How to change app icons with shortcuts iOS 16

Last updated: 2023/11/03 at 7:40 AM

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Tired of the boring, cookie-cutter app icons on your iPhone home screen? iOS 16 finally unlocks full customization with the ability to change app icons using only the Shortcuts app.

Now you can make your iPhone interface truly reflective of your personal style – no jailbreaking required! Switch up those generic icons for colorful works of art, minimalist designs, even pictures of your pet. The possibilities are endless.

This guide will walk through the simple steps to customize your iOS 16 home screen with unique, aesthetically pleasing icons tailored to your taste. We’ll tap into Apple’s newest shortcuts to demonstrate how even design novices can become home screen icon pros.

Get ready to Marie Kondo your app layout and spark joy by replacing those monotonous default icons with something that brings you delight each time you unlock your phone. Your iPhone interface is your canvas – with this iOS 16 trick, you’ll unlock its full artistic potential in minutes!

How to change app icons with shortcuts iOS 16

Install the shortcuts app on your iPhone.
After installing the Shortcut app, open it on your iPhone.
Select the + icon in the upper right corner of the page.
Under the New shortcut option, click on Add action button.
In the search area, type Open app, then click on it to launch it.
Select Choose and look for the app you wish to change.
Select Add to home screen option by clicking on the three dots icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
Under the Home screen name and icon, tap the app icon option.
Choose the new picture you wish to use as the icon.
After selecting and configuring the new icon, click on the Add button.
Click on the done option and go to the home screen.
And you are done!

To avoid confusion, remove the original app from the Home Screen and place it alone in the App Library. To do so, long press the app icon, choose Remove App, and then Remove from Home Screen. You now have a customized Home Screen with app icons.

Note: If you want to change the icon of your home screen then you need to update your device to iOS 16 since this feature can only be accessible if your iPhone is compatible with iOS 16 software update.

Customizing the app icon is available for the following devices: