Are you looking to personalize your iPhone by changing app icons without jailbreaking? Let’s learn more about this topic below with Level Devil. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can customize your device while maintaining its security and functionality. Whether you’re a new iPhone user or a long-time enthusiast, this article will help you unlock the potential of your device’s appearance.
Before diving into the process of changing app icons on your iPhone, it’s essential to understand the basics of this customization technique. Apple’s iOS operating system doesn’t natively support changing app icons without jailbreaking. However, there are workarounds that allow users to achieve a similar effect while maintaining the integrity of their device’s software.
The method we’ll be exploring involves creating custom shortcuts that replace the original app icons on your home screen. This technique leverages the Shortcuts app, which is a powerful tool built into iOS that allows users to create automated tasks and custom actions. By using Shortcuts, we can create new “apps” that essentially act as launchers for your existing applications, complete with custom icons of your choosing.
It’s important to note that this method doesn’t actually change the original app icons. Instead, it creates new shortcut icons that redirect to your desired apps. The original apps will still exist on your device, but they can be moved to a separate folder or screen to keep your home screen clean and customized. Level Devil recommends familiarizing yourself with the Shortcuts app before proceeding, as it will be the primary tool used in this process.
Before we begin the process of changing your app icons, you’ll need to prepare the custom images you want to use. This step is crucial in achieving the desired look for your iPhone’s home screen. Here are some tips to help you create or find the perfect icons:
1. Choose a consistent theme: Whether you’re going for a minimalist look, a specific color scheme, or a particular aesthetic, ensure that your chosen icons work well together visually.
2. Consider icon size: The ideal size for iPhone app icons is 180×180 pixels. However, you can use larger images as long as they maintain the correct aspect ratio.
3. Use high-quality images: To ensure your custom icons look crisp and professional, use high-resolution images. Avoid pixelated or blurry graphics that may detract from your iPhone’s overall appearance.
4. Create your own icons: If you’re artistically inclined, consider designing your own icons using graphic design software. This allows for complete customization and ensures your home screen is truly unique.
5. Find pre-made icon packs: There are numerous websites and apps that offer pre-designed icon packs. These can be a great option if you want a cohesive look without creating the icons yourself.
6. Save icons to your Photos app: Once you have your custom icons ready, save them to your iPhone’s Photos app for easy access during the customization process.
Level Devil suggests taking your time with this step, as the quality and consistency of your chosen icons will significantly impact the final look of your customized home screen. Remember, you can always change or update your icons later, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and designs.
Now that you have your custom icons prepared, it’s time to walk through the process of changing your app icons on iPhone without jailbreaking. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth customization experience:
Begin by opening the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. If you can’t find it, you may need to download it from the App Store. Once opened, tap the “+” icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut.
In the new shortcut screen, tap “Add Action.” Search for “Open App” in the search bar and select it from the results. This action will be the foundation of your custom app icon.
After adding the “Open App” action, tap on “App” to select the application you want to customize. Scroll through the list or use the search function to find your desired app.
Tap the three dots (…) in the top right corner to access more options. Here, you can name your shortcut. It’s best to use the original app name for easy identification. Next, tap “Add to Home Screen.”
On the Add to Home Screen page, tap the icon next to the shortcut name. Choose “Choose Photo” and select your custom icon from your Photos app. Adjust the image as needed and tap “Choose.”
Double-check that the name and icon are correct, then tap “Add” in the top right corner. Your new custom app icon will now appear on your home screen.
Repeat this process for all the apps you want to customize. Once done, you can move the original app icons to a separate folder or screen to maintain your new customized look.
Level Devil recommends taking your time with each app to ensure accuracy and consistency. Remember, you can always edit or delete these shortcuts later if you want to make changes or revert to the original icons.
Now that you’ve learned how to change your app icons, here are some additional tips and tricks to enhance your customization experience and make the most of your newly personalized iPhone:
1. Create a consistent theme: To achieve a cohesive look, consider using icons that share a similar style, color scheme, or design element. This will give your home screen a polished and professional appearance.
2. Utilize custom wallpapers: Complement your new app icons with a custom wallpaper that matches or enhances your chosen theme. This can tie the entire look of your iPhone together.
3. Experiment with icon layouts: Try different arrangements of your custom icons on your home screen. You might discover a layout that not only looks great but also improves your efficiency in accessing frequently used apps.
4. Update icons seasonally: Consider changing your icons to match different seasons or holidays. This can be a fun way to refresh your iPhone’s look throughout the year.
5. Back up your shortcuts: If you’ve created multiple custom icons, it’s a good idea to back up your shortcuts. You can do this by sharing your shortcut collection to iCloud or sending it to yourself via email.
6. Use folders creatively: Create themed folders with custom icons to further organize your apps while maintaining your desired aesthetic.
7. Combine with widgets: iOS 14 and later versions allow for home screen widgets. Experiment with combining your custom app icons with widgets for a truly unique and functional home screen layout.
8. Be mindful of performance: While custom icons created through shortcuts work well, they may take a fraction of a second longer to open compared to native app icons. If speed is crucial for certain apps, consider keeping their original icons.
9. Stay organized: Keep track of which shortcuts correspond to which apps, especially if you’ve significantly altered their appearance. This will help you avoid confusion when looking for specific applications.
10. Explore icon creation tools: If you’re interested in creating your own icons but lack design skills, explore apps and websites specifically designed for creating custom app icons. These tools often provide templates and easy-to-use interfaces for icon creation.
Level Devil encourages iPhone users to embrace their creativity and personalize their devices to suit their individual tastes and needs. Remember that customization is an ongoing process, and you can always refine and adjust your home screen layout as your preferences evolve.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a unique and personalized iPhone experience that reflects your style and enhances your daily interactions with your device. The ability to change app icons without jailbreaking opens up a world of customization possibilities, allowing you to truly make your iPhone your own.
As you continue to explore the world of iPhone customization, you’ll likely discover new techniques and ideas to further enhance your device’s appearance and functionality.