Although iOS 14 brings some much-needed functionality to iOS, iPhones still lack some key features when it comes to functionality. Namely, the ability to use custom icon packs. Custom icon packs help you alter the look of your computer significantly, which can be a major plus point for some users. Fortunately, without jailbreaking, there is a rapid workaround that will help you change app icons on iOS.
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How to change app icons on iOS 14?
Instead of specifically changing icon packs that require root-level file system access, we will use Apple’s Shortcuts program, which enables you to create shortcuts for specific apps that can then be modified your way. The only downside of this patch is that Shortcuts would open the new icon first and then the app that you have attached to it. This may be a deal breaker for some individuals, but it is actually the only way to customize icons on an iOS device.
Things you will need
- An iOS 14 device
- Shortcuts app | Download
Procedure
Download the Shortcuts app on your iOS device and launch the app.
Now tap on the ‘+’ in the top right corner of your screen.
Tap on ‘Add action’.
Now search for ‘Open app’ in the search bar.
Scroll down and tap on ‘Open App’ under the Actions section.
The action will now be added to your new shortcut. Tap on ‘Choose’ as shown below.
Now you can get a list of all the applications that have been installed on your computer. Find the app for which you want to change the icon and select it by tapping it. For this instance, we will be using Filmic Pro.
Once the app has been added to the shortcut action, simply tap on the ‘3-dot’ menu icon in the top right corner.
Attach a name to your shortcut now. This name will only be used in the Shortcuts app to mark an event, so you can customize the name to your liking.
Now tap on ‘Add to Home Screen’.
Enter the name under ‘Home Screen Name and Icon‘ for your home screen icon. If you are going for the official look, we suggest you use the official app name.
Now that you have entered the name, tap on the icon beside the text field.
Tap on ‘Choose Photo’.
Now, from your photo gallery, pick the photo you want to use as your app icon. To pick it, tap on it.
You now get a choice to crop your icon. Pick the desired dimensions based on your preference and press on ‘Choose‘ in the bottom right corner of your screen once you’re done.
Finally, tap on ‘Add’ at the top right corner of your screen.
Once the app is added to your home screen, tap on ‘Done’ in the top right corner again.
Now go to your home screen and you should have the new App icon available on your home screen.
Tap the icon to launch the app and the app you chose should now be open.
What to do with the original app icon on the home screen?
You should remove the app icon from your home screen and pass it over to the app library. This way, it will only be tucked away and accessible alongside the shortcut that you created while using the spotlight search. Let’s see at a glance the method.
Discover the original icon on your home screen. Tap and hold / force touch on the icon now, depending on your device.
Now tap on ‘Remove App’.
Select ‘Move to App Library’.
And that’s it, the app should now be moved to your App library and should no longer be visible on your home screen.
We hope this guide enables you to easily update your iOS 14 icons. Feel free to use the comments section below to contact us if you have any more questions.
