Smartphone Honor 9, despite its age, remains a popular device due to its stylish design and functional shell EMUI. However, a standard set of graphical interface elements can quickly become boring, and users often look for ways to personalize their gadget. Changing the appearance of icons is the easiest and most effective way to refresh the perception of the system without the need for deep intervention in the settings.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available customization methods: from using the built-in theme store to installing third-party launchers that radically change the interface. You will learn which tools are safe for the system and which require advanced access rights. It is important to understand that the shell EMUI has its own characteristics that distinguish it from the pure one Android.
The procedure for replacing icons does not require special technical knowledge, but requires care when choosing sources for downloading files. An incorrectly selected application can lead to unstable desktop operation or increased battery consumption. We will look at proven methods that guarantee stable operation of your device after making changes.
Using the built-in "Themes" application
The most reliable and easiest way to change the appearance of icons on Honor 9 is to use the standard application Themespre-installed in the system. This tool is officially supported by Huawei and Honor developers, so the risk of system errors or conflicts is minimal. The theme database is constantly updated, offering thousands of design options in various styles.
To get started, you need to launch the application and go to the search or categories section. Here you can filter content by “Icon” type or select full-fledged themes that change not only icons, but also wallpaper, sounds and the style of the notification shade. When choosing, pay attention to the theme rating and the number of downloads - these are indirect indicators of the quality and stability of the package.
After downloading the selected theme, the system will prompt you to apply the changes. You can apply the entire theme or select the “Customize” option to change only the icon pack, leaving the old wallpaper. This is especially convenient if you like the current desktop background, but want to update the visual style of the applications.
⚠️ Attention: Some themes in the official store may be paid. Before purchasing, please review the preview to ensure the icon style meets your expectations, as refunds are often not available for digital content.
Interface and theme availability may vary depending on the region in which your account is registered. Huawei ID. If you don't find the themes you need, try changing your region in your account settings or use the third-party solutions described below.
The process of applying a theme takes only a few seconds. After confirmation, the system will automatically redraw all icons on desktops and in the application menu. If the result does not suit you, you can always return to the standard design through the same theme settings section by selecting “My Themes” and activating the option Default.
Installing third-party launchers for complete customization
If the built-in capabilities of the shell EMUI are not enough for you, the optimal solution would be to install a third-party launcher. A launcher is a app that replaces the standard desktop and application menu, providing advanced customization options. Popular solutions such as Honor 9 Such popular solutions as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher.
The main advantage of third-party launchers is their flexibility. You can not only change icon packs, but also customize the grid size, transition animations, control gestures, and even hide unnecessary applications. To install, go to Google Play Market, enter the name of the launcher and click the install button. After the download is complete, the system will prompt you to select the default application for the main screen.
It is important to configure the new launcher correctly when you first launch it. Usually the setup wizard suggests importing the layout of icons from the old shell, but for the purity of the experiment it is better to start with an empty desktop. In the launcher settings, find the “Appearance” or “Icons” section, where you can download the previously downloaded icon pack.
☑️ Preparing to install the launcher
It is worth noting that some launcher functions may conflict with proprietary navigation gestures Honor. If you notice delays when swiping or incorrect operation of the Home button, try disabling navigation gestures in the system settings and switch to classic control buttons.
Manually replacing icons through shortcuts
For those who want to replace the icon of only one specific application without changing the entire interface, there is a method for creating custom shortcuts. This method does not require the installation of additional launchers and works in the standard shell, although it has its limitations. It is ideal for precise customization of important apps.
The essence of the method is to create a new shortcut on the desktop using an image from the gallery. You'll need a shortcut app like Shortcut Maker or an equivalent available in the app store. After installing the utility, select the desired application, then specify “Gallery” in the icon field and select the desired picture.
The created shortcut will be displayed on the desktop next to the standard icon. You can remove the old icon by simply dragging it to the Trash or clicking Delete. However, it is worth remembering that if you update the main application, the new shortcut will not be updated automatically, and you will have to create it again.
⚠️ Attention: When using third-party utilities to create shortcuts, make sure that they have the “Display on top of other windows” permission. Without this right, the new icon may not appear on the desktop.
This method allows you to use any images as icons: photographs, brand logos or your own drawings. The display quality will depend on the resolution of the original image, so it is recommended to use images of at least 512x512 pixels in size.
