iPhone app icon customization is a great way to personalize your device or hide apps by disguising them. Here's how to customize app icons with the free Apple Shortcuts app to create aesthetic app icons for your iPhone Home screen.

Why You'll Love This Tip:

Change app icons to help you find apps more quickly.
Hide apps by disguising them.
Make aesthetic app icons for a personalized iPhone Home screen that suits your taste and style.

How to Change App Icons with Shortcuts

System Requirements

This tip works on iPhones running iOS 16 or later. Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS.

If you don't already have the Apple Shortcuts app, download it from the App Store before changing app icons. Using the Shortcuts app, you can set any image to be used as an app icon. This custom app icon then functions as a shortcut to the corresponding app in the App Library, so you can still tap your custom icon to open the app as you usually do. Here's how to make custom app icons with Shortcuts:

To change your app icons, start by opening the Shortcuts app.
Navigate to the Shortcuts tab if you're not already there, and tap on the Plus icon located in the top right corner of the main app screen.
Tap the Search bar, then type Open App.
Tap on Open App.
Next, tap App.
Tap the app you want to create a custom icon for. If you don't see the app you're looking for, you can also type the app name in the Search bar at the top of the screen.
Tap on the info icon at the bottom of your screen.
Tap on Add to Home Screen.
Tap the bubble under the Photo icon, then tap Choose Photo, Take Photo, or Choose File if you want a photo or file for your custom app icon.
If you just want a stock image as your app icon, tap the bubble under the Image icon, then tap a color to choose the color of your custom app icon.
Tap the shortcut name and delete it, then rename it whatever you wish.
Scroll down and tap the image you want to appear on your custom app icon.
Tap Add to add the custom app icon to your Home Screen.
The new app icon will appear on your Home Screen.

That's how to make new app icons with Shortcuts! As a final note, creating a custom 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, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.