How to change the game icon on Android: 5 proven methods

The game icon on the Android desktop is the first thing that catches your eye. Standard icons from developers are not always pleasing to the eye: they may be too bright, not fit into the design theme, or simply become boring over time. Fortunately, Android offers several ways change the game icon without deleting the application - from simple solutions with launchers to advanced methods for advanced users.

In this article we will look at all current methods changing icons in 2026: from using third-party launchers (for example Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) before manually editing APK files. We will pay special attention security to which methods do not require root access, and where it is better not to experiment without a backup. You will also find out why some games (for example, with protection Google Play Protect) can block changes and how to get around it.

If you want not just to change the picture, but completely to customize the appearance —at the end of the article there is bonus section on creating unique icons from scratch in Figma or Canva. And for those who are afraid of breaking something, we have prepared checklist of proven tools that do not require technical skills.

1. The easiest way: using custom launchers

Launchers are apps that replace the standard Android interface. Most of them support changing icons without the need to make changes to system files. This method is suitable for 99% of users, as it does not require root access and works on any version of Android (from Android 8.0 Oreo to Android 15).

The most popular launchers with support for customizing icons:

• 🔹 Nova Launcher - flexible settings, support for icon packs from Play Market.
• 🔹 Apex Launcher - user-friendly interface and built-in icon editor.
• 🔹 Action Launcher - unique function Quicktheme for automatic color selection.
• 🔹 Lawnchair - lightweight open source launcher.

To change the game icon via Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one (in Android settings, select "Home" → Nova Launcher).
2. Press and hold your finger on the game icon → select Edit.
3. In the menu that opens, tap on the icon → select Gallery or Icon packs.
4. Upload the picture you like (resolution recommended 192×192 or 512×512 for clarity).

⚠️ Attention: Some launchers (for example, Microsoft Launcher) do not support changing the icons of individual applications - only completely changing the theme through icon packs. Before installation, check the description in Play Market.

2. Manually changing the icon through APK editors (without root)

If launchers do not suit you, you can go further and edit APK file of the game. This method is more complicated, but gives more: you can change not only the icon on the desktop, but also the icon in the application menu, as well as in the system settings. To work you will need:

• 📱 Android smartphone (preferably with USB debugging, but not necessary).
• 💻 Computer with installed APK Editor or JADX (for decompilation).
• 🖼️ New icon in format .png (size must match the original).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download the APK of the game using APK Extractor (available in Play Market).
2. Connect your phone to the PC and transfer the APK to the folder with APK Editor.
3. Open the APK in the editor, go to res → drawable or mipmap.
4. Find the icon files (usually called ic_launcher.png, ic_launcher_round.png or similar).
5. Replace them with your own pictures (keep the original file names!).
6. Rebuild the APK and install it on your phone (allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings).

⚠️ Attention: A modified APK file may cause errors when updating the game via Google Play. Before updating, you will have to repeat the procedure or return to the original version. Also, some antiviruses (for example, Avast) may block modified APKs as suspicious.

Make a backup of the original APK|Check icon size compatibility|Disable automatic game updates|Install APK Editor on PC-->

3. Using the Xposed Framework and modules (only for root)

For users with root access deeper methods are available customization. One of them is installation Xposed Framework and module App Settings or Unicon. This allows you to change icons systemically, without having to edit each APK manually.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Works for all applications, including system ones.
• 🔄 Changes are saved after updates (unlike editing the APK).
• 🎨 You can change not only icons, but also names, resolutions, themes.

How to do it:

1. Install Xposed Installer (root required) and activate it.
2. Download the module Unicon or App Settings via the Xposed repository.
3. Reboot the device and open the module.
4. Select a game from the list → Change Icon → specify the path to the new icon.
5. Save changes and restart the launcher.

