How to change the application icon on Android Huawei: 5 proven methods

Application icons on smartphones Huawei with a shell EMUI often become familiar, but over time you want something new. Perhaps you are tired of the standard icon YouTube or WhatsApp or you want to bring the interface in line with the new design theme. Fortunately, you can change the icon to Huawei in several ways - from simple theme settings to manual editing through the file system.

In this article we will look at all the current methods: from built-in functions EMUI to third-party launchers and specialized applications. It is important to understand that not all methods are equally safe - some require root access or may be reset after a system update. We will also tell you how to avoid common mistakes and save changes for a long time.

Why you can’t just replace the icon on Huawei like on the iPhone

Unlike iOS, where replacing icons is possible through the function App Shortcuts (but with limitations), Android —especially on devices Huawei —works differently. Here everything depends on the shell EMUI, which blocks direct replacement of icons without additional tools. Here are the key reasons:

• 🔒 EMUI limitations: The shell Huawei does not provide a built-in icon editor, unlike some custom firmwares (for example, LineageOS).
• 📱 Default launcher: Standard launcher Huawei does not support icon packs (.iconpack) without third-party solutions.
• 🛡️ Security: The system protects application files from changes to prevent crashes or malicious manipulations.

However, this does not mean that the task is impossible, you just have to use workarounds - from installing alternative ones. launchers to editing system files (which already requires experience). Next, we will consider all the options - from the simplest to the advanced.

Method 1: Using EMUI themes (the safest method)

The easiest and official way to change icons on Huawei is to use the built-in function Themes. The shell EMUI allows you to install themes that automatically replace application icons, wallpapers, and even fonts. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the application Themes (usually located on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. In the section Icons or Icon packs select the style you like. Pay attention to the mark Supports icons.
3. Click Apply —the system will automatically update icons for all compatible applications.

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔄 Not requires root access or third-party apps.
• 🎨 You can change themes as many times as you like without risk to the system.
• 🔒 All changes are reversible - just return the standard theme.

❌ Disadvantages method:

• 🎯 Works only for applications supported by the theme (some icons may remain unchanged).
• 📥 Free themes often contain advertising or a limited set of icons.

Check the EMUI version (relevant for EMUI 9.0 and later)

Make sure the Themes application is updated to the latest version

Make a backup copy of your current settings (optional)

Select a theme marked "Full icon support"-->

⚠️ Attention: Some themes from the store Huawei Themes may contain plugins that require access to notifications or geolocation. Before installing, check the reviews and rating of the theme.

Method 2: Installing a third-party launcher (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If built-in themes EMUI you are not satisfied, the next step is to install an alternative launcher. Popular solutions like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Lawnchair support icon packs (.apk or .iconpack) and allow you to change icons for each application. manually.

Instructions for Nova Launcher (similar for others):

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play or AppGallery.
2. Download the package you like icons (for example, Whicons, CandyCons or Delta).
3. Press your finger on an empty space on the screen → Settings → Icon style.
4. Select an installed icon pack or configure icons manually via Edit.

💡 Advice: In Nova Launcher you can not only change icons, but also hide application names, change the size of icons and even add gestures. For example, swiping up on an icon Telegram can open a specific one. chat.

Launcher	Support for icon packs	Manual replacement	Additional functions
Nova Launcher	✅ Yes (full)	✅ Yes	Gestures, hiding applications, backup
Apex Launcher	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Icon grouping, changing animations
Lawnchair	✅ Yes (limited)	⚠️ Partially	Integration with Google Now, adaptive icons
Microsoft Launcher	❌ No	❌ No	Synchronization with Windows, widgets

⚠️ Attention: When using third-party launchers, some functions EMUI (for example, Smart Assistant or Knuckle Gestures) may not work correctly. To return to the standard launcher, go. in Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher.

Method 3: Applications for customizing icons (Icon Changer, Shortcut Maker)

If you need to change icon for only one or two applications, it is more convenient to use specialized utilities like Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker. These apps create shortcuts with new icons without affecting the original files.

Step-by-step guide for Icon Changer:

1. Install Icon Changer from Google Play.
2. Select the application for which you want to change the icon.
3. Click Change icon and select the source:
   • 📷 Gallery — upload your image (recommended size: 192×192 px).
   • 🎨 Icon pack - if installed .iconpack.
   • 🔍 Internet search — the application will offer options from the database.

Save the changes - a new shortcut will appear on the main screen.

⚠️ Important: Shortcuts created through Icon Changerdo not replace the original icons in the application menu. They are simply added to the desktop. To hide the original icon, use the hide function in the launcher. (for example, in Nova Launcher).

Method 4: Manually replacing icons via the file system (for advanced)

This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with system files and have root access or ADB. It allows you to replace the icon directly in the application file, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to failures. APK-application file, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to failures.

What you will need:

• 📱 Smartphone Huawei with unlocked bootloader i root access (or ADB with debug access).
• 💻 Computer with ADB Tools i APK Editor (for example, APKTool).
• 🖼️ New icon in format PNG with resolution 192×192 px (or other corresponding to the original).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download APK the application whose icon you want to replace (for example, through APK Extractor).
2. Open APK in APKTool and find the folder with resources (usually res/drawable or res/mipmap).
3. Replace the icon file (for example, ic_launcher.pngwith your own, keeping the original name.
4. Collect APK back and install it via ADB:

   adb install -r -d path/to/modified.apk

⚠️ Attention: After updating the application via AppGallery or Google Play your changes will be reset. To avoid this, disable automatic updating for this application or repeat the procedure after each update.

What to do if the icon has not changed after replacing?

1. Clear the application cache in Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Memory → Clear cache.

2. Restart the device - sometimes the system does not update icons without restarting.

3. Check that you have replaced all the icon options (the folders drawable may contain versions for different resolutions: mdpi, hdpi, xhdpi).

4. If you use ADB, make sure that the command was executed without errors (check the logs via adb logcat).

Method 5: Using widgets and shortcuts (without root)

If the previous methods seem too complicated, you can use a trick - create a widget or shortcut with a custom icon. This method does not change the original icon, but allows you to place an alternative one on your desktop option.

Instructions for Huawei:

1. Install the application Widgetsmith (available in AppGallery) or KWGT (requires Google Play).
2. Create a new widget and select option Application shortcut.
3. Specify the application for which you want to change the icon and upload your image.
4. Place the widget on the desktop and delete the original shortcut.

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• 🛡️ Does not require root or modification of system files.
• 🎨 Allows you to use animated icons (in KWGT).
• 🔄 It’s easy to roll back changes - just delete the widget.

🔹 Disadvantages:

• 📍 The shortcut will take up space as a widget, and not as a standard icon.
• 🔄 When you reset the launcher settings, the widget may disappear.

Frequent errors and how to avoid them

When replacing icons with Huawei users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Problem	Cause	Solution
The icon did not change after applying the theme	The theme does not support this application	Check the theme description or select another
After updating the application, the icon was reset	Changes were made manually via APK	Disable auto-update or repeat the procedure
The new icon is displayed blurry	Inappropriate resolution images	Use PNG with resolution 192×192 px or higher
The launcher does not see the installed icon pack	The package is not compatible with the version Android	Update the launcher or select another package
The application stopped opening after editing APK	Error during assembly or signing APK	Repeat the procedure with checking the logs in APKTool

If you are using Huawei c EMUI 13+, please note that some icon packs may not be supported due to changes in security policy. In this case, the only reliable way is to use third-party launchers or widgets.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can I change the icon? system application (for example, Phone or Messages)?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Through EMUI themes —only if the theme supports replacing system icons (rarely).
• Through launcher (for example, Nova) - yes, if the application is not blocked by the system.
• Through manual editing - will be required root access, since system APK are protected.

⚠️ On some models Huawei (for example Mate 50 Pro) system applications are protected Huawei Mobile Services, and their modification can lead to failures.

Why, after replacing an icon through Icon Changer, does it disappear after a reboot?

This happens because which Icon Changer creates a shortcut and does not modify the original application. To avoid the problem:

1. Save the shortcut to the desktop manually (press the icon → Add to the main screen).
2. Disable battery optimization for Icon Changer in the settings EMUI.
3. Use a launcher that supports backup (for example, Nova Launcher).

How to return standard icons if something goes wrong?

The method depends on how you changed the icons:

• 🔄 If you used EMUI themes - return the standard theme in the application Themes.
• 📱 If installed launcher — reset its settings or return to the standard launcher Huawei.
• 🛠️ If edited APK — reinstall the application from the official one store.
• 🗑️ If you created shortcuts, just delete them from the desktop.

As a last resort, reset the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → [Your launcher] → Memory → Clear data.

Is it possible to change the icon for a specific folder on the desktop?

Yes, but not through standard means EMUI. Options:

• Use a launcher that supports folder customization (for example, Nova Launcher + plugin Folder Icon Changer).
• Create a widget panel via KWGT and style it as a folder.
• Install a theme that changes folder icons (rare, but there are such in Huawei Themes).

💡 In Nova Launcher you can change the folder icon like this: hold down the folder → Edit → Icon → select a new image.

Will the replacement work? icons on Huawei without Google Play (only with AppGallery)?

Yes, but with limitations:

• 🎨 EMUI themes and widgets work without Google Play.
• 📥 Launchers like Nova Launcher can be installed via AppGallery or APKfile, but icon packs (.iconpack) will have to be downloaded manually from reliable sources (for example, APKMirror).
• ⚠️ Some customization applications (for example, Icon Changer) may require Google Play Services to work.

🔹 If you Huawei without GMS (for example Mate 40 Pro for the Chinese market), use AppGallery or Petal Search to search for alternatives.