The standard interface of the operating system Android 9 Pie provides users with ample opportunities for personalization, but some functions are hidden from the eyes of the average user. One of these features is changing the names of installed apps directly on the desktop. This may be required to sort software, hide sensitive applications, or just for aesthetics.
Unlike more recent firmware versions, the ninth version of Android there is no built-in function for direct renaming via a long press on the icon in the stock launcher. The user is faced with a limitation when the system does not allow editing the signature under the label using standard methods. However, there are proven ways to get around this limitation.
To solve the problem, you do not need to receive root access, which preserves the warranty on the device and data security. We'll look at methods ranging from using third-party shells to more advanced technical solutions. The choice of a specific method depends on how deeply you are ready to interfere with the operation of the system and which launcher you use by default.
Using third-party launchers to change names
The simplest and safest method of changing labels under icons is to install an alternative launcher. The standard shell from Google or smartphone manufacturers often has limited functionality, while third-party solutions offer complete freedom of action. Popular apps like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair allow you to edit shortcuts in a couple of touches.
After installing and activating the new launcher, the process becomes intuitive. You need to hold your finger on the icon of the desired application until the context menu appears. In the list of actions, select item Edit or Edit, where a field for entering new text will open. Here you can enter any name, use special characters, or even leave the field empty to hide the signature.
It is important to note that when changing the launcher, the animation of opening windows or the location of widgets may change slightly. However, modern shells are able to import settings from the previous launcher, minimizing discomfort. This solution is ideal for those who want to customize the desktop without the risk of damaging system files.
Before installing a new launcher, take a screenshot of the current arrangement of icons to quickly restore the familiar desktop structure if necessary.
Some users they are afraid that third-party apps will consume a lot of RAM. In fact, optimized launchers work even faster than stock solutions on older devices with Android 9. They do not require constant background processes and are loaded only when the screen is unlocked.
⚠️ Attention: When you first launch a third-party launcher, the system may request permission to display on top of other windows. Be sure to confirm this action, otherwise the shortcut editing functions may not work correctly.
Creating shortcuts through special utilities
If you do not want to change the main launcher, you can use specialized shortcut creator applications. Such utilities, for example X Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker, create a new shortcut on the desktop that launches the target application, but has a different name and icon. This is actually a workaround that does not affect the system settings of the application itself.
The principle of operation of such apps is to create an intermediary shell. You select the original application from the list, load the desired picture from the gallery or icon set and enter a new name. After pressing the button Create a new object appears on the screen. The old shortcut can be deleted or moved to a folder so that there are no duplicates.
The advantage of this method is its versatility. It works on any device running Android 9.0, regardless of the smartphone model or firmware version. You do not need to give applications deep access to the system, just permission to create shortcuts on the desktop is enough.
However, it is worth considering one technical nuance. Because a new shortcut is created, app notifications may appear differently or require additional settings in the notifications section. In some cases, the notification icon on the new shortcut may not be highlighted if the launcher does not support this function for manually created shortcuts.
Editing through the device settings menu
In rare cases, depending on the smartphone manufacturer (for example Xiaomi, Samsung or Huawei), the renaming function may be built into a proprietary shell on top of Android 9. It’s worth checking your desktop settings before installing additional software. Go to Settings, find the section Desktop or Home screen.
Look for the option called "Allow changes icons" or "Hide applications". In some interfaces, long pressing on an empty space on the desktop opens a menu with an item Settings. If there is a checkbox “Editing shortcuts”, turn it on. After this, try holding down the application icon - perhaps a pencil button for renaming will appear.
This method is the most “native” for the system, since it does not require installing extra APK files. It guarantees stable operation of the interface and the absence of conflicts between apps. However, the functionality varies greatly from brand to brand, and on a pure basis Android One this option is usually absent.
Always check the built-in settings of your smartphone before downloading third-party applications - perhaps the manufacturer has already provided the tool you need.
If in the settings you only found options for changing the screen grid or animation, then your The firmware does not support native renaming. In this case, return to methods with third-party launchers or utilities. Don't waste time looking for hidden menus in the standard interface if they aren't there.
Advanced method: Using ADB and a computer
For users who are not afraid to work with a computer and the command line, there is a method for changing names through USB debugging. This method allows you to make changes to the launcher database directly without installing unnecessary applications on your phone. You will need a PC, a USB cable and installed drivers ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
First you need to activate the developer mode on your smartphone. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the build number seven times. In the “For Developers” menu that appears, enable the item USB debugging. Connect your phone to your computer and open a command line or terminal in the ADB tools folder.
