Change app icons on iPad

iOS doesn’t offer a direct method within its system settings to change app icons universally for all apps. However, you can create custom app icons using the Shortcuts app to achieve a similar effect. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Create Custom Icons:
   • Choose an image or icon you want to use for your app. You can find images online or create your own using image editing software.
   • To create a custom app icon, open the Shortcuts app on your iPad.
2. Add a New Shortcut:
   • Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut.
   • Tap “Add Action” to select the app you want to create a custom icon for. Use the search bar or scroll to find the app.
   • Once selected, tap “Add to Home Screen.”
3. Customize the Shortcut:
   • Tap the placeholder app icon next to the shortcut name.
   • Select “Choose Photo” to pick an image from your gallery or “Choose File” if importing from Files.
   • Crop the image to fit within the shortcut icon frame and tap “Add.”
4. Name the Shortcut:
   • Enter the name of the app. This will be the label displayed below the custom icon on your home screen.
   • Tap “Add” in the top right corner.
5. Place the Shortcut on the Home Screen:
   • Go to the home screen, find the newly created shortcut, and long-press it until it enters jiggle mode.
   • Tap the ellipsis (…) in the top right corner of the shortcut tile.
   • Select “Edit Home Screen” to enter the home screen editing mode.
   • Tap the “-” symbol on the original app to remove it from the home screen.
   • Drag the newly created shortcut to the same position as the original app.
6. Repeat for Other Apps:
   • Repeat these steps for other apps you want to customize, creating a unique shortcut for each one.

Please note:

• This method creates shortcuts with custom icons rather than directly changing the app icons. Tapping these custom icons will open the associated app through the Shortcuts app.
• The original app icons will still be visible in the App Library and when using the search function.

How do I import images or icons to use as custom app icons?

1. Accessing Images in Photos or Files:
   • Open the Shortcuts app on your iPad and start creating a new shortcut for the app you want to customize.
   • While customizing the shortcut’s icon, tap the placeholder icon image or the “Add” button to select a photo or file.
   • If your image is saved in the Photos app, choose the “Photo Library” option to access and select the image from your photo albums.
   • If the image is stored in the Files app, tap on “File” and navigate to the folder or location where the image is saved, then select it for use as your custom app icon.
2. Selecting and Cropping Images:
   • After choosing the image, the Shortcuts app allows you to crop and position it within the frame of the app icon. Adjust the selection to fit within the provided frame and ensure the image is clear and appropriately sized for the app icon.
   • Once cropped or adjusted, confirm the selection to set the imported image as the custom icon for the shortcut, giving your app a personalized appearance on the iPad’s home screen.

By accessing images from your iPad’s photo library or Files app and selecting them within the Shortcuts app during the customization process, you can import and use these images as custom icons for your desired apps, enabling a more personalized and visually distinct look for your app icons on the iPad’s home screen.