Modern Vivo smartphones offer users ample opportunities to personalize the appearance of the device. You often want to refresh the standard set of graphic elements so that the interface matches your mood or current trends. Changing the appearance of application shortcuts is the fastest way to transform your desktop without complex technical manipulations. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods for changing icons on Vivo brand devices.
The process of changing graphics depends on the version of the installed operating system. Most current models work on the shell Funtouch OS or new OriginOS. These systems have built-in theme management tools that let you change not only the wallpaper, but also the shape, color, and style of app icons. You don't have to be an advanced user to perform this procedure.
Sometimes standard tools may seem limited, and that's when third-party launchers come to the rescue. However, before installing additional apps, you should make the most of the potential of the standard software. We will look at both basic settings and advanced customization methods so that you can choose the best option for your phone model.
Using the Themes application to change the style globally
The easiest and safest way to change the visual design is to use the pre-installed theme store. On Vivo smartphones this application is usually called Themes or iTheme. It contains thousands of ready-made solutions, where the icons are already selected in the same style. This eliminates the need to configure each icon manually.
To get started, launch the application and go to the categories section. Here you can filter offers by popularity, newness or rating. Pay attention to the tab Iconsif it is highlighted separately, or select complete themes that include replacing system shortcuts. Downloading and installation take just a few seconds.
After downloading the theme, the system will offer to apply it completely or selectively. You can keep your wallpaper, but only replace the icon set. This is useful if you like your current desktop background but are annoyed by the standard application colors. The interface is intuitive and does not require deep knowledge of Android settings.
- 🎨 Huge selection of free and paid design solutions.
- ⚡ Instant application of changes without rebooting the device.
- 🔄 Ability to preview the theme before installation.
- 📂 Automatic distribution of shortcuts into folders in some themes.
⚠️ Attention: Some paid themes may not display correctly on older firmware versions. Always check the compatibility in the description before purchasing.
Manually customizing the icon style in the settings menu
If you don't want to download entire themes, the Vivo system allows you to change the icon style through the personalization menu. This method is suitable for those who want to maintain the system logic of work, but change the shape of the icons. Go to Settings and find the section Desktop and lock screen.
Inside this menu there is often an item Icon style or Icon style. By clicking on it, you will see several preset options: classic round, square with rounded corners, or completely square. Selecting one of the options will instantly change the appearance of all shortcuts on the home screen and in the application menu.
A switch for displaying application names may also be available here. If you prefer minimalism, you can hide the labels under the icons, making your desktop cleaner and visually uncluttered. This feature is especially relevant for high-resolution screens, where graphics look detailed even without text.
Before changing the icon style, take a screenshot of the current application layout. This will help you quickly restore order if you don’t like the new style.
It is worth noting that the number of available styles depends on the specific smartphone model. Flagship series devices X or V often have more advanced customization options compared to the budget series Y. In the new OriginOS updates, the functionality has become much richer, allowing you to even change the size of the desktop grid.
Changing the icon for a specific application
Sometimes the user needs to change the icon for only one specific app, for example, to hide the messenger or simply highlight an important service. Vivo's standard tools do not always allow you to do this directly through the theme settings, but there is a workaround by creating a shortcut.
Press and hold your finger on an empty area of the desktop to bring up the editing menu. Select option Widgets. In the list of widgets, find an element called Shortcut or Shortcut. Drag it to the desktop.
The system will prompt you to select the application for which the shortcut is being created. After selecting the app, a settings window will open where you can change the image. You can select a picture from the gallery or use standard system icons. This allows you to create a unique visual style for your favorite apps.
| Action | Menu / Option | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Long press | Desktop | Calling the editing menu |
| Selecting a section | Widgets | List of available elements |
| Search for an element | Shortcut | Link creation tool |
| Customization | Selecting a photo | Replacing the standard icon |
⚠️ Attention: When creating a custom shortcut, notifications from the application may not come as noticeably as from the standard icon. Be careful when replacing important system applications.
