In today’s world, mobile phones are an integral part of our day-to-day life. We use them for communication, entertainment, learning, etc. The iPhone is one of the most popular smartphones used across the globe. It has a plethora of features that cater to the needs of every individual. One of the features is the ability to customize the app icons. Users can change the app icon pictures on their iPhone to give their device a personal touch. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can change app icon pictures on your iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Changing App Icon Pictures on iPhone
Apple’s operating system, iOS, is known for its security and user privacy. However, it is also known for limiting customization options, and changing app icon pictures is no exception. Apple doesn’t allow users to directly change app icon pictures. Therefore, users need to use a workaround to achieve this.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before changing app icon pictures on your iPhone, here are the things you should prepare for:
1. A computer/laptop
2. iTunes
3. The app icon pictures you want to use (preferably saved in a folder on your computer/laptop)
4. The Shortcuts app (which comes with iOS 14 and later versions)
Method 1: Using the Shortcuts App
The Shortcuts app is a powerful tool that allows users to automate tasks and customize their iPhone’s functionality. Here’s how you can use the Shortcuts app to change app icon pictures on your iPhone:
1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the "+" icon in the top right corner.
3. Tap "Add Action."
4. In the search bar, type "Open App."
5. Select "Open App" from the list of suggestions.
6. Tap "Choose."
7. Select the app you want to change the icon picture for.
8. Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
9. Tap "Add to Home Screen."
10. Tap the app icon picture to open the "Choose Photo" menu.
11. Select the app icon picture you want to use.
12. Name your shortcut and tap "Add."
Pros:
– Shortcuts are easy to create.
– The app icon picture change is immediate.
– You can choose any app icon picture you want.
Cons:
– You need to create a new shortcut for each app you want to change the icon picture for.
– The original app still remains on your home screen.
Method 2: Using an Icon Customization App
An icon customization app allows users to change app icon pictures without the need for any coding or shortcuts. Here’s how you can use an icon customization app to change app icon pictures on your iPhone:
1. Download an icon customization app from the App Store. (For example, ‘App Icon Changer’ or ‘Widgetsmith’)
2. Open the app and select the app whose icon you want to change.
3. Select the new icon picture you want to use.
4. Tap "Done" or "Save."
5. Go back to your home screen; you will see the new app icon.
Pros:
– These apps are easy to use.
– You can change multiple app icons using one app.
– You can choose from several pre-made icon packs.
Cons:
– Some apps might charge a fee for premium icon packs.
– These apps might not offer a high level of customization.
Method 3: Using iTunes
iTunes is a media player, library, and mobile device management application developed by Apple. Here’s how you can use iTunes to change app icon pictures on your iPhone:
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer/laptop.
2. Open iTunes.
3. Click on your iPhone icon.
4. Click on "File Sharing."
5. Select the app whose icon you want to change.
6. Select the new icon picture you want to use.
7. Click "Sync."
8. Go back to your home screen; you will see the new app icon.
Pros:
– You can change multiple app icons at once.
– This method works for older versions of iOS as well.
Cons:
– You need a computer/laptop to complete this method.
– The app icon picture change is not immediate.
Method 4: Using a Jailbreak
Jailbreaking your iPhone is the process of removing the limitations imposed by Apple’s operating system. This allows you to install third-party apps, tweak your system settings, and change app icon pictures. Here’s how you can change app icon pictures on your iPhone by using a jailbreak:
1. Jailbreak your iPhone.
2. Install a tweak that allows you to change app icon pictures (For example, ‘Appcon’ or ‘Snowboard’).
3. Open the tweak and select the app whose icon you want to change.
4. Select the new icon picture you want to use.
5. Respring your device.
6. Go back to your home screen; you will see the new app icon.
Pros:
– You can customize your iPhone to a greater extent.
– You can change app icon pictures without any limitations.
Cons:
– Jailbreaking voids your iPhone’s warranty.
– The process of jailbreaking can be risky and complicated.
Why Can’t I Change App Icon Pictures on My iPhone?
Users can’t directly change app icon pictures on their iPhone because it goes against Apple’s guidelines. Apple doesn’t allow users to tamper with their system files and settings. Moreover, it might cause app crashes or security vulnerabilities. To ensure user privacy and security, Apple has imposed these limitations on iOS.
However, users can change app icon pictures on their iPhone by using the methods mentioned above. These methods might require a bit of effort and time, but they allow users to customize their iPhone according to their preference.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips that might come in handy when changing app icon pictures on your iPhone:
1. Use high-quality images for the app icon picture.
2. Ensure that the image is in the correct size for the app icon (120px x 120px).
3. Organize your home screen by grouping apps with similar icon pictures.
4. Use contrasting colors for the app icon and background for better visibility.
5 FAQs About Changing App Icon Pictures on iPhone
Q1: Does changing the app icon picture using a customization app affect the app’s functionality?
A: No, it doesn’t. The app icon picture doesn’t affect the app’s functionality in any way.
Q2: Will changing the app icon picture using a customization app void my iPhone’s warranty?
A: No, it won’t. Changing app icon pictures using a customization app is completely legal and doesn’t void your iPhone’s warranty.
Q3: Do I have to re-do the app icon picture change if I update the app?
A: Yes, you might have to. Some apps update their icon pictures along with their software update. Therefore, you might have to re-do the app icon picture change if it’s reverted to the original one.
Q4: If I use the iTunes method, will the app icon automatically update when I update the app?
A: No, it won’t. You will have to change the app icon picture again manually if it’s reverted to the original one after updating the app.
Q5: Can I change system app icon pictures using these methods?
A: No, you can’t. These methods only work for third-party apps. You can’t change system app icon pictures unless you jailbreak your iPhone.
In Conclusion
Changing app icon pictures on your iPhone might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually not. With the methods mentioned above, you can easily customize your iPhone’s app icons to give it a personal touch. However, remember that Apple has set these limitations on iOS for a reason. Tampering with your iPhone’s system files and settings might cause unforeseen consequences. Therefore, follow these methods at your own risk and ensure that you take proper precautions before doing so.