Renaming icons on the Android desktop is a task that every user faces. Someone wants to hide the name of the messenger from prying eyes, someone needs to organize labels by topic, while others just want to add creativity to the interface. Despite its apparent simplicity, standard Android tools do not always provide this function directly.

In this article we will look at all possible ways to rename icons - from built-in launcher functions to using third-party applications. You will learn how to change the name of a shortcut without root access, what nuances exist for different manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo), and what to do if standard methods do not work. We will also look at alternative solutions for those who want not just to rename, but to completely change the appearance of icons.

Why you can’t just rename an icon in standard Android

Unlike Windows or macOS, where renaming shortcuts occurs in two clicks, Android does not initially provide such a function. This is due to the architecture of the operating system:

  • 📱 Shortcuts vs. applications. What you see on the desktop is not the applications themselves, but their shortcuts (shortcuts). They refer to executable files, the name of which is hardcoded into the application manifest.
  • 🔒 Security restrictions. Android does not allow non-rooted users to change application system files, including their names.
  • 🎨 Dependency on the launcher. The appearance of the desktop is determined launcher by the app that manages the interface. The standard Google launcher does not support renaming, but many manufacturers add this function to their shells.

Interestingly, some users mistakenly try to rename icons through Settings → Applications, but this menu only changes the system name an application that appears in the list of installed apps rather than on the desktop. To change the text under the shortcut, you need other approaches.

📊 What launcher do you use on Android?
Standard (Google/manufacturer)
Nova Launcher
Apex Launcher
Microsoft Launcher
Other

Method 1: Using the functions of the standard launcher (for MIUI, ColorOS, One UI)

Some manufacturers add the ability to rename shortcuts in their proprietary shells. This is the simplest method and does not require the installation of additional applications. Let's look at how this works on popular firmware:

Firmware Phone model (example) How to rename Limitations
MIUI (Xiaomi) Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Long press on the icon → “Rename” Does not work for system applications
ColorOS (Oppo/Realme) Oppo Reno 10, Realme GT Neo 5 Click on the icon → “Change name” Not available in all versions
One UI (Samsung) Galaxy S23, Galaxy A54 Long press → “Change name” (only for folders) For individual icons, Samsung Good Lock

For example, on Xiaomi s MIUI 14 the algorithm is as follows:

  1. Find the icon on the desktop that you want to rename.
  2. Tap long press on it (about 2 seconds).
  3. In the menu that appears, select "Rename" (or "Change name»).
  4. Enter a new name and click "OK».
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If the “Rename” option does not appear, try first moving the icon to another part of the screen - sometimes this will “unlock” hidden launcher functions.

For Samsung the situation is more complicated: the standard launcher One UI does not allow you to rename individual icons, but you can create folder with one application and rename it. An alternative is to use the module Nice Catch from. package Good Lock (available in Galaxy Store).

⚠️ Attention: The functionality of branded launchers may change with the release of new firmware versions. If your device does not have a renaming option, check for system updates in Settings → Software update.

Method 2: Installing a third-party launcher (Nova Launcher, Apex, Microsoft Launcher)

If your standard launcher does not support renaming, the best solution is to install an alternative one. Among the most popular:

  • 🌟 Nova Launcher - the most flexible option with support for renaming, changing icons, etc. gestures.
  • 🔄 Apex Launcher —light launcher with the ability to edit shortcuts.
  • 💼 Microsoft Launcher —suitable for users of the Microsoft ecosystem, supports renaming.
  • 🎨 Action Launcher —offers unique functions, including Quickpage for quick access.

Let's consider the process on example Nova Launcher:

  1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
  2. After installation, click the "Home" button and select Nova as the default launcher.
  3. Find the icon on the desktop that you want to rename.
  4. Press long press → «Change» → «Rename».
  5. Enter a new name and save the changes.

In Nova Launcher you can also change the icon itself, its size, and even add gestures (for example, swipe up to open another application). For this:

  1. Long press on the icon → «Edit».
  2. Click on the icon in the edit menu → select a new image from the gallery or icon packs.

Download APK from the official website or Google Play|

Make a backup copy of the current desktop (optional)|

Spend 10-15 minutes to set up the interface|

Check compatibility with the Android version (minimum Android 5.0 required)-->

If you don’t like the external one view Nova Launcher, try Apex Launcher - it is more minimalistic, but also supports renaming. In Microsoft Launcher the function is hidden deeper: you need to hold down the icon → "Application information» → «Rename the shortcut».

⚠️ Attention: When using third-party launchers, some system functions (for example, navigation gestures or always-on display) may not work correctly. Before installation, check the reviews for your phone model.

Method 3: Create a duplicate shortcut with a new name

If you can't rename the original icon, you can create a copy of it with a different name. This method works on all versions of Android and does not require root access. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open the applications menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
  2. Find the desired application and press its icon.
  3. Drag it to the desktop. Android will create a duplicate of the shortcut.
  4. Now you will have two identical icons on your screen (if you don’t need it).
  5. For. to rename a duplicate, use one of the previous methods (for example, through the launcher).

This method is especially useful for system applications that cannot be renamed directly. For example, if you want to hide the name Google Play Market or Settings, create a duplicate, rename it to "Store" or "Options", and hide the original in a folder.

Disadvantage of this method: duplicates take up space on the desktop, and when you delete the shortcut, the original application will not disappear from the menu. Also, some launchers (for example, the standard one) do not even allow you to rename duplicates. Pixel) do not allow you to rename even duplicates.

