How to change icons on the Android lock screen: 5 proven methods

Lock screen Android is the first thing you see when unlocking smartphone. Standard quick access icons (phone, camera, messages) are not always convenient, and sometimes they are simply boring. Fortunately, the system allows you to change them - but not all users know how to do it correctly.

Many mistakenly think that changing icons will require root access or complex manipulations with the firmware. In fact, in most cases, standard tools Android or free applications from Google Playare sufficient. The main thing is to understand the limitations of your OS version and device model.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods: from basic settings to advanced methods using ADB and custom launchers. You will learn which icons can be replaced without risk to the system, and where caution is required.

Method 1: Standard Android settings (without additional applications)

The easiest method is to use the built-in system options. It works on most smartphones with Android 8.0 Oreo and newer, including devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc. The main limitation: you can only change quick access icons (usually there are 2-5 of them), but not system notification or status icons.

To change icons:

1. Unlock the phone and go to Settings → Lock screen (on some devices the path may be different: Settings → Security and lock → Lock screen).
2. Find the section Application shortcuts, Quick access icons or App shortcuts (the name depends on the firmware).
3. Tap on the icon you want to replace and select a new application from the list.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy with One UI) up to 5 shortcuts are available, and on Pixel with pure Android there are only 2. If the desired application is not in the list, it means that it cannot be added through the standard settings.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI (for example, Redmi or POCO) the path to the settings may be hidden in Settings → Password and security → Lock screen. If you don’t find the option, check the section Additional settings.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔹 Does not require third-party installation applications.
• 🔹 Safe for the system - no risk of failures.
• 🔹 Works without superuser rights (root).

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 Limited selection of applications (only those that support shortcuts).
• 🔸 You cannot change the design of the icons - only their purpose.

Method 2: Using alternative launchers

If the standard settings do not provide the required flexibility, you can install custom launcherSome of them (for example, Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) allow you to customize not only the main screen, but also elements of the lock screen.

The most popular option is Nova Launcher (there are free and paid versions. It supports replacing icons through icon packs). (icon packs) and even allows you to hide unnecessary elements. Here's how to do it:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Download the one you like icon pack (for example, Whicons, CandyCons or Moonshine).
3. Open the launcher settings (Long press on the desktop → Settings).
4. Go to Appearance → Icon style and select the downloaded package.
5. Enable the option Apply to lock screen (if available).

Important: not all launchers support the change icons on the lock screen. For example, Microsoft Launcher only allows you to replace shortcuts, but not change their appearance. Before installing, check the description in Google Play.

Make sure that the launcher supports customizing the lock screen|

Download the icon pack in .apk format|

Make a backup copy of current settings|

Check compatibility with Android version-->

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example Huawei s EMUI) custom launchers may work incorrect due to manufacturer restrictions. If the icons have not changed after installation, try another launcher or method.

Pros of the method:

• 🎨 Wide selection of icon designs (thousands of free and paid packages).
• 🔧 Additional interface settings (animations, gestures, hiding elements).

Cons:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (launchers work in the background).
• 💰 Some functions are available only in paid versions.

Method 3: Applications for screen customization blocking

If launchers are not suitable, you can use specialized applications. They offer more features than standard settings, but require caution when choosing (some may contain advertising or collect data).

Top 3 tested applications:

1. Lock Screen Customizer - allows you to change icons, backgrounds, fonts and even add widgets.
2. Hi Locker —supports themes, animations and replacement of quick access icons.
3. Always On AMOLED —optimized for AMOLEDscreens, offers minimalistic icons.

Setup instructions (using an example Lock Screen Customizer):

1. Install the application and provide the necessary permissions (access to notifications, overlay on top of other windows).
2. Select the section Shortcuts (Shortcuts) or Icons (Icons).
3. Tap on the icon you want to replace and select a new application or upload your own image.
4. Save the changes and activate the new lock screen in the security settings.

Important: some applications (for example, Hi Locker) may conflict with system services. If after installation the phone begins to slow down or quickly discharges, uninstall the app and try another option.

What to do if the application does not save changes?

If after setting the icons they reset on reboot, try:

1. Clear the application cache in Settings → Applications.

2. Disable optimization. batteries for this application.

3. Reinstall the app from the official website (not from third-party sources).

Advantages of specialized applications:

• 🛠️ Flexible customization (you can change not only the icons, but also their location, size, color).
• 📱 Support for older versions Android (even Android 5.0 Lollipop).

Disadvantages:

• 🛑 Risk of installing malware (download only from official sources).
• 📴 Possible bugs (for example, disappearance notifications or slow animation).

Method 4: Manual change via ADB (for advanced users)

If you are ready to experiment, you can change icons via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method is suitable for devices with Android 7.0 Nougat and newer, but requires a connection to. computer and basic knowledge of the command line.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed drivers ADB i Fastboot.
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
• 📂 New icon files in format .png (resolution no less than 108x108 pixels).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
2. Check the connection with the command:

   adb devices

   The name of your device should appear.

