Standard application icons on Android often look boring or don’t fit into your style. Fortunately, the system allows you to completely replace them - from a simple change through themes to deep customization using root access. In this article, we will look at all the current methods, including those that work without superuser rights, and those that require technical skills.

It is important to understand that the capabilities depend on the version of Android, the smartphone manufacturer and the installed launcher. For example, on Samsung One UI and Xiaomi MIUI some methods may require additional steps, while on "pure" Android (for example Google Pixelthe process is usually simpler). We will take these nuances into account in each section.

If you want not just to change icons, but to completely transform the interface, get ready for the fact that some methods will require installing third-party applications or even unlocking the bootloader. But don't worry: we will start with the simplest options and gradually move on to the advanced ones.

1. The easiest way: using launchers that support icon packs

Launchers (alternative shells for Android) are the safest and most universal method of changing icons. They do not require root access and work on most devices, including Samsung Galaxy, Redmi, Realme etc. Popular launchers with support for icon customization:

  • 📱 Nova Launcher — flexible settings, support for icon packs, gestures, adaptive icons.
  • 🎨 Apex Launcher — lightweight, with a large selection of themes and the ability to change the size of icons.
  • 🔧 Action Launcher — unique features like “shutter effect” and integration c Google Discover.
  • 🌈 Lawnchair — open source, minimalistic design, support for adaptive icons.

How does it work? Launchers allow you to use special themes that replace standard icons with stylized ones. For example, the package icon packages — special themes that replace standard icons with stylized ones. For example, package Whicons makes icons white on a transparent background, and CandyCons offers bright color options. Most packages are paid (cost 50–300 ₽), but there are also free ones.

Installation instructions:

  1. Download the launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) from Google Play.
  2. Install the icon pack you like (for example, Moonshine Icon Pack).
  3. Long-press an empty space on the main screen → Launcher settings → Icon style.
  4. Select the installed icon pack.
⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Huawei and Xiaomi) block changing the default launcher. In this case, after installing Nova Launcher you will have to manually select it when you press the "Home" button.
📊 Which launcher are you using? do you use?
Standard (from the manufacturer)
Nova Launcher
Action Launcher
Lawnchair
Other

2. Icon packs without a launcher: does it work?

Many users ask: is it possible to install an icon pack without changing the launcher? firmware:

  • ✅ Yesif you have Google Pixel, OnePlus or a smartphone with “pure” Android. There is often built-in support for icon themes in the system settings.
  • ❌ Noif you have you Samsung One UI, MIUI, ColorOS or other custom shells. They block the use of packages without a third-party launcher.

How to check support on your device:

  1. Download any icon pack (for example, Lines Icon Pack).
  2. Open it and click "Apply".
  3. If the system prompts you to select a launcher, then you can’t do without it.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22 s One UI 5.0) there is a function Themes and styles in the settings, but it only changes the system icons (dialer, messages, camera), and not application icons. To completely replace it, you still need a launcher.

💡

If you don’t like the appearance of the launcher, but want to keep the standard shell, try Hex InstallerThis application allows you to apply icon packs to individual applications without completely changing them. launcher.

3. Manual replacement of icons via ADB (without root access)

If you do not want to install the launcher, but are ready to delve a little into the settings, you can replace the icons via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) This method works on most devices with Android 8.0 and later, but requires a connection. to the computer.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed Platform Tools (from Google).
  • 📱 Enabled USB Debugging on the smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For Developers).
  • 📁 Pack of icons in the format .png (can be downloaded from free collections like Icon Pack Studio).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access via USB.

2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with Platform Tools.


3. Enter the command to check the connection:


adb devices


(the serial number of your device should appear).


4. Download the icon in PNG format (192x192 pixels in size) and rename it to "icon.png".


5. Download it to your device:


adb push icon.png /sdcard/


6. Install the application Activity Launcher from Google Play.


7. Find your target application in it (for example, Chrome), click on it and select "Open activity." data-i="107">8. In the list of activities, find the one that is responsible for launching (usually with the name


8. In the list of activities, find the one that is responsible for launching (usually with the name .MainActivity).


9. Return to ADB and run the command (replace the package with the desired one):


adb shell pm set-icon --package com.android.chrome --icon-path /sdcard/icon.png

⚠️ Attention: This method does not save changes after reboot. In order for the icons to remain, you will have to repeat the process or use Tasker to automatically apply commands on startup.
Manufacturer ADB method support Notes
Google Pixel ✅ Yes Works without restrictions.
Samsung ⚠️ Partially On One UI 4.0+ you may need to disable Knox.
Xiaomi ❌ No MIUI blocks icon changes via ADB.
OnePlus ✅ Yes Requires OxygenOS 11+. On ColorOS (in new models) - no.

4. Full customization with root access: changing system files

If you have there root access, you can replace icons at the system file level. This is the most flexible method, but also the most risky: incorrect actions can lead to bootloop (loop loading). We recommend making a backup before starting.

What. you will need:

  • 🔓 Unlocked bootloader and root access (via Magisk or SuperSU).
  • 📂 File manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  • 🖼️ Icons in the format .png (size and name must match the original!).

Where the icons are stored:

  • System applications: /system/app/[package_name]/res/drawable- (where —resolution, for example drawable-xxhdpi).
  • Custom applications: /data/app/[package_name]-*/base.apk (you need to unpack the APK, change the icon and rebuild).

