a quick tutorial on how to change your icons
this won't format properly for some reason on tiktok but here is the tutorial!
Okay, so I know I'm not the only one who's been scrolling through TikTok and Lemon8, seeing all these gorgeous, aesthetic iPhone home screens and wondering, 'How on earth do they do that?!' Well, guess what? I finally cracked the code to changing and customizing my app icons, and it's actually super simple once you get the hang of it, all thanks to the built-in 'Shortcuts' app! If you’ve ever wanted to make your phone truly reflect your style, whether it’s a minimalist vibe, a pastel dream, or a dark academia aesthetic, this quick guide is for you. Before I dive into the how-to, let me tell you why this is a game-changer. My old home screen felt so generic and, honestly, a bit boring. But now? Every time I unlock my phone, I see these beautifully curated icons, and it just puts a smile on my face. Customizing what your apps look like really makes your device feel like an extension of your personality. Trust me, once you go custom, you won't want to go back! So, how do you actually change your app icons? It all starts with the 'Shortcuts' app on your iPhone. This app is incredibly powerful for automation, but for our purposes, it’s our secret weapon for icon customization. Here’s a breakdown of the steps I followed to personalize my home screen: Open the Shortcuts App: Find it by swiping down and searching "Shortcuts." Create a New Shortcut: Tap the '+' icon in the top right corner. Add an 'Open App' Action: Tap 'Add Action,' search for 'Open App,' and select it. Choose Your App: Tap the word 'App' and select the application you want to customize. For instance, I picked 'Calculator' when I wanted that cute frog design for my 'Calc' icon. Add to Home Screen: Tap the three dots (...) in the top right corner of your new shortcut. Then, select 'Add to Home Screen.' Name Your Shortcut & Choose Your Icon: Give your shortcut a short name (this will appear under the icon). Then, tap the icon next to the name. Select 'Choose Photo' to pick an image from your camera roll. This is where you select your custom image! Hit 'Add' and 'Done': Tap 'Add' in the top right, then 'Done.' Your new custom app icon will appear on your home screen. Voilà! A little tip from my own experience: finding the perfect images for your icons can be a fun adventure! I love browsing Pinterest for "aesthetic app icons" or "iPhone widget themes." You can find entire packs of matching icons in various styles – pastel, dark, cottagecore, neon, you name it! Sometimes I even just look for cute illustrations or photos that match my overall home screen theme. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can even design your own simple icons using apps like Canva. The possibilities are endless! A common question I get is, "Why does it open the Shortcuts app first before my actual app?" Yes, that's how this method works. The custom icon is essentially a shortcut that triggers the 'Open App' action. While it's a tiny flicker, I honestly barely notice it after a day or two because the aesthetic payoff is so worth it! Plus, you can hide the original app from your home screen by moving it to your App Library (long-press, 'Remove App,' 'Move to App Library'), keeping your home screen clean and tidy. So, go ahead and experiment! Change up your app icons, play with different themes, and make your iPhone home screen uniquely yours. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in how I feel about my daily tech use. Happy customizing! ✨
