How to Change Instagram Icon on iPhone & Android (2025)

Key Takeaways

• You can change your Instagram icon on both iPhone and Android using built-in features or third-party apps
• iPhone users can create custom Instagram icons through the Shortcuts app without jailbreaking
• Android users have more flexibility with icon customization through launchers like Nova Launcher
• Changing your Instagram icon won’t affect the app’s functionality or performance

Bored of seeing the same old Instagram icon on your phone? You’re not alone. Customizing your app icons is a fun way to refresh your device’s look and make your home screen truly yours. If you’ve been wondering how to change Instagram icon on your iPhone or Android device, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll walk through several methods to swap out that classic Instagram icon for something more your style. Whether you want a minimalist look, a retro vibe, or just something different, we’ve got simple steps for both iPhone and Android users. Let’s transform that home screen!

Can You Change the Instagram Icon in 2025?

Instagram has had an on-again, off-again relationship with custom icons. Back in 2020, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Instagram introduced a hidden menu that let users change the app icon to different versions, including the classic Polaroid-inspired icon and several color variations.

Unfortunately, that feature was temporary. In 2025, Instagram doesn’t offer built-in options to change its icon permanently through the app itself. However, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the default icon! Both iPhone and Android users have several workarounds and alternatives to customize how the Instagram icon appears on their home screens.

While Instagram may not support custom icons natively anymore, the methods we’ll cover work just as well and give you even more flexibility to choose exactly how you want your Instagram icon to look.

How to Change Instagram Icon on iPhone

Apple has traditionally been strict about customization, but with iOS 14 and newer versions, you can change how app icons look without jailbreaking your device. There are two main approaches for iPhone users.

Using shortcuts app

The Shortcuts app is your best friend when it comes to customizing app icons on iOS:

1. First, find or create the custom Instagram icon image you want to use. Save it to your Photos app.
2. Open the Shortcuts app (it comes pre-installed on iOS).
3. Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut.
4. Tap “Add Action,” then search for and select “Open App.”
5. Tap “App” and select “Instagram” from the list.
6. Tap the three dots (⋯) in the top right corner.
7. Tap “Add to Home Screen.”
8. Tap the icon next to the shortcut name, then choose “Choose Photo” to select your custom icon.
9. Name your shortcut “Instagram” (or whatever you prefer).
10. Tap “Add” in the top right corner.

Now you’ll have your custom Instagram icon on your home screen! The original Instagram app will still be on your device, but you can hide it in the App Library.

One small drawback: when you tap your custom icon, the Shortcuts app will briefly open before launching Instagram. This extra step takes just a split second but is worth noting.

Using third-party apps

If you want to avoid the Shortcuts detour, several third-party apps can help customize your icons:

Widgetsmith: This popular app lets you create custom widgets, including app icons:

1. Download Widgetsmith from the App Store.
2. Create a small widget with a custom image.
3. Use the Shortcuts method above, but instead of adding a photo, take a screenshot of your Widgetsmith widget.

Icon Themer: This app streamlines the process:

1. Download Icon Themer from the App Store.
2. Follow the in-app instructions to create a profile that enables direct app opening.
3. Create custom icons that launch apps directly without the Shortcuts app appearing.

Launch Center Pro: A more advanced option:

1. Download Launch Center Pro from the App Store.
2. Use its built-in icon maker to create custom icons.
3. It offers more direct launching options than the basic Shortcuts approach.

These apps give you more control over the appearance and behavior of your custom icons, though some premium features may require payment.

How to Change Instagram Icon on Android

Android users have it easier when it comes to customization. The open nature of the Android platform allows for more direct icon changes.

Method	Device	Difficulty	Direct Launch?	Cost	Best For
Shortcuts App Built-in iOS solution	iPhone (iOS 14+)	EASY	NO (Brief delay)	Free	All iOS users who want quick, free customization
Third-Party Apps Widgetsmith, Icon Themer	iPhone	MEDIUM	VARIES	Free – $20/yr	Advanced customization with widgets and themes
Android Launchers Nova, Microsoft, Smart	Android (All)	EASY	YES	Free – $5	Complete home screen theme control and customization
Samsung Themes Galaxy Themes app	Samsung Only	VERY EASY	YES	Free – $3	Quick built-in solution for Samsung Galaxy users
Icon Changer Apps X Icon Changer	Android	EASY	YES	Free	Simple one-off icon changes without full launcher

Using android launchers

Launchers replace your phone’s entire home screen interface and offer extensive customization options:

Nova Launcher:

1. Download Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
2. Set it as your default launcher when prompted.
3. Long-press on the Instagram icon on your home screen.
4. Tap “Edit” or the pencil icon.
5. Tap the icon image.
6. Choose from Nova’s icon packs or tap “Gallery” to use your own image.
7. Adjust size and other properties as needed.
8. Tap “Done” to save your changes.