What to do if a duplicate is not created?

If nothing happens when you drag an icon to the desktop, check:

1. Is the screen editing mode enabled (sometimes this blocks the creation of shortcuts).

2. Are there any restrictions in the launcher settings (for example, in Nova Launcher there is an “Allow” option duplicates")

3. Is the application a system one with limited rights (for example, Google Services).

Method 4: Using widgets to mask names

If you can’t rename an icon, you can hide its name using widgets. This method is suitable for those who want to completely remove the text under the labels or replace it with their own symbols. Here's how it works:

  • 📌 Widget “4x1 Shortcut” (in Nova Launcher). Allows you to create a button with custom text and icon.
  • 🖼️ Widget “UCCW” (Ultimate Custom Clock Widget). You can create your own buttons with any text.
  • 🎨 Widget "KWGT" (Custom Widget Maker). An advanced tool for creating custom interface elements.

Let's consider the process using the example of Nova Launcher and the widget "4x1 Shortcut":

  1. Long press on an empty space on the desktop → “Widgets».
  2. Find “4x1 Shortcut" (or similar) in the list and drag it to the screen.
  3. In the widget settings, select the application it should open.
  4. Set new name and, if desired, change the icon.
  5. Save the changes. Now you have a custom “icon” without the limitations of a standard shortcut.

For more flexible settings, use KWGT:

  1. Install KWGT and KLWP from Google Play.
  2. Download a ready-made widget template (for example, “Minimal App Launcher”) or create your own.
  3. In the KWGT editor, link the widget to the desired application and set the text.
  4. Export the widget to your desktop.

The advantage of this method is complete design freedom. You can:

  • 🎨 Use your own fonts colors for text.
  • 🖼️ Replace icons with any images from the gallery.
  • 📏 Customize the size and location of elements with pixel precision.
⚠️ Attention: Widgets consume more RAM than standard shortcuts. If your phone is slow, avoid excessive use of custom elements.

Method 5: Applications for renaming icons (without root)

If the previous methods are not suitable, you can use specialized applications. They do not change system files, but create wrappers over standard shortcuts. The best options:

Application Functions Pros Cons
App Cloner Creates copies of applications with new names Works without root, supports changing icons Cloned applications take up additional space
Shortcut Maker Generates shortcuts with custom names Easy, does not require registration Not all system applications are supported
Icon Changer Changes icons and names through wrappers Simple interface, many themes Advertising in the free version

Let's look at how to work with Shortcut Maker:

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Open it and select "Create a shortcut».
  3. In the list, find the desired application and click on it.
  4. In the "Name" field, enter new text.
  5. If desired, change the icon by clicking on its preview.
  6. Click “Create" - the shortcut will appear on the desktop.

App Cloner works differently - it creates a complete copy of the application with a new name and icon. This is useful if you want to:

  • 🔄 Have two versions of one messenger (for example, WhatsApp for work and personal).
  • 🔒 Hide the original name of the application (for example, rename Telegram to "Note»).
  • 🎨 Use different themes for one application.

However, this method has disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Cloned applications occupy additional space memory.
  • ⚠️ Not all applications work correctly in cloned form (especially banking and two-factor authentication).
  • ⚠️ Updates to the original application are not automatically applied to the clone.
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Applications like App Cloner they create separate copies of apps, rather than just renaming shortcuts. This allows you to have, for example, two accounts in one messenger, but it requires more phone resources.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When renaming icons, users encounter typical difficulties. to eliminate them:

  • ❌ There is no “Rename” option → Install a third-party launcher or use widgets.
  • ❌ The icon is reset after a reboot → Check the launcher settings (in Nova Launcher there is an option “Save settings”).
  • ❌ You cannot rename the system application → Create a duplicate or use App Cloner.
  • ❌ The text under the icon is cut off → Reduce the length of the name or change the font size in the launcher settings.
  • ❌ The application does not open after renaming → Delete the shortcut and create it again.

If after renaming the icon begins to open the wrong application, check:

  1. Not did you mix up the shortcuts when creating a duplicate?
  2. Does a third-party launcher conflict with system settings (try disabling battery optimization for the launcher).
  3. Are application restrictions set in Settings → Special access.

On some devices (for example, Huawei c EMUI), renaming may be blocked by manufacturer policies. In this case, only installing a custom launcher or getting root access will help.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the name of the icon, gestures or the voice assistant stop working. (for example, Google Assistant), return the original name. Some functions are tied to system application labels.
Is it possible to rename an icon without installing additional applications?

Yes, but only if your launcher supports this function. On Xiaomi (MIUI), Oppo (ColorOS) and some other firmware there is a built-in renaming option. On pure Android or Samsung One UI you will need a third-party launcher or widgets.

Why, after renaming, the icon began to open another application?

This happens if you created a duplicate shortcut, but accidentally selected the wrong application when creating it. Delete the erroneous shortcut and make a new one, carefully selecting the target application in the menu.

How to return the original name of the icon?

If you renamed it through the launcher, long press on the icon → “Rename” → enter the original one name. If you used Shortcut Maker or App Cloner, delete the created shortcut - the original application in the menu will remain unchanged.

Is it possible to rename icons on the lock screen?

No, icons on the lock screen (for example, shortcuts for the camera or phone calls) they cannot be renamed. They are controlled by system settings and are not regular application shortcuts.

Will renaming work after resetting the phone to factory settings?

No, all custom icon names will be reset if you used third-party launchers (for example, Nova Launcher), their settings will also be reset. you will have to restore manually after a backup.