The Android operating system is one of the most popular on the market, except for the company from Apple. This is justified, since the company produces many games and updates, which helps to efficiently use available resources, change settings, resources, and much more.
But what to do if the old application icons are boring and no longer evoke the same delight? How to change the application icon for an Android user? Is it possible? The answers to all these questions should be given in this article, as well as to understand how the program icons are changed, what methods to use for this, because everyone says that this is not difficult. The main thing is knowledge of the methods and the ability to use basic application settings.
Why change the icon
To answer the question about the need for an application icon on Android, the user must understand what it is in general. An icon is a kind of shortcut or icon, a graphic image that helps you understand what is located on the screen and what application will open when you tap on this very picture.
This icon is changed in order to change the interior and design of the device as a whole; the user can configure the phone as he sees fit; any interface can be customized, while using standardized settings for all settings. The change will not affect the performance of the phone in any way, however, the overall visual perception will change; the user may feel that he is holding a new device in his hands, although, in fact, little has changed.
Changing the icon is quite simple if you know the basic algorithms. To completely close the question about icons, it’s worth answering the most common questions from users of the Android operating system (OS).
Vyacheslav
For several years he worked in mobile phone stores of two large operators. I understand tariffs well and see all the pitfalls. I love gadgets, especially Android ones.
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Who initially installs the icons?
Icons are automatically installed on the phone’s home screen after the user decides to download an application. At the same time, the icon design itself is set not by the user, but by the application manufacturer. The user has no influence on the design at this stage.
Is it possible to uninstall an application if you remove the icon?
No, deleting an icon does not always mean that the user has automatically deleted the application itself. Removing an icon from the home screen simply erases the fact that after clicking, the user will immediately install applications. Nothing will change in the future; the application will remain in the OS.
What are the functions of icons?
There are not many functions, but they are there: • Using icons, the user gets quick, instant access to the desired application directly through the device screen; • Using icons, the user can intuitively navigate what his interface represents.
What applications will help you change the icons on your smartphone’s desktop?
In standard Android, unless it is modified by the smartphone manufacturer, there is no way to change the icons at will. You can only move them into folders and distribute them across desktops. But there are several types of applications that can change the appearance of standard icons and give them a new style.
You will have to download any launcher first and then add an icon pack to it. Many launchers are equipped with their own packages or a means for downloading them.
The best among launchers with the ability to replace desktop icons:
- Launchers;
- ADW Launcher;
- Apex Launcher;
- Nova Launcher;
- Holo Launcher.
The easiest to manage is Nova Launcher, which is distributed free of charge through the official Play Market.
All types of applications for changing the appearance of a smartphone have a simple interface. You just need to go in, select the appropriate visualization option and install it with one click. In some cases, confirmation of actions is also required, but this manipulation will also not take you much time.
Best Icon Replacement Apps
The Play Market offers several dozen applications that will help you solve the problem of how to install icons on Android. Each of them has its own characteristics - some require a launcher to work, while others launch without its help. We have selected 6 of the best options.
Beautiful Icon Styler
After launching the application, you will be asked to choose one of several dozen shortcuts presented in free packages. If this is not enough for you, you will have to pay extra. Each package has its own price. To use the application you do not need superuser rights, which is another undoubted advantage.
The advantage of this application is that it works with launchers. Icons are transferred without loss. If you use packages with a standard shell, the design will only change on the desktop. In the main menu, the icons will be standard. You can independently choose which of the launchers you have on your phone to add icon packs to.
Awesome Icons
Another free application that does not require root rights from the user. In it, you can set an icon for each application, using the provided templates or creating one yourself. Icons for Android can be made from any picture or photo.
This application is most often used to change the appearance of icons for e-wallets and banking applications. All programs that you want to hide can be changed using this application. The only exceptions are standard applications from Google - their icons do not change when using this program.
