The desire to personalize the smartphone interface often goes beyond simply changing the wallpaper. Users strive for uniqueness, trying to rename standard packages, such as Google Chrome or Phone, into something more understandable or just fun. However, the standard settings Android do not provide a direct button for editing the name of the installed software. This limitation is due to the system's security architecture, where the application name is tightly tied to its digital certificate.
However, there are several working ways to bypass this limitation. From using third-party launchers to using developer tools. The choice of a specific method depends on your version of the operating system, the availability root access and how deeply you want to interfere with the system. In this article, we will analyze the most effective techniques that allow you to change the display name without losing the functionality of apps.
It is worth immediately noting that changing the shortcut on the desktop does not change the name of the app in the system settings menu or in the list of installed applications. This is purely a cosmetic edit for user convenience. Let's look at what tools are required to implement this task and what risks may arise when using unofficial methods of modifying the interface.
Using third-party launchers for renaming
The safest and easiest way to change the application name is to install an alternative launcher. The standard shell from smartphone manufacturers often blocks editing shortcuts, but third-party solutions give complete freedom of action. Popular shells, such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher, have a built-in function for editing shortcut properties.
After installing and activating the new launcher, you need to hold your finger on the icon of the desired application. In the context menu that appears, select “Edit” or “Change”. A window opens here where you can enter a custom name, change the icon, and even customize gestures. This method does not require superuser rights and works stably on most versions Android.
It is important to understand that when using this method only the display on the desktop changes. If you open the all applications or settings menu, the original name written by the developer will remain there. This limitation is due to the fact that the launcher creates its own “shortcut widget” and does not modify the application file itself.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher —has the maximum number of settings and allows you to rename shortcuts in two taps.
- 🎨 Microsoft Launcher —offers a convenient interface and synchronization with a PC, the renaming function is available in the shortcut settings.
- ⚡ Smart Launcher —automatically sorts applications, but also allows you to manually change their names in editing mode.
Some manufacturers, for example Xiaomi or Samsung, in their latest Updates to the MIUI and One UI shells have partially introduced the ability to rename. However, this feature is often hidden or only available for folders. Therefore, installing a third-party launcher remains the most universal solution for any phone model.
Manually creating shortcuts through built-in tools
If you do not want to install a third-party launcher, you can try using the built-in capabilities of your current shell. On many modern smartphones, a long tap on the icon opens a menu where there is an “Edit” item or a pencil icon. By clicking on it, the system will prompt you to enter a new name for the shortcut on the main screen.
This method is extremely simple, but has a significant drawback: it does not work on all devices. Owners of “pure” smartphones Android (Pixel, Motorola) are often deprived of this opportunity without installing add-ons. In such cases, the system ignores editing attempts, since it considers the application name to be an unchangeable attribute of the package.
⚠️ Attention: Manual renaming through the standard interface only changes the shortcut on the desktop. The application itself in the system will remain under its original name, which can cause confusion when searching through the global device search.
It is also worth considering that when you reset the launcher settings or update it, your custom names may disappear. It is recommended to make backup copies of the launcher configuration if such a function is provided by the developer. This will allow you to quickly restore the familiar appearance of your desktop after reinstalling the system.
Before large-scale renaming of applications, take a screenshot of the current arrangement of icons. This will help quickly restore order if the new launcher resets the settings to default.
Advanced method: editing via Activity Launcher
For those who want to achieve maximum control without installing a new launcher, there is a utility Activity Launcher. This application allows you to see all activities, hidden menus and services installed on the system. With it, you can create a new shortcut for any action and call it whatever you want.
The process is as follows: you find the desired application in the list of activities, select the main launch (usually it is labeled as .MainActivity or has the same icon as the original) and create a new shortcut. During the creation process, the system will prompt you to enter a name. Thus, you get a duplicate icon with a custom name.
The main advantage of this method is the ability to create shortcuts for hidden functions that are not in the regular menu. For example, you can bring a specific setting or hidden menu of an engineering test to the desktop, giving it a clear name. However, you will have a second icon on your desktop, since the original will not go anywhere.
| Method | Root required | Changes in settings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party launcher | No | No | Low |
| Inline editing | No | No | Very low |
| Activity Launcher | No | No | Medium |
| APK editing | Yes (preferred) | Yes | High |
What are activities in Android?
