Application icons are the first thing that catches your eye when you unlock your smartphone. Standard icons from the manufacturer often look boring or do not fit into the overall style of the interface. Fortunately, it offers many ways to customize them: from simple themes to deep editing through third-party launchers. In this article, we will look at all the current methods - from basic to advanced - to make your screen look unique. Android offers many ways to customize them: from simple design themes to deep editing through ADB and third party launchers. In this article, we will look at all the current methods - from basic to advanced - to make your screen look unique.

It is important to understand that the possibilities of changes depend on the version Android (from Android 8.0 Oreo to Android 15), manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.) and type launcher. For example, on MIUI from Xiaomi built-in themes are available, but on "pure" Android (for example, on Pixel) you will have to use third-party solutions. We will look at universal methods that work on most devices, and also point out the features of popular brands.

If you have never done customization, start with the first sections - the simplest methods are described there. Experienced users can go straight to the sections about manual editing of files or creating adaptive icons. Don't forget to back up your data before making major changes! ADB, manual editing APK-files or creating adaptive icons. Remember to back up your data before making major changes!

1. Standard settings: themes and icon styles

Many manufacturers build into their shells (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS) tools for changing the appearance of icons without installing additional applications. This is the safest and fastest way, but it is limited to pre-loaded themes.

For example, on smartphones Samsung (series Galaxy S and Galaxy A), just go to Settings → Appearance → Theme. Both free and paid themes are available here, which change not only icons, but also fonts, wallpaper, and notification style. On Xiaomi the path will be different: Settings → Themewhere you can download packages from the official store Mi Themes.

Please note: some themes change all icons (including system ones), while others change only application icons. There are also themes with adaptive icons (they automatically adjust to the shape of the screen), but their support depends on the version Android.

  • 📱 Samsung: Settings → Design → Theme (adaptive icons are supported on One UI 5.0+).
  • 🧩 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Settings → Theme (store Mi Themes with paid and free packages).
  • 🎨 Oppo/Realme: Settings → Personalization → Theme (limited selection, but there is an option "Icons on the main screen").
  • 📲 Google Pixel: no built-in themes, only changing the shape through Settings → Appearance → Styles and wallpapers → Icon shape.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example Huawei s EMUI) changing themes can reset the home screen settings. Before applying a new theme, take a screenshot of the current icon layout or use the launcher backup function.

2. Third-party launchers: maximum customization

If there are built-in themes. is not enough, the next step is to install an alternative launcher. Popular solutions, such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Lawnchair, allow you not only to change icons, but also to customize animations, gestures, grid size, and even hide applications. Most launchers support (icon packs), which can be downloaded from icon packs (icon packs), which can be downloaded from Google Play.

Let's look at the process using an example Nova Launcher (one of the most flexible options):

  1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and select it as a launcher by by default.
  2. Download the one you like icon pack (for example, Whicons, CandyCons or Delta).
  3. Open settings Nova (hold your finger on an empty space on the screen → "Settings." birdhouses, etc.).
  4. Go to Appearance → Icon Styles and select the installed package.
  5. Adjust if necessary Icon shape (round, square, birdhouses, etc.).

Some launchers, for example Lawnchair, support dynamic colors (on Android 12+), when the icon palette is adjusted to the wallpaper. launchers with AIicon generation (for example, Before Launcher), but their functionality may vary depending on the smartphone model.

📊 What launcher do you use?
Standard (from the manufacturer)
Nova Launcher
Lawnchair
Apex Launcher
Other
Launcher Support for icon packs Adaptive icons Dynamic colors (Android 12+) Paid version
Nova Launcher ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (on Android 8.0+) ✅ Yes ✅ Nova Prime (~300 ₽)
Lawnchair ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ❌ No (free)
Apex Launcher ✅ Yes ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Apex Pro (~250 ₽)
Action Launcher ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Action Plus (~400 ₽)
⚠️ Attention: Some icon packs may not support all applications. In this case, the launcher will leave standard icons or offer to create a custom icon manually. Also keep in mind that packages that are too heavy (with animation or 3D effects) can increase battery consumption.

3. Icon packs: where to download and how to apply

Icon packs are separate applications that contain a set of icons for popular apps. They only work in conjunction with supported launchers (see table above). Thousands of free and paid packages are available, from minimalistic to futuristic. Google Play There are thousands of free and paid packages available, ranging from minimalistic to futuristic.

