How to Change App Icons in iOS 16 Using the Shortcuts App

iPhone app icon customization is another great way that iOS 16 allows users to personalize their devices or hide apps by disguising them as something else. You can now make your own iPhone app icons or download an app to change your icons. The iPhone Shortcuts app allows users to create a custom aesthetic for their Home Screen without paying for a third-party app. It allows custom images to be used as icons that then function as a shortcut to the corresponding app in the App Library.

Jump To:

• How to Change Icons on iPhone Using the Shortcuts Guide
• Where to Find & Download iPhone App Icons

How to Change Icons on iPhone Using the Shortcuts Guide

Custom icons can completely transform your phone and make it your own! Here's how to change app icons using the Shortcuts app:

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
   
   
2. Navigate to the Shortcuts tab if you're not already there, and tap on the + icon located on the top right of the main app screen.
   
   
3. Select Add Action.
   
   
4. Use the search bar at the top of the screen to type Open App.
   
   
5. Tap on Open App.
   
   
6. Next, tap App.
   
   
7. Select the app of your choice out of the list in alphabetical order. You can also search the app in the search bar at the top of the screen. Tap the app you wish to create a custom icon for.
   
   
8. Tap on the "i" icon at the bottom of your screen.
   
   
9. Tap on Add to Home Screen.
   
   
10. Tap on the app icon under Home Screen Name and Icon.
    
    
11. From the drop-down menu, select Take Photo, Choose Photo, or Choose File. For this example, I will tap Choose Photo.
    
    
12. Select the image you would like to use and confirm it by tapping Choose.
    
    
13. Tap on New Shortcut to rename the app.
    
    
14. Tap Add in the top-right corner of the screen.
    
    
15. The new app icon will appear on your Home Screen.
    
    

Creating a custom iPhone icon using the Shortcuts app doesn’t replace the original app icon on your Home Screen, so you'll need to hide the original app to avoid seeing it. For more creative ways to customize your iPhone, don't forget to subscribe to our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

Where to Find & Download iPhone App Icons

With so many options out there, it can be hard to pick the right custom iPhone app icon design. It is possible to download free iPhone app icons, but you can also purchase premium packs online. Icons 8 is a great website that offers a wide selection of free icons with a specific section for iOS-friendly designs. Both Iconscout and Flaticon also have some free packs for Apple products.

For a more creative selection, a quick search on Pinterest can find you various free and paid collections. The great thing about searching on Pinterest is that it shows some of the best icons from different stores and websites, such as this free watercolor set (pictured above) that you can download via Freepik. Finally, Etsy is a great place to find packs of icons ranging under ten dollars, depending on the seller. Sometimes they are even paired with great screensavers and more to create a cohesive theme. Once you download iPhone icons, they'll be stored in your Photos, and you can add them using the steps above. 

You can also design your own using a third-party app! The ability to make your own iPhone icons is exciting but can be a little daunting. There are many ways to create your own designs. The old-school way is to hand draw the icons, then scan the art or simply take a photo of the drawing directly via the Shortcuts app. Another option is to create a design using software such as Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or Procreate if you're familiar with those applications. But for those who are neither talented in fine arts nor proficient in computer design, the Canva app is the way to go.

Screenshots above are from the Canva app

Once you get the hang of it, your iPhone can look as unique as you do. Next, learn how to make new shortcuts from scratch or how to edit existng Shortcuts on iPhone.