Do you want to give a fresh look to your iPhone 12’s home screen? Or are you tired of the existing app icons and want to change it? Changing app icons on your iPhone requires little effort and is an excellent way to personalize your device and enhance your experience.
The best part of this customization is that you don’t have to wait for an iOS update to refresh your home screen. Therefore, in this article, we have compiled the methods that can help you change app icons on iPhone 12.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change App Icons on iPhone 12
There could be many reasons why you need to change app icons on your iPhone 12. One common reason is that most people no longer appreciate the same old, stock app icons. To satisfy our craving for appearance modification, Apple has launched customization features for an enriched user experience.
Customized app icons also make it easier to access the app in one click. For instance, food delivery apps can be categorized, and the icons can be designed accordingly. Moreover, well-organized app icons prevent us from scrolling and searching for the right app.
Method 1: Create Custom App Icons Using Shortcuts
Creating custom app icons using shortcuts is relatively easy, and it involves creating a new shortcut and using the “open app” action. Here’s how you can create the shortcut:
1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone 12
2. Tap the “+” button at the top-right of your screen
3. Click Add action
4. Choose “Scripting”
5. Click “Open App”
6. Select the app that you wish to customize and tap “Add Action”
7. Tap “…” at the top-right corner and name the shortcut
8. Tap Add to Home Screen
9. Enter the desired app name
10. Tap the icon in the bottom center of the screen to upload the custom image.
11. Tap Add
Pros:
Custom app icons using shortcuts don’t take much effort and do not require downloading any third-party app.
Cons:
If you need to customize multiple apps, this method may become a bit cumbersome and time taking.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party Icon App
If you would instead choose from unlimited pre-made icons than designing them yourself, then third-party icon apps are the right fit for you. Here’s how you can alter app icons using a third-party icon app:
1. Download a third-party icon app from the App Store
2. Open the app and select the app you want to change the icon
3. Choose the desired icon from the app’s theme gallery
4. Download the icon and close the app
5. Go to your home screen, locate and long-press the app icon you want to replace
6. Tap on “Edit Home Screen”
7. Tap the add (+) button present at the top-left corner of your screen
8. Select the “Choose Photo” option
9. Select the downloaded icon
10. Adjust the icon on your screen and tap Done.
Pros:
Using third-party icon apps offers a more extensive range of choices with lesser time, app icons can be changed in bulk.
Cons:
Third-party icons apps take up a considerable amount of storage on your iPhone 12.
Method 3: Utilize Widgetsmith to Customize App Icons on iPhone 12
Using Widgetsmith for customizing app icons is another handy method available on iPhones with IOS 14. This method enables you to customize the widget and app icons’ theme simultaneously. Here’s how you can accomplish that:
1. Download the Widgetsmith app from the App store
2. Tapped “Add Small Widget”
3. Choose Widgetsmith
4. Choose the widget size and theme
5. Tap the “tap to customize” button
6. Select the app you wish to customize
7. Set the custom text and font for the app icon
8. Choose the color and size of the text
9. Tap “Set Widget”
10. Long-press the home screen
11. Tap the + sign at the top left corner of the screen.
12. Tap the Widgetsmith app
13. Select the Blank widget size
14. Tapped “add widget”
15. Long-press on the widget to edit it.
16. Tap on “Edit Widget”
17. Choose the shortcut that you created earlier
18. Tap “Done”
Pros:
Using Widgetsmith provides an option for customizing the app’s name and widget, and it is entirely free to use.
Cons:
This method could be confusing for first-time users, and understanding this method may take some time.
What to Do If You Can’t Change App Icons on iPhone 12
If you’re facing issues when trying to change app icons, here are a few things you can do:
1. Restart your iPhone. This might fix any technical issues that might be hindering you from making any changes.
2. Ensure you have IOS 14 or later. If you have an earlier version of iOS, this method will not work.
3. You should also ensure that all your apps are up to date. If an app isn’t up to date, you might not see an option to customize its icon.
4. Lastly, ensure all apps are on the home screen. If you have apps in the app library, you can’t change their icon.
Bonus Tip
It’s always best to back up your iPhone before changing the app icons. If you run into a problem, you can always restore your iPhone to its previous state.
FAQs
Q1. Can I change app icons for all the apps on my iPhone 12?
A1. While it is possible to customize any app, modifying every app could be tedious. You might want to prioritize your critical apps and the ones you use most frequently.
Q2. Can I use different photos for different-sized app icons?
A2. No, the pictures you use for the app icon will be the same across all iPhone sizes.
Q3. Will changing the app icon affect the app’s functionality?
A3. No, the app’s functionality will remain the same. Only the appearance of the app will change.
Q4. Can I revert back to the original icons?
A4. Yes, you can long-press the app icon again to access the settings and choose "Default" instead of "Choose Photo."
Q5. Are there any restrictions from Apple on changing app icons?
A5. Apple allows the customization of app icons, but there are certain guidelines that need to be followed, such as not resembling Apple’s trademark, safe for work and children, and not advocating hatred, intolerance, and violence.
Final Thoughts
Changing app icons on an iPhone 12 is an easy and simple process that can be accomplished in several ways. Whether you opt for shortcuts, third-party icon application, or Widgetsmith, each method has its perks and cons. When customizing your app icons, try to follow Apple’s guidelines to avoid any issues in the long run. We hope the methods and tips discussed above will help you personalize your iPhone’s home screen and enhance your iPhone experience.