Microsoft Launcher:

1. Install Microsoft Launcher from Google Play.
2. Make it your default launcher.
3. Long-press the Instagram icon and select “Edit.”
4. Tap the icon and choose a new one from the available options or from your gallery.

Tool/Resource	Platform	Cost	Features	Ease of Use	Rating
Nova Launcher	Android	Free Prime: $4.99	Full launcher replacement, extensive customization, icon packs support, gestures	EASY	★★★★★
Shortcuts App	iPhone	Free (Pre-installed)	Built-in iOS app, custom icons with any image, no installation needed	MEDIUM	★★★★☆
Widgetsmith	iPhone	Free Premium: $19.99/yr	Custom widgets, themed icons, popular choice, weather & calendar integration	EASY	★★★★☆
Flaticon	Both	Free Premium: $9.99/mo	Thousands of free icons, multiple styles, downloadable in various formats	VERY EASY	★★★★★
Etsy Icon Packs	Both	$2 – $15 per pack	Professional designs, themed sets, aesthetic cohesion, unique artist styles	EASY	★★★★☆
Pinterest	Both	Free	Endless aesthetic options, user-created designs, trend inspiration	VERY EASY	★★★★☆
Icon Themer	iPhone	Free Pro features vary	Streamlined icon creation, profile-based setup, direct app opening options	MEDIUM	★★★★☆

Smart Launcher:

1. Install Smart Launcher from Google Play.
2. Long-press any empty space on the home screen after setup.
3. Select “Settings” then “Icon style.”
4. Choose an icon pack or individual icons for apps.

Launchers give you comprehensive control over your entire phone’s appearance, not just individual app icons.

Manual method for samsung & other devices

Samsung and some other Android manufacturers offer built-in ways to change app icons:

For Samsung devices:

1. Long-press on an empty area of your home screen.
2. Tap “Themes” (or open the Galaxy Themes app).
3. Tap “Icons” to browse and download icon packs.
4. Apply your selected icon pack, which will change multiple app icons, including Instagram.

Using X Icon Changer:

1. Download X Icon Changer from Google Play.
2. Open the app and select Instagram from the list.
3. Choose a new icon from the gallery or icon packs.
4. The app will create a shortcut with your custom icon.

One thing to note: some methods create shortcuts rather than changing the actual app icon. This means you may have two Instagram icons—the original (which you can hide in the app drawer) and your custom one.

Best Instagram Icon Packs & Where to Find Them

Once you know how to change your Instagram icon, the next step is finding the perfect replacement. Here are some great places to find icon packs:

Free Resources:

• Pinterest: Search for “Instagram icon aesthetic” or “custom app icons” for countless free options.
• Flaticon: Offers thousands of free icons with different styles and themes.
• Pexels and Unsplash: Great for finding high-quality images to create your own icons.

Premium Options:

• Etsy: Many designers sell complete home screen icon packs, including Instagram icons.
• Creative Market: Professional icon packs with consistent designs across multiple apps.
• Iconscout: Subscription service with access to millions of icons.

Icon Styles to Consider:

• Minimalist: Simple, monochrome designs for a clean home screen.
• Neon: Bright, glowing icons for a vibrant look.
• Pastel: Soft, muted colors for a gentle aesthetic.
• Retro: Vintage-inspired designs for nostalgia.
• Seasonal: Holiday-themed icons to celebrate different times of year.

When choosing icons, think about your overall home screen theme. For the most cohesive look, either change all your icons or choose an Instagram icon that complements your existing aesthetic.

Conclusion

Changing your Instagram icon is a simple way to personalize your phone and make your home screen more visually appealing. While Instagram no longer offers built-in icon options, both iPhone and Android users have plenty of alternatives.

For iPhone users, the Shortcuts app provides a free and relatively simple solution, though with a slight delay when opening the app. Android users have even more flexibility through launchers and dedicated icon-changing apps.

Whatever method you choose, have fun experimenting with different icon styles! Your phone is a personal space, and customizing it to reflect your personality and preferences can make using it more enjoyable.

Why not try changing your Instagram icon today? It takes just a few minutes and can give your home screen a fresh new look. Share your custom icon setup with friends—you might start a trend in your circle!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing the Instagram icon affect app functionality?

No, changing the Instagram icon won’t affect how the app works. You’re only changing how the app appears on your home screen, not modifying the app itself. All features, notifications, and updates will continue to work normally.

Can I use my own photo as an Instagram icon?

Yes! Both the iPhone Shortcuts method and Android launchers allow you to use any image from your photo gallery as an app icon. This means you can use personal photos, artwork you’ve created, or any image you have saved on your device. Just make sure to crop it to a square format for the best results.