IOS 14 Guide: Here's How to Change Icons on Your iPhone

byFlorian published on
Apple unleashed widgets on the iPhone with iOS 14 and all are now experiencing the same customization itch that plagued Android a few years ago. iOS 14 customization is going viral on social media, and it's certainly a phrase few of us dreamed up back then. Still, as the meme says, you should expect the unexpected in 2020.

While iOS 14 released the In the wake of the customization craze through widgets, iOS die-hards will probably recall that various legal methods of changing iOS icons existed in previous versions of Apple's operating system. Now, however, you don't need to visit shady websites or download potentially dangerous apps to change iOS visuals, because Apple itself gives you the tools of the trade to change iOS 14 icons. Read more:

Yes, thanks to the all-powerful Shortcuts app that comes preloaded on your iPhone, you can customize the iOS 14 interface in addition to creating various automation scenarios and triggers.

Here's how to customize iOS 14 and how to change app icons on your iPhone.

Customizing iOS 14 icons

Step # 1 - Locate the Shortcuts app

First, locate and open the Shortcuts app. If it's not on your home screen, you've probably sent it to App Library Purgatory. Swipe down on your home screen and search for "Shortcuts."

Step # 2 - Create a shortcut

We need to create a new shortcut, so quickly tap the "+" icon in the top right corner of the Shortcuts app.

Step # 3 - Name your shortcut

You will be prompted to create a new shortcut. Name it whatever you like, or don't name it at all, we are not your boss. The important thing here is to press the "Add an action" button.

Step # 4 - Add an action

In the search box that appears after clicking the “Add action” button, search for “Open app”. This is the action we want to use for the purposes of this tutorial.

Step # 5 - Select an app to customize

Now we need to select the app we want to customize. Press the faded "Choose" text in the script dialog box.

For the purposes of this tutorial, we have opted for the standard camera app. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with the stock icon, it's just that the camera is one of the phone's core features and pretty much everyone has it. app somewhere on their main home screen.

Step # 6 - Enter the Personalization interface

Now do you see that bubble button to the right of the shortcut name? Its appearance does not suggest it, but it is the one who is responsible for the personalization of said shortcut. Since we really want to do this, you have to tap on it to continue.

Step 7 - Prepare your app for customization

You will be presented with customization options for the shortcut we just created. The one you need to tap is "Add to Home Screen".

Step # 8 - Customize your new app icon

Now do you see the "Home screen name and icon" section? It determines the name and appearance of your shiny new app icon. Tap the icon to select a new one from your camera roll or take a personalized one with the camera.

Now, where can I find the appropriate icons? Well your favorite search engine is your friend, just be sure to use an image with a high resolution for the best results.

Step # 9 - Enjoy Your Custom iOS 14 Icon

After you've uploaded your new desired app icon and determined a custom name for your icon, hit “Add” in the top right corner… and you're ready to go!

The new shortcut will appear on your home screen and work as expected, but with an inevitable downside: pressing the shortcut will first briefly launch the Shortcuts app for about half a second, and then take you to your desired destination. It's a boredom that can't be bypassed right now, so suck it up.

Here's how to change app icons in iOS 14.

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