Android Custom Icons Without Launcher? The 49 Latest Answer

One of the biggest advantages of Android is that it offers tons of ways to customize your device. For example, did you know that you can create custom icons for any of your Android apps? It’s a fairly simple process. This article will show you how to do that on your Android phone.

Also Read: How to Create and Use Custom Stickers in Snapchat

How to prepare your custom icon

While there are custom icon packs that you can install from the Google Play Store, users also have the option to create their own icons using images straight from their galleries or from around the web. First you need to prepare the custom icon that you want to use to replace the app’s default icon. You can use any image you have for this.

Method 1: Use an image

For best results, you must use a square image with a transparent background. You can easily find examples like this by searching online, although some users prefer to use an image from their own gallery. In this case, the image may need some adjustments before it is ready to use.

First you need to remove the background of the image. Open a browser on your phone or PC and navigate to remove.bg. This is a free website that will do the work for you quickly. Just upload your picture and let the program do its job. After loading the result, tap the download button to transfer the image to your device.

If you’ve selected a source image that isn’t square, you’ll need to edit it to get it in the format you want. You can do this with any photo editor you have. For example, you can use the free online editor Pixlr E on your desktop or laptop.

To get started with Pixlr E, upload the image by clicking the “Open Image” button.

In the panel on the left, click the crop icon.

Select the Ratio constraint option at the top.

Press “Apply”. Now your image has the same height and width parameters. Save the image by going to “File -> Save” and then transfer it to your Android phone (if you used your computer to edit).

If you are not sure how to do this, please read our article on how to transfer files from your computer to your smartphone.

If you prefer to do the editing on your mobile, you can. You need an app for that. For example, you can use the Pixlr app or the Inshot app to resize your image.

Also Read: How to Customize Your Android’s Lock Screen

Method 2: Use a ready-made icon

If you want your custom icon to look more like a regular icon, you can download a premade icon. Sites like Freepik offer tons of free options.

Open Freepik in your browser on your PC or mobile. Enter a term like “cat” to search for relevant symbols and press the magnifying glass.

Make sure you tick the “Icons” option on the right side of the display so the website only shows you icons.

When you find one you like, download it.

The advantage of this method is that the icon already has a transparent background and has a square format.

Also Read: Add, Use & Manage WhatsApp Stickers

How to set a custom app icon

Now that you have your custom icon, let’s look at how to set it. To create a custom app icon, you’ll need a third-party launcher app like Nova Launcher, one of the most popular.

Launch the app and quickly go through the setup phase. When you’re done, find the app you want to set a custom icon for and long-tap on it. Select “Edit” from the menu that opens.

On the Edit Shortcut screen, tap the app icon.

A number of options will become available. Select “Gallery Apps” and then tap on the gallery icon to find the previously edited image.

If you’ve edited the image properly, you can easily paste it into the rectangular snip that appears.

Press Done and you should be able to see the new icon on your home screen.

Alternatively, follow the same steps (#1-#6) and use a pre-made icon instead.

Note: in the Edit Shortcut panel, it’s possible to choose from the Pixel Pie Icon Pack, which includes some pretty nice custom icon options.

Also Read: How to Set Up Custom Text Shortcuts on Android

Change your thinking? Bring back the old symbol

If you regret your decision and want the app’s old icon back, that’s no problem.

Long-press the app icon in question again, “Edit -> Icon Image” and you should see the default icon under “Choose Theme”.

Tap on that and everything should go back to how it was.

Also Read: How to Make Your Own Custom Stickers in Telegram

frequently asked Questions

1. Do I really need a launcher app for this to work?

If you want to use your own images, yes. However, if you don’t mind using third-party icon packs like the aforementioned Pixel icon pack that’s embedded in many Android phones, you don’t need to install a launcher. To use the Pixel pack on your phone, just long-press an app icon, then tap edit. Tap the icon app as above, then choose from the options including the Pixel Icon Pack, other packs preinstalled (e.g. OnePlus phones come with built-in Hydrogen icons), or a pack that installs you to have.

2. What are some of the best free icon packs out there?

If you don’t want to use your own gallery to create your custom app icons, or just need some inspiration, a third-party app will help you add a little variety to your Android icons. You can try Icon Pack Studio, which lets you design your own unique icons, or Whicons (and its black twin, Zwart), which offers a minimalist approach to app icons. Other interesting icon app packs worth mentioning are Delta and Rondo.

3. Can I also change the name of an app?

Yes, Android also lets you change the name of an app. Just long-press the app icon and select “Edit”. Use the app’s Name/Label field to change it as you like. Finally, press “Save” and the new name should appear under the app icon on your home screen.

