App shortcuts on Android are not just icons for quick access, but also an element of smartphone personalization. Sometimes standard names (for example, "Google Play Store" or "Galaxy Store") seem too long, awkward, or simply don't fit into your desktop design style. Unfortunately Android does not provide a built-in function for renaming shortcuts as easy as iOS makes it. But this does not mean that the task is impossible.

In this article we will look at all the current methods - from using launchers with customization support to manually editing system files (for experienced users). You will learn which methods work without rootrights, and where additional software is required. We will also look at typical errors that occur when changing shortcuts and give recommendations for eliminating them. If you want your desktop to become unique, read on.

Why Android does not allow you to rename shortcuts by default

Unlike iOSwhere renaming shortcuts is available out of the box, Android limits this feature for several reasons:

  • 🔒 Security: shortcuts are tied to application packages (com.android.chrome, com.google.android.gm etc.), and changing them can be used to disguise malware.
  • 📱 System fragmentation: manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) modify Android shells, and a universal solution for renaming shortcuts are difficult to implement.
  • 🛠️ Technical limitations: shortcuts on the desktop are not separate files, but links to Intents that are managed by the system launcher.

However, bypassing these limitations possible. Next, we will look at methods from the simplest to the most complex - choose the one that suits your skills and tasks.

📊 What launcher do you use on Android?
Standard (from the manufacturer)
Nova Launcher
Apex Launcher
Microsoft Launcher
Other

Method 1: Using alternative launchers (without root)

The most reliable and universal method is to install custom launcher. Most popular solutions (Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, Lawnchair) support renaming shortcuts. Let's look at the process using an example Nova Launcher:

  1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher (in the system settings).
  2. Long press on the shortcut → select Change (or Edit).
  3. In the Name field, enter a new name for the shortcut.
  4. Click Done or Save.

✅ Pros of the method:

  • 🔄 Works on any device without root.
  • 🎨 Additional customization options (changing icons, gestures, hiding applications).
  • 🔄 Compatible with most versions of Android (from Android 5.0 to Android 14).

❌ Cons:

  • ⚠️ Some system applications (for example "Settings" or "Phone") may not support renaming.
  • 📱 Requires installation of third-party software (although Nova Launcher lightweight and does not load the system).

Install Nova Launcher from Google Play|

Make it the default launcher in Android settings|

Update the launcher to the Premium version (optional, for advanced features)|

Check compatibility with your version of Android

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Method 2: Create a duplicate shortcut with a new one name

If the launcher does not support renaming, you can use a trick: create a duplicate shortcut with the desired name. This method works even on standard shells (One UI, MIUI, EMUI):

  1. Open the application menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
  2. Find the desired application and hold its icon.
  3. Drag it to the desktop - a new shortcut will appear.
  4. Click on the shortcut name (if the launcher supports editing) or use the widget "Application shortcut" (for example, in Nova Launcher).

Important: some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi) block renaming even for duplicate shortcuts. In this case, only a third-party launcher will help.

💡

If the duplicate shortcut does not want to be renamed, try first deleting the original shortcut from the desktop, and then creating a new one through the "Widgets" menu. → "Application shortcut."

Method 3: Using applications for customization (without root)

There are specialized utilities that allow you to change the names of shortcuts without changing the launcher. One of the most popular is App Shortcut Maker:

  1. Install App Shortcut Maker from Google Play.
  2. Open the application and select the one you need from the list.
  3. Click Create → enter a new name in the field Shortcut name.
  4. Save the shortcut to your desktop.

🔹 Examples of other useful utilities:

  • 📌 Shortcut Maker —supports changing icons and names.
  • 🎯 QuickShortcutMaker —allows you to create shortcuts to hidden application functions.
  • 🖼️ Icon Changer —focuses on changing icons, but also supports renaming.
⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses (for example Avast or Dr.Webmay mark QuickShortcutMaker as potentially dangerous software due to access to system settings. This is a false positive, but if you are not sure, use alternatives.

Method 4: Manually editing system files (root required)

For experienced users with root-rights there is a radical method: editing shortcut files manually. This method is suitable for system applications that do not want to be renamed by other methods.

📌 Instructions:

  1. Install a file manager with support root (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to the folder /data/data/com.android.launcher3/databases/ (the path may differ depending on the launcher).
  3. Find the file launcher.db and open it in a text editor.
  4. Find the entry with the name of the application (use search by title=) and change value.
  5. Save the file and reboot the launcher (or device).

