Current iOS versions provide built-in Home Screen appearance controls for changing the overall look of app icons. You can also use Shortcuts when you want a custom image for an individual app launcher.
Change the Overall App Icon Appearance
- Touch and hold an empty area of the Home Screen.
- Open the Home Screen editing controls.
- Choose Customize.
- Select an available icon appearance, size, tint, or other style.
- Adjust the options until the Home Screen looks the way you want.
Create a Custom App Launcher With Shortcuts
- Open Shortcuts.
- Create a shortcut that opens the desired app.
- Open the shortcut’s sharing or details controls.
- Choose Add to Home Screen.
- Select the image and name you want.
- Add the shortcut to the Home Screen.
A Shortcut Icon Does Not Replace the App
The custom icon created with Shortcuts is a launcher. The original app remains installed, and the shortcut may behave differently from a native app icon in some situations.
Keep Custom Images Legible
Choose images with enough contrast and recognizable shapes. A visually attractive icon set can become frustrating if you cannot quickly identify the apps you use most often.
Keep the Original App Easy to Find
If you create many Shortcut-based custom icons, the real apps can still remain in App Library and may also stay on the Home Screen unless you remove those original icons from the page. Organize the layout deliberately so you do not end up with duplicate-looking launchers that make the phone harder to use.
Custom Icons Can Add an Extra Tap Feel
Shortcut-based launchers can behave slightly differently from normal app icons and may briefly show a transition. If speed matters more than appearance, use Apple’s built-in icon styling rather than replacing every icon with a shortcut.