Rondo
This application allows you to change the icon design of 85% of the applications installed on your smartphone. This program is distributed free of charge. It includes not only several icon options, but also 20 desktop wallpaper options. All labels are made in high resolution 192 by 192 pixels, they have a rounded shape and a shadow. Interestingly, wallpaper pictures go well with icons.
Some content is offered for a fee. You will also have to be distracted by advertising banners, but they are not too intrusive. Updates are released regularly for this app, giving you the ability to change the icons of more apps, as well as choose from a wider range of thumbnails.
This package is chosen by those who love contemporary art and appreciate feedback. It contains about 300 icons for various applications, but the library is regularly updated with new types. In addition, everyone who has downloaded the program has the opportunity to contact the developers and ask them to create images specifically for one of their favorite programs.
This option has many advantages: free distribution of the application, no advertising, a set of wallpapers that match the style, and a unique appearance of the icons. The appearance of the icons will remind you of OnePlus smartphones, since Hampusa Ollson was involved in their creation, as well as the design of the gadget.
The big advantage of this application is that it can be launched on smartphones with their own shell (LG, Sony, Asus) and not equipped with third-party launchers. The GEL application can completely solve the problem of how to change icons on Android. At the same time, application shortcuts will remain informative; icons will appear on them indicating the number of changes that have occurred during your absence. Also in the package you will find a stylized clock widget that will complete your desktop composition.
Another pack of icons in the minimalist style. Its icons are white, with smoothed edges, and the pictograms are drawn as if with a pencil stroke. Manufacturers did not forget to equip this application with wallpapers and suitable widgets. You can choose the clock or calendar option for visualization. All elements fit together perfectly. In addition, you will have the choice of one of several design options.
The developers have thought through everything so that they can recommend this application to the widest range of users. It is distributed free of charge, and exists due to advertising present on its pages. In total, you will find more than 2000 icons in the package that are suitable for most applications on your desktop. There are no special icons just for less common programs, but few people keep them on their main phone screens.
Now you know how to change icons on Android and where to get original packages. We will not talk in detail about the operation of packages and launchers, since they all work according to the same principle. The interface will intuitively tell you where to click. You can ask questions about using the programs in the comments. Share the list of original packages and applications with your friends, invite them to discuss.
To mark the occasion, Instagram added an Easter egg to the latest version of the iOS app. The user can change the icon to a classic one or any other one. There is an early beta icon to choose from, the very first icon, and, of course, the classic one in two versions. There is also the current icon in other colors.
To mark the occasion, Instagram added an Easter egg to the latest version of the iOS app. The user can change the icon to a classic one or any other one. There is an early beta icon to choose from, the very first icon, and, of course, the classic one in two versions. There is also the current icon in other colors.
To change the Instagram application icon, you need to go to the settings, pull down from top to bottom until the menu opens, then select the desired image
The update is not yet available for all users, but for most. Judging by the message in the update, the Easter egg will only be in the application until the end of October.
Android users can only update the app icon if their smartphone is running Android 11.
1. You can click on any area of the screen except the navigation bar and keyboard.
HUAWEI phones support zoom gestures for easy viewing and navigation.
When magnification gestures are enabled, you can enlarge app icons on your home screen. To enable this feature, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Open the Accessibility section.
- Select Special possibilities .
- In the middle of the screen, find the Gestures to Zoom feature.
- Slide the switch to enable Zoom Gestures.
To enlarge an app icon on your home screen, tap the area next to the icon three times in a row.
1. You can click on any area of the screen except the navigation bar and keyboard.
2. Turn off the zoom mode: If you have enlarged the application icons, press the screen three times in a row in the above manner, and then turn off the zoom function switch.
3. For optimal visual effect, when using the zoom function, you can also increase the text size. To do this, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Text & Display Size, find the Text Size option at the bottom of the screen and move the circle to the right. After this, the text size in applications will increase.
