Smartphone Honor 7A, despite its age and budget class, remains a popular device due to its reliability and intuitive EMUI interface. However, the standard set of graphic elements preinstalled by the manufacturer can become boring for any user over time. The desire to personalize a gadget, make it unique and reflect your style, is a natural stage of owning a device.
The process of replacing application icons on this model has its own nuances associated with the shell EMUI. Unlike pure Android, here the system is more closed, which requires the use of specific methods to achieve the desired result. You can use the brand's built-in tools or resort to third-party solutions that will open up much more creative possibilities.
In this guide, we will look in detail at all the available ways to transform your desktop. We will look at both safe methods through the official settings, and advanced options with the installation of alternative shells. It is important to understand that each method has its own advantages and limitations, which we will analyze below.
Using the built-in Themes application
The easiest and safest way to change the appearance of the interface is to use the official content store from Huawei and Honor. The device Honor 7A has a pre-installed application Themesthat allows you to download ready-made design packages. These packages often include not only wallpapers and fonts, but also completely redesigned icon sets.
To get started, you need to launch the application and go to the Themes section in the bottom menu. Here you will find thousands of design options, from minimalistic to bright and animated. The system automatically filters content that is compatible with your firmware version and screen resolution 1440x720.
When choosing a theme, pay attention to the preview. If the description indicates that the theme includes icons, then after application all standard icons will be replaced with new ones. However, it is worth remembering that free themes may contain advertising, and premium content requires payment with virtual currency or real money.
- 🎨 A huge selection of ready-made styles from professional designers.
- 🛡️ Guaranteed compatibility with the system without the risk of failures.
- ⚡ Quick application with one click of the "Download" button.
⚠️ Attention: Some themes from the official store may be paid or require account registration Huawei ID. Free options often contain watermarks or limited functionality.
Before downloading a heavy theme, check the availability of free space in your phone memory, as some design packages can take up more than 100 MB.
Installing third-party launchers for complete freedom
If the built-in capabilities seem limited to you, the best solution would be to install a third-party one launcher. The launcher is an alternative shell that completely replaces the desktop and application menu. For Honor 7A solutions such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher.
After installing a new launcher from Google Play Market the system will ask for permission to use it as the default home screen are ideal. Confirm this choice and the interface will change instantly. The main advantage of this method is the ability to install separate icon packs independently of wallpapers or widgets.
Many popular launchers have built-in theme stores or support downloading third-party packages in the format .apk. This allows you to mix styles: for example, use a dark system theme, but still set bright, neon icons for social networks. Customization flexibility reaches its maximum.
It is worth noting that third-party shells may consume a little more RAM than the standard interface. For Honor 7A s with 2 or 3 GB of RAM, this may be noticeable when running many applications simultaneously. It is recommended to disable unnecessary animations in the settings of the launcher itself to maintain smooth operation.
☑️ Preparing to install the launcher
Manually replacing icons for individual applications
Sometimes the user needs to change the icon for only one specific application, for example, to hide it or make it more noticeable. In the standard shell EMUI this function is implemented through the creation of shortcuts, but with the ability to change the image. This method does not require the installation of additional software.
To perform a replacement, hold your finger on an empty space on the desktop and select Widgets. In the list, find a widget that is simply called “Shortcut” or has an icon for a specific application. Drag it onto the screen, and the system will prompt you to select an application, and then an image for it.
You can select a picture from the gallery, take a photo with your camera, or use preset graphic elements. This method allows you to create a unique visual style by combining different images. However, if you update the application through the store, the shortcut may reset to the standard one.
| Replacement method | Complexity | Flexibility | Impact on battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Themes | Low | Medium | Minimum |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | High | Average |
| Manual widget | High | Maximum | Minimum |
| Change via ADB | Expert | High | None |
⚠️ Attention: When creating manual shortcuts through widgets, the original application is not deleted. Two icons appear on the screen: one is systemic, the second is your custom one. Be careful not to get confused.
Advanced methods: Icon packs and editors
For those who want to achieve a professional level of customization, there are special editor applications and icon packs. There are thousands of sets available in the store, such as Play Market thousands of sets available such as Whicons, LineX or CandyCons. These sets are designed in the same style and contain hundreds of redrawn icons.
To apply such a set to Honor 7A, you will need a launcher that supports this function, or a helper application, for example, X Icon Changer. Such utilities allow you to apply packages even to those applications that are not supported by the default theme, creating a mask over the original icon.
The process usually looks like this: you launch the assistant application, select the installed icon package, and then check the boxes of those apps whose appearance you want to change. After clicking the “Apply” button, the system will create new shortcuts with the selected design.
What to do if the icon is not applied?
If after applying the package the icon remains old, try clearing the launcher cache in the phone settings or restarting the device. Sometimes it is necessary to manually remove the old shortcut before creating a new one.
It is important to monitor updates to such packages. Developers are constantly adding support for new applications. If you have installed a new social network, and there is no icon for it in your package, it will be displayed in a standard style, standing out from the overall picture.
Possible problems and their solutions
In the process of changing the interface, users may encounter a number of technical difficulties. One of the common problems on Honor 7A is automatic reset of settings after rebooting the device. This often happens if the system detects a third-party launcher as unstable or if permanent permission has not been granted.
Another common situation is incorrect display of labels under icons. When changing the theme, the font may become too small or, conversely, overlap the image. This can be solved in the screen settings by changing font size or the display scale in the section Screen and brightness.
It is also worth mentioning the problem of “broken” icons, when a gray rectangle is displayed instead of a picture. This means that the image path is lost or the file is damaged. In this case, you need to delete the problematic shortcut and create it again, making sure that the original image is in the phone memory.
- 🔄 Reset settings: check the permissions in the Default Applications menu.
- 📏 Text distortion: adjust the scale in the display settings.
- ❌ Gray squares: reinstall the icon pack or launcher.
⚠️ Attention: The EMUI interface is updated periodically. The location of menu items may differ depending on the firmware version. If you do not find the described setting, use the search inside the phone settings menu.
Optimization and impact on performance
Any intervention in the system requires resources. Heavy themes with live wallpapers and complex icon animations can significantly load the processor Snapdragon 430installed in Honor 7A. This can lead to stuttering when swiping and opening menus.
To maintain performance, it is recommended to use static icon sets and avoid themes with a lot of animated elements. It's also a good idea to clear your launcher cache regularly if you change your skin frequently. This can be done through the menu Settings → Applications → Application Manager.
If you notice that the phone began to discharge faster after installing a new theme, check the background activity of the “Themes” application or the installed launcher. Limit their work in the background if they do not require a constant connection to the network for synchronization.
The optimal balance between the beauty and speed of the Honor 7A is achieved by using lightweight static launchers and minimalistic icon packs.
Do not forget that the visual component is only part of the user experience. The convenience of the arrangement of elements and the speed of access to them are often more important than just a beautiful picture. Experiment, but maintain the ergonomics of using the device.
Is it possible to return the standard Honor icons back?
Yes, it’s very simple. Go to the Themes app, go to your profile or My Themes section and select the Classic or Default theme. Click “Apply” and the interface will return to its factory appearance.
Are root access required to change icons?
No, for all the methods described in the article (official themes, launchers, widgets), obtaining superuser rights is not required. All actions are safe and do not violate the warranty.
Why were the icons reset after updating Android?
Major system updates often reset personalization settings to ensure the stability of the new software version. You will have to re-apply the selected theme or configure the launcher.
Where can I download safe icon packs?
The most reliable source is the official Google Play Market. Avoid downloading APK files from unverified sites, as they may contain malicious code.