Standard icons on smartphones Honor over time become boring, especially if you have been using the device for several years. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to customize them - from built-in tools to third-party solutions. But not all methods are equally secure: some can violate the stability of the system, while others require root access. In this article we will examine 5 proven methods change icons on Honor (including models on EMUI and MagicOS), taking into account their pros, cons and potential risks.

If you have never customized Android, don’t worry: most methods do not require technical skills. However, before you begin, it is worth remembering that changing system files (even through themes) can lead to failures. This is especially true for devices with MagicOS 8.0+, where the manufacturer has tightened control over modifications.

In this article you will find:

  • 🔧 Standard methods through settings Honor (without root)
  • 🎨 Using third-party launchers and themes
  • 📦 Installing custom icons via APK files
  • ⚙️ Working with ADB for advanced users
  • ⚠️ Possible problems and how to solve them avoid
📊 Which version of EMUI/MagicOS are you using?
EMUI 10-12
MagicOS 7.0-7.2
MagicOS 8.0+
I don’t know
Other

1. Standard themes in AppGallery: the easiest way

The manufacturer Honor offers an official way to change icons through theme store — Huawei Themes (available in AppGallery). This method does not require root access and is suitable for most models, including Honor 50/60/70/90 and Magic Series.

To change icons:

  1. Open the application Themes (the brush icon on the desktop table).
  2. Go to section Icons or Icon packs.
  3. Select the pack you like and click Apply.
  4. Confirm the changes - the system will automatically update the icons on the main screen and in the menu.

✅ Pros: safe, does not require technical knowledge, regularly updated collections.

❌ Cons: limited selection of free ones packs, some icons may not change (for example, system applications).

💡

If the theme store does not have a suitable pack, try searching for it using the hashtags #IconPack or #HonorThemes in communities Honor on Reddit or 4PDA.

2. Using third-party launchers: Nova Launcher, Apex, Lawnchair

If the built-in themes do not suit you, you can install alternative launcher. Popular options are Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Lawnchair. They allow you not only to change icons, but also to customize animations, gestures and desktop layout.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

  1. Install the launcher from Google Play or AppGallery.
  2. Download liked icon pack (for example, Whicons, CandyCons).
  3. Open the launcher settings: Nova Settings → Look & feel → Icon style.
  4. Select Icon pack and specify the downloaded pack.
  5. If necessary customize Adaptive icons (adaptive icons) for uniformity.

🔹 Lawnchair suitable for fans of "pure" Android, and Apex for advanced customization with gesture support Please note that some launchers may conflict with the proprietary shell MagicOS, especially on new models.

Which launchers are best avoided on Honor?

On devices with MagicOS 8.0+ it is not recommended to use launchers with deep integration into the system (for example, Microsoft Launcher or Action Launcher). They can cause delays when opening applications or failures in the operation of proprietary services Honor, such as Huawei Mobile Services.

3. Manual replacement of icons via ADB (for advanced)

If you are willing to take a risk, you can change the icons at the system level using ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires enabling USB debugging and does not work on all models. level Honor (on MagicOS 8.0+ there may be restrictions).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable Mode 7 times Developer: go to Settings → About phone and click on Build number.
  2. Activate USB debugging in Settings → System → Developer Options.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command:
adb shell pm list packages -f | grep -i"launcher"

This command will help you find the path to the system launcher (usually /system/priv-app/...).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can lead to loss of warranty or device failure. Before you start, make a backup copy of your data via HiSuite or Google Account.

Method Requires root? Risk to the system Compatibility
Standard themes ❌ No ⚠️ Low All models
Side launchers ❌ No ⚠️ Medium (conflicts with MagicOS) Most
ADB ❌ No (but debugging is needed) ⚠️⚠️⚠️ High EMUI 10-12, MagicOS 7.x
Root + replacements in /system ✅ Yes ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ Critical Depends on the model

4. Installing custom APK icon packs

If you do not want to use the launcher, but standard themes do not suit you, you can install APK icon pack directly. Many designers distribute their work in format .apk through sites like XDA Developers or APKMirror.