The mechanism for changing the icon on Instagram is hidden in the settings
How to install an icon on your phone
Installing icons is much easier than the user thinks about it. All shortcuts can be divided into two large groups that are present in the phone system:
- Shortcuts for those programs that are created automatically, that is, after installing the application, the user will immediately see the desired picture on the main screen of the phone. Then they can also be conveniently used and intuitively navigated;
- Shortcuts to programs that need to be added manually to the phone's home screen. As a rule, such shortcuts come from some internal system tasks, that is, the user will need them to perform certain commands. For example, to launch the camera in VK and much more.
Note! More often the second type is called widgets rather than shortcuts; they are located in the same section as widgets.
The user just needs to install the application he needs to change the application icon, configure it correctly and much more. It can also replace basic icons, but this is worth talking about in more detail later.
Set up notifications
By default, notifications appear inside a solid white “bubble”, covering the wallpaper. If you want to get rid of that annoying bubble once and for all, go to Settings → Lock screen → Notifications and drag the Transparency panel to High.
In the View Style section, you can change the number of notifications displayed. There are 3 options to choose from: detailed information, shortened version or just the application icon.
Sometimes the notification text color is too dark or too light. Therefore, we recommend turning on the auto-adjust text color feature, which will change the text color depending on the color of the wallpaper.
How to change the shape of icons on Android
To change the icon icon shape, the user must have special developer rights. If they exist, then the algorithm is like this:
- Go to the desktop and hold it in an empty space;
- A window will open in which we tap on “settings”;
- Now select the item “Change icon shape”;
- Choose the one you like.
Icon and logo: what's the difference?
It is a mistake to think that an icon and a logo are the same thing. Let's look at the main differences between these components of corporate identity.
Icon:
- Used to demonstrate the idea and concept of the application.
- Allows the user to form an idea of the contents of the product and make a choice: to use it or not.
- They are the main component of the application interface.
Logo:
- It is the main part of the brand’s corporate identity and reflects basic information about the company.
- Used by all brands, not just app developers.
How to put photos on Android application icons
To do this you will need the X Icon changer program. After downloading it, you must perform the following steps:
- Open the program;
- Go to the “Photo” tab and select the “Gallery” option;
- After that, select a photo from the gallery and edit it;
- You can also change the name of the program here.
This way you can easily change the image and put a photo.
How to change wallpaper in Telegram?
How to change the background in Telegram
- go to the messenger settings;
- select the “Design” section;
- click on “background for chats”;
- and select the desired picture or you can upload your own from the gallery.
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How to change the number of icons on Android
Everything is quite simple if the user has an Android. To do this, go to settings and find the “Desktop” item. The desktop has a special item for icons called “Desktop Grid”. We use a search by settings, after which the user has access to different variations and the number of icons on the phone.
Where to download new icons
Before you change icons on Honor from Android, you may need to install them. To do this, use one of the following methods:
- Website icons8.ru. Here you can find icons for your Android phone in different themes: appearance, business, security, alphabet, time and date.
- Resource app4smart.com. Icon packs for Honor are also available here. There are free and paid options.
- In Honor communities. A useful pack can be found in the discussions, but here you download at your own peril and risk.
An easier option is to use an existing icon pack in the pre-installed Themes application or in launchers.
Now you know how to change the application icon on Honor from Android, what is needed for this, and which methods are most in demand.
Create your own EMUI theme using any icon pack
For this we will use the EMUI theme editor app. This allows you to create your own motifs for EMUI. We don't need the entire theme, but we will use this mechanism to install any icon pack without changing other interface elements. It's worth downloading the EMUI Theme Editor beta, which includes support for the latest EMUI 5.0.
Sign up for the EMUI Theme Editor beta
Download EMUI Theme Editor
First, click on the first link and select the “Become a tester” to subscribe to the beta version of the EMUI theme editor. Once you do that, download the EMUI Theme Editor from the second link.
After this app, download any icon pack from Play Store that interests you. For the purposes of the tutorial, we will be using an icon pack called Moonrise Icon Pack .
