How to change the application icon on Android Honor

Honor smartphones are famous for their Magic UI interface, which offers users many options for customizing the appearance. However, when it comes to individual customization, many owners are faced with the question: how to change the application icon on Android Honor if the standard settings do not allow you to change a specific icon? The desire to make your desktop unique and aesthetically pleasing is quite natural, especially given the variety of graphic styles available today.

The process of changing icons on Honor devices may vary depending on the version of the operating system Android and shell Magic UI or MagicOS. In some cases, it is enough to use built-in themes, in others, you will need to install third-party launcher applications. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid unnecessary actions and quickly achieve the desired result, turning a standard screen into a work of digital art.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for changing graphical interface elements. We will look at both standard system tools and advanced methods using third-party software. You will learn what restrictions the manufacturer imposes and how to competently bypass them without violating the warranty and stability of the device.

Using the built-in “Themes” application

The easiest and safest way to change the appearance of icons on an Honor smartphone is to use a pre-installed application Themes. This tool is designed specifically for interface customization and offers a huge library of designs created by both Honor and independent artists. Here you will find ready-made packages that change not only icons, but also wallpaper, notification sounds and notification curtain style.

To use this method, you need to open the application Themes on the main screen or in the settings menu. In the lower menu, select the Themes or Iconstab, if such an option is highlighted separately in your firmware version. You can search for a suitable design by category, rating, or using the search bar by entering keywords, for example, “minimalism,” “neon,” or “retro.”

After selecting the theme you like, click button Apply. The system will automatically replace the standard icons with new ones that match the selected style. It is important to note that applying a theme affects all applications at once, which ensures visual consistency of the interface. However, if you only want to change the icon of one specific application, this method may be too drastic.

⚠️ Attention: Some premium themes in the Honor store may require a fee. Before clicking Apply, always check the price listed next to the theme name to avoid accidental charges to your account.

The built-in theme store is updated regularly, so a style that was unavailable yesterday may not be available today. It is also worth considering that using a third-party theme may slightly increase battery consumption due to the use of more complex graphic elements, although on modern Honor processors this effect is almost invisible.

Manual replacement via the “Change Label” function

In newer versions of the shell MagicOS a function has appeared allowing you to edit application shortcuts directly on the desktop without installing third-party apps. This option gives the user the flexibility to select images for specific apps, which is especially useful if you want to highlight instant messengers or work tools.

To begin the process, find the desired application on the main screen. Click on the icon and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears or until the icon begins to “quiver”, signaling editing mode. In the menu that appears, select the item Edit shortcut or the pencil icon, if it is displayed visually.

The gallery or image selection menu will open. You can choose one of the images offered by the system or upload your own image from the phone's memory. After selecting a picture, the system will offer to crop it to the desired format, usually a square. Confirm the action by clicking OK or Save.

• 🖼️ Image: You can use any photo from the gallery, a brand logo or a PNG file downloaded from the Internet with a transparent background.
• ✏️ Name: In the same menu, you can often change the caption under the icon, which allows you to give applications your own names.
• 🔄 Reset: If you are not satisfied with the result, you can always return the standard view by selecting the reset option in the same editing menu.

This method is ideal for point customization. For example, you can leave system applications in a standard style, and replace social network icons with thematic images that match your mood. However, it is worth remembering that when updating the application itself via Google Play or AppGallery, the icon may automatically return to its factory appearance.

Using third-party launchers for complete freedom

If the built-in system tools seem limited to you, the best solution would be to install a third-party launcher. A launcher is an application that completely replaces the standard desktop and application menu, providing advanced control over its appearance. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and Smart Launcher.

After installing and configuring the launcher, the process of changing icons becomes as flexible as possible. You can long press on any icon, select the item Edit and then Change icon. In the menu that opens, you will be asked to select an image from the gallery or use the built-in icon packs that are supported by this launcher.

One ​​of the main advantages of using third-party launchers is the ability to create grids of arbitrary size and change animations. You can make icons smaller to fit more apps on the screen, or make them larger for easier one-handed use. In addition, many launchers allow you to hide unused applications, keeping the interface clean.

Launcher name	Setting complexity	Support for icon packs	Features
Nova Launcher	Medium	Full	Maximum flexibility, gestures, hiding applications
Microsoft Launcher	Low	Partial	Integration with PC, news feed, simplicity
Smart Launcher 6	Low	Automatic	Automatic categorization, adaptive design
Niagara Launcher	Low	Limited	Minimalism, vertical list, ergonomics

When switching to a third-party launcher, you will need to grant it a number of permissions, including access to contacts and phone. This is necessary for the correct operation of widgets and dialing functions. No need to worry about security if you download applications from the official store Google Play.

Using Icon Packs

For those who want to change the style of hundreds of icons at once, Without creating each shortcut manually, there are special icon packs. These are applications that contain sets of graphic elements in the same style. They work in conjunction with launchers that support them or can sometimes be used directly through theme settings, if the system allows it.