3. Download the current icons (optional, for backup):

   adb pull /system/media/theme/default/icons/

4. Replace the icon files in the folder /system/media/theme/default/icons/ with yours (the file names must match!).
5. Reboot the device:

   adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use ADB may lead to system crashes. If you are not sure of your actions, use other methods. Also note that on some devices (for example, Samsung c Knox), changing system files may reset the warranty.

Pros of the method:

• 🔧 Full control over the appearance of icons.
• 🆕 Ability to use unique designs that are not available in applications.

Disadvantages:

• 🔌 Requires connection to a PC and technical skills.
• 🚨 Risk of the device becoming bricked in case of an error.

Method 5: Custom firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Paranoid Android), then the possibilities for customizing the lock screen expand significantly. Many firmwares allow you to:

• 🎨 Change icons, fonts and animations through built-in themes.
• 🔧 Add non-standard shortcuts (for example, Google Assistant or Driving mode).
• 🔄 Configure gestures and actions when swiping on icons.

Example of settings on LineageOS:

1. Go to Settings → LineageOS → Screen locks.
2. Select a section Shortcuts and tap on the icon to replace it.
3. In the section Topics you can download new sets of icons.

Warning: installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader (bootloader) and may void the warranty. There may also be problems with the operation of banking applications (due to lack of Google SafetyNet).

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🌟 Unique design, not available on stock versions Android.
• 🚀 Performance optimization and additional functions.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Risk of data loss if installed incorrectly.
• 🔒 Possible security problems (lack of monthly patches from the manufacturer).

Comparison of methods: which choose?

To simplify the choice, we have compiled a table comparing all methods:

Method	Complexity	Requires root/ADB	Flexibility settings	Risks
Standard settings	⭐ (simple)	❌ No	⚠️ Limited (shortcuts only)	❌ No
Alternative launchers	⭐⭐ (average)	❌ No	✅ High (design, location)	⚠️ Possible bugs
Customization applications	⭐⭐ (average)	❌ No	✅ Very high	⚠️ Risk of advertising/viruses
ADB	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)	✅ Yes	✅ Full	❗ High (failure systems)
Custom firmware	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (very difficult)	✅ Yes	✅ Full + additional functions	❗ Very high

Recommendations for selection:

• 📱 If you just need to change labels, use standard settings.
• 🎨 Suitable for changing icon design launcher or specialized application.
• 🛠️ Advanced users can try ADB or custom firmware.

Frequent errors and how to avoid them

When changing icons on the lock screen, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and solutions:

1. Icons reset after reboot

Reason: application for customization does not have rights to autorun or is optimized by the system.

Solution:

• Open Settings → Applications → [app name] → Battery and disable optimization.
• Add the application to the exclusion list (at Xiaomi: Settings → Battery → Battery optimization).

2. New icons are not displayed

Reason: incompatibility of the icon pack with version Android or launcher.

Solution:

• Check whether your launcher supports it icon packs.
• Reinstall the icon pack and reboot the device.

3. launcher

Cause: the launcher conflicts with system animations or runs in the background.

Solution:

• Disable unnecessary animations in the launcher settings.
• Clear the application cache (Settings → Applications → Storage → Clear cache).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung s One UI 6) after updating the system, the lock screen settings may be reset. Before updating, save screenshots of the current configuration.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Is it possible to change the notification icons on the lock screen?

No, you cannot change notification icons using standard means (for example, Wi-Fi, Battery, Network signal). These are system elements that can only be modified through root or custom firmware. In some cases, themes for firmware like Substratumhelp, but they require an unlocked bootloader.

Why did notifications disappear after changing the launcher?

Some launchers (especially those that modify the lock screen) may conflict with the notification system Try:

1. Disable launcher overlay on the lock screen in its settings.
2. Return the standard launcher and check if notifications appear.
3. Clear application data Android System (as a last resort).

Is it possible to return the standard ones icons if something went wrong?

Yes. Methods:

• For standard settings: reset the shortcuts in Settings → Lock screen → Reset.
• For launchers: remove the icon pack or return the standard theme.
• For ADB/firmware: reflash the stock version or restore the backup.

Do these methods work on Android tablets?

Yes, but with reservations:

• On tablets with Android 12+ (for example, Samsung Galaxy Tab) the path to the lock screen settings may differ.
• Some launchers (for example, Nova Launcher) have separate versions for tablets with an adaptive interface.
• Applications like Hi Locker may not support horizontal screen orientation.

How to add your own icon (for example, a company logo) instead of the standard one?

There are two options:

1. Through applications like Lock Screen Customizer: upload your image in format .png (size no less than 128x128 px) and assign it as an icon.
2. Through ADB: replace the system icon file with yours (requires knowledge of the paths to system resources).

For the second method you will need rights root or an unlocked bootloader.