Easy Ways to Change App Icons on iOS 26

If you're looking for a fresh, personalized home screen, learning how to change app icons on iOS 26 is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your device's look. With Apple's latest customization features, you can swap default icons for designs that match your style—minimal, aesthetic, colorful, or themed. In this guide, you'll discover the simple methods to change app icons like a pro and create a home screen that feels uniquely yours.

Part 1. How to Change App Icons on iOS 26 Like a Pro?

Changing app icons on iOS 26 has evolved significantly from the old days. You now have two main paths: the System-Native method (using the new Liquid Glass and Tint features) and the Custom Image method (using Shortcuts for total control).

Option 1: The Native "Liquid Glass" & Tint Method (New in iOS 26)

This is the smoothest way to change icons because it applies system-wide animations and doesn't require creating individual shortcuts. iOS 26 introduced the "Clear" style which makes icons semi-transparent.

Step 1: Enter Jiggle Mode. Long-press on any empty space on your Home Screen until the icons start shaking.

Step 2: Open the Customization Menu. Tap the Edit button in the top-left corner, then select Customize.

Step 3: Choose Your Style. You will see a menu with four main options. To look like a "Pro," focus on the last two:

• Dark: Forces all icons into their dark mode variants (sleek, matte look).
• Tinted: Applies a color overlay to all icons. You can use the Eyedropper tool to pick a color directly from your wallpaper for a perfect match.
• Clear (New in iOS 26): This enables the "Liquid Glass" effect. Icons become translucent, allowing your wallpaper to blur through them.

Step 4: Refine the Glass Effect. If you choose Clear, you can toggle the sun icon to adjust how much light reflects off the icons.

Option 2: The "Classic" Shortcuts Method (For Custom Images)

If you want to replace the Mail icon with a picture of your dog or a specific neon logo you found online, you still need to use the Shortcuts app. This allows for total freedom but takes more time.

Step 1: Open the Shortcuts App. It comes pre-installed on your iPhone. Tap the + (Plus) icon in the top right to create a new shortcut.

Step 2: Add the "Open App" Action. Tap Add Action, search for "Open App," and select it. Then, tap the blue "App" placeholder text and select the app you want to customize (e.g., Instagram).

Step 3: Customize the Icon. Tap the arrow next to the shortcut name at the top of the screen. Select Add to Home Screen. Tap the smaller icon under "Home Screen Name and Icon." Choose Choose Photo and select your custom image from your library.

Step 4: Rename and Finish. Rename the icon (or leave it blank for a minimalist look) and tap Add.

Part 2. App Icons Won't Change on iOS 26? Fix iOS 26 Bugs Right Now!

While customizing your Home Screen with the new Liquid Glass effects and high-resolution icons is exciting, iOS 26 is a graphics-intensive update. Users often report that their devices freeze in "Jiggle Mode," get stuck on the Apple logo during a restart, or experience lag when applying global tints. If your iPhone starts acting up during your customization spree, you don't need to restore it and lose all your data.

TunesKit iOS System Recovery is a professional tool designed to fix over 150 iOS system issues, including the specific interface bugs found in the latest iOS 26 builds. It repairs the operating system core without erasing your photos, messages, or your new icon layouts.

Now let's follow this step-by-step guide to fix App icons won't change on iOS 26 using TunesKit iOS System Recovery.

Step 1Connect Your iPhone

Launch the software on your computer and use a USB cable to connect your device. Once the program detects your phone, click the "iOS System Repair" button to begin the diagnostic process. And click the Start button to continue.

Step 2 Select Standard Repair

You will be presented with two modes. Choose "Standard Repair". This is the critical "Pro" choice because it fixes common system glitches—like a frozen Home Screen or boot loop—while keeping all your data and settings intact. The "Deep Repair" option is powerful but will wipe your device, so stick to Standard for iOS 26 bugs.

Step 3Download Firmware Package

Confirm your device model is detected correctly (e.g., iPhone 17 Pro Max running iOS 26). Click "Download" to get the verified firmware package.

Step 4Repair iOS 26 Bugs without Data Loss

Once the download finishes, hit "Repair". TunesKit will automatically patch the system errors, ensuring your iPhone runs smoothly again so you can get back to changing app icons on iOS 26 without errors.

Part 3. FAQs about How to Change App Icons iOS 26

Part 4. Final Thoughts

Now you've learned how to change app icons on iOS 26 using the stunning new "Liquid Glass" and Tint features, this post provided two easy methods for you to follow so that you can customize your app icons. If you experience the iOS 26 bugs, TunesKit iOS System Recovery is the ultimate tool to keep in your back pocket; it instantly fixes glitches like frozen screens or boot loops without erasing your data. Click the download button to give it a shot.