Changing app icons is a popular way to personalize and customize your iPhone home screen. However, the latest iOS 14 update may have put a damper on some users’ creativity, as they are only able to change app icons via the Shortcuts app. But fear not, there are still ways to change app icons on your iPhone without the Shortcut method. In this blog post, we will explore different methods that you can use to change app icons on your iPhone without the Shortcuts app.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods, there are a few things you will need:
- An iPhone or iPad running iOS 14 or later
- App icons in the correct sizes (120×120 pixels for regular icons and 180×180 pixels for retina icons)
- A photo editing app or website to create custom icons
- A computer running iTunes (optional, for some methods)
What Requires Your Focus?
The methods we will be discussing require a bit of focus and attention to detail. It is important that you follow the steps closely and pay attention to any details in order to successfully change your app icons.
Different Methods to Change App Icons on iPhone without Shortcut
Method 1: Using Apple Configurator 2
Apple Configurator 2 is a free app available for Mac users on the Mac App Store. It is designed to help organizations deploy iOS devices, but can also be used to change app icons on your iPhone. Here are the steps:
- Download and install Apple Configurator 2 on your Mac from the App Store.
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a lightning cable.
- Open Apple Configurator 2 and select your iPhone from the left sidebar.
- Select the "Actions" menu and choose "Add" and then "Add App" from the drop-down menu.
- Search for and select the app that you want to change the icon for.
- Select the "Add" button and then "Replace" when prompted.
- Choose the custom icon that you want to use and click "Open."
- Wait for the app to be installed on your iPhone with the custom icon.
- Disconnect your iPhone from your Mac and find the app on your home screen with the new icon.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Does not require jailbreaking your iPhone
Cons:
- Requires a Mac computer to use
- The process may be confusing for some users
Method 2: Using iMazing
iMazing is a third-party app that allows you to manage and transfer files between your iPhone and computer. It also has a feature that allows you to change app icons. Here are the steps:
- Download and install iMazing on your Mac or Windows computer from the official website.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning cable.
- Select your device from the left sidebar in iMazing.
- Select "Manage Apps" at the bottom of the screen.
- Find the app that you want to change the icon for and select "View in iTunes Store."
- Download the app to your iTunes library if you haven’t already done so.
- Go to the "Customize App Icons" tab in iMazing and select "Import New Icon."
- Choose the custom icon that you want to use and click "Open."
- Find the app on your home screen with the new icon.
Pros:
- Does not require jailbreaking your iPhone
- Works on both Mac and Windows computers
Cons:
- Requires purchasing a license for iMazing after the free trial period
- May require a bit of technical knowledge
- Can be time-consuming
Method 3: Using the App Store
Sometimes, third-party developers release apps that allow you to change app icons without the need for Shortcuts or other tools. Here are the steps:
- Search the App Store for apps that allow you to change app icons without Shortcuts.
- Choose an app that has good reviews and download it.
- Follow the app’s instructions to change the icon for the app that you want to change.
- Find the app on your home screen with the new icon.
Pros:
- Does not require jailbreaking your iPhone
Cons:
- May be difficult to find a good app that works for you
- Not all apps may work as expected
Why Can’t I Change App Icons on iPhone Using Shortcuts?
The latest iOS update (iOS 14) allows users to customize their home screens to a certain extent, but it requires using the Shortcuts app. Unfortunately, changing app icons via the Shortcuts app is still limited in several ways, such as:
- The original app remains on the home screen, resulting in cluttered and confusing screens.
- Every app change requires a separate shortcut, which can be time-consuming to set up.
- Shortcuts with custom app icons may take longer to load than regular apps.
Fortunately, there are still ways to change app icons on your iPhone without using Shortcuts, as we have discussed in the methods above.
Implications and Recommendations
Changing app icons may seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact on the look and feel of your iPhone home screen. It allows you to express your creativity and personality, making your device truly your own.
However, it is important to be aware that changing app icons using methods other than Shortcuts may come with risks such as voiding your device’s warranty or exposing your device to security vulnerabilities. As such, it is recommended that you only use methods that you are comfortable with and have thoroughly researched.
5 FAQs about Changing App Icons on iPhone without Shortcut
Q1: Is it safe to change app icons on your iPhone?
A: It can be safe to change app icons on your iPhone as long as you use reputable methods and sources. However, be aware that some methods may come with risks such as voiding your device’s warranty or exposing your device to security vulnerabilities.
Q2: Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone to change app icons?
A: No, the methods discussed in this blog post do not require jailbreaking your iPhone.
Q3: Can I change the icon for any app on my iPhone?
A: It depends on the method that you use. Some methods may allow you to change the icon for any app on your device, while others may be limited in scope.
Q4: Can I change the icon for system apps on my iPhone?
A: No, system apps (such as Phone, Messages, and Settings) cannot have their icons changed as they are built into the iOS system.
Q5: Will changing app icons slow down my iPhone?
A: It depends on the method you use. Some methods may result in slightly longer loading times for custom app icons, but it should not significantly slow down your iPhone.
In Conclusion
Changing app icons on your iPhone can be a fun and creative way to customize your device. While the latest iOS update limited the ability to customize app icons through shortcuts, there are still ways to change app icons without shortcuts as we have outlined in this blog post. Remember to only use methods you are comfortable with and to thoroughly research any apps or methods before using them.