How to Change the Instagram App Icon on iPhone and Android

You can change the Instagram app icon in two ways. First, check whether Instagram is currently offering alternate icons in its settings, because it has done this at times as a special feature. If not, you can make your own custom icon: on iPhone, use the free Shortcuts app; on Android, use a launcher or the icon options built into your phone.

Quick Summary

• Check Instagram settings for an “App icon” option first.
• iPhone: create a Shortcut that opens Instagram and give it any image as its icon.
• Android: use your phone’s theme settings or a third-party launcher with icon packs.
• Hide the original icon in your App Library or app drawer so you only see the new one.

Method 1: Check for Built-In Icon Options

Instagram has offered alternate app icons before. For its 10th anniversary in 2020, it added a hidden menu of classic icons. Features like this come and go, and sometimes they are limited to certain events or subscriptions.

To check what your version offers:

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the menu (three lines) to open Settings and activity.
3. Use the search bar at the top of settings and type icon.
4. If an App icon option appears, tap it and choose a new one.

If you cannot find the option, use one of the methods below.

Method 2: Custom Icon on iPhone With Shortcuts

The Shortcuts app comes with iPhone and lets you put any image on your Home Screen as an app icon.

What you need

• The Shortcuts app (re-download free from the App Store if you deleted it)
• An image saved to Photos to use as your icon. A square image looks best.

Steps

1. Open Shortcuts and tap + to create a new shortcut.
2. Tap Add Action and search for Open App.
3. Tap the word App in the action and choose Instagram.
4. Tap the shortcut name at the top or the share/info button and choose Add to Home Screen.
5. Tap the small icon next to the name and choose Choose Photo.
6. Pick your image, adjust the crop, and name it “Instagram” or anything you like.
7. Tap Add.

Hide the original icon

Press and hold the original Instagram icon, tap Remove App, then choose Remove from Home Screen. Do not choose Delete App. Instagram stays installed in your App Library.

One drawback

Shortcut icons may briefly open the Shortcuts app before launching Instagram, and they do not show notification badges. The original app remains available in the App Library.

Method 3: Custom Icon on Android

Android gives you more freedom, but the steps vary by phone brand.

Use built-in theme settings

Many phones, including Samsung and Pixel models, have theme or icon shape options. Long-press an empty spot on your home screen and look for Wallpaper and style or Themes. Some brands let you apply icon packs to all apps, including Instagram.

Use a launcher

1. Install a launcher app from the Google Play Store, such as Nova Launcher or a similar option.
2. Set it as your default home screen when prompted.
3. Long-press the Instagram icon and choose Edit.
4. Tap the icon image and pick a new one from an icon pack or your gallery.

Use a shortcut-maker app

Apps that create custom shortcuts let you pick any image as an icon for any app, without changing your whole launcher.

Where to Find Good Icon Images

• Design your own in a free graphic tool.
• Download icon packs from your app store that match a theme or color.
• Use your own photo or drawing.

Only use images you have the right to use, especially if you plan to share your Home Screen design online.

Troubleshooting

• The shortcut opens Shortcuts instead of Instagram: make sure the action says Open App with Instagram selected.
• Icon looks blurry: use a larger, square image.
• Lost the original app: swipe left past your last Home Screen page to the App Library and search for Instagram.

Customizing your phone is fun, but if your phone feels slow, clearing space can help. See how to free up storage on iPhone. And while you are in your settings, consider protecting your account with a better password. Our guide on making a strong password shows how.

FAQ

Does changing the icon change how Instagram works?

No. It only changes how the app looks on your screen.

Will notification badges still show?

On iPhone, Shortcut icons do not show badges. On Android, launcher-based icons usually keep them.

Can I get the old Instagram logo back?

Only if Instagram is offering it in settings, or by using an image of it with the Shortcuts or launcher method.

Is it safe to use a launcher app?

Well-known launchers from the official Play Store are widely used. Check reviews and permissions before installing any app.