Application icons on a smartphone screen are the first thing that catches your eye during everyday use. Standard icons from developers do not always fit into the overall desktop style or simply become boring over time. Fortunately, Android provides several ways to change them. from simple launcher settings to deep modifications via ADB.

In this article we will look at all the current methods: from using themes to manually editing APK files. You will learn what tools you will need for each option, what limitations exist on different versions of Android (from Android 10 to Android 14), and how to avoid common mistakes. We will pay special attention to security - because some methods require granting superuser rights or changing system files.

If you just want to refresh the appearance of the screen or create a unique smartphone design, here you will find detailed instructions with explanations for beginners and experienced users. Let's start with the simplest solutions and gradually move on to advanced techniques.

1. Using themes (without root)

The safest and most versatile way to change icons is to apply a theme. Most smartphone manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo) include their own theme stores in the firmware, where you can download ready-made icon sets. This method does not require superuser rights and works on any version of Android.

How it works:

  • 🎨 Themes change not only icons, but also fonts, wallpaper, notification style
  • 📱 Supported by most launchers (including standard ones)
  • 🔄 You can quickly return to the standard view
  • 💰 Many themes are free, but there are also paid premium options

For example, on smartphones Samsung with a shell One UI you need to go to Settings → Appearance → Themes. On Xiaomi the path will be like this: Settings → Screen → Themes. Theme stores usually have categories by style: minimalism, neon, retro, dark themes and others.

⚠️ Attention: Some themes may conflict with system ones applications, causing stuttering. Before installing, check the reviews of other users and the rating of the theme.
📊 Which icon style do you like best?
Minimalistic
Bright and colorful
Dark (AMOLED)
Retro (pixel)
Other

2. Replacement through third-party launchers

If the built-in themes are not enough, you can install alternative launcher a app that completely replaces the standard Android interface. Popular options: Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, Action Launcher and Microsoft Launcher. All of them support replacing icons through icon packs (icon packs).

Step-by-step guide for Nova Launcher:

  1. Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one
  2. Download liked icon pack (for example, Whicons, CandyCons or Lines)
  3. Press your finger on the desktop → Settings → Styles and wallpapers → Package icons
  4. Select the downloaded package and apply the changes

Advantages of this method:

  • 🔧 Flexible customization: you can change icons selectively
  • 🎯 Support for adaptive icons (starting from Android 8.0 Oreo)
  • 🔄 Easy to roll back to the standard view

Download the APK of the launcher from the official website or Google Play|

Check compatibility with the Android version|

Make a backup copy of the current screen settings|

Check out reviews about the selected icon pack-->

Some launchers, for example Nova Launcher Prime, allow you to assign individual icons for each application. To do this, you need to hold your finger on the icon → Change → Icon → select an image from the gallery or package.

3. Manual change via ADB (for experienced)

For users who are ready to work with the command line, there is a way to change the icons of system applications via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root access, but is only suitable for individual applications, and not for all at once. Important: changed icons will be reset after updating the application.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB drivers data-i="104">Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging ADB drivers
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then Settings → System → Developer Options → USB Debugging)
  • 🖼️ Prepared icons in format .png (resolution recommended 192×192 or 512×512)

Instructions:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb devices

    (your device should be displayed)

  2. Download the icon to the device (for example, in a folder /sdcard/Download/icon.png)
  3. Find out the name of the application package (you can via App Inspector or the command: 
    adb shell pm list packages | grep "application_name"
  4. Execute the replacement command (example for Google Chrome): 
    adb shell cmd shortcut set-icon com.android.chrome /sdcard/Download/icon.png
⚠️ Attention: This method does not work on all firmware. On some devices (MIUI, ColorOS) you may need additional software like Activity Launcher to apply the changes.
What to do if ADB does not see the device?

Make sure that USB debugging is enabled and drivers for your smartphone model are installed. On some Windows systems, installing universal drivers from Google helps. (Android SDK Platform-Tools) Also check the cable - it must support data transfer, not just charging.

4. Editing the APK file (requires decompilation)

The most difficult, but also the most flexible method is manual editing of the application APK fileThis allows you to change the icon permanently, even after updates. requires skills in working with APKTool, Java and understanding the structure of Android applications.

What needs to be done:

  1. Download the original APK file of the application (you can via APK Extractor)
  2. Decompile it using APKTool: 
    apktool d application.apk
  3. Find icons in the folder res/mipmap- or res/drawable- and replace them with your own (observing file names and permissions)
  4. Compile APK back: 
    apktool b app -o new_app.apk
  5. Sign the new APK (for example, via uber-apk-signer)
  6. Install the edited application on your smartphone

Important details:

  • 🔧 System applications will require root access
  • 🔄 After updating the application via Google Play the icon will be reset
  • 🛡️ Not all applications can modify (change protection)
Method Difficulty Requires root Reset after update Suitable for system applications
Themes ⭐ ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes
Third-party launchers ⭐⭐ ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No (only for custom)
ADB ⭐⭐⭐ ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Editing APK ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes (for system ones) ❌ No ✅ Yes
💡

Before editing the APK, make a backup copy of the original file If something goes wrong, you can quickly. restore the functionality of the application.

