Modern smartphones provide users with enormous freedom in customizing their appearance, but the standard operating system interface often has its limitations. Many device owners are wondering how to rename an Android app 11 in order to create perfect order on the desktop or hide the essence of installed apps from prying eyes. In this version of the operating system, Google did not include a native icon renaming feature in the basic launcher, which causes some difficulties for beginners.
However, there are proven ways to bypass this limitation without obtaining root access and without violating the device warranty. We'll look at several methods, from installing specialized launchers to creating custom shortcuts through system settings. The choice of a specific method depends on how deeply you are ready to change the visual shell of your gadget.
Before making changes, it is worth understanding that renaming an icon is a cosmetic procedure that does not affect the operation of the software itself. You only change the signature under the icon, while the internal package remains the same. This opens up opportunities for organizing space by categories, color schemes, or even creating aliases.
Using third-party launchers to change names
The easiest and most effective way to change the name of any app is to replace the standard desktop with a third-party launcher. There are dozens of such applications in the Android ecosystem that completely replace the app launcher interface, providing advanced customization options. Popular solutions like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher have built-in functions for editing shortcuts.
After installing the selected application and assigning it as the default launcher, the process of changing the name becomes intuitive. You just need to hold your finger on the icon of the desired app until the context menu appears. An “Edit” item will appear in the list of actions, where you can change not only the name, but also the icon itself by selecting an image from the gallery.
It is important to note that some launchers offer additional features, such as hiding applications or grouping them into folders with unique names. This allows you to create a desktop structure that will be as convenient as possible for you. For example, you can rename “Bank” to “Finance” or “Games” to “Entertainment” to visually differentiate zones.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher - a classic choice with maximum flexibility of settings and support for gestures.
- 🎨 Smart Launcher - automatically sorts applications into categories, but allows you to change names manually.
- 🔄 Lawnchair - launcher with a design in pure Android style, but with advanced editing capabilities.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a new launcher, the system may request confirmation of changing the default application. Be careful when choosing so as not to accidentally activate unwanted software.
Using third-party shells is the most stable method that does not require complex manipulations with system files. You can return to the standard interface at any time by simply disabling the third-party launcher in the settings or deleting it.
Creating custom shortcuts through settings
If you do not want to install a full-fledged launcher, you can use the shortcut creation function, which is available in most Android 11 shells, including MIUI, OneUI and ColorOS. This method allows you to create a duplicate icon with a new name, which will be placed on the desktop next to the original.
To implement this method, you need to go to the settings of your device and find the section responsible for managing the desktop or shortcuts. In some cases, this feature is hidden in the accessibility menu or home screen settings. After activating the “Create Shortcut” function, you will be able to select any installed application.
During the creation process, the system will prompt you to specify a new name for the shortcut. You can enter absolutely any text using emoji or special characters. However, it is worth remembering that the original icon will remain in place unless you delete it manually or hide it in the application menu.
☑️ Preparing to create a shortcut
This method has one significant drawback: two icons will appear on the desktop - old and new. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to move the original icon to a folder or hide it through the app menu settings, if such a function is supported by your firmware.
Using specialized application designers
There are many utilities available in the Google Play Store created specifically for customizing shortcuts without the need to change the entire launcher. Applications like X Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker allow you to precisely edit the appearance and names of specific apps.
The principle of operation of such utilities is to create a wrapper over the original application. You select a app from the list, upload a new icon (or leave the old one) and enter the desired name. After confirmation, a new shortcut appears on the desktop, which, when clicked, launches the original application.
The advantage of this approach is that it is lightweight. You don't need to change your familiar interface or learn complex launcher settings. It is enough to install one small utility and use it as needed to change individual elements.
| Utility name | Functional | Presence of advertising | System requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortcut Maker | Changing the icon and name, creation of widgets | Yes (in the free version) | Android 5.0+ |
| X Icon Changer | Only changing the icon and name | Minimal | Android 6.0+ |
| Custom Icon Pack | Use of ready-made icon packs | Depends on package | Android 7.0+ |
| Any Icon Changer | Full customization of shortcuts | Yes | Android 5.0+ |
When using such applications, you should pay attention to the permissions they request. Typically, they require access to storage to download images and the right to create shortcuts on the desktop.
