Changing the home screen apps on your iPhone can be a great way to customize and personalize your device. Instead of being limited to the default app icons provided by Apple, you can choose to display your favorite apps, create themed layouts, or simply rearrange the icons to suit your preferences. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to change home screen apps on your iPhone and discuss the steps and considerations involved in each method.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Changing Home Screen Apps on iPhone
While iPhone users have the freedom to customize their device in many ways, changing home screen apps is not as straightforward as it may seem. Apple restricts users from replacing default apps with third-party alternatives, which can be a limitation for those seeking more personalization options. However, there are still ways to work around this challenge and achieve the desired changes to the home screen apps. Let’s dive into the methods you can use to overcome this challenge.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you proceed with changing your home screen apps, there are a few things you should prepare for. These include:
1. A stable internet connection to download and install necessary apps and tools.
2. Sufficient storage space on your iPhone to accommodate any new apps or widgets you might be adding.
3. Familiarity with the settings and options available on your iPhone, as some methods may require access to specific features.
4. Patience and time, especially if you are completely changing the layout and arrangement of your home screen apps.
Now that you are prepared, let’s explore the different methods to change home screen apps on your iPhone.
Method 1: Using the Shortcuts App
The Shortcuts app is a powerful tool that allows users to automate tasks and create custom shortcuts on their iPhones. With the help of the Shortcuts app, you can change home screen apps by creating custom icons that will launch your desired apps when tapped.
Here’s how you can change home screen apps using the Shortcuts app:
1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. If you don’t have it installed, you can download it for free from the App Store.
2. Tap on the "+" icon to create a new shortcut.
3. In the search bar, type "Open App" and select the "Open App" action from the results.
4. Tap on the "Choose" button and select the app you want to change the icon for.
5. Tap on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner to access more options.
6. Tap on the "Add to Home Screen" option.
7. Customize the name and icon of the shortcut to your liking.
8. Tap on the "Add" button in the top-right corner to add the shortcut to your home screen.
Pros:
– Easy to use and does not require any third-party apps.
– Allows for extensive customization of app icons.
– Can be used to create themed layouts with custom icons.
Cons:
– Requires additional steps to set up each shortcut.
– Does not replace the original app icon, only creates a shortcut.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party App
If you are looking for more options and flexibility in changing home screen apps on your iPhone, using a third-party app can be a great solution. There are several apps available on the App Store that allow you to customize your home screen with different app icons and layouts.
Here’s how you can change home screen apps using a third-party app:
1. Choose a third-party app that offers home screen customization options, such as "Widgetsmith" or "Color Widgets."
2. Download and install the app from the App Store.
3. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
4. Customize your home screen by selecting different app icons, widgets, or layouts provided by the app.
5. Once you have customized your home screen, follow the app’s instructions to apply the changes.
Pros:
– Provides extensive customization options for your home screen.
– Can be used to create unique and personalized layouts.
– Some apps offer additional features like widgets, weather information, or calendar integration.
Cons:
– Requires downloading and installing a third-party app.
– Some customization options may be limited to the features offered by the app.
Method 3: Rearranging Apps Manually
If you prefer a simpler approach to changing home screen apps on your iPhone, you can manually rearrange the app icons to achieve the desired layout. While this method does not offer the same level of customization as the previous methods, it allows you to organize your apps in a way that suits your needs.
Here’s how you can manually rearrange home screen apps on your iPhone:
1. Press and hold an app icon on the home screen until it starts to wiggle.
2. Drag the app icon to your desired location on the home screen.
3. Continue dragging the app icons to rearrange their positions.
4. To move an app to a different page, drag it to the edge of the screen until the next page appears.
5. Once you have rearranged the app icons, press the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to exit the editing mode.
Pros:
– No additional apps or tools required.
– Quick and easy way to rearrange app icons.
Cons:
– Limited customization options.
– Requires manual rearrangement if you want to change the layout again.
Method 4: Using Widgets
Widgets are a great way to add more functionality and personalize your home screen on iPhone. While widgets don’t directly change the app icons, they can provide easy access to your favorite apps and display relevant information at a glance.
Here’s how you can use widgets to change home screen apps on your iPhone:
1. Press and hold an empty space on the home screen until the icons start to jiggle.
2. Tap on the "+" button in the top-left corner to access the widget gallery.
3. Scroll through the available widgets and select the one that corresponds to the app you want to add.
4. Drag the widget to your desired location on the home screen.
5. Tap on the widget to configure its settings and select the app you want it to launch.
6. Press the home button or swipe up to exit the editing mode and save the changes.
Pros:
– Offers quick access to your favorite apps.
– Provides additional information or features through widget functionality.
– Can be customized in terms of size, layout, and position on the home screen.
Cons:
– Does not directly change the app icons on the home screen.
– Limited to the widgets available on your iPhone.
Why Can’t I Change Home Screen Apps on iPhone?
1. Apple restricts users from replacing default apps with third-party alternatives, limiting the direct customization options.
– Fix: Use shortcuts or third-party apps to create custom icons that launch the desired apps.
2. Lack of built-in options to change app icons and layouts on the home screen.
– Fix: Explore third-party apps or widgets to achieve the desired changes.
3. Complexity or unfamiliarity with customization options and settings on the iPhone.
– Fix: Follow step-by-step guides or tutorials to understand and use different customization methods effectively.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience of changing home screen apps on your iPhone:
1. Experiment with different layouts and organization methods to find the one that works best for you.
2. Regularly update and change your home screen apps to keep your device fresh and exciting.
3. Consider using themed app icons or wallpapers to create a cohesive look for your home screen.
4. Take advantage of widgets to add functionality and relevant information to your home screen.
5. Backup your iPhone regularly to ensure your customizations and changes are protected.
5 FAQs about Changing Home Screen Apps on iPhone
Q1: Can I change the default apps on my iPhone?
A: No, Apple does not allow users to replace default apps with third-party alternatives. However, you can create shortcuts or use third-party apps to change the icons that launch the default apps.
Q2: Will changing home screen apps affect the functionality of my iPhone?
A: No, changing home screen apps does not affect the overall functionality of your iPhone. It only modifies the appearance and access to certain apps.
Q3: Can I revert back to the default home screen layout?
A: Yes, you can easily revert back to the default home screen layout by rearranging the app icons or removing any third-party apps or widgets you have added.
Q4: Are there any risks involved in changing home screen apps?
A: There are no significant risks involved in changing home screen apps, as long as you follow the instructions and use trusted apps from the App Store.
Q5: Can I use the same method to change home screen apps on an iPad?
A: Yes, most of the methods mentioned in this article can be applied to an iPad as well, as long as it is running the latest iOS version.
In Conclusion
Changing home screen apps on your iPhone can be a fun and rewarding way to personalize your device. While Apple may impose certain limitations, there are still various methods available to achieve the desired changes. Whether it’s using the Shortcuts app, exploring third-party apps, rearranging apps manually, or utilizing widgets, you can find a method that suits your needs and preferences. By following the steps and tips provided in this blog post, you can transform your home screen and make your iPhone truly your own.