Tired of looking at the same app icons every day? Android lets you customise your home screen far more than most people realise. You can swap out an icon for something minimal, colourful, or entirely your own. The best part is that you don’t need to root your phone to do it.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to change app icons in Android using two popular tools: Nova Launcher Settings and X Icon Changer.
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Why Change App Icons?
There are a few reasons why most of the users change app icons in Android phones:
- Give your phone a fresh, personalised look
- Create a consistent theme across your home screen
- Make important apps easier to spot
- Replace dull or outdated icons with something you like
- Most of the users add memes on icons as we do on laptop keys
Method 1: Change App Icons In Android Using Nova Launcher Settings
Nova Launcher is one of the most popular launchers to change app icons in Android. It gives you control over icon style, size, grid, and more. First, download it from the Google Play Store and set it as your default launcher.
- Change a Single App Icon
- Long-press the app icon on your home screen.
- Tap Edit from the pop-up menu.
- Tap the icon image to open the icon options.
- Choose an icon from an installed icon pack, or select Gallery apps to use your own image.
- Pick the icon you want and tap Done.
Your app will now show the new icon on the home screen.
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Change All Icons at Once Using Nova Settings
If you want a uniform look, you can apply an icon pack to every app.
- Install an icon pack from the Play Store (for example, Pixel Icon Pack or Delta Icon Pack).
- Long-press an empty space on the home screen and tap Settings to open Nova Settings.
- Go to Look & feel.
- Tap Icon style.
- Select Icon theme and choose your installed icon pack.
- You can also adjust the icon shape and size from the same menu.
Within seconds, your app drawer and home screen will update with the new theme.
Method 2: Change App Icons In Android Using X Icon Changer
Don’t want to change your launcher? X Icon Changer is a handy app that lets you create custom shortcuts with new icons and names. It works on most Android phones.
- Steps to Use X Icon Changer
- Download and install X Icon Changer from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and tap the app you want to customise from the list.
- Tap the icon image to choose a new one. You can pick from your gallery or from the built-in icon options.
- Rename the app if you wish. This is optional, but it’s a nice touch.
- Tap OK to confirm.
- The shortcut with the new icon will be added to your home screen.
Note: X Icon Changer creates a shortcut. The original app icon will still appear in your app drawer. If you want a cleaner look, you can hide the original icon with your launcher’s settings. Menu names and options can vary slightly depending on your app version.
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Nova Launcher vs X Icon Changer: Which One Should You Use?
Feature | Nova Launcher | X Icon Changer |
Changes all icons at once | Yes | No |
Supports icon packs | Yes | Limited |
Requires a new launcher | Yes | No |
Best for | Full home screen makeover | Changing a few specific icons |
If you want a complete theme, go with Nova Launcher. If you only want to tweak a few icons, X Icon Changer is quicker and simpler.
Tips for a Better Home Screen
- Stick to one style. Mixing too many icon styles can make your screen look cluttered.
- Use high-quality images. Blurry icons ruin the look. Choose PNG files with a transparent background.
- Match your wallpaper. Pick icons that complement your wallpaper colours.
- Back up your layout. Nova Launcher lets you back up your settings from Nova Settings, so you won’t lose your setup if you change phones.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I change app icons in Android without a launcher?
Yes. Apps like X Icon Changer let you create shortcuts with custom icons without changing your launcher.
Q2. Will changing icons affect my apps?
No. Only the way the icon looks changes. Your app data and performance stay the same.
Q3. Is Nova Launcher free?
Nova Launcher has a free version with most of the core features. Some advanced options may need a paid upgrade.
Q4. Can I go back to the original icon?
Yes. In Nova Launcher, edit the icon again and choose the default option. If you used X Icon Changer, simply delete the shortcut.
Final Thoughts
Changing app icons in Android is quick and doesn’t need any technical skills. Nova Launcher is ideal for a complete makeover, while X Icon Changer is perfect for small, quick changes. Try both apps to change app icons in Android and see which one suits you best.
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