⚠️ Risks of the method:

  • 💥 Incorrect editing can lead to crashing of the launcher.
  • 🔄 After updating the system, changes may be reset.
  • 🛡️ Data backup is required (backup).
What to do if the launcher stopped working after editing?

If after the change launcher.db the desktop stopped working open, follow these steps:

1. Delete the file launcher.db (the system will create a new one the next time you start it).

2. Clear the launcher cache in the application settings.

3. Restart the device. data-i="149">If the problem persists, restore the backup or reinstall the launcher.

If the problem persists, restore the backup or reinstall the launcher.

Method 5: Using ADB commands (for advanced users)

If you have access to ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can try changing the shortcut name through the command line. This method does not work. requires root, but assumes basic skills in working with a terminal.

📌 Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC and enable Debugging USB in the developer settings.
  2. Open a terminal on your PC and enter the command to get a list of packages: 
    adb shell pm list packages -f
  3. Find the application you need (for example, package:/data/app/com.android.chrome-1/base.apk=com.android.chrome).
  4. Use the command to create a shortcut with a new name: 
    adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT --es name "New name" --es shortcutType app --es packageName com.android.chrome --es className com.android.chrome.Main

⚠️ Limitations:

  • 🔧 Not all applications support creating shortcuts via ADB.
  • 📱 On some firmwares (MIUI, ColorOS) command may not work.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB requires caution. Incorrect commands can lead to system malfunctions. If you are not sure of your actions, use safer methods (for example, launchers).

Comparison table of methods for renaming shortcuts

Method Requires root Complexity System application support Risk to the system
Alternative launchers ❌ No ⭐⭐☆ ✅ Partially ✅ No
Duplicate shortcut ❌ No ⭐☆☆ ❌ No ✅ No
Applications for customization ❌ No ⭐⭐☆ ✅ Yes ✅ No
Editing launcher.db ✅ Yes ⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes ⚠️ High
ADB commands ❌ No ⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Partially ⚠️ Medium

Typical errors and their solutions

When changing the names of shortcuts, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common of them and ways to eliminate them:

  • 🔄 The shortcut is not renamed in the standard launcher: use Nova Launcher or App Shortcut Maker.
  • 📱 After updating the system, the name was reset: repeat the procedure or use the launcher while saving the settings.
  • ⚠️ The launcher stopped working after editing launcher.db: delete the file and reboot the device.
  • 🔒 You cannot change the name of the system application: try ADB or get it root-rights.

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • 📋 Compatibility of your launcher with the Android version.
  • 🔄 Availability of updates for the ones you are using utilities.
  • 🛠️ No conflicts with other applications (for example, optimizers or antiviruses).
💡

The most reliable and universal method is the use of alternative launchers (Nova Launcher, Lawnchair). They work without root, support most applications and provide additional customization options.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about renaming shortcuts

Is it possible to rename a shortcut for the standard Phone or Messages application?

Yes, but not by all methods. Standard system applications usually do not support renaming through duplicate shortcuts or built-in launcher functions. Suitable for them:

  • Use Nova Launcher Premium (advanced settings).
  • Editing launcher.db with root-rights.
  • Creating a shortcut via ADB (does not always work).
Why was the shortcut name reset after updating Android?

This happens because system updates often reset the launcher settings. To avoid the problem:

  • Use launchers with a backup function (for example, Nova Launcher).
  • Create shortcuts via App Shortcut Maker —they are saved separately from the system ones.
  • Before updating, take a screenshot of your desktop to quickly restore names.
Is it possible to change the name of a shortcut without installing additional applications?

On most devices, no. Standard launchers from manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) do not support this function:

  • Some firmware based on Android One or Pixel Launcher allow you to rename shortcuts via a long press.
  • On Android 12+ some launchers now have the option to edit names for individual applications.

If your device does not fall into these categories, you won’t be able to do it without third-party utilities get by.

Is it safe to use applications like QuickShortcutMaker?

Yes, but with caveats:

  • 🔹 QuickShortcutMaker does not require root and does not make changes to system files.
  • 🔹 Some antiviruses mistakenly identify it as malware due to access to the list of installed applications.
  • 🔹 There is zero risk if you download the utility from the official one Google Play.

If in doubt, use alternatives like App Shortcut Maker.

How to return the original name shortcut?

The methods depend on the method you used to change the name:

  • 🔄 If you used the launcher: long press → Change → enter the original name.
  • 📱 If you created a duplicate: delete the renamed shortcut and create a new one.
  • 🛠️ If you edited launcher.db: restore the file from backup or delete it (the launcher will create a new one).