Icon replacement example Google Play Store:

  1. Download the original APK from the site APKMirror.
  2. Unpack it from using APKTool.
  3. Find the icon file in the folder res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_play_store.png.
  4. Replace it with your own icon (with the same name and resolution!).
  5. Collect the APK back and install via adb install.
⚠️ Attention: Changing system APKs may break updates via Google Play. To avoid problems, disable auto-update for modified applications.
What to do if after replacing the icons the application stops opening?

Most likely, you assembled the APK incorrectly or violated the integrity of the signature. Solution:

1. Delete the modified APK via ADB: adb uninstall [package_name].

2. Install the original version from Google Play.

3. Check that the new icon has the same resolution and format (usually 192x192, 32-bit PNG).

5. icons without root: review of the best

If you don’t want to bother with ADB or root, you can use specialized applications. They do not provide as much freedom as manual replacement, but they allow you to quickly change icons for individual applications.

Application Is a launcher required? Features Price
Icon Changer ❌ No Allows you to change icons one at a time, create shortcuts with new icons. Free
Awesome Icons ✅ Yes (Nova, Apex) Large library of ready-made icons, support for adaptive icons. Free + purchases
X Icon Changer ❌ No Changes icons by creating duplicate applications. Free
Shortcut Maker ❌ No Creates shortcuts with custom icons, but does not replace the original ones. Free

How do these applications work? Most of them do not replace the original iconsbut create shortcuts with new icons. This means that there will be two icons on the desktop: original and custom. To hide the original, you can:

  • 🗑️ Hide it in a folder (for example, “Hidden”).
  • 🔍 Disable display in the launcher settings (if there is such an option).
  • 📱 Use applications like Nova Launcher, where you can hide icons.

Disadvantage of this method: when updating the application, the shortcut may be reset. To avoid this, regularly check the relevance of the shortcuts or use Tasker for automatic recovery.

Download a replacement application (for example, Icon Changer)|Prepare new icons in PNG format (192×192)|Make a backup of current shortcuts|Check whether your launcher supports hiding original ones icons-->

6. Creating your own icons: tools and tips

If you haven’t found a suitable icon pack, you can create your own. To do this, you don’t need to be a designer - just use online services or mobile applications.

Popular tools:

  • 🎨 Icon Pack Studio (Android) - allows you to create icons from scratch or edit existing ones.
  • 🖌️ Canva (web/mobile) - templates for icons, a simple editor.
  • 📱 Pixlr —a mobile photo editor with support for layers.
  • 💻 Figma or Adobe Illustrator —for advanced users.

Icon requirements:

  • 📏 Size: 192×192 pixels (standard for Android).
  • 🎭 Format: PNG with a transparent background (32-bit).
  • 🖼️ Style: It is advisable to stick to the same style for all icons (for example, flat design or 3D).

How to add your own icons:

  1. Create an icon and save it to your device.
  2. Use Icon Changer or Shortcut Makerto apply it to application.
  3. If you use a launcher (for example, Nova), add the icon to the folder /sdcard/Nova/Icon Packs/ and apply through the settings.

Tip: If you want the icons to look harmonious, use one color palette i single style of shadows/gradients. For example, all icons can be round with blue highlighting or square with rounded corners.

💡

Creating your own icons is the most time-consuming, but also the most creative way of customization. If you're not confident in your design skills, start by editing pre-made packages (for example, change colors or add text).

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing icons, users often encounter common errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Icons are reset after reboot ADB commands or shortcuts are not saved permanently Use Tasker to automatically apply changes at startup
Not all icons have been changed in the package The package does not support some applications Manually replace missing icons via Icon Changer
Icons look blurry Wrong resolution (need 192×192) Resave the icons in the correct size
The launcher does not see the icon pack The package is installed, but not activated Restart the launcher or reinstall the package
System icons do not change The manufacturer has blocked the change Use root or ADB (if supported)

If after replacing the icons the device starts to slow down, try:

  • 🗑️ Clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear cache).
  • 🔄 Restart the phone.
  • 📱 Return to the standard launcher and check if the problem persists.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI) aggressive optimization can reset the launcher settings. To avoid this, add the launcher to the "Protected applications" list in the battery settings.
Is it possible to return the standard icons after replacement?

Yes, if you used. launcher - just select the standard icon theme in its settings. If you changed it via ADB or root, you will have to repeat the process with the original icons or reinstall the application.

Why did some icons in the package not change?

This happens because not all applications support icon packs. Developers create icons only for popular apps (Chrome, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.).For others, you can manually select icons through Icon Changer.

Is it safe to use ADB to replace icons?

Yes, if you follow the instructions, ADB commands do not damage the system, as they do not make changes to system files (they only temporarily replace icons). However, after a reboot, the changes will be reset. replacement requires root.

Is it possible to change icons on Android Go?

On devices with Android Go (for example, Nokia 1 or Samsung Galaxy J2 Core) customization options are very limited. Launcher can work, but with lags. ADB and root methods are usually not supported due to firmware limitations.

How to synchronize icons between devices?

If you use a launcher (for example, Nova), its settings can be exported to a file and transferred to another phone:

  1. Open the settings. launcher.
  2. Find the "Backup/Restore" option.
  3. Save the file to Google Drive or send it to yourself by mail.
  4. On the new device, install the same launcher and import the settings.

For packages icons, just install the same package on a new device.