Why are some applications not renamed?
System applications such as Phone or Messages can be protected from modification of shortcuts at the firmware level. In such cases, only using a third-party launcher with rights to override the interface helps.
The subtleties of working with Android 11 system restrictions
The Android 11 operating system has introduced a number of security restrictions that relate to access to the file system and management of shortcuts. This is done to protect users from malware that could replace legitimate applications with phishing copies.
Because of this, some renaming methods may not work correctly on different devices. For example, on smartphones with a pure version of Android (Pixel, Motorola), the process may differ from devices with proprietary shells (Samsung, Xiaomi). The latter often have their own themes and editors built into the system.
If you encounter a situation where, after renaming, the shortcut is not displayed or disappears after a reboot, check the power saving settings. Aggressive battery optimization algorithms can remove “extra” shortcuts, considering them unusable.
⚠️ Attention: Smartphone manufacturer interfaces are updated regularly. The location of menu items may differ depending on the firmware version and device model.
It is also worth considering that renaming through third-party tools does not change the name of the application in the system settings or in the list of installed apps. There it will be displayed under its original name specified by the developer.
Before mass renaming applications, take a screenshot of the current icon arrangement. This will help quickly restore order if the new interface seems inconvenient.
Advanced methods for experienced users
For those who are not looking for easy ways and want to gain full control over the system, there are methods that require deeper intervention. Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to manage shortcuts through your computer by sending commands directly to the system.
This method requires enabling USB debugging mode in the developer menu and installing drivers on the PC. Using the console, you can delete standard shortcuts and create new ones with arbitrary parameters using the commands of the activity management package.
adb shell pm grant com.android.launcher3 android.permission.WRITE_SETTINGSHowever, this method is not recommended for ordinary users, since an error in the command can lead to unstable operation of the desktop or the disappearance of important icons. In addition, after resetting the settings, all changes made through ADB will be lost.
An even more radical method is to obtain root access and use file managers with access to the system partition. This allows you to edit the launcher configuration files directly, but voids the device warranty and increases security risks.
Using ADB and root access gives maximum freedom, but requires high qualifications and carries risks of system disruption.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
During the customization process, users often encounter typical problems, such as mismatched icon sizes or incorrect display of fonts in new names. This is because different launchers use different grids and font pairs.
If the new icon looks blurry or has artifacts, try using high-resolution PNG images (minimum 512x512 pixels). Vector graphics in Android are not supported equally well by all launchers.
If the renamed application stops launching, check whether the application itself has been updated via Google Play. Sometimes an update resets shortcut links, and you need to re-create them with new parameters.
- 🔍 Problem: The icon has become black. Solution: The image file is damaged or the format is not supported.
- 📉 Problem: The title is cut off. Solution: Shorten the text or change the font size in the launcher settings.
- 🔒 Problem: You cannot change the name of the system application. Solution: Root access or use of guest mode is required.
Regular updates of launchers and customization utilities help avoid compatibility with new versions of Android. Developers quickly release patches that correct interface display errors.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Will the application name be reset after updating the Android system?
Yes, in most cases, with a major system update (for example, from Android 11 to 12), the settings of third-party launchers and created shortcuts can be reset. It is recommended to back up your launcher settings to the cloud before updating.
Is it possible to rename an application so that it is not found in the search?
Renaming a shortcut on the desktop does not hide the application from the general system search and from the list of installed apps in the settings. To completely hide, special functions “Hidden Applications” or the “Secure Folder” mode are required.
Does changing the icon and name affect the operation of notifications?
No, notifications will arrive correctly, since they are tied to the application package identifier, and not to the name of the shortcut. You will see notifications even from renamed apps.
Is it safe to use applications to change icons?
Using popular applications from Google Play is safe. However, avoid utilities that require suspicious permissions, such as access to contacts or SMS, if their functionality does not involve working with this data.
How to get all application names back?
To return standard names, just delete the created shortcuts from the desktop. If you used a third-party launcher, reset its settings to factory defaults or delete the application so that the system returns to the standard launcher.