If your stock launcher doesn’t support icon packs, you’ll need a third-party launcher. Launchers are key to unlocking a ton of personalization tweaks that you don’t get with your default interface. I recommend Nova Launcher, but there are plenty of great ones out there and it’s hard to go wrong with any of the popular launchers on the Play Store.

If you want to keep your stock launcher, apps like Awesome Icons and Unicon can apply icons by modifying your system files without the need for a third-party launcher.

Here is a list of popular launchers that support icon packs:

Learn how to use your Android device and get the most out of Google. Get step-by-step guides and how-to videos on setting up your phone, customizing your settings, and using apps.

When iOS 14 debuted, iPhone owners everywhere were blessed with widgets. But of course widgets weren’t perfect – in fact, there weren’t even that many widgets available!

The iPhone has widgets for time, weather, news, email, some social media apps, and a few other Apple-native apps. And while that covers the basics, sometimes you want a custom offering or a nicer looking watch than what Apple is offering you.

Enter: Widgetsmith, the widget app here to make your aesthetic home screen dreams come true. If you want to spice up your screen layout with more widget options or just prettier widgets in general, you’ve come to the right place. Below is a step-by-step guide for Widgetsmith.

1. Make sure the widget you want isn’t already included in Apple’s offerings.

An example of what widget apps are available through Apple’s system. Image Credits: Screenshot: Apple Many phone system widgets. Image Credits: Screenshot: apple

See, Widgetsmith is great for custom widgets. However, if you’re looking for an easy way to view your most-used apps, and it’s an app that Apple already supports for widgets, using the built-in widget system is that much easier.

Tap here to show the widget menu. Image Credits: Screenshot: apple

To check which widgets are already available with iOS 14 or later, just long press anywhere on your home screen. Once all the apps start shaking, tap the “+” sign in the top left corner and scroll through the Apple widget options. When you find a widget you want, tap on it and follow the instructions from there.

2. OK, so Apple doesn’t have your favorite widget, or frankly, it’s just kind of ugly. Time to download Widgetsmith.

This is what the app looks like, found via Spotlight search on my phone. Source: Screenshot: Apple/Widgetsmith

The app itself is free, but certain widget themes are only available in the premium version, which costs $1.99/month or $19.99/year.

3. Open Widgetsmith and decide what widget size you want.

Tap the widget of the desired size that you want to create. Photo Credits: Screenshot: Widgetsmith

The app offers small, medium and large widgets. Each size has the same widget content options, so just choose what makes sense for your home screen.

4. Once you’ve chosen your size, decide on your widget content.

For this example we will choose a time display widget. Apple has a clock widget, but Widgetsmith’s version lets you customize your clock’s colors, style, and overall vibe.

Customization options may vary depending on the widget added. If you’re adding one with a photo background, choose an image from your camera roll. And again, some themes are only available for premium users. You can also bypass the preinstalled themes and tap “Customize Theme” to fully curate elements like font, hue, background color, graphics, and more.

Tap here to rename your widget to something you’ll actually remember. Credit: screenshot: widgetmsith And tap here to save the designed widget with its new name. Photo Credits: Screenshot: Widgetsmith

When it looks the way you want, tap the name in the top left corner to go back. Tap the name again to rename it to something that will help you remember what it looks like, then make sure you tap “Save” in the top-right corner.

5. Quit the app and shake your home screen again.

Widgetsmith should now appear at the bottom of Widget-compatible apps in Widget Hub. Image Credits: Screenshot: apple

When you’ve got your widget looking the way you want it, go back to the Apple Widget Hub. Once you tap the “+” button, the Widgetsmith app should appear as an option, probably at the bottom of the list. Tap on it.

6. Select the size widget you want to add.

Tap to add your widget to your home screen. Make sure you are the right size for the widget you just designed. Credit: screenshot: apple This is what your widget will look like first after adding it to your home screen. Image Credits: Screenshot: apple

If you just designed a small widget, select the small option and click “Add Widget” at the bottom of the screen. If you created a medium or large widget, scroll right until you get the right size, then tap the same button. The widget is initially displayed as empty.

SEE ALSO: Which Dating App Is Right For You?

7. Tap on the newly added widget.

Tap to select the widget you just designed. Credit: screenshot: apple A list of all the small widgets you have designed will appear. Click on the one you just created and renamed. Image Credits: Screenshot: apple

With all your apps still jiggling, tap the new widget. Widgetsmith should display the current name of the empty widget, something like “Small #1”. Tap on that name and a list of all the little widgets you’ve designed will appear. Then select your widget you just designed, which you should have renamed earlier.

8. Tap from the widget editing screen and admire your cute new widget.

Ta-da! Image Credits: Screenshot: apple

Your widget will appear wherever you tapped the screen to create it, but you can move it around like any other app. If you ever decide you don’t want that widget anymore, long-press the widget and tap Remove Widget.

