How to change the WhatsApp icon on Android: all methods with pictures

Has the green icon WhatsApp with a white tube become boring for a long time? Do you want to make your messenger unique or just refresh the appearance of your smartphone? Replacing the application icon with Android is a simpler task than it seems. In this article we will look 5 proven methodsfrom standard launcher settings to deep modification of the APK file. All methods work on devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, Realme and other brands with Android 10+.

But before you begin, please note: some methods require root access or installing third-party applications. If you are a beginner, start with the simplest options (sections 2 and 3). For experienced users, advanced techniques from sections 4 and 5 are suitable. And if you are afraid of breaking something, use our unique security checklist at the end of the articleto avoid common mistakes.

This article does not “magic button” for instantly changing the icon - each method has its own nuances. For example, on MIUI from Xiaomi some launchers may conflict with system themes, and on One UI from Samsung you will have to manually disable battery optimization for third-party applications. We will analyze all the pitfalls in detail so that you can choose the best option for your device.

1. The easiest way: using the launcher

If you don’t want to delve into the system settings, launchers is your best friend. These are applications that replace the standard interface Android, allowing you to customize icons, widgets and even animations. Popular options: Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher and Action Launcher. Let's look at the process using an example Nova Launcher —it is free and supports the Russian language.

First install the launcher from Google Play. After launch:

1. Press and hold your finger on an empty space of the main screen.
2. Select item Launcher settings (or Widget & Settings in the English version).
3. Go to the section Icons (Icon Style).
4. Tap on Icon theme and select any pack you like from those offered.

If there are few built-in themes, download additional ones from Play Market (search for "icon pack"). For example, packages CandyCons or Minma offer hundreds of stylized icons, including alternative options for WhatsApp. After installing the new theme, return to the launcher settings and apply it.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) launchers may be unstable. If after changing the icons they return to standard, check the optimization settings in the section Special permissions → Autorun and add the launcher to exceptions.

Download and install Nova Launcher|Check compatibility with yours firmware|Disable battery optimization for the launcher|Download your favorite icon pack|Apply the theme in the launcher settings-->

2. Manual change through "Adaptive icons" (Android 8.0+)

Starting from Android 8.0 Oreo, the system supports the function "Adaptive icons". This means that some applications (including WhatsAppcould automatically adjust to the shape specified by the launcher or theme. Here's how it works:

Open the launcher settings (for example, Nova Launcher) and find the Icon Style → Icon Shapesection. Here you can select one of the predefined shapes:

• 🟥 Circle - classic option, suitable for minimalistic design.
• 🟦 Square with rounded corners - standard for Pixel i Samsung.
• 🟪 Birdhouse - an unusual shape, popular in OxygenOS (OnePlus).
• 🟨 Drop - a dynamic look, but not supported by all applications.

If WhatsApp does not change shape, it means that the developers have disabled support for adaptive icons in their version. In this case, only replacement through the launcher (section 1) or editing the APK (section 4) will help.

⚠️ Attention: On Huawei and Honor with firmware EMUI adaptive icons may not be displayed correctly due to manufacturer restrictions. Before setting up, check whether your model supports this function in the screen settings (Settings → Screen → Screen style).

Firmware	Support for adaptive icons	Features
One UI (Samsung)	Yes	Works only with branded themes from Galaxy Store
MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi)	Partially	Requires disabling optimization for launchers
ColorOS (Oppo/Realme)	Yes	Can be reset after a system update
Stock Android (Pixel, Motorola)	Yes	Best compatibility with Nova Launcher

3. Applications for changing icons without root

If launchers seem too cumbersome, you can use specialized ones utilities. They create shortcuts with custom icons without affecting the original application. Let's consider two popular tools:

1. Icon Changer (by XDA)

• 📥 Download the application from Google Play (free version with advertising).
• 🖼️ Click Select icon and upload your image (format PNG with a transparent background is ideal).
• 📌 Select WhatsApp from the list of applications and confirm the creation of the shortcut.
• 🗑️ Remove the original icon from the main screen (the application will remain in the menu).

2. Shortcut Maker

This application allows you not only to change icons, but also to create shortcuts for specific chats or functions WhatsApp (for example, quick access to the camera or calls). data-i="135">Open

1. Open Shortcut Maker and select Activity.
2. In the list, find WhatsApp and tap on com.whatsapp.HomeActivity.
3. Click on the icon in the upper right corner and upload your image.
4. Save the shortcut and place it on your home screen.

⚠️ Attention: Shortcuts created through these applications may stop working after updating. WhatsAppIn this case, repeat the process or update yourself Shortcut Maker.

4. APK file

This method is suitable for users who are not afraid to “dig deeper”. We will change the APKfile itself WhatsApp, replacing the standard icon in it with our own. Important: this will not delete your chats, but will require a backup. data.

You will need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Java (to work with APKTool).
• 📱 Smartphone with debugging enabled by USB (Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times).
• 🔧 apps: APKTool, 7-Zip, SignAPK (for signing the file).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download the original APK WhatsApp from the site whatsapp.com/android (not from Play Market!).
2. Unpack APK using APKTool command:

   apktool d whatsapp.apk -o whatsapp_folder

3. Go to the folder whatsapp_folder/res and find the icon files (usually in drawable-xxhdpi or mipmap-xxhdpi). They are called ic_launcher.png or similar.
4. Replace them with your own images. (keep the original names and format!).
5. Collect APK back:

   apktool b whatsapp_folder -o whatsapp_mod.apk

6. Sign the file using SignAPK and install to your phone via ADB:

   adb install whatsapp_mod.apk

⚠️ Attention: Modified APKfiles may cause errors during updating or account blocking (if WhatsApp detects changes in the signature). Use this method at your own peril and risk, and always make a backup of chats via Settings → Chat → Backup.

