One thing that many people find unappealing about Android is that its user interface lacks luster. However, this is a problem that can be changed easily thanks to the high level of customization that the mobile operating system has to offer. Here, in this tutorial, we will be talking about how to change App icons on Android phones and tablets to have got a more uniform and appealing look.
This short read on how to change Android icons helps you customize your phone to the way you want it to look. As you might have noticed, all the apps installed on your Android device have their own shapes and sizes. Some are circular, some are square, and then there are even apps which are triangular. Then there is the question of the color grade used on the apps, and all this contribute to how your phone will look.
How to Change App Icons on Android Phones
Method 1: Use Third Party Launchers
Most Android devices will not boast the stock Android launcher and will be skinned by the manufacturers. Now if you use these custom launchers then you will also be stuck with the icons they picked for your theme. But if you go ahead and download a third party launcher for your Android device, then you will be able to apply different Android icon packs – the ones which suites your taste.
In the context of this article, we will be discussing on how you can change the icons on your phone by installing a Nova launcher. The method for doing the same on another launcher might differ.
Here is a look at how the phone looks running on Nova launcher and before installing any Icon Pack.
Step #1. Go to the Google Play Store or any other random website you may like and download an Icon Pack of your liking. For this read, we will be using Pixel Icon Pack. After you have downloaded the icon pack, head over to Nova Settings → Look & feel → Icon Theme.
Step #2. After tapping on Icon Theme, you will notice that a pop up appears. Here you will find the icon pack that you have recently installed on your device. Tap to apply it.
Step #3. Now if you start to browse around your phone, you will find a clear difference. Everything now has a more seamless and consistent look which makes your device appear polished.
However, if you are not in the mood to change the icons of all your apps, and just want to change the icons of some particular apps, then that too can be done through the use of Nova Launcher. Here is a detailed overview of the steps involved:
Step #1 Choose an application whose icon you want to change and drag it into your home screen. The next bit is to long press on the icon to see the shortcut menu and then tap on “Edit”.
Step #2 After following the above steps, an Edit Shortcut popup will show. You will have to tap on the app icon to change it. You will be given a list of options to choose your desired app icon and you can even select an image out of your gallery.
Note: This will not change the app icon for the corresponding app inside your app drawer. Think of this as a means to change the appearance of your home screen only
Method 2: Change App Icons Using Other Apps
Downloading a launcher means not only will your icons change, but also the screen playout and many behaviors of your phone will be changed. If you are satisfied with how your phone looks and just want something to change the apps on your screen, then you can go for third party icon changer app.
These applications work by adding an icon shortcut to the home screen of any app on your system. So these will not be changing your system app icons but at least can make your home screen look polished. Furthermore, you have complete control over the app icon of the shortcut and you can even use something from your gallery.
Here are some Apps which can help create a custom icon as an application shortcut.
#1. Awesome Icons
Awesome Icons lets you customize your home screen icons with both icon packs and your own pictures. You also will not have to root your device in order to use the application. Here is a step by step guide on how to use the app.
Step #1. Download Awesome Icons from the Play Store. After installing it, open it to find all the apps you have installed on your system. Select the app for which you intended to create an icon shortcut.
Step #2. Tap on the icon to be taken to create shortcut page. We have chosen the Radio App as a point of reference.
Step #3. From here, tap on the icon which is listed under the option Icon. You will be asked to select an icon from the desired location. You can also change the label name from here.
Step #4. The last step would be to tap on OK and now you’re new icon shortcut for the app is ready.
#2. Icon Changer Free
This is the last app that we will be discussing as a viable option for creating an icon shortcut for the apps we use.
Step #1. The first step, as always would be downloading Icon changer app. Once it is installed, open it and you will find two Androids. Tap on that and you will see a list of all the apps installed on your device. Select the one for which you want to create an icon shortcut. For this article, we will be choosing the Phone app.
Step #2. Tap on the app and you will be taken to a screen which will ask you to change it, decorate it, or even add filters to it. If you want, you can also change the Title for the shortcut.
Step #3. After you are done, just tap ok and you have made your shortcut.
To sum up…
One of the biggest advantages of having an Android device is to be able to customize your phone to your heart’s content. Here you learned how you can change the icons on your Android Phone to the way you desire. Want to add something to this information? Share your feedback with us on Facebook, Google Plus and Twitter.