Use PNG images with a transparent background to create shortcuts - this will ensure a neat appearance of the icon on any wallpaper without a white square around the edges.
Popular icon packs and their compatibility
On the Internet there are a huge number of icon packs developed by enthusiasts. However, not all of them work correctly on the shell EMUI. Some packs require specific libraries or support for certain formats that may not be in the standard firmware Honor 9.
The most compatible are those distributed through Google Play, since they are tested for compliance with Android standards. Popular sets such as Whicons, LineX or CandyConsusually display perfectly when using third-party launchers. When using a standard launcher, support may be limited.
Below is a table of compatibility of popular methods for changing icons with different types of packages on the device Honor 9:
| Replacement method | Support for APK packages | ZIP support themes | Risk of system failure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Themes application | No | Full | Minimal |
| Third-party launcher | Full | Partial | Low |
| Manual shortcuts | No (pictures needed) | No | None |
| Root modifications | Full | Full | High |
When choosing a package, pay attention to the date of the last update by the developer. Packs that have not been updated for more than two years may not display correctly on modern versions of Android or contain errors in vector graphics.
Where to look for rare icon packs?
In addition to Google Play, high-quality and unique icon packs can be found on developer forums such as 4PDA or XDA Developers. However, downloading files from unverified sources requires caution and the presence of an antivirus.
Display problems and ways to solve them
During the customization process, users Honor 9 may encounter a number of technical problems. The most common of these is the appearance of white squares instead of icons or the lack of changing icons in the application menu. This is due to the fact that some launchers cannot replace system shortcuts without additional rights.
If the icons are not used, try clearing the launcher cache. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → [Your Launcher] → Memory → Clear cache. After this, reboot your device. In rare cases, it is necessary to reset the launcher settings to factory settings through the app menu.
Another common problem is icons desynchronizing after a system update. Firmware update EMUI can reset the settings of a third-party launcher or return standard icons. In this case, you need to re-apply the theme or reconfigure the launcher.
⚠️ Attention: If, after installing the icons, the phone begins to get very hot or discharge quickly, immediately remove the last installed application. The icon pack may contain malicious code or is not optimized for your processor.
You can use Safe Mode to diagnose problems. Hold down the power button, and then long-press the “Power off” option on the screen until you are prompted to switch to safe mode. If in this mode the icons are displayed correctly (standard), then the problem is in third-party software.
Most problems with icon display are solved by clearing the launcher cache or reinstalling it, and not by resetting the entire phone.
Optimizing performance when using custom themes
Using heavy graphical icon packs may impact performance Honor 9especially if the device has a limited amount of RAM. Animated icon packs or high-resolution icon packs require more GPU resources to render.
To minimize system load, choose static icon packs instead of animated ones. It is also recommended to disable unnecessary widgets on the desktop if you are using a third-party launcher. The combination of heavy widgets and complex icons can cause the interface to slow down when scrolling through screens.
Keep an eye on the amount of free memory. Installed themes and icon packs take up space in the internal storage. Regularly delete unused themes through the app Themes → My → Themesby clicking on the delete icon. This will help maintain the device's performance at a high level.
Is it possible to return standard icons after installing the launcher?
Yes, it is possible. Go to your phone settings, “Applications” section, find the installed launcher and click “Delete”. The system will automatically prompt you to select the standard Huawei launcher. Or, in the settings of the launcher itself, select the default theme.
Why do icons change only on the desktop, but not in the menu?
The standard EMUI shell often separates the settings for the desktop and the application menu. To fully apply icons in all sections, it is recommended to use a third-party launcher that (manages) both spaces, or apply the full theme through the “Themes” application.
Is it safe to download themes from third-party sites?
Downloading themes and icon packs from unofficial resources carries the risk of infecting your device with viruses. Theme files (.hwt) may contain malicious code. It is recommended to use only trusted sources, such as the official Huawei store or Google Play.
Does changing icons affect the warranty of the smartphone?
No, software customization of the interface, installation of launchers and themes from the store do not affect the warranty. The warranty is lost only if you obtain root access or unlock the bootloader for deep modification of the system.
How to make application icons transparent?
To create the effect of transparent icons (so that the wallpaper can be seen through the icon), you will need special icon packs, for example Transparent Clock & Weather or packs with name Clear Icons. It is impossible to make an icon completely transparent using standard system tools.