☑️ Check before changing icons
Use of third-party launchers for maximum freedom
When built-in tools are no longer enough, third-party launchers come onto the scene. These are full-fledged replacements for the standard shell, which give complete control over every pixel of the screen. Popular solutions like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Smart Launcher work ideally on Vivo smartphones.
After installing such an application and making it the default launcher, you get access to huge libraries of icons on Google Play. You can install Icon Packs that will change the appearance of dozens of applications at once. This gives much more freedom than the standard theme menu.
In the settings of a third-party launcher, you can change the grid size, indents, click animations, and even control gestures. For example, double-clicking on an icon can launch an application, and swiping on it can open a context menu. Such features turn your smartphone into a unique tool, completely customized to your habits.
However, it is worth remembering that third-party launchers consume a little more RAM. On devices with 4 GB of RAM or less, this may affect the speed of switching between applications. For owners of models with 8 GB or more memory, this option is one of the best ways to customize.
How to return the default launcher?
If you installed a third-party shell and want to return to the factory one, go to Settings → Applications → Default Launcher and select Funtouch Home or OriginOS Desktop.
Interface features of OriginOS and Funtouch OS
Vivo users are often confused about the differences between the two main shells. Funtouch OS is more traditional and resembles pure Android with elements of iOS. Here, changing icons most often occurs through global themes. The settings interface here is linear and understandable to most users.
OriginOS, which replaces or coexists with Funtouch in different regions, offers a revolutionary approach. So-called “atomic components” are used here. Icons can be not just static pictures, but mini-widgets that display weather, music or steps directly on the desktop without launching the application.
In OriginOS, the process of changing icons is integrated into the widget system. You can change the size of the "atoms", their transparency and style. It takes some getting used to, but the result looks very modern. If you have a new Vivo model, most likely you are dealing with this particular system or its hybrid.
Understanding the differences between Funtouch and OriginOS is critical, since the paths to icon settings in them are radically different. Carefully study the version of your firmware in the “About phone” section.
⚠️ Attention: Shell interfaces can be updated by the manufacturer. The location of menu items may vary slightly depending on the Android version and regional firmware. If you do not find the item you need, use the search in the settings.
Fixing problems with icon display
Sometimes after changing the theme or installing the launcher, icons may not be displayed correctly. Instead of a pretty icon, you might see a white square or a standard Android robot. This is a common problem due to the fact that the new icon pack does not support a specific application.
To fix this, in the launcher or theme settings, find the item Backup icons or Fallback Icons. Here you can force a standard style for those applications for which there is no special icon in the selected package. This will restore visual integrity to the desktop.
The problem may also be in the system cache. If the icons are stuck and do not change after applying a new theme, try clearing the application cache Themes or Launcher. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications, find the required process and click Clear cache. Rebooting the phone also often helps to apply the changes correctly.
- 🧹 Clearing the launcher cache solves 90% of problems with “stuck” icons.
- 📲 Checking for updates to the “Themes” application can add support for new apps.
- 🔄 Resetting the desktop settings will return everything to factory settings in case of critical errors.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change icons without installing third-party applications?
Yes, it is possible. The built-in “Themes” application and settings in the “Desktop” section allow you to change icon styles, their shape and color without downloading additional launchers from the Play Market.
Why did some icons remain old after changing the theme?
This happens if the theme author did not draw a unique icon for a specific application. The system automatically substitutes a standard icon. You can replace it manually by creating a shortcut or select another theme with a more complete set of graphics.
Does changing icons affect the speed of a smartphone?
Using standard themes has virtually no effect on performance. However, installing heavy third-party launchers with a lot of animations can increase RAM consumption and slightly reduce the response speed on older models.
How to get all the icons back if you don’t like the new style?
Go to the “Themes” application, go to your profile or “My Themes” section and select the default standard theme (usually called Classic or Default). Click "Apply" and the interface will return to its original state.