You can repeat this process for as many widgets as you like, in as many shapes, sizes, and themes as possible. It may be boring, but beauty is pain!

One of the top reasons to get an Android phone over an iPhone is the amount of customization options you get. If you’re not a fan of the default home screen or widgets, there are tools available on the Google Play Store to change the way the phone feels and looks. Samsung ⏤, the largest Android OEM, goes one step ahead and packs useful options into One UI to change app icons, always-on display and more. Here is how you can change app icons on Samsung Galaxy phone.

Change app icons on Samsung Galaxy Phone

Unlike Oxygen OS or other third-party Android skins, you cannot just download an icon pack from Google Play Store and change app icons on Galaxy phone. Unfortunately, One UI does not yet support this functionality. You must rely on third-party theme store or launcher to apply preferred icon packs.

First, we discuss how to use Galaxy theme store to change app icons on your Samsung phone and then switch to Android launchers.

Use Galaxy themes

Samsung offers a dedicated theme store on Galaxy devices to change wallpapers, icons and even always-on display style. You can really personalize the experience on your Galaxy phone. How to access and use themes in One UI.

1. Long press on the Galaxy phone home screen and tap Themes at the bottom.

2. The Theme Store will open on your phone.

3. By default, it opens the theme menu.

4. Go to the “Icons” menu and you can see the “Recommended” and “Top” icons.

5. Select the icon pack that you want to purchase or download. Most icon packs are paid, but you can try the free ones as well.

6. You can view icon description, rating and review on icon pack details page. Tap Download at the bottom.

7. After the successful download, tap Apply and One UI will apply the downloaded icon pack on your Galaxy phone.

The problem with icon packs from the Galaxy Theme Store is that they only change the look of the default Samsung apps. If you use Google Apps and other third-party apps from the Play Store, the icon pack does not change their appearance. This creates inconsistencies on your phone’s home screen.

For a wide range of app icon support, you must use a third-party app launcher from the Play Store.

Use a third-party app launcher

Here we use the well-loved Nova Launcher as an example to change app icons on Samsung Galaxy phone. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Open Google Play Store and download Nova Launcher on your phone.

2. When you return home, One UI will ask you to choose a default launcher for your phone.

3. Select Nova Launcher.

4. Nova Launcher settings allow you to change the default app icon on your phone. To do this, you must first have an icon pack installed.

5. In the screenshot below, we are installing the Minma Icon Pack on the Samsung Galaxy A52.

6. Download the icon pack and tap on the Apply icon pack option.

7. Choose the installed launcher on your phone and apply the icon theme.

When you return home you will be amazed to see consistent icons applied throughout the One UI. If your favorite app icon is missing from the icon pack, you can always contact the developer and ask them to design an icon for your favorite app.

In some cases, the Nova Launcher does the job and changes the app icon for a consistent look and feel. With the same trick, you can install Android 12 icon pack and give your Galaxy phone a nice makeover with Android 12 app icons.

The Google Play Store is filled with hundreds of icon packs. Whether you like a minimalist icon pack, a cartoon-like one, or a colorful icon pack, the Play Store gives you multiple choices. Even the paid icon packs are affordable at a few bucks. It’s a steal compared to what you get for it.

You can always keep several icon packs installed on your Samsung Galaxy phone and change them regularly to get a fresh look.

Summary: Change App Icons on Samsung Galaxy Phone

Not everyone is a fan of Samsung’s default One UI Icon Pack. You look average at best. And this is where the beauty of Android OS shines. With the above steps and apps, you can easily change app icons on your Samsung Galaxy phone.

What you should know You can use Shortcut Maker to customize app icons and names on any device.

to customize app icons and names on each device. Go to Settings > Themes to download and apply icon packs to Samsung devices.

to download and apply icon packs on Samsung devices. You can download and install custom icons on any Android device from the Google Play Store. You may need to install a launcher to change app icons.

This article will show you how to change app icons on your Android smartphone, including applying custom icons on a Samsung phone or tablet.

How to get custom app icons on Android

One of Android’s best features is the option to customize almost anything you want, from the wallpaper and lock shortcuts to the way the icons look and feel. In addition, there are many ways to apply custom icons. You can even create your own!

Before you can change app icons, you need to download and install custom icon sets. You can find them in the Google Play Store.

How to install them:

Find a set of custom icons you like in the Google Play Store. The best way to find them is by typing custom icons in the search bar (above). When you find an icon set you like, tap the entry in the search results. Then tap the green Install button. Wait for the process to complete, then return to the home screen or tap Open.