Here are some trusted sources:

  • 🛍️ Google Play: search for "icon pack", "adaptive icons", "minimal icons". data-i="132">: a service for creating your own icons (there is a free version with limitations). Whicons, CandyCons, Lines, Pax.
  • 🌐 IconPackStudio: a service for creating your own icons (there is a free version with restrictions).
  • 🎨 DeviantArt or Reddit (r/androidthemes): here designers post unique packages, but they will have to be installed manually via APK.

To apply an icon pack:

  1. Install the package from Google Play (for example, Whicons).
  2. Open the settings of your launcher (for example, Nova).
  3. Go to the section Styles icons and select the installed package.
  4. If some icons have not changed, use the "Apply to all" option or manually assign icons for each application.

Some packages support masking - when the launcher automatically crops standard icons to the selected shape (for example, makes them round or square). the package does not have an icon for a rare application.

Make sure that the launcher supports third-party packages|

Check reviews about the package (especially about compatibility with your version of Android)|

Pay attention to the size of the package (too heavy ones can slow down the interface)|

View preview - some packages change only the shape, not the design of the icons-->

4. Manually changing icons without root: ADB and hidden functions

If you do not want to install the launcher, but the standard themes do not suit you, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to change system icons. This method does not require rootrights, but will require connecting the smartphone to the computer.

The advantage of this method: you can replace the icons of individual applications without affecting the rest. For example, change the icon YouTube to a custom one, leaving it alone. standard icons for other apps. However, there are limitations: not all manufacturers allow changing system icons via ADB, and on some devices (Huawei, some models Xiaomi) this function is blocked.

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Enable USB debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times to unlock Developer mode), then Settings → System → Developer mode → USB debugging.
  2. Download Platform Tools from the official website Android and unpack the archive.
  3. Connect your smartphone to the PC and enter in the command line: 
    adb devices

    (the name of your device should appear).

  4. Download APK-file of the application whose icon you want to change (for example, from APKMirror), and unpack it using APKTool or an archiver.
  5. In the folder res find the icon files (usually in drawable-xxhdpi or mipmap-xxhdpi) and replace them with yours (with the same resolution and name!).
  6. Compile APK back and install it via ADB: 
    adb install -r file_name.apk

This method requires caution: incorrect editing APK may cause the application to malfunction. Also keep in mind that after updating the app via Google Play your changes will be reset.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

If the command adb devices does not show your smartphone, check the following:

1. Are drivers installed for your model (for example, Samsung USB Driver for devices Samsung).

2. Have you enabled debugging on your phone (a prompt window should appear the first time you connect).

3. Try a different USB cable (some cables are for charging only).

4. Restart the service ADB with the command:

adb kill-server && adb start-server

5. Adaptive icons: how to make them round, square or birdhouses

Adaptive icons is a feature that appeared in Android 8.0 Oreoicon shape (circle, square, birdhouse, drop, etc.). Not all applications support this format, but most modern launchers can force the shape to be applied to all icons.

On "pure" Android (for example, on Google Pixel) adaptive icons are turned on like this:

  1. Hold your finger on an empty space of the main screen.
  2. Select Styles and wallpaper → Icon shape.
  3. Select the shape you like (for example, Circle or Birdhouse).

On devices with custom shells, the path may differ:

  • 📱 Samsung One UI: Settings → Appearance → Icon shape (available on One UI 3.0+).
  • 🧩 Xiaomi MIUI: No built-in support for adaptive icons, only through third-party launchers.
  • 🎨 Oppo ColorOS: Settings → Personalization → Shape icons (limited selection).

If your device does not support adaptive icons, you can use launchers like Nova Launcher or Action Launcherthat emulate this function. They allow you to:

  • 🔄 Force the shape to be applied to all icons (even those that do not support them). adaptability).
  • 🎨 Customize the background color and outline for icons without transparency.
  • 🖼️ Add shadows or gradients.
💡

If after changing the shape the icons look blurry, check the resolution of the original icons. Some icon packs are optimized only for a square shape. In case, try another package or disable forced masking in the launcher settings.

6. Creating your own icons: from simple editors to AI generators

If you haven’t found a suitable icon package, you don’t have to be a designer to do this - there are simple tools and even AIservices that can generate them. icons based on text description.

Here are several methods:

  • 🎨 Manual creation:
    • Use Figma, Adobe Illustrator or free Inkscape to draw icons in vector.
    • Standard size - 192×192 px (for xxhdpi), but it is better to export in several resolutions (mdpi, hdpi, xhdpi).
    • Save in format PNG with a transparent background.
  • 🤖 AI generators:
    • Iconify.ai — creates icons based on text descriptions (for example, “a minimalistic Spotify icon in blue tones”).
    • Flaticon — a library with millions of ready-made icons (can be downloaded in SVG and edited).
  • 📱 Mobile applications:
    • Icon Changer (for Android) - allows you to replace icons directly on the phone.
    • Icon Pack Studio - designer of icon packs with templates.