5. Applications for changing icons without a launcher

If you do not want to install a third-party launcher, you can use specialized utilities that create shortcuts with custom ones. iconsPopular applications:

  • 📌 Icon Changer — allows you to change icons and names of shortcuts
  • 🎨 Awesome Icons —large catalog of ready-made icons
  • 🔧 Shortcut Maker —creates shortcuts with arbitrary pictures

How it works:

  1. Install one of the applications (for example, Icon Changer)
  2. Select the application for which you want to change the icon
  3. Upload your picture or select from the application gallery
  4. Create a shortcut on the desktop

Limitations:

  • ❌ Only the shortcut is changed, not the original icon in the application menu
  • ❌ Does not work for widgets
  • ✅ Does not require root access and is safe for the system
💡

Applications to change icons without a launcher - the easiest way for beginners, but it creates duplicate shortcuts and does not replace the original icons.

6. Features on different versions of Android

The ability to change icons depends on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell Here are the key differences:

Android 7.0 Nougat and. below:

  • ❌ No support for adaptive icons
  • ❌ Fewer options for customization without root
  • ✅ All methods work through launchers and ADB

Android 8.0 Oreo — Android 9 Pie:

  • ✅ Adaptive icons have appeared (change shape depending on launcher)
  • ✅ More themes in standard settings
  • ❌ ADB method may not work on some firmware

Android 10 and later:

  • ✅ Full support for adaptive icons
  • ✅ Built-in tools for changing the style of icons (on some devices)
  • ❌ Restrictions on changing system applications without root

On firmware MIUI (Xiaomi) and ColorOS (Oppo/Realme) there are additional tools for customization, but they often limit the capabilities of ADB. On One UI (Samsung) there is more freedom, but some functions are only available in the company's theme store.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 13+ Google has tightened its policy. security. Some methods (for example, changing system APKs without root) can lead to blocking applications or resetting settings.

7. Common errors and how to avoid them

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

Problem 1: Icons are reset after updating. applications.

  • 🔹 Solution: Use a launcher with support icon packs or edit the APK (but then you will have to refuse automatic updates).

Problem 2: ADB does not see device.

  • 🔹 Solution: Check that USB debugging is enabled, install drivers, try a different cable.

Problem 3: After editing the APK, the application does not start.

  • 🔹 Solution: Make sure you signed the APK correctly and did not change critical files (for example, AndroidManifest.xml).

Problem 4: Icons are displayed blurry.

  • 🔹 Solution: Use images with a resolution of at least 192×192 pixels and in format .png with a transparent background.

Problem 5: Not all icons change in icon pack.

  • 🔹 Solution: Check whether the package supports adaptive icons. Some applications (for example, Google Play Services) cannot be changed.
Why are some system icons not working? change?

Manufacturers often block changing icons for critical system applications (for example, Settings, Phone, MessagesThis is done to prevent fraud (for example, replacing the icon of a banking application with a phishing one).

Is it possible to change the icon of a system application without root?

Yes, but with limitations. Through ADB you can change the icon for some system applications. (for example, Camera, Gallery), but not for everyone. On some firmware (MIUI, Flyme) this is blocked. An alternative is to use a launcher with support icon packs, but this will not replace the original icon in the application menu.

Why were all my custom icons reset after updating Android?

During major system updates (for example, from Android 11 to Android 12), the settings of launchers and themes are reset. To avoid this, before. update:

  1. Make a backup copy of the launcher settings (in Nova Launcher: Settings → Backup)
  2. Save used ones icon packs as APK files
  3. Record, what icons did you change manually (for example, via ADB)

After the update, restore the settings from the backup.

How to make the icons automatically adjust to the dark/light theme?

For this you need adaptive icons support for dynamic colors. Some icon packs (for example, Delta or Whicons) have built-in support for dark mode. You can also:

  • Use the launcher Nova Launcher with setting Adaptive icons → Background color
  • On Android 12+ enable the function Monet (automatic color selection) in the developer settings
  • Manually create two versions of icons and switch them through Tasker or MacroDroid
Is it possible to change the application icon in the "All applications" menu (app drawer), and not just on the desktop?

It depends on the launcher:

  • 🔹 Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher — support changing icons in app drawer via icon packs.
  • 🔹 Standard launchers (Pixel Launcher, One UI Launcher) - usually do not allow this to be done without root.
  • 🔹 Applications like Icon Changer create shortcuts only on the desktop.

If your launcher does not support this function, you will either have to put up with it or install a third-party launcher.

Are there applications for automatically creating icons from photos?

Yes, several utilities allow you to convert any images to icons:

  • 📸 Icon Maker — crops photos to standard icon sizes
  • 🎨 Icon Pack Studio — creates full icon packs from your images
  • 🖌️ Photo to Icon — adds effects (outline, shadow) for better readability

Recommended resolution for source images: 512×512 pixels. After creating the icon, you can apply it through any of the methods described above.