Change Android Icon Theme with Nova Launcher - Easy Guide
Customizing Icons with Nova Launcher
Personalizing your device is readily achievable through icon modification within Nova Launcher. The launcher provides extensive options for tailoring the visual appearance of your home screen.
Icon Theme and Individual Changes
Users can implement complete icon themes for a unified and streamlined aesthetic. Alternatively, the launcher allows for the alteration of specific icons that don't align with personal preferences.
This customization process is remarkably straightforward to execute within the Nova Launcher interface.
Accessibility of the Feature
A significant benefit is that icon customization is accessible to all users. This functionality is included in both the complimentary and premium versions of the launcher.
Therefore, regardless of whether you are using the free or paid edition, you can easily modify your icons to reflect your individual style.
The ability to change icons is one of the simplest methods to personalize your Android experience with Nova Launcher.
Customizing Icon Packs within Nova Launcher
Achieving a consistent visual style across your Android device, encompassing both home screens and the application drawer, is readily attainable through the utilization of an icon pack. While complete compatibility across all applications isn't always guaranteed – given the sheer volume of apps – the majority of comprehensive icon packs provide options for widely used Android applications.
Furthermore, for applications lacking native support, individual icon customization is possible, a process detailed later in this guide. Initially, locating and selecting a suitable icon pack is necessary.
For demonstration purposes, we will employ Whicons, a freely available pack featuring over 3,000 monochrome icons adhering to Google’s Material Design principles. This pack also includes coordinating wallpapers and a user request system for missing icons. It’s important to note that not all packs offer such extensive features during your search.
Applying the Icon Pack
With your chosen icon pack installed, application is straightforward. Access Nova Launcher’s settings by locating and tapping the “Nova Settings” icon within your app drawer.
Within the settings menu, select the fifth option, labeled “Look & Feel.” This action reveals Nova Launcher’s comprehensive aesthetic customization options.
From this menu, choose “Icon theme,” the first available option.
A popup window will appear, displaying all installed icon packs, alongside the default “System” theme and Android’s “Marshmallow” icons. Select your desired pack – in this case, “Whicons.”
The popup will close automatically, and the “Icon theme” entry will now display the selected theme’s name in the subtext.
Upon returning to your home screen and app drawer, applications supported by the chosen icon pack should now reflect the new visual theme.
Customizing Individual Icons in Nova Launcher
It’s common to find that not all icons are altered when applying a new theme. This could be due to a missing icon within the pack corresponding to a specific application, or a temporary error during the application process – such instances have been observed previously.
Alternatively, users may prefer to modify only select icons, rather than applying a theme universally. Nova Launcher provides the functionality to accomplish this selective customization.
Following the installation of your chosen icon pack – in this instance, we’ll utilize Whicons – locate the application icon you wish to modify within your app drawer. A long press on the icon will reveal a menu; then, drag the icon onto the "Edit" option.
Note: Icons can also be tapped and held from the home screen, but this will only affect the icon’s appearance on that specific home screen. Modifying the icon from the app drawer allows for easy re-application to the home screen if the change isn’t reflected there.
Selecting the icon will open the application’s "Edit Shortcut" menu. Tapping the icon itself will present the “Select theme” options.
Several choices are available: you can opt for a system icon, an image from your gallery, or an icon from a previously installed pack. We will choose an icon from the “Whicons” pack, though you should select the option that best suits your needs.
When utilizing a custom icon pack, a brief loading period may be necessary, dependent on the pack’s size. Upon completion, Nova Launcher will attempt to identify and suggest the most suitable icon at the top of the list, minimizing the need to scroll through extensive options.
Should the suggested icon not be ideal, or if no suggestion is provided, simply scroll through the alphabetically arranged list until you locate the desired icon and select it.
This action will return you to the “Edit Shortcut” menu; tap “done” to preserve the modifications.
The icon will update immediately, allowing you to proceed with customizing further icons.
Even in the absence of a specific icon for an application within the pack, a suitable alternative can often be found. For instance, if a dedicated icon for Citi Bank is unavailable, a generic "$" symbol could serve as a thematic substitute.
It’s important to remember that applying a new icon pack system-wide will not override individually customized icons. Therefore, you can maintain distinct themes for your home screens and app drawer if desired.
The majority of contemporary icon packs adhere to standardized formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of popular third-party launchers. This benefits users who may wish to experiment with different launchers, as many packs – particularly those that are well-established or extensive – are largely universally compatible.