How to set a different icon on the Android application: all methods from simple to advanced

Standard application icons on Android often look boring or do not fit into the overall style of your launcher. Fortunately, the system allows you to change them - and in more than one way. You can do without root access by using the built-in functions of launchers, or go deeper into technical details using ADB and APK modification. But before we begin, it is important to understand: not all methods are equally safe and universal.

For example, most modern launchers (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) support replacing icons through themes or manual installation. But changing the icons of system applications (for example, Settings or Phone) will require more effort - here you can’t do without ADB commands or editing files. It is also worth considering that after updating the application or resetting the settings, the icons may be reset to standard.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from the simplest to those that require technical skills. You will learn how to change an icon without root, using third-party applications, via ADB, and even how to create your own unique icon from scratch. And at the end - answers to frequently asked questions and warnings about possible risks.

1. Replacing icons through the launcher (without root)

The easiest and safest way is to use the capabilities of a third-party launcher. Most popular solutions (for example Nova Launcher, Action Launcher or Lawnchair) support replacing icons through icon packs or manual installation of images.

Here's how it works with an example Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
2. Press and hold your finger on an empty space on the screen, then select Settings.
3. Go to section Style and icons → Icon theme.
4. Select one of the pre-installed themes or download a new one from the store.

If you need to replace the icon for specific application, do the following:

1. Tap and hold the application icon, then select Edit (pencil).
2. Tap on the current icon and select Gallery or File manager.
3. Upload your image (recommended size - 192×192 px or 512×512 px for high resolution).

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei) block the replacement of icons for system applications, even in third-party launchers. In this case, you will have to use other methods.

2. Using icon packs from Google Play

If you don’t want to select icons manually, you can install ready-made ones icon pack from the application store. These packs contain hundreds or even thousands of stylized icons for popular applications. Among the most famous:

• 🎨 Whicons - minimalistic white icons on a colored background.
• 🌈 CandyCons - bright icons with a stroke.
• 🖤 Moonshine - dark icons with neon accents.
• 🔄 Delta - adaptive icons with support for dynamic colors.

To apply an icon pack:

1. Install the selected package from Google Play.
2. Open the settings of your launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).
3. Go to Style and Icons → Icon Theme and select the installed package.
4. If some icons have not changed, try applying them manually (see section above).

⚠️ Attention: Free versions of icon packs often contain a limited set of images. Full access may require a purchase. Pro versions (usually costs from 100 to 300 rubles).

3. Manually changing icons through the file manager (for experienced ones)

If you do not want to install a launcher or icon pack, you can change the icon manually by editing application files. This method works only for custom applications (not system ones!) and requires access to the file system.

Here are step-by-step guide:

1. Install a file manager with access to the root folder (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to the folder /data/app/ and find the folder with the name of your application (for example, com.whatsapp-1).
3. Copy the folder to your computer or another location for backup.
4. Unzip the file base.apk (you can use 7-Zip or WinRAR).
5. In the folder res find subfolders drawable or mipmap - icons are stored there.
6. Replace the necessary files (usually ic_launcher.png or ic_launcher_foreground.png) with your own images.
7. Build APK reversely (for example, using APK Editor) and install it on top of the old application.

⚠️ Attention: This method can lead to crashing the applicationif you build incorrectly. APK or replace files with errors. Also, after updating the application through Google Play the icon will be reset.

Make a backup copy of the APK|Download APK Editor or a similar app|Prepare icon in PNG format (size 192×192 or 512×512)|Check Android version compatibility-->

4. Replacing system application icons via ADB (without root)

If you need to change the icon the system application (for example, Settings, Phone or Messages, you can use ADB commands. This method does not require root access, but will require connecting to a computer and turning on USB debugging.

Here's how to do it:

1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your computer.
2. Enable Debug by USB in the phone settings (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
3. Connect your phone to the computer and run the command:

   adb devices

   (your device).

4. Download the icon in the format PNG (size 192×192 px) and place it in the folder with platform-tools.
5. Run the command to replace the icon (example for the application Settings):

   adb shell cmd shortcut set-icon --package com.android.settings --activity com.android.settings.Settings --icon-file /sdcard/icon.png

   (replace com.android.settings with your application package).

⚠️ Attention: Not all manufacturers allow you to change system application icons via ADBOn some devices (for example, Samsung or OnePlus) this method may not work due to shell limitations.

How to find the name of the application package?

Open Google Play, find the desired application and copy its URL. after id= (for example, com.whatsapp for WhatsApp). Or use the application App Inspector from Google Play.

5. Creating your own icon from scratch: requirements and tools

If you want to make a unique icon, rather than download a ready-made one, you will need:

• 🎨 Graphic editor: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP (free) or Figma (online).
• 📏 Templates: Google recommends using Material Design with size 1024×1024 px for adaptive icons.
• 🔧 Adaptation tools: Android Asset Studio (an online service from Google for generating icons).
• 📱 Verification on the device: the icon should look good on a dark and light background.

Basic requirements for the icon:

Parameter	Recommendation	Note
Size	1024×1024 px	For adaptive icons (Android 8.0+)
Format	PNG with transparency	No compression (100% quality)
Background	Transparent or plain	For adaptive icons the background is set separately
Shape	Circle, rounded square, custom	Depends on the launcher and Android version

After creating an icon, you can apply it using any of the methods described above (via the launcher, ADB or editing APK).

6. Risks and limitations when replacing icons

Although replacing icons seems like a harmless procedure, it can lead to unexpected problems:

• 🚨 Application crash: if. you edit incorrectly APK, the application may stop launching.
• 🔄 Reset after updates: icons changed manually or through ADBwill be reset after updating the application.
• 🔒 Blocking system applications: on some devices (for example, Xiaomi s MIUI) system icons are protected from changes.
• 🛡️ Violation of security policy: on corporate devices or phones with Knox (Samsung) changing system files may lead to loss of warranty.

On devices with Android 12+, some methods (for example, replacement via ADB) may not work due to a new protection mechanism Android Runtime (ART)that blocks modification of system files components.

⚠️ Attention: If you use banking applications or solutions with increased security requirements (for example, Google Pay or SberBank Online), changing their icons by editing APK may raise suspicions about the security system and lead to account blocking.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing icons on Android

Is it possible to change the icon of a system application without root?

Yes, but with limitations. On most devices, this can be done via ADB (see section 4), however, some manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Huawei) block such changes If ADB does not work, all that remains is to receive root access.

Why did the icon reset after updating the application?

When updating via Google Play a new version is installed APK, which overwrites all your changes. To avoid this, you can:

• Disable auto-update for this application.
• Use a launcher with support for custom icons (they are not reset).
• Reapply changes via ADB or editing APK.

How to return the standard icon?

The method depends on how you changed it:

• If through the launcher - go to the icon settings and select Default icon.
• If through ADB - run the command with the original icon or reinstall the application.
• If through editing APK - remove the application and install it again from the official source.

Is it possible to change the icon for widgets?

No, widget icons are tied to the widget itself application and cannot be changed separately. However, some launchers (for example, Nova Launcher) allow you to hide the original application icon and use your own, leaving only the widget on the screen.

Will replacing icons work on Android 14?

Yes, but taking into account the new restrictions, Google is tightening its control. modification of system components, so on Android 14+ they may not work:

• Replacing icons of system applications via ADB.
• Editing APK without signature (required root or patch via Magisk).

Launchers and icon packs still work without restrictions.