How to get custom app icons on a Samsung with Galaxy themes

Like the Galaxy Note 20, Samsung smartphones and tablets use a redesigned version of Android called One UI. That means you can also customize the home screen and interface with unique wallpapers, widgets, and app icons.

Before you can apply custom app icons, you need to download theme packs from the Galaxy Themes app.

Important: Custom themes used to be available in the Galaxy Store, but Samsung devices now have a separate application called Galaxy Themes. On older devices, Samsung added the new app in a recent software update. It comes pre-installed on newer devices.

Note You can also use Google Play to download custom icon packs on Samsung if you prefer.

How to install app icons using Galaxy Themes:

Open the Galaxy Themes app or go to Settings > Themes. If you are not already logged in, tap the menu button in the top left and tap the profile button to do so. If you don’t have a Samsung account, you’ll need to create one. Tap the icon button below (third from the left). Find an icon pack you like. Note Some icon packs cost money. If you don’t want to spend anything, be aware that the packages underneath are free, not the price. Tap the icon pack to open the store page, then select the download button at the bottom of the screen. An advertisement may be displayed and the download should begin when playback is complete. Wait for it to finish. If you want to apply the icon pack right away, tap the Apply button, which replaces the Download option.

How do you change app icons on Android?

Even if you have a custom app icon pack installed, you must first apply it before you will see any changes. Installing the icon pack does not make them active or visible.

Note Some icon packs will prompt you immediately after installation so that you can apply them. However, not all do this.

Changing app icons within the application

Sometimes you can apply the custom icons using a tool that comes with the icon packs you have installed. Here’s how:

Open the icon app for the downloaded package. Accept all permission requests. Depending on the app, you may or may not see an Apply button. Some icon packs require a custom launcher to use them.

How do you change app icons on Samsung?

If you have not yet applied the icon packs previously installed on your Samsung, here is how you can activate or replace them.

Open Galaxy Themes either by clicking the icon in your app bar or by going to Settings > Themes. Tap the menu button in the top left and select My Stuff. Tap the Icons option at the top of the screen. Then tap the icon pack you want to apply. Select Apply at the bottom of the page. A warning may or may not appear. Tap Agree or Apply again to continue. That’s it! Enjoy your new symbols. Warning Most icon packs that you download from Galaxy Themes only change the appearance of official Samsung or system app icons. You must use a different method to change the appearance of other app icons.

Can you change app icons without launcher?

The short answer is yes, you can.

Some icon packs allow you to apply them directly from the native app. If that doesn’t work, you can always use another app like Shortcut Maker.

How do you change app icons and names on Android?

If you want more freedom when changing app icons, e.g. B. adding a custom name, you need to install another app called Shortcut Maker.

How to install Shortcut Maker?

Go to the Shortcut Maker page in the Google Play Store. Then tap the green Install button and wait for it to download and install.

How do you change app names with Shortcut Maker?

To change an app’s display name, create a shortcut, which means you create an additional app icon with custom parameters. Here’s how:

Open the shortcut builder. Select the type of link you want to create from the list. Select the Apps option for an app icon. Next, select the app icon you want to customize from the list of installed apps. Use the Tap to Edit Label button (it also shows the app name) to change the name. Then enter the new custom name or label and select Done. Edit any other custom options you want (you can also choose a custom app icon). When you’re done, tap the big blue “Create Shortcut” button in the bottom right.

How to change app icons with Shortcut Maker?

If you want to apply app icons individually or apply icons from a pack you have installed, you can use Shortcut Maker. Here’s how:

Open the shortcut builder. Select the type of link you want to create from the list. For an app icon, that would be the Apps option. Next, select the app icon you want to customize from the list of installed apps. To apply a new icon, use the Tap to edit icon button (it also shows the current app icon). On the next screen you will see a list of available options for customizing the icon. You may see custom icon packs that you have installed, and you can also use text, emojis, gallery images, and system icons. Choose the source that contains the icon you want to use, then choose your image. You will see the new icon you selected on the right side of the page. Tap the blue check mark in the top right to apply. Edit any other custom options (you can also change the name). When you’re done, tap the big blue “Create Shortcut” button in the bottom right.

How do you create custom icons on Android?

Creating custom icons and adding them to a set is a lengthy and complex process, and explaining how to do it is best left for a separate guide.

It’s possible and it can be a lot of fun. It can also be a lucrative business opportunity if you’re good at it! You can sell custom themes on Google Play Store or Samsung Themes Store.

How do I change the home screen on Android?

All Android devices let you play around with app icons, including how they look and behave. You can also customize your device by applying custom wallpapers, unique screensavers, changing the lock screen display and more.

An app like Shortcut Maker makes it easy to customize the appearance of individual app icons, even if they’re not affected by installing a custom icon pack or Samsung Galaxy theme.