How to customize app icons in iOS 26

⚡ Fast fix

• Use built-in settings: Long-press the Home screen and tap Edit > Customize.
• Try Dark or Clear mode: Switch icon appearance instantly without extra apps.
• Use Shortcuts for single apps: Create custom icons for individual apps.

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You've downloaded dozens of apps on your iPhone®—so many that it's sometimes hard to locate the ones you use the most. But you've heard of a new Apple® feature that gives you more control over your device display. It's available in the newest system update, and you're ready to try it out. So how can you customize app icons in iOS 26?

Asurion Experts help you get the most out of your favorite devices. Whether you need to uninstall apps on your iPhone or have iOS 26 liquid glass issues, we're here for you. Here's how to change app icons in iOS 26 for a fresh look.

Use native iOS settings to customize your Home Screen

Apple's iOS 26 design changes are obvious from the minute you update your iPhone. You'll notice greater transparency on the Lock screen and icons that appear to have more depth. But also included in iOS 26 is a fun new feature that lets you customize app icons. You can choose between four options, including:

• Default: Maintains the original look of your apps based on the developer's standards
• Dark: Gives apps a black or dark-colored background
• Clear: Turns apps transparent, which you can manage using a dark or light mode
• Tinted: Transforms the color and transparency of apps to match your taste.

If you're someone who prefers visual consistency in your iPhone's display, these features are for you. To try out the new customization options, take these steps:

1. Navigate to the iPhone's Home Screen.
2. Long-press an empty area until the app icons start to jiggle.
3. Tap Edit > Customize.
   • Tap the two squares to make apps bigger. This removes the names of your apps.
   • Tap Dark to view your apps with a dark appearance. Tap Auto to switch between light and dark modes based on the time of day.
   • Tap Clear to give apps a translucent look. Adjust their transparency using the Light, Dark, or Auto options.
   • Tap Tinted to change app color. Use the sliders to change color and saturation, and tap Light, Dark, or Auto.
   • Tap Default to return app icons to their original state.
4. Tap anywhere on the screen to save your changes.

Changes you make apply to all apps. And you can always revert to the default appearance if you decide they're not for you. 

Create custom app icons with the Shortcuts app

What if you only want to change the look of a single app? The Shortcut app design feature lets you assign pictures, colors, and symbols to individual apps. Take these steps to try it out in iOS 26:

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Tap + > Open App.
3. Tap "App" in the script. Select an app from the list to customize.
4. Tap the Share icon > Add to Home Screen.
5. Tap Picture or Symbol.
   • Picture: Replace the app icon with a photo or file.
   • Symbol: Designate a color and symbol for the app icon.
6. Tap the text under the new icon to change its name.
7. Tap Add. 

After creating a new icon for your app, it appears on your device's home screen. Tapping the icon opens the app's interface, where you can use it like you normally do.

Creating a shortcut app icon doesn't replace the original app. You'll have two versions of the app on your Home Screen. If you want to remove the original app from the iPhone interface, take these steps:

1. Long-press the original app's icon.
2. Tap Remove App.
3. Tap Remove from Home Screen. 

When you remove the app from your Home Screen, you can only access it using your new shortcut.

How to reset or change your app icons

Maybe you don't like the appearance of your new customized app icons. Don't worry—you can easily change the icons back to their default design.

Revert apps changed with built-in customizations

If you used Apple's customization menu to change the look of all the apps on your device, take these steps to restore their appearance:

1. Navigate to the iPhone's Home Screen.
2. Long-press an empty area until the app icons start to jiggle.
3. Tap Edit > Customize.
4. Tap Default. 
5. Tap anywhere on the screen to save your changes. 

Restore Shortcuts app changes

To delete an app shortcut, long-press its icon. Then, tap Delete Bookmark. This removes it from your Home Screen, but the original app remains on your Home Screen.

If you deleted the original app icon, you can re-download it with your saved data. Take these steps:

1. Open the Apple App Store®.
2. Tap your profile icon.
3. Locate the app.
4. Tap the cloud icon to download it to your phone. The original app will appear on your Home Screen.

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FAQ

Can you customize app icons in iOS 26 without Shortcuts?

Yes. iOS 26 includes built-in customization options under Edit > Customize on the Home Screen.

Why do my app names disappear when I customize icons?

Selecting the larger icon option removes app labels for a cleaner look.

Does changing app icons delete the original app?

No. Using Shortcuts creates a second icon. The original app remains installed unless removed manually.

How do I change my app icons back to normal?

Go to Edit > Customize and select Default to restore the original appearance.