How is this works:

  • 📥 Download an APK file with a pack of icons (for example, Linebit or Minimal O).
  • 🔓 Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
  • 📲 Install the APK as a regular application.
  • 🎨 Apply icons through the launcher settings (if used) or system themes.

⚠️ Attention: Install APK only from trusted sources! Some packages may have malicious scripts, especially if they require additional permissions! (for example, access to SMS or contacts).

Downloaded from the official website of the developer|Checked on VirusTotal|No unnecessary permission requests|Positive user reviews-->

5. icons via root: risks and opportunities

On devices with root access you can change icons directly in system folders. This gives maximum freedom, but also maximum risks: incorrect editing of files in /system can lead to loss of performance phone.

If you still decide:

  1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk).
  2. Use Root Explorer or Solid Explorer to navigate through /system/app or /system/priv-app.
  3. Find the APK of the application whose icon you want to change (for example, com.huawei.android.launcher for standard launcher).
  4. Extract the APK, change the icons in the folder res/drawable using APK Editor, then rebuild and install the file back.

🔴 Critical risks:

  • 🚨 Bootloop (looping on loading) if there is an error in the system files.
  • 🔄 Loss of OTA updates (over-the-air updates will stop working).
  • 🛡️ Security breach (some banking applications will refuse to work).
💡

Root access on modern Honor (especially with MagicOS 8.0+) is extremely difficult to obtain due to closed loading. If your model is not supported Magisk, this method will not work.

6. Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing icons, users Honor often encounter serious errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem 1: Icons do not change for some applications.
Solution: This is due to the fact that system applications (for example, Settings or Phone) are often protected from changes. Try:

  • 🔄 Reboot the device after applying themes.
  • 📥 Update the launcher or icon pack to the latest version.
  • 🛠️ Use a launcher with support Adaptive Icons (for example, Nova Launcher).

Problem 2: After installing a custom pack, icons are displayed in low resolution.
Solution: This happens due to a mismatch between the resolution of the icons and the screen resolution. Check:

  • 📏 Resolution of the icon pack (must be at least 192x192 px for Full HD screens).
  • 🖼️ Scaling settings in the launcher (Nova Settings → Icon size).

Problem 3: The launcher starts to slow down after applying themes.
Solution: Reset the launcher cache in Settings → Applications → [Your launcher] → Memory → Clear cache. If this does not help, try another launcher or roll back to the standard theme.

Is it possible to change icons without a launcher on Honor 90?

Yes, but the choice is limited. On Honor 90 s MagicOS 7.1+ you can only use standard themes from Huawei Themes or install APK icon packs, if they are supported by the system. Launchers like Nova give more, but may conflict with branded services.

Why did some applications begin to open more slowly after changing icons?

This is due to the fact that third-party launchers or icon packs can intercept clicks on icons, adding a delay. Try:

  • Disable animations in the launcher settings.
  • Use “light” icon packs (without complex effects).
  • Return to the standard launcher Honor.
Is it possible to return the standard icons if something went wrong?

Yes. If you used:

  • Standard themes: go to Themes → My themes and select Default.
  • Third-party launcher: delete it or reset the settings in Launcher settings → Backup and reset.
  • ADB/root: apply a backup of system files or reflash the device.
Will custom icons work after updating MagicOS?

It depends on the type changes:

  • 🔄 Standard themes will be saved, but visual settings may be reset.
  • 📱 Launchers usually continue to work, but may require re-configuration.
  • ⚠️ Changes via ADB/root almost always reset after major changes updates.

Before updating, we recommend taking screenshots of the current settings or a backup copy via HiSuite.

Is it possible to change icons for individual applications, and not all at once?

Yes, but not in all launchers. For example, in Nova Launcher:

  1. Hold your finger on the application icon.
  2. Select Edit (Edit).
  3. Click on the icon and select another one from the installed pack or gallery.

In There is no such function in the standard launcher. Honor there is no such function.