There are thousands of such packages available in the store: from strict business styles to cartoon and game sets. After installing the icon pack, you need to go to the settings of your launcher (for example, Nova Launcher), go to the Google Play There are thousands of these packages available, from formal business styles to cartoon and gaming sets. After installing the icon pack, you need to go to the settings of your launcher (for example, Nova Launcher), go to the section Appearance -> Icon style section and select the installed package from the list.

Most modern icon packs automatically replace icons for popular applications. However, for some specific or new apps the icons may remain standard. In such cases, launchers often offer an "Icon Request" feature, which sends a request to the package developer to add support for a new application.

⚠️ Attention: Icon packs do not work with the default Honor system launcher in most cases. To activate them, you must install a compatible third-party launcher, such as Nova or Apex.

Some icon packs are paid, but often developers release free versions with a limited set or allow you to test a style before purchasing. This is a convenient way to try out a new visual style without committing to it forever.

What if the icon pack doesn't apply?

Make sure you have a third-party launcher installed. Go to the launcher settings, find the “Icons” or “Look & Feel” section. Select an installed package from the list. If the application does not appear in the list, try restarting the launcher or the device itself.

Creating shortcuts through widgets and shortcuts

Another interesting customization method available on Android Honor involves using widgets or the Shortcut function to create new icons with a custom design. This method is a little more labor-intensive, but allows you to create truly unique combinations that are not available in other ways.

You can use the standard “Shortcut” widget (or Shortcut), which is often included in Honor’s system widgets. When you add this widget to your desktop, the system will prompt you to select an application and then allow you to select an image for it. You can upload any picture from the gallery, thereby creating a completely custom icon.

An alternative option is to use shortcut maker applications, such as X Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker. These utilities allow you not only to change the image, but also to add beautiful backgrounds, frames and shadows to the icons before placing them on the desktop. They create a new shortcut that launches the target application, but looks completely different.

• 🛠️ Flexibility: You can change the shape of the icon, add text, or even make icons transparent in certain places.
• 📂 Organization: This method is great for creating uniquely designed folders or grouping apps by colors.
• ⚡ Quick access: The created shortcuts work as quickly as the original icons, without affecting launch performance.

The disadvantage of this approach is that when you delete the designer application, the created shortcuts may stop working or disappear. Therefore, if you use this method, it is better not to uninstall the companion application or use the settings export functions, if available.

Possible problems and solutions

Q In the process of customizing the interface, users may encounter a number of technical difficulties. Most often, problems are related to the fact that the new icon is not displayed correctly, the application crashes when you click on the shortcut, or the system automatically resets the changes after a reboot.

One ​​of the common reasons is a software version conflict. If you have updated your smartphone to the latest version MagicOS, some old methods of changing icons may no longer work due to changes in Android security policy. In such cases, it is recommended to check for updates for the launcher or theme changing application you are using.

You should also pay attention to the screen resolution and pixel density. Icons downloaded from the Internet may not be the right size, causing them to appear blurry or cropped. Always try to use high-quality images adapted for mobile devices.

⚠️ Attention: The interface and available functions may vary depending on your Honor model (for example, Honor 90, Magic 5, X8) and regional firmware version. If you do not find the described items in the menu, check the official user manual for your specific model.

If after changing the icon the application no longer launches, try deleting the created shortcut and creating it again, making sure that the correct target application is selected. As a last resort, resetting the launcher settings to factory settings will help return the system to a stable state without losing personal data.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to change the icon of the "Settings" or "Phone" system application?

Yes, this is possible, but with reservations. Through the built-in Themes app, you can change their style along with everyone else. Through third-party launchers too. However, direct replacement via a long press may be blocked by the system for critical applications for security reasons.

Will the theme be reset when the Android system is updated?

Usually no. Themes are retained even after a firmware update. However, if the update is major (for example, moving from Android 13 to 14) and entails a change in the version of Magic UI, some elements of the theme may not be displayed correctly, and you will need to re-apply or update the theme itself.

Does a large number of custom icons affect the speed of the phone?

Modern Honor smartphones have sufficient performance reserves, so replacement icons have virtually no effect on the speed of work. A noticeable slowdown is only possible when using “heavy” live wallpapers in combination with complex launchers on devices with a small amount of RAM (less than 4 GB).

Where to download safe icon packs?

The safest source is the official store Google Play Store or Huawei AppGallery. Applications there are moderated. Downloading APK files from third-party sites can lead to infection of the device with malware, so it is not recommended.

How to return all icons back to the factory appearance?

The fastest way is to go to the application Themes, go to the section My themes and select topic Classic or Default. If you used a third-party launcher, go to the phone settings, section Applications -> Default applications and select the Honor system desktop.