Changing the visual design of a smartphone often starts small - changing application icons. VKontakte, being one of the most popular social networks in the Russian-speaking segment, has a recognizable logo that many users want to personalize. A standard blue square with the letter “B” may get boring or simply not fit into the selected desktop color scheme.
Fortunately, the operating system Android provides ample opportunities for customizing the interface. There are several proven methods that allow you to replace a standard icon with a unique image, a themed icon, or even completely remove it from the screen, replacing it with a widget. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from using built-in functions to installing third-party launchers.
Before making changes, it is important to understand that the process may vary slightly depending on the model of your device and the version of the manufacturer's shell. For example, on pure Android (Pixel, Motorola) the algorithm of actions will be one, and on smartphones Samsung or Xiaomi it will be different. We will look at universal solutions that will suit most users.
Built-in options for changing themes on different shells
Many modern smartphone manufacturers integrate powerful tools for personalization into their shells. If you have a device from one of the major brands, you may not need to install any additional software. Just look at the theme or design settings.
On smartphones Samsung with a shell One UI there is an official theme store Galaxy Store. Inside it you can find icon packs that will automatically replace standard icons, including VKontakte. To do this, you need to go to Settings → Themes and select the appropriate style. Often such packages are paid, but there are also free options from the community.
Device users Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO have access to the application Themes. Here you can download third-party themes that completely change the design of the system. However, it is worth considering that using a full theme can change not only the icons, but also the notification panel, curtain and settings menu, which is not always desirable.
⚠️ Attention: When installing third-party themes on Xiaomi or Samsung, make sure that you download them from the official device stores. Third-party theme APK files may contain malicious code or interfere with system stability.
Shell ColorOS from OPPO and Realme also allows you to change the icon style globally. In the Personalization section you can choose the icon style (for example, round, square or with rounded corners), but replacing a specific icon with your own image without third-party utilities is often not available here. In such cases, it is better to use the methods described below.
Using shortcuts and widgets for replacement icon
The easiest and safest way to change the icon of a specific application without affecting the entire system is to create a custom shortcut. This method works on almost all versions of Android and does not require superuser rights (Root). The essence of the method is to create a new shortcut on the desktop that will link to the VK application, but have any image of your choice.
To implement this method, you will need to install a special application for creating shortcuts. There are many of them in the Google Play Store, but one of the most reliable and functional is Shortcut Maker. After installing the app, the algorithm of actions becomes extremely simple and intuitive even for a beginner.
Launch the installed application and find the section Applicationsin the list. Find it in the list VK (or VKontakte). Click on it to open the shortcut settings menu. Here you will see the current icon and title. Click on the icon image to open the gallery or choose from the proposed packages.
- 🖼️ Select any image from your phone’s gallery to create a unique logo.
- 🎨 Use the icon packs built into the app in Material Design or iOS style.
- ✏️ If desired, change the name of the shortcut, for example, to “Social Network” or leave it blank for minimalism.
After setting the appearance, click the button Create a shortcut. The system will ask for confirmation to place the item on the main screen. Confirm the action. You now have a new icon on your desktop. You can simply delete the old, standard VKontakte icon or move it to a folder so that it does not become an eyesore.
To make the icon look neat, first crop the selected image into a 1:1 square in any photo editor before uploading it to Shortcut Maker. This will prevent white margins or unwanted cropping.
It is important to note that the label created in this way is an independent object. If you delete the main VKontakte application, the shortcut will stop working. Also, when updating the application itself via Google Play, the created shortcut will remain unchanged, which is the advantage of this method - your settings are not reset.
Using third-party launchers to globally change the style
If you want not just to change one icon, but to completely transform the smartphone interface, the best solution would be to install a third-party launcher. The launcher is a replacement for the standard Android shell that controls the desktop, application menu and dock. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Lawnchair and Smart Launcher.
Once the launcher is installed and activated (for example, Nova Launcher), the process of changing the icon becomes flexible. You can long press the VKontakte icon and select Edit (Edit). In the menu that opens, you can select a new icon from the gallery or from installed icon packs.
Launchers allow you to apply icon packs globally. This means that you can download one package in the Neon or Minimalist style, and the VKontakte icon will change automatically along with hundreds of other applications. This saves time and ensures visual integrity of the interface.
What to do if the icon does not change in the package?
Some applications, especially system ones or those that are rarely updated, may not be in the icon pack library. In launchers like Nova, you can manually match the icon: click “Edit” → “Select from packages” → find a similar icon manually and link it to the VK application.