The process of changing the name requires executing specific commands that depend on the specific launcher. For the stock Pixel launcher or similar, you may need to enter a command to change the app alias. An example command for viewing installed packages looks like this:
adb shell pm list packagesAfter finding the desired package (for example, com.android.camera), you can try to change its display name through the settings databases, if the launcher stores them in a writable location. However, this method is complicated because in Android 9, launcher database structures are often encrypted or protected from direct writing without root access.
Risks of using ADB
Incorrectly entering commands can cause the desktop to stop loading (launcher bootloop). In this case, you will need to reset the launcher settings through the recovery menu or completely delete the Launcher application data through ADB with the clear command.
However, there are scripts created by enthusiasts that automate this process. They create a new shortcut with the desired name using ADB system calls, which is safer than directly editing databases. This is the golden mean between installing junk software and complex manual editing of system files.
⚠️ Attention: ADB interfaces and commands may vary depending on the driver version and the specific device model. Always check the command syntax with the official documents for your version of Android before entering.
Comparison of application renaming methods
To make it easier for you to choose the appropriate option, we have prepared a summary table. It reflects the key characteristics of each method: complexity of implementation, the need to install additional software and the impact on system performance.
| Method | Complexity | Need a PC | Security | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party launcher | Low | No | High | Maximum |
| Designer applications | Low | No | Medium | Medium |
| Smartphone settings | Very low | No | Maximum | Low |
| ADB and command line | High | Yes | Medium | High |
As can be seen from the table, using third-party launcher offers the best balance between simplicity and functionality. This solution allows you to change not only names, but also icons, desktop grid and animations. The method with smartphone settings is good for its security, but is available only to owners of specific models.
The ADB option is suitable for advanced users who want to keep the stock launcher, but need specific changes. It takes time to prepare, but does not clog up the phone's memory with unnecessary applications. The choice is always yours, based on your technical skills.
☑️ Preparing to change the name
Possible problems and solutions
In the process of customizing the interface, users may encounter a number of typical problems. It often happens that after renaming the application stops launching or an error occurs. This may be due to the fact that the created shortcut has lost connection with the original installation package.
Another common situation is duplicate icons. When using shortcut creation utilities, the old icon often remains in place. To avoid confusion, it is recommended that immediately after creating a new shortcut, delete the old one or move it to a hidden folder. Some launchers allow you to hide applications from the menu, leaving them only on the desktop.
- 📱 The icon has turned white: This means that the utility was unable to load the original icon. Try selecting a picture manually from the gallery.
- 🔄 The name was reset after a reboot: The third-party launcher is not set as the default launcher. Go to settings and set it as the default launcher.
- ⚡ The phone started to slow down: Perhaps the installed launcher is too heavy for your device. Try lighter analogues, for example, Niagara Launcher.
If you notice that the battery began to discharge faster after installing new software for changing icons, check the energy saving settings. Some aggressive apps may be running in the background, trying to update widgets or sync settings. Disable unnecessary permissions in the application menu.
⚠️ Attention: Changing system shortcuts does not affect the operation of the application itself, but if you use banking apps or instant messengers that check the integrity of the environment, some methods (especially with Root) may cause access blocking.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rename system applications (Phone, Messages) on Android 9?
Yes, it is possible, but with caution. Third-party launchers allow you to change the name of the shortcut of any application, including system ones. However, the name of the package within the system will remain the same. It is not recommended to hide or rename critical applications so that you cannot find them in an emergency.
Will the application name be reset after updating?
If you used a third-party launcher, then after updating it, the settings are usually saved. If you used the utility to create a shortcut, then when the target application is updated, the shortcut, as a rule, continues to work. However, when updating the operating system itself to Android 10 or 11, the launcher settings may be reset.
Does changing the name affect the operation of notifications?
In most cases, no. Notifications are tied to the application package, and not to the name of the desktop shortcut. You will continue to receive messages even if you rename the messenger to “Calculator”. The exception is some custom launchers, which may incorrectly display notification badges on manually created shortcuts.
Do I need to obtain root access to rename?
Absolutely not. All methods described in the article (third-party launchers, shortcut utilities, manufacturer settings) work on devices without root access. Obtaining superuser rights is only necessary for deep editing of system files, which in this case is redundant and unsafe.
How can I get everything back if I don’t like it?
The easiest way is to remove a third-party launcher or utility for creating shortcuts. After this, the system will automatically return the standard interface and original icon names. If you changed the settings of the built-in launcher, find the “Reset settings” item in its menu or clear the application data in the smartphone settings.