An Activity is an application component that provides a screen for user interaction. One application can consist of many activities, each of which performs its own function.
Global name change via APK editing
If your goal is to change the application name at the system level so that it appears the same everywhere, a more radical approach will be required. You need to decompile the installation file (APK), change the string resources and build the package again. For this, tools like APK Editor or MT Manager.
are used. The process requires care. You open the application file, find the resource strings.xmlwhere all text values are stored, and change the value of the tag app_name. After saving the changes, the application must be reinstalled. However, a signature problem arises here: the modified APK cannot be installed over the original one due to mismatched digital keys.
Consequently, before installing the new version, you will have to delete the old application. This will result in data loss if not backed up. In addition, some applications, especially banking or system applications, may refuse to work if a changed signature or file integrity is detected.
adb uninstall com.example.app
adb install modified_app.apk
Use of this method is only justified for experienced users who understand the risks. An error when editing the manifest or resources can cause the application to stop running altogether (“crashes on startup”). In this case, you can restore functionality only by completely reinstalling the original version from the store.
☑️ Preparing to edit the APK
Using ADB to hide and replace shortcuts
Advanced users can use the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to manage system components without root access. Although you cannot directly rename an application through the console, you can disable the standard shortcut and create a new one through third-party software, which will take precedence.
Command pm disable-user allows you to disable an application component by hiding its icon from the menu, but without deleting the app itself. This is useful if you want to replace the standard “Phone” shortcut with a custom one with a different name, created through the launcher. The original function will remain available through calls, but will visually disappear from the list of apps.
To work with ADB, you need to enable “USB Debugging” in the developer menu and connect your smartphone to your computer. This opens up wide possibilities for system management, but requires caution. Incorrectly disabling system components can lead to unstable operation of the interface.
⚠️ Attention: The command line interface and available commands may vary depending on the Android version and access rights. Always check the relevance of the commands in the official documentation for Android developers, as Google's security policies are becoming stricter every year.
This method is often used by enthusiasts to create “clean” builds of the system, where unnecessary shortcuts are replaced with minimalistic counterparts with short names. However, for the average user, the “Launcher + Long Tap” combination remains the most balanced solution in terms of the ratio of effort and result.
Possible problems and limitations of the system
Despite many methods, users often encounter the fact that the name does not change or is reset after a reboot. This may be due to aggressive memory optimization, where the system kills the launcher process by resetting its settings. Also, some manufacturers block the ability to change shortcuts at the firmware level.
Another common problem is incorrect display of the Cyrillic alphabet. If you rename an application via APK editing, make sure that the file is saved in encoding UTF-8. Otherwise, instead of a beautiful name, you will get a set of incomprehensible characters or “crazy language.”
In addition, updates to the applications themselves can overwrite the changes. If you edited the APK manually, then when updating via Google Play, your version will be overwritten by the official one. You will have to either disable auto-update for a specific application, or repeat the modification procedure every time, which is extremely inconvenient.
- 🛑 Signature conflict - the main reason why modified applications are not installed over the originals.
- 🔄 Reset settings - clearing the launcher cache often returns all names to the original state.
- 📦 Integrity verification —banking applications can block launch when changes are detected in the file.
The most reliable way to change the name without risk to the system is to use the functionality of third-party launchers, such as Nova Launcher, which are created independently shortcuts on top of the standard ones.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to rename the “Settings” system application?
Yes, this is possible using a third-party launcher. You simply create a new shortcut for the Settings app and give it any name you like. However, in the settings menu itself, it will still have the original name.
Are root access needed to change the name?
No, for most methods (launchers, creating shortcuts) root access is not required. They are only needed if you plan to edit system APK files directly and replace original applications.
Why did the name return after a reboot?
Most likely, you are using a method that does not save settings, or your launcher was closed by the system to save memory. Check your battery settings and prevent the system from closing the launcher in the background.
Is it safe to use APK Editor?
Using APK editors is safe as long as you download them from trusted sources and do not modify critical system components. Always make a backup copy before making changes.
Will the name change on Google Play?
No, renaming only affects your device. In the application store, in the list of purchases and updates, the app will be displayed under its original name specified by the developer.