Module	Android support	Features
Unicon	5.0–12.0	Simple interface, support for icon packs
App Settings	4.0–14.0	Advanced settings, including DPI and resolutions
GravityBox	4.4–10.0	Requires Magisk, many additional features

⚠️ Attention: Xposed Framework may conflict with some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) and security systems (for example, SafetyNet). If you use Google Pay or Netflix, check compatibility before installation.

4. Creating your own icons: tools and tips

If you want a unique icon, and not one downloaded from the Internet, you can create it yourself. Both professional tools (Adobe Photoshop, Figma) and free online editors are suitable for this (Canva, Photopea).

Icon requirements for Android:

• 📏 Size: optimal 512×512 px (for adaptive icons) or 192×192 px (for standard ones).
• 🎨 Format: .png with a transparent background.
• 🖌️ Style: avoid small details - they will be illegible on the smartphone screen.

Step-by-step guide for Canva:

1. Register on canva.com (a free account is enough).
2. Create a new project with size 512×512 px.
3. Use templates icons (enter "app icon" in the search) or start from scratch.
4. Export the result in .png with transparency (setting "Transparent background").

5. Problems and solutions: why does the icon not change?

Sometimes after all the manipulations, the game icon remains the same. Let's consider Common causes and ways to eliminate them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Icon reset after update	The launcher or APK editor did not save the changes	Disable auto-update of the game or repeat the procedure
The new icon is not displayed	The launcher cache was not updated	Restart your device or clear the launcher cache
The game does not launch after changing the APK	The APK signature is broken or the files are damaged	Check the integrity of the files or use Lucky Patcher to re-signatures
Icon appears blurry	Screen resolution mismatch	Create an icon in size 1024×1024 px and reduce it in the editor

If you use Google Play Games or other services with protection (for example, Fortnite, Genshin Impact), they can block changes to icons through APK editors. In this case, the only option left is with launchers or root access.

What to do if the game was deleted after changing the APK?

If after installing the modified APK the game disappeared, check the folder /data/app via Root Explorer. Perhaps the system deleted it due to a signature violation. Restore the original APK and repeat the procedure using Lucky Patcher to re-sign correctly.

6. Alternative methods: widgets and shortcuts

If none of the methods work, you can use a trick - create a shortcut with a custom icon instead of the original one. To do this:

1. Install the application Shortcut Maker from Play Market.
2. Select a game from the list → click Create.
3. In the edit menu shortcut, tap on the icon → select your picture.
4. Save the shortcut to your desktop and delete the original icon.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Does not require root or APK editing.
• 🛡️ Safe - the original application does not change.
• 🎨 You can create several shortcuts with different icons for one game.

Disadvantages:

• 📱 The shortcut will open the game through the shell Shortcut Maker, which can add a delay of 1-2 seconds.
• 🔍 The original icon will remain in the application menu.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing game icons

Is it possible to change the game icon without a launcher and root?

Yes, using applications like Shortcut Maker or Icon Changer. They create shortcuts with custom icons without affecting the original application. However, the standard icon will remain in the menu of all applications.

Why did the game stop updating after changing the APK?

Google Play compares the APK signature when updating. If you change the file, its signature is different from the original one, and the store blocks updates. Solutions:

• Disable auto-update for the game Play Market.
• Before updating, repeat the procedure for editing the APK.
• Use Lucky Patcher to "freeze" the version of the game.

How to return the original icon?

The method depends on the change method:

• Launcher: click on the icon → Reset or Return to standard.
• APK editor: reinstall the original APK from Play Market.
• Xposed: disable the module in the Xposed settings and reboot the device.
• Shortcut: simply delete it from the desktop.

Will there be a ban in the game if you change its icon?

No, changing the icon does not affect game data or anti-cheat systems (for example, BattlEye v PUBG Mobile or VAC v CS:GO on Android). However, editing the APK may raise suspicions among Google Play Protect - in this case, just add the application to the exceptions.

Is it possible to change the icon of a system game (for example, Google Play Games)?

For system applications you will need root access and editing files in /system/priv-app or /system/app. Without root, you can only hide the icon through the launcher or create a shortcut with a custom image.