It is worth considering that some smartphone manufacturers block the ability to install third-party launchers or limit their functionality. For example, on some Huawei or Honor models with the EMUI shell without installing additional tools (like Huawei Launcher Enabler), changing the launcher can be problematic. In such cases, it is better to use the method with shortcuts.
| Method | Complexity | Impact on the system | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in themes | Low | Global | Low |
| Shortcut Maker | Average | Spot | High |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | Global | Maximum |
| Widgets | Low | Spot | Medium |
Third-party launchers provide maximum control over the appearance, but require getting used to the new menu logic and gestures.
Configuring VKontakte widgets as an alternative
Another interesting way to diversify your desktop is to use widgets instead of classic icons. The VKontakte application officially supports widgets that allow you to quickly jump to messages, news feeds or profile sections. A widget takes up more space than an icon, but looks more impressive.
To add a widget, free up space on your desktop by long pressing on an empty area. In the menu that appears, select Widgets. Scroll the list to the letter “B” and find the block VK. Expand it to see the available sizes and types of widgets.
Widgets are usually available for quick access to conversations, friends or news. Drag the option you like onto the screen. Some widgets allow you to choose a color scheme or background transparency, which helps you integrate them into any design. This is an excellent alternative if you want not just to change the picture, but to get quick access to functions.
However, widgets have their own characteristics. They consume a little more RAM because they constantly update information on the screen (for example, a counter of new messages). If you have an old smartphone with little RAM, the abundance of active widgets can slightly slow down the device.
⚠️ Attention: Social network widgets require constant access to the Internet to update data. Make sure that you have synchronization enabled or a stable connection, otherwise the widget may display outdated information or a loading icon.
Technical nuances and possible problems
During the customization process, users may encounter a number of technical limitations. One of the common problems is resetting icon settings after rebooting the device or updating the system. This often happens when using “light” launchers, which the system forcibly closes to save energy.
To avoid resetting shortcuts created through third-party applications, you need to pin them in memory. Go to Settings → Applications, find your application for creating shortcuts (for example, Shortcut Maker) and go to the Battery or Energy savingsection. Set the mode No restrictions or No optimize.
It’s also worth remembering about permissions. Shortcut apps require permission to display on top of other windows or access storage to load images. If you disable these permissions, the icon changing function will simply not work or crash with an error.
- 🔋 Be sure to disable battery optimization for launcher applications.
- 🔒 Check the permissions granted in the privacy settings.
- 📱 Make sure there is enough free space on your desktop to place a new element.
Another nuance concerns duplication. When you create a shortcut, the old application does not automatically disappear. Two icons may appear on your screen: one standard, the other custom. Don't forget to delete the unnecessary one by holding it and dragging it to the trash or to the "Delete" area so as not to get confused.
☑️ Checklist before changing the icon
Security and selection of graphics sources
When searching for beautiful icons on the Internet, it is important to maintain digital hygiene. Downloading images from unverified sources may result in downloading malicious files disguised as images, although the risk for simple images (JPG, PNG) is minimal. The main danger lies in downloading ready-made APK icon packs from dubious sites.
It is recommended to use official application stores or trusted resources like XDA Developers to search for icon packs. If you download individual pictures, make sure they are of sufficient resolution. Low quality icons (less than 100x100 pixels) will look blurry on modern high pixel density screens.
Also pay attention to the file format. For icons, the best formats PNG with support for transparent backgrounds are best. This will allow the icon to fit perfectly into any desktop background, be it a dark or light theme. The format JPG always has a white or colored background, which can create an ugly frame around the icon.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and capabilities of the Android operating system are regularly updated. The functions described in this article may vary slightly on new versions of Android 14, 15 and higher. Always check the current settings of your device.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to return the standard VKontakte icon back?
Yes, it’s easy to do. If you used a shortcut, simply delete it from your desktop. The standard icon will either appear on its own (if you didn’t delete it), or you can add it again from the general application menu. If you used the launcher, hold down the icon, select “Change” and reset the settings or select a standard icon from the list.
Does changing the icon affect the operation of the application itself?
No, visually replacing the icon does not affect the functionality of the VKontakte application. You will still receive notifications, write messages and scroll through your feed. Only the graphic symbol on the desktop changes, which serves as the entry point to the app.
Why did my custom icon disappear after updating the VK application?
This can happen if you used the method of changing the icon through the launcher settings, which was reset when the system was updated. Shortcuts created through apps like Shortcut Maker usually persist even after updating the main app. It is recommended to use the shortcut method for long-term results.
Do you need root access to change the icon?
No, modern methods (widgets, shortcuts, launchers) do not require superuser rights. All methods described in the article are safe and available on any smartphone with the rights of a regular user.