The visual component of the operating system plays a key role in the convenience of everyday use of a smartphone. Many users, when switching to the latest versions, are faced with the fact that the standard set of application icons has rounded corners or a teardrop shape, which is typical for stock firmware like Android, are faced with the fact that the standard set of application icons has rounded corners or a “tear drop” shape, which is typical for stock firmware like Pixel Experience or OneUI. However, aesthetic preferences are individual: someone is closer to a strict geometric style, reminiscent of old versions iOS or classic Material Design. Fortunately, the system provides quite flexible tools for changing the appearance of the desktop without the need to obtain root access.
The process of transforming the interface to Android 11 may vary depending on the manufacturer of your device. While some brands allow you to change icon shapes directly from the settings menu, others will require you to install third-party software. This is due to the fact that Google introduced support for adaptive icons several years ago, but the implementation of this function is left to the discretion of skin developers. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from built-in functions to advanced launchers.
Before making changes, it is important to understand that replacing graphic elements does not affect the performance of the device. However, incorrect configuration of a third-party launcher may result in increased power consumption or unstable operation of navigation gestures. Therefore, you should approach the choice of a tool for customization consciously, assessing the balance between visual appeal and functional stability of the system.
Built-in options for changing the style in different shells
The first step should always be to check the native settings of your smartphone. Manufacturers often hide customization options in unexpected places on the menu. For example, owners of devices Samsung with a shell One UI have access to a powerful built-in theme editor that allows you to change the shape of icons in a couple of touches. To do this, just hold down an empty space on the desktop and select “Themes”, and then go to the “Icons” category.
On devices Xiaomi with a shell MIUI 12 or MIUI 13 (based on Android 11) the situation is similar, but the path to the settings may differ. Here you often need to go to the Themes application, find the Profile section and select Icon Settings. In some custom firmware, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, the option to change the form may be completely absent, since the developers adhere to the philosophy of pure Android.
⚠️ Attention: Shell interfaces are updated regularly. Menu items may change names or move to other settings sections after the next OTA update. If you do not find the described paths, check the “Wallpaper and style” section in the main phone settings.
If your smartphone model belongs to the budget segment or uses a stripped-down version of the shell, the likelihood of having a built-in function for changing the shape of icons is reduced. In such cases, the system can strictly block changes in graphic elements, offering only a change of wallpaper. This limitation is due to the optimization of the device on weak hardware, where unnecessary graphic redraws can cause micro-freezes.
Before changing system settings, take a screenshot of the current arrangement of icons. This will help you quickly restore the usual order of applications if you don't like the new style.
Using third-party launchers for complete customization
When the built-in tools do not satisfy the user's needs, third-party launchers come to the rescue. These are special applications that completely replace the standard desktop, notification panel and application menu. The most popular and stable solutions on the market remain Nova Launcher, Lawnchair i Smart Launcher. They provide deep customization of the grid, animations and, most importantly for our theme, the shape of the icons.
After installing a launcher, for example Nova Launcher, you need to set it as the default application. The system Android 11 will ask you to confirm the action, and after that you will have access to the advanced settings menu. Under Appearance or Icon Style, you can choose a preset shape: circle, square, rounded square, or even a custom mask. The use of a square shape will instantly change the perception of the entire interface, making it more strict and streamlined.
- 🔹 Nova Launcher: Gold standard for customization, supports icon packs and manual shape customization for each application separately.
- 🔹 Lawnchair 2: Open source, maximum similarity to the interface Pixel, but with the addition of reshaping functions icons.
- 🔹 Smart Launcher 6: Automatic app sorting and built-in theme support, allowing you to quickly switch between styles.
It is important to note that some launchers require a paid version (Prime) to unlock all features, including changing icon shapes. Free versions often have limitations on the number of customizable elements or watermarks. However, the basic shape changing feature is usually available in free mode, making this method accessible to most users without additional financial costs.
☑️ Setting up a third-party launcher
Using Icon Packs from Google Play
An alternative to changing the launcher globally is to use specialized packages icons These graphic packs are designed by enthusiasts and designers specifically to replace standard icons. The store Google Play stocks thousands of these packs, from minimalist black and white sets to bright neon styles. The main advantage of this method is that you retain the native launcher and all its functions.
To activate the icon pack, you will need a compatible launcher. Most modern shells (OneUI, MIUI, ColorOS) have built-in support for third-party packages. Just download the package you like, go to the theme or icon settings and select the downloaded package from the list. If your system does not support this function natively, you will need to install any compatible launcher that will pick up the new style automatically.
| Package name | Style | Number of icons | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whicons | Minimalism (white) | 2300+ | High |
| LineX Icon Pack | Linear (outline) | 4500+ | Medium |
| CandyCons | Bright, flat design | 3000+ | High |
| Square Line Icon Pack | Strict squares | 1800+ | High |
When choosing a package, you should pay attention to the date of the last update. Developers should regularly add icons for new popular applications. If the package has not been updated for more than a year, there is a high probability that many new apps will appear with standard, inappropriate icons. This can disrupt the visual harmony of the desktop and create a “patchwork quilt” effect.
What to do if the icon has not changed after installing the package?
