menu items can change names or move. If you do not find the described function, check the official help for your specific phone model.
Why do the icons turn white?
If after renaming the icon becomes a white square, this means that the system cannot load the graphic file. Try resetting the launcher settings or re-creating the shortcut, explicitly specifying the path to the icon image in the Shortcut Maker settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the name of the application change in the phone settings?
No, changing the name of the shortcut on the desktop only affects the display. In the Settings → Applications section, the app will remain under its original name, since this is the system identifier.
Will the name be reset after updating the application?
If you used a third-party launcher (for example, Nova), the name will be retained. If you created a shortcut through a widget or Shortcut Maker, the shortcut may stop working and you will have to create it again with a new name.
Is it possible to rename system applications such as "Phone" or "Messages"?
Yes, this is possible using almost any of the described methods. However, be careful: a name that is too long or unclear may make it difficult to find these critical apps in the general list in an emergency.
Does changing the name affect how notifications work?
No, notifications will be sent on behalf of the application itself, as specified by the developer. Changing a shortcut on the desktop does not change the system notification settings and alert channels.