Modern Honor brand smartphones running on the MagicOS shell offer users wide options for customizing their appearance. Changing application icons is one of the most popular ways to personalize a device, allowing you to make the interface unique and pleasing to the eye. Unlike older versions of Android, which required complex manipulations, today the visual change process has become much more accessible to the average user.
Device owners are often interested in how to replace standard icons with more stylish or themed options. The answer lies in the theming system built into the manufacturer, or in the use of third-party launchers. It is important to understand that installation methods may vary depending on the specific device model and software version, but the basic principles remain similar.
In this guide we will examine in detail all the available methods for changing the interface graphics. We will look at both official tools from Honor and third-party solutions for those for whom standard functionality is not enough. We will also pay attention to possible limitations and features of the shell so that you can avoid common mistakes when setting up.
Using the official Themes application
The easiest and safest way to change the appearance of icons is to use a pre-installed application Themes. This service, often called Honor Themes or simply Themes, contains a huge database of user and design designs. You do not need to have superuser rights or download dubious files from unverified sources.
To get started, you need to launch the application through the menu or find it in the folder with system utilities. In the main menu you will see various categories, among which special attention should be paid to the section Icons. Here are icon packs that can be used either separately or as part of complex themes. The choice of a specific set depends on your personal preferences.
After selecting the set you like, click the download button, and then the Applybutton. The system will automatically replace standard images with new ones. It is worth noting that some themes can change not only icons, but also wallpaper, widgets and the style of the notification shade. If you want to change only the icons, carefully read the description before installation.
The official store is regularly updated, adding new collections that correspond to design trends. Using the built-in tool guarantees system stability and no conflicts with other applications. This is an ideal option for those who value reliability and ease of setup.
The official Themes application is the most stable way to change icons, which does not require installation of additional software and does not affect the performance of the smartphone.
Setting through the Health and Fonts application
Not all users know that there is more in the Honor ecosystem one powerful tool for customization - application Health (or HiCare in older versions) and a separate application Fonts. In some regions and firmware, the functionality for changing icons is integrated into these services, and not into the classic Themes application.
When you go into the application Fonts, you can find a tab with themes. The algorithm of actions here is similar: search, download and activation. A special feature of this method is the ability to fine-tune fonts simultaneously with changing graphics. This allows you to create a truly harmonious visual style of the device.
Sometimes after a system update, application shortcuts may disappear from quick access. In this case, it is recommended to check your desktop settings. Go to Settings → Home screen and wallpaper and make sure that the icon style matches the selected theme. The system may automatically reset some settings after major firmware updates.
⚠️ Attention: If the Themes or Fonts application requires an update before installing new graphics, be sure to do it through the AppGallery store. Using an outdated version of system software may lead to errors in applying the theme or incorrect display of interface elements.
This method is especially relevant for devices released in the last two years, where the manufacturer is actively developing an ecosystem of services. Integration of functions allows you to manage the appearance from a single center, which is convenient for inexperienced users.
Periodically clear the cache of the Themes application in the smartphone settings if you notice that new icon packs take a long time to load or do not appear in the list of available ones.
Use of third-party launchers
If built-in features shells MagicOS seem limited to you, third-party launchers will come to the rescue. These are special applications that completely replace the standard desktop, providing access to thousands of icon packs from the Google Play Market. The most popular solutions are Nova Launcher, Lawnchair and Microsoft Launcher.
After installing the launcher, you will need to download a separate icon pack. In the app store, search for "Icon Pack" and select any option you like. After downloading, you need to go to the settings of the installed launcher, find the section Appearance or Icons and select the downloaded set from the list.
Third-party shells make it possible to change the grid size, application opening animations and even control gestures. This turns the customization process into real creativity. You can combine different elements, creating a unique interface that cannot be implemented using standard means.
- 🎨 Nova Launcher —a market leader with the maximum number of settings and support for gestures.
- 🚀 Lawnchair —a light and fast launcher that imitates the style of pure Android (Pixel).
- 🌐 Microsoft Launcher —an excellent solution for integration with the Windows ecosystem and office tasks.
- 🛠 Smart Launcher —automatically sorts applications into categories, saving time on searching.
For example, gestures for calling a smart assistant or specific swipes may conflict with the new interface.
What to do if the icons are not applied in a third-party launcher?
If after selecting a package of icons remained standard, try restarting the launcher through its settings or restarting the device. In rare cases, an icon pack may be incompatible with the Android version of your smartphone.
Manually replacing icons through widgets
Sometimes the user needs to change the icon for only one specific application, and not for all at once. In this case, using a full theme or launcher may be overkill. The Honor shell allows you to create application shortcuts with any image directly on the desktop through the widget function.
To do this, hold down an empty space on the desktop and select Widgets. In the list, find a category, which may be called Shortcuts or simply the icon of the desired application with a note about creating a copy. Drag this element onto the screen. The system will prompt you to select an image from the gallery or take a photo with the camera.
This method allows you to use any pictures, photographs or logos as icons. You can download a set of beautiful images on the Internet and assign them to your favorite instant messengers or games. However, it is worth considering that such shortcuts are essentially links, and not the applications themselves.
| Replacement method | Complexity | Flexibility of settings | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Themes | Low | Medium | Absent |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | High | Minimum |
| Manual widgets | High | Maximum | None |
| Changing fonts | Low | Low | None |
The main disadvantage of the manual method is that notifications on such widgets may not be displayed as clearly as on standard shortcuts. Also, if you delete the original application, the manually created shortcut will stop working.
☑️ Preparing to manually replace icons
Possible problems and solutions
During the customization process, users may encounter a number of technical difficulties. It often happens that after applying a theme, some icons remain old or are not displayed correctly. This is due to the fact that theme developers do not always draw icons for all existing applications, especially for rarely used or new apps.
In such situations, the system automatically substitutes a standard icon from the set MagicOS. To fix this, you can use the shortcut editing feature available in the desktop settings. Hold the icon, select Edit and manually specify the image from the downloaded package, if it is available on the system.
Another common problem is settings disappearing after rebooting the device. This may occur due to a software version conflict or errors in the launcher. Make sure that aggressive power optimization is disabled in the battery settings for the launcher application or themes.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu item names may vary slightly depending on the version of MagicOS (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0). If you do not find the described item, use the search in the smartphone settings by entering the keyword “Theme” or “Screen”.
If the problem is systemic and cannot be solved by rebooting, try resetting the desktop settings to factory settings. This will return the grid of icons to its original state, after which you can repeat the theme installation procedure again.
Most problems with icon display can be resolved by updating the Themes application or restarting the launcher; less often, a complete reset of the interface settings is required.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to return standard Honor icons after installing third-party ones?
Yes, it is possible. Go to the launcher settings and select the option to reset the theme, or remove the third-party launcher through the app settings. The system will automatically return the standard interface and set of icons.
Does changing icons affect the speed of the Honor smartphone?
Replacing static images itself does not affect performance. However, using heavy third-party launchers with lots of animations may slightly increase RAM and battery consumption.
Why do some icons in the theme look blurry?
This happens if the resolution of the downloaded image is lower than the pixel density of your screen. Try to choose themes marked HD or designed for modern screen resolutions.
Is it safe to download themes from unknown sources?
Downloading themes through official stores (AppGallery, Google Play) is safe. Installing theme files (.hwt or .mtz) from third-party forums carries risks as they may contain malicious code. Be careful.
How to change the icons on the lock screen?
Icons on the lock screen usually change along with the overall theme. You can’t customize them separately; you need to use a complex theme that includes a lock screen style.