Some applications do not support third-party icon packs due to their layout features. In such cases, in the launcher settings, you can manually select another icon from the gallery or use the “Edit Icon” function to crop the image to the desired square format yourself.
Manual configuration via developer mode and ADB
For advanced users who want to achieve an ideal result without installing heavy launchers, there is a method for modifying system parameters via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to force the shape of icons to be set at the system level if the manufacturer left this option in the code, but hid it from the user. The method requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and having basic knowledge of working with the command line.
Before starting the procedure, you must activate developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and click 7 times on the build number. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, a new section will appear in the settings menu. There you need to activate USB debugging. Connect the phone to the PC, install drivers and platform tools Android SDK.
adb shell pm grant com.android.launcher3 android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGSAfter granting permissions, you can send a command to change the form. The specific command depends on the processor model and shell version, but a universal parameter that sets the rounding radius often works. Setting the radius to 0 will give you perfect squares. However, it is worth remembering that some responsive icons may not be cropped correctly if their original design did not include rounding.
⚠️ Attention: Interfering with system settings via ADB may lead to unstable operation of the launcher or cyclic reboot of the device (bootloop). Always have at hand the option to reset via Recovery Mode or perform a factory reset if the experiment is unsuccessful.
This method is not a universal solution for all devices on Android 11. On some smartphones with a heavily modified system, commands may simply be ignored. However, for owners of devices with a near-stock interface, this can be an elegant solution that does not require the installation of additional software. Using ADB gives maximum control over the system, but requires high technical literacy. An error in one command can make the smartphone temporarily inoperable. Android interface, this can be an elegant solution that does not require the installation of additional software.
Using ADB gives maximum control over the system, but requires high technical literacy. An error in one command can make the smartphone temporarily inoperable.
The influence of icon shape on ergonomics and perception
The issue of icon shape goes beyond pure aesthetics and affects aspects of ergonomics and usability. User interface research shows that the shape of an element affects how quickly the brain recognizes it. Square icons take up more usable pixel space compared to round icons at the same visual size, which could theoretically make it easier for your finger to hit targets on a touchscreen.
On the other hand, rounded shapes are considered friendlier and more modern in designs Material Youpresented in Android 12 and newer. Returning to strict squares on Android 11 can create visual dissonance with the rest of the interface elements, such as widgets with rounded corners or floating buttons. The user should experiment with both options to see which one causes less eye fatigue during long-term use.
- 🔸 Square icons are better suited for dense app layout grids, allowing you to fit more elements without visual noise.
- 🔸 Rounded shapes create a feeling of "air" between elements, which is preferable for minimalistic desktops with a small number of widgets.
- 🔸 The contrast of white icons on a dark background is higher for square forms, which can be useful for users with visual impairments.
It is also worth considering the screen resolution of your device. On displays with a high pixel density (Retina, AMOLED 2K), the difference in the perception of shapes is smoothed out, and the choice becomes a matter of taste. On budget low-resolution screens, clear borders of squares may look neater, masking possible font and graphics anti-aliasing artifacts.
Possible problems and solutions
During the customization process, users may encounter a number of technical difficulties. The most common problem is icon packs not being compatible with certain apps. As a result, standard gray logos Androidappear on the desktop, which stand out from the general style. The solution is to use launchers with the function of manually replacing the icon for each specific application.
Another common problem is widgets desynchronizing. When changing the launcher or global theme, some weather, clock or calendar widgets may no longer display correctly or change their size. This is due to the fact that widgets are tied to a specific desktop. In such cases, it is recommended to remove the problematic widget and add it again from the widget menu of the new launcher.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers may conflict with the Recent Apps function or gesture navigation. If swipes no longer work correctly, try turning on the “Gesture Integration” option in the launcher settings or temporarily switching to classic three-button navigation.
If after all the manipulations the interface is unstable, the best solution would be to return to the factory settings of the launcher. In the settings menu of any third-party desktop there is an item “Reset settings” or “Backup & Restore”. Using a backup made before starting the experiments will allow you to instantly return the device to its original state without losing data and application settings.
Why did the battery begin to drain faster after installing the launcher?
Some launchers use complex animations and constant indexing of applications, which increases the load on the processor. Try disabling animations in the launcher settings or switch to a lighter version, for example, Lawnchair instead of Nova with many widgets.
Is it possible to make icons square without installing third-party applications?
This is only possible if the manufacturer of your smartphone has provided such a function in the theme or screen settings. On pure Android 11 without shells, this option is usually absent, and you will need to install a launcher.
Does changing the shape of icons affect the speed of the smartphone?
The fact of changing the shape itself does not affect the speed. However, heavy third-party launchers with lots of animations can consume more RAM and battery power, which will indirectly affect performance.
Will icon settings be reset after updating the Android system?
Settings of built-in themes may be reset during a major firmware update. The settings of third-party launchers are usually saved, but the launcher itself may require re-setting permissions after updating the security system.
How to return everything back if you don’t like the new style?
Go to Settings → Applications → Default → Main application (Home) and select the system launcher. Or go to the settings of the installed launcher and click “Reset settings”.
Is it safe to download icon packs from unverified sources?
No, this carries risks. APK files from untrusted sources may contain malicious code. It is recommended to download themes and icon packs exclusively from the official Google Play store.