How to Change App Icon Colors in iOS 18: Step-by-Step Guide

Customizing your app icon colors in iOS 18 allows you to personalize your device, making it uniquely yours and enhancing your overall user experience. With iOS 18’s updated features, Apple has made it easier to change app icons and even modify their colors, giving you more control over your device’s appearance. Whether you’re looking to match your home screen to a specific theme or just want a fresh look, this guide walks you through the process of changing app icon colors in iOS 18, step by step. Before you start, ensure your device is updated to iOS 18 and that you have the necessary app icons or icon packs ready to install. Some apps may require you to download custom icon packs or use specific tools, but most of the process is straightforward and built into the system.

What You’ll Need

An iOS 18 compatible iPhone or iPad
Access to the Shortcuts app (pre-installed on iOS 18)
Custom app icons or icon packs (optional but recommended for color changes)
Internet connection to download icon packs or images (if applicable)

Step-by-Step

Update Your Device: Ensure your iPhone or iPad is running iOS 18. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Gather Your Icons: Decide whether you want to create custom icons or use pre-made icon packs. You can find icon packs on websites like DeviantArt, Pinterest, or dedicated apps like IconsFlow or Widgetsmith. Download the icons you wish to use and save them to your Photos app or Files.
Open the Shortcuts App: Launch the Shortcuts app on your device. If it’s not on your home screen, search for it using Spotlight.
Create a New Shortcut: Tap the ‘+’ button in the top right corner to create a new shortcut.
Add the ‘Open App’ Action: Tap ‘Add Action’ and search for ‘Open App.’ Select it. Then tap ‘Choose’ and select the app you want to change the icon for.
Customize the Shortcut Icon: Tap the three dots (…) in the top right corner of the shortcut. Tap ‘Add to Home Screen.’ Here, you’ll see the default icon and name.
Change the Icon Image: Tap the icon next to the name. Choose ‘Choose Photo’ if your custom icon is saved in Photos, or ‘Choose File’ if stored in Files. Select the icon image that matches your desired color scheme.
Name Your Shortcut: Enter a name that matches the app or your preferred label. This will appear beneath the icon on your home screen.
Add to Home Screen: Tap ‘Add’ in the top right corner. Your custom-colored icon will now appear on the home screen. Repeat this process for each app you want to customize.
Arrange Your Icons: Drag and position your new icons to organize your home screen as desired. You can hide the original app icons by removing them from the home screen or placing them in a folder.
Optional – Remove Original Apps: To keep your home screen tidy, you might want to delete the original app icons. Tap and hold the app, then select ‘Remove App’ > ‘Delete App.’ The app remains accessible via the new shortcut icons.

Common Mistakes

Using low-resolution icons that appear blurry or pixelated when scaled up.
Not naming shortcuts clearly, leading to confusion when multiple icons look similar.
Forgetting to add the shortcut to the home screen, which results in the icon not appearing.
Overloading your home screen with too many shortcuts, making it cluttered and hard to navigate.
Not updating to iOS 18 before starting, which can cause compatibility issues with shortcuts or customization features.

Tips

Use high-resolution images for your icons to ensure they look sharp on all screen sizes.
Organize your home screen by grouping similar apps into folders after customizing icons.
Experiment with different color schemes and icon styles to find what best suits your aesthetic.
Back up your custom icons and shortcuts to iCloud or Files to easily restore them if needed.
Consider using third-party apps like Widgetsmith or Icon Themer for more advanced customization options.

Troubleshooting

If your app icons do not change or the process isn’t working as expected, try the following:

Ensure you have granted all necessary permissions to the Shortcuts app and that it is updated to the latest version.
Restart your device to refresh the system and apply changes properly.
Double-check that you are using the correct images and that they are saved in the proper format (preferably PNG with transparent background).
If icons aren’t appearing on the home screen, remove the original app icons or reset the home screen layout by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout.
Make sure you have added the shortcuts explicitly to the home screen and not just created them within the Shortcuts app.
Clear any cache or temporary files that might interfere with shortcut creation, or try recreating the shortcuts from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the color of app icons without using shortcuts?: Currently, iOS does not allow direct color changes of app icons without shortcuts. Custom icons via Shortcuts are the workaround.
Will changing app icons affect app functionality?: No, the app’s functionality remains unchanged. Only the icon appearance is modified.
Is it possible to automatically update icons based on themes or time?: Yes, with advanced shortcuts and automation, you can set icons to change dynamically, but it requires more complex setup.
Can I revert to the original app icons easily?: Yes, simply delete the custom shortcut icons and restore the original apps from the home screen or App Library.
Are third-party apps necessary for customizing app icons?: No, iOS 18’s built-in Shortcuts app suffices, but third-party tools can offer more design options.
Do I need jailbreaking to change app icon colors?: No, all customization can be done within iOS 18 without jailbreaking your device.

This comprehensive guide ensures you can personalize your iOS 18 device with custom app icon colors, making your experience more tailored and visually appealing. Whether you’re a casual user or a design enthusiast, these steps help you achieve the look you desire while maintaining full functionality of your apps.

How to Change App Icon Colors in iOS 18: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Change App Icon Colors in iOS 18: Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need

Step-by-Step

Common Mistakes

Tips

Troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

Related