You can change the picture of an app icon on your iPhone or iPad home screen by using the Shortcuts app to create a new shortcut that opens the desired app, and then adding that shortcut to your home screen with a custom photo. This doesn't replace the original app icon in places like the App Library, but it creates a custom shortcut icon just on your home screen.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this using the Shortcuts app, incorporating the method described in the reference:
Step-by-Step Guide to Customizing App Icons
Using the Shortcuts app involves creating a simple automation that opens your chosen app and then adding this automation to your home screen with a picture of your choice.
1. Open the Shortcuts App
- Find and open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Create a New Shortcut
- Tap the + icon in the top-right corner to create a new shortcut.
- Tap Add Action.
3. Add the "Open App" Action
- In the search bar at the top, type "Open App".
- Select the Open App action from the results under "Scripting".
- Tap the word "App" which appears as a placeholder.
- A list of your apps will appear. Scroll or search to find and select the app you want to customize the icon for.
4. Configure the Shortcut Details
- Tap the down arrow next to the shortcut name (e.g., "Open [App Name]").
- Select Add to Home Screen.
5. Add to Home Screen and Customize Icon
This is where you specify the look of the shortcut icon that will appear on your home screen.
- On the "Add to Home Screen" preview screen, you'll see a placeholder icon and the app name.
- To change the picture, tap the icon to change the photo, as mentioned in the reference.
- A menu will pop up giving you options: "Take Photo", "Choose Photo", or "Choose File".
- Select Choose Photo to pick an image from your Photos library.
- Navigate your photo library and select the picture you want to use as the icon.
- You can adjust the image by pinching or dragging it within the circle preview area.
- When you are satisfied with the picture and how it's framed, press choose, as guided by the reference.
- You can also tap the text field next to the icon preview to change the name of the shortcut as it will appear under the icon on your home screen.
6. Add the Shortcut to Your Home Screen
- Once you have selected your photo and adjusted it, and optionally changed the name, tap Add in the top-right corner of the "Add to Home Screen" screen.
- The reference notes to simply "And add", indicating this final step.
- A confirmation message will briefly appear, and the new custom icon will be placed on your home screen.
- And there it is, your customized app icon shortcut.
Summary Table
| Step | Action | Key Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Start | Open Shortcuts app | Tap app icon |
| 2. Create | Create New Shortcut | Tap + |
| 3. Add Action | Search for and add "Open App" | Search "Open App", select action |
| 4. Choose App | Select the specific app you want to open | Tap "App" placeholder, select app |
| 5. Configure | Tap the down arrow, select "Add to Home Screen" | Tap shortcut name down arrow |
| 6. Customize Icon | Tap the icon placeholder to choose photo/file or take photo | Tap the icon to change the photo (Reference) |
| 7. Select Photo | Choose photo, adjust framing | Navigate library, pinch/drag image |
| 8. Confirm Selection | Confirm photo choice | Press choose (Reference) |
| 9. Add to Home Screen | Add the shortcut with the customized icon to your home screen | Add, And add (Reference) |
Note: This process creates a shortcut on your home screen. The original app icon remains in the App Library and elsewhere on your device. You can hide the original app icon from your home screen to only show the custom one.