After creating icons, they can be applied in several ways:

  1. Through the launcher (for example, in Nova Launcher hold your finger on the icon → Edit → Change icon → select your file).
  2. Using applications like Icon Changer (permission to change system settings will be required).
  3. Via ADB (as described in section 4), if you want to replace the system application icon.

If you create icons for personal use, it is enough format PNG. If you plan to share them (for example, upload a package to Google Play), you will need to:

  • Create a APKfile using Android Studio or Icon Pack Studio.
  • Add support for adaptive icons (files ic_launcher_foreground.xml and ic_launcher_background.xml).
  • Test the package on different launchers.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing icons of system applications (for example, Settings or Phone) through ADB or root there is a risk of disrupting the operation of the device. Always make a backup copy of the original icon files before editing.

7. Problems and solutions: why icons do not change or look crooked

When customizing icons, users often encounter typical problems and ways to solve them:

Problem Possible reason Solution
Icons do not change after applying the package The launcher does not support icon packs Install a supported launcher (for example, Nova or Lawnchair)
Some icons remain standard There are no icons for these applications in the package Use the masking function in the launcher or replace the icons manually
Icons look blurry or pixelated Screen resolution does not match Install a package with support xxxhdpi or create icons in the correct resolution
Adaptive icons do not work Device or launcher does not support adaptability Update Android to 8.0+ or use a launcher with adaptive icon emulation
After updating the application, the icon was reset The application was updated via Google Play Reapply the icon pack or disable auto-update for this application

If none of the methods helped, check:

  • 🔄 Compatibility of the icon pack with your version Android i launcher.
  • 📱 Availability of updates for the launcher or icon pack.
  • 🛠️ Device performance settings (on some Xiaomi or Huawei background processes of launchers may be blocked).

On devices with aggressive battery optimization (for example, MIUI or EMUI), launchers may close in the background, causing icons to be reset. To avoid this, add the launcher to the exceptions list:

  • On Xiaomi: Settings → Battery and performance → Battery management → Application selection → find the launcher and select Unlimited.
  • On Huawei: Settings → Battery → Launching applications → disable manual control for the launcher.
💡

If the icons do not change despite all efforts, try resetting the launcher to factory settings (in its settings) or reinstalling the icon pack. Sometimes clearing the launcher cache in the application settings helps.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about icon design on Android

Is it possible to change icons without the launcher and ADB?

Yes, but the capabilities will be limited on some devices (for example, Samsung or Oppo) use built-in themes. There are also applications like Icon Changerthat allow you to replace icons one by one, but they require additional permissions and may not work on all devices.

Why did the icons reset after updating Android?

This happens because system settings are reset during major updates (for example, with Android 12 on Android 13). To avoid the problem, before updating:

  1. Make a backup copy of the launcher settings (in Nova Launcher: Backups and Import).
  2. Remember or save a screenshot of the current icon arrangement.
  3. Check whether your icon pack supports new version Android.
How to return standard icons if something went wrong?

The method depends on how you changed them:

  • If you used launcher: go to its settings and select the option "Icons to default" or "Reset style icons".
  • If used icon pack: delete it or deactivate it in the launcher settings.
  • If edited via ADB: reinstall the original APKapplication file.
  • If you used root: restore the backup of the system files or reset the launcher settings.
Is it possible to make animated icons?

Yes, but it requires additional effort. Some icon packs (for example, Kvaesitumsupport simple animations (for example, changing color when clicked). For full animation you will need:

  1. Use a launcher that supports Lottieanimations. (for example, Before Launcher).
  2. Create animated icons in the format JSON (for example, in Adobe After Effects + plugin LottieFiles).
  3. Apply them through special tools (for example, Icon Pack Studio with animation support).

Please note that animated icons can increase the load on the battery.

Why don’t adaptive icons work on my Xiaomi?

The shell MIUI does not support adaptive icons at the system level. However, you can:

  • Use a launcher that emulates adaptive icons (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).
  • Install an icon pack that already contains icons of the desired shape (for example, round).
  • Manually crop icons using applications like Icon Changer.

On some models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 12 on MIUI 14) limited support for adaptive icons has appeared, but it does not work with all applications.