What to do if WhatsApp does not start after modifying the APK?

If after installing the modified APK WhatsApp it gives an error, check:

1. Correctness of the file signature (use uber-apk-signer instead of SignAPKif the first one did not work).

2. Version compatibility APK with yours Android (for example, arm64 vs armeabi).

3. Availability of the original WhatsApp - sometimes two versions conflict. Uninstall both and install only the modified one.

If all else fails, restore original APK from backup or download it again.

5. Changing the icon through the Xposed Framework (for root)

If your smartphone has root access, you can use the module Xposed under name App Settings or GravityBox. This method provides maximum flexibility, but requires an experienced hand.

Instructions for GravityBox:

1. Install Xposed Framework (instructions depend on the version Android - look for the latest guides for your firmware).
2. Download and activate the module GravityBox in Xposed Installer.
3. Reboot the device.
4. Open GravityBox, go to App appearance → Icon shape/style.
5. Find WhatsApp in the list and upload your icon.

The advantage of this method is the ability to change icons any applications, including systemic. However, there are also risks:

• 🔄 Instability: Xposed may conflict with some firmware (especially Android 12+).
• 🛡️ Security: Root access weakens the device’s protection from malware.
• 🔄 Updates: After the update WhatsApp or Android the settings may be reset.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Magisk (alternative SuperSU) before installation Xposed you must disable MagiskHide for WhatsApp, otherwise the messenger may block your account for suspicious activity.

6. Alternative methods: themes and skins

If you do not want to install launchers or edit files, you can use the built-in capabilities of the firmware. Many manufacturers offer their own solutions for customization. icons:

On Samsung (One UI):

• 🎨 Open Settings → Wallpaper and style.
• 🖼️ Select section Icon theme and download your favorite Galaxy Store.
• 🔄 Apply the theme - the icons will change automatically.

On Xiaomi (MIUI):

• 🎨 Go to Settings → Theme.
• 🔍 Find themes marked "Icons" (for example, "Minimal Icons" or "Neumorphic").
• 📥 Download and apply the theme If WhatsApp did not change, try another one. theme.

On Huawei/Honor (EMUI):

Here the process is more complicated:

1. Download the theme from Huawei Themes (for example, "Pure Black Icons").
2. Apply it via Settings → Screen → Screen style.
3. If the icon WhatsApp has not changed, use the launcher (section 1), since EMUI limit the customization of third-party applications.

⚠️ Attention: Themes from manufacturers often contain advertising or paid elements. Before installing, check reviews from other users in the theme store.

Security checklist before changing icons

Before you start modifications, make sure that you do not risk losing data or disrupt the system. Here's what you need to do:

Create a backup of WhatsApp chats (Settings → Chat → Backup)|Check the method's compatibility with your version of Android|Disable battery optimization for launchers/applications|Download the original WhatsApp APK in case of failure|Check reviews of themes/launchers before installation-->

If you use the editing method APK (section 4), additionally:

• 🔧 Make sure that the latest version is installed on your computer APKTool.
• 📋 Save a copy of the original APK in a separate folder.
• 🔄 Check that the developer settings are enabled USB debugging i Allow installation from unknown sources.

If after the changes WhatsApp stops working, do not panic. Delete the modified version, clear the cache (Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Memory → Clear cache) and install the original version from Play Market.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to change the WhatsApp icon without third-party applications?

On most smartphones, no. Standard tools Android do not allow you to change the icons of individual applications without launchers or themes. deep customization, for example MIUI or ColorOS, but even there the choice is limited to built-in themes.

Why did the icon reset after updating WhatsApp?

When updating via Play Market original APKfile is replaced with a new one, and all your changes are lost. To avoid this:

• Disable auto-update for WhatsApp in Play Market.
• Use launchers or shortcuts (sections 1 and 3) - they do not depend on updates.
• If you edited APK, repeat the process after each update.

Is it safe to install modified APK files?

Modified APK can pose a risk if:

• You downloaded a file from an unreliable source (viruses, spyware).
• The file signature is broken (the application will not work or will block the account).
• You have changed critical system files (for example, AndroidManifest.xml).

We recommend modify APK only for educational purposes and always check files through VirusTotal before installation.

How to return the standard WhatsApp icon?

The method depends on how you changed it:

• If you used launcher - reset the icon theme in the launcher settings.
• If you created a shortcut, delete it and add the original icon from the application menu.
• If you edited APK - delete the modified version and install WhatsApp from Play Market.

Is it possible to change the icon only for a specific chat?

Yes, but only through applications like Shortcut Maker (section 3) Create a shortcut for a specific contact or group:

1. Open Shortcut Maker and select Activity.
2. Find com.whatsapp.Conversation (for chats) or com.whatsapp.contact.picker.Picker (for contacts).
3. Indicate the chat ID (can be found via WhatsApp Web in the address bar browser).
4. Upload your icon and save the shortcut.

Limitation: such a shortcut will only open the selected chat, and not the entire application.