Changing app icons on iOS 16 can be a fun way to personalize your iPhone or iPad and give it a fresh new look. In this article, I will guide you through the process of changing app icons on iOS 16, and also share some personal tips and tricks to make the most out of this customization feature.
Step 1: Prepare Your Icons
The first step is to gather the icons you want to use for your apps. You can either design your own icons or find pre-made ones online. There are various websites and apps that offer a wide range of custom icons to choose from.
Once you have the icons you like, make sure they are in the appropriate format. iOS requires app icons to be in the PNG file format with transparent backgrounds. You can use image editing software, such as Photoshop or GIMP, to create or modify the icons accordingly.
Step 2: Create Shortcut Icons
In iOS 16, you need to use the Shortcuts app to change app icons. Open the Shortcuts app on your device and tap the “+” icon to create a new shortcut.
Tap “Add Action” and search for “Open App” in the search bar. Select the “Open App” action from the results.
Next, tap on the “Choose” button and select the app you want to change the icon for. Tap “Next” to proceed.
On the next screen, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select “Add to Home Screen.”
Tap the current icon next to the “Home Screen Name and Icon” label. A menu will pop up with options to choose a photo or take a new one. Select “Choose File” and navigate to the location where you saved the custom icon earlier.
Select the custom icon file and tap “Add” to confirm. You can also optionally change the name of the app if you wish. Tap “Done” to finish creating the shortcut.
Step 3: Customize Your Home Screen
Now that you have created a shortcut with a custom icon, it’s time to place it on your home screen. Press and hold on any app icon on your home screen until all the icons start to jiggle.
Drag the original app you want to replace to a different location on the home screen, creating a blank space.
Next, drag the shortcut with the custom icon from the Shortcuts app onto the empty space left by the original app. The shortcut will now occupy the same position and replace the original app’s icon.
Step 4: Repeat for Other Apps
Repeat the above process for each app icon you want to change. You can create as many shortcuts as you like and customize each one with a unique icon.
Remember to be creative and have fun with your icon choices. You can mix and match different icons to create themes or organize your apps in a visually appealing way.
Conclusion
Changing app icons on iOS 16 is a great way to personalize your device and give it a unique touch. With the Shortcuts app, you can easily swap out the default icons with your own custom designs, allowing your iPhone or iPad to reflect your style and personality.
So go ahead and try out this customization feature on your iOS 16 device. Have fun experimenting with different icons and creating a home screen that truly stands out!