Then launch the EMUI Theme Editor app. Now you need to choose one of the standard themes as a base on which you can create your own theme. Select the "Select a theme" and choose one of the default themes (or the one you are currently using).
How to create an application icon: 3 ways
There are 3 main ways to get an icon for your application. The first is to draw the icon yourself in a graphics editor. The second is to create it in an online generator. The third is to seek help from professional designers. Let's look at the features of each method.
Make an icon in a graphics editor
This method is suitable for those who have experience in Photoshop and Illustrator. To create an icon, you will need to study the editor interface at least at the level of a novice user.
The advantage of this option for developing an icon is the absence of material costs. However, with insufficient experience in graphic editors and knowledge in the field of design, it will be quite difficult to make a high-quality product.
Develop an icon for an online service
Creating an icon using an online logo maker is a simple and affordable option. You don't need to learn any software or understand icon design trends.
You can use the Turbologo service. This online logo maker will help you create a unique logo in just 15 minutes. A simple interface and clear instructions will allow any user to easily design an icon. The service also offers a library of ready-made logo templates, divided by category. You can definitely find a suitable design and rework it to suit your wishes.
Order an icon from a designer
If you do not have experience in developing application icons, you can turn to specialists in this field. To do this, you will need to spend some budget and time searching for a conscientious designer, but the result will definitely please you.
How to add or remove an icon to the main lock screen
Manufacturers mostly install standard “Camera” and “Phone” icons on the lock screen. Users can add absolutely any shortcut there and delete existing ones.
Instructions:
- Go to “Settings”.
- Select “Lock screen and security” under the “Personal” tab.
- Click “Information and application shortcuts”.
- In the menu that opens, select “Application Shortcuts”.
A preview of the setting on the lock screen gadget will appear at the top of the screen. The existing application icons will already be shown there. The user can put or return any label, for example, Alice.
Subsequently, you can wake up the device and immediately launch the desired program by simply dragging its icon to the top of the screen.
How to Enlarge/Shrink Icons on Android Phone Screen
Activating icons from a created theme in EMUI
EMUI allows you to mix different themes with each other - for example, you can choose a font from one theme, icons from another, and the rest of the interface from a third. Now we will use this mechanism to include icons from the theme we created without changing anything else on the phone.
Find and launch the application on your Huawei/Honor smartphone “Theme” . Go to the My , but don't select any topics from the list. Instead, select the option at the bottom "Settings" .
A personalization screen will appear where you can choose the home screen style, lock screen, font and icons separately. Select the Icon , click the More , and then find the theme you created in the list. In our case, it's a theme named "Moonrise" because that's the name we gave it when we created it.
Attention! Sometimes your theme may not appear in the list immediately after you create it in the EMUI Theme Editor app. In this case, simply restart your phone so that the device updates the list of available themes.
Don't worry about the theme thumbnail - it was taken from the theme we chose as a base first, so it's showing the wrong preview. Simply select your theme with the selected icons and click "Apply" at the very bottom.
Only the icons are changed; no other UI elements or wallpaper will be replaced. When you return to the Home screen now, you will notice that the icon set you selected has been applied. So, you can create your own themes based on any icon pack in the Play Store and use them in the original EMUI program.
Personalize your home screen any way you like
There are many different ways to customize the Android interface. You can also change themes, add different widgets, and personalize them so that they don't look like others.
With launcher apps, there are no limits to how you can personalize your device. Of course, besides your creativity and interests.
Do you have any cool ideas for custom app icons? Which image would you choose for a particular application? Why? Share your opinions and ideas with the rest of the community in the comments below.
Renaming with QuickShortcutMaker
This free utility has a lot of useful functions, but for the purposes of this article we will focus solely on renaming. Download, install and launch QuickShortcutMaker, then perform the following steps:
- in the “Applications” tab, select the program that we will rename and go to it;
- tap on the item “Tap to change label”;
- in the window that appears, enter a new name and confirm “Ok”;
- We complete the process by clicking the “Create” button.