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Changing the way apps look on your iPhone can be a fun and creative way to personalize your device and make it truly yours. Whether you want to change the app icons, tweak the appearance of your home screen, or customize the interface of specific apps, there are several methods and tools available to help you achieve the desired look. In this blog post, we will explore different ways to change the way apps look on iPhone and provide step-by-step instructions for each method.
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The Challenge of Changing App Appearance
While Apple does not officially support customizing app appearance on iPhone, there are workarounds and third-party tools that can help you achieve the desired look. The challenge lies in finding the right method that suits your needs and preferences without compromising the security and stability of your device. It’s important to note that some methods may require jailbreaking your iPhone, which could void your warranty and expose your device to potential security risks. Therefore, it is recommended to proceed with caution and only use trusted sources and tools.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the methods for changing app appearance on iPhone, there are a few things you should prepare to ensure a smooth and successful customization process:
1. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version: Updating your device to the latest iOS version ensures compatibility with the customization methods and tools.
2. Backup your iPhone: Before making any changes to your device’s appearance, it is always a good idea to create a backup of your iPhone. This way, if anything goes wrong during the customization process, you can easily restore your device to its previous state.
3. Research and choose a method: There are various methods available for changing app appearance on iPhone, ranging from using third-party apps to jailbreaking your device. Research and choose the method that aligns with your preferences and level of technical expertise.
Method 1: Using a Third-Party App
One of the easiest ways to change the way apps look on your iPhone is by using a third-party app that offers customization options. These apps provide a range of themes, icon packs, and wallpapers to give your apps a fresh and unique look. Follow the steps below to change the app appearance using a third-party app:
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for a third-party app that offers customization options. Some popular options include "Widgetsmith" for widget customization and "App Icons+" for changing app icons.
2. Install the app and launch it on your device.
3. Explore the available themes, icon packs, or wallpapers and choose the ones that resonate with your desired app appearance.
4. Follow the instructions provided by the app to apply the chosen customization options. This may involve selecting specific apps, assigning new icons, or configuring widget settings.
Pros:
– Easy to use without any technical expertise.
– Offers a wide range of customization options.
– Can be done without jailbreaking your iPhone.
Cons:
– Limited customization options compared to other methods.
– Some apps may require in-app purchases for premium customization options.
Method 2: Jailbreaking Your iPhone
If you are looking for extensive customization options and are willing to take the risk of jailbreaking your iPhone, this method offers the most flexibility in changing the way apps look. Jailbreaking allows you to gain root access to your device’s file system, enabling you to install third-party apps, tweaks, and themes that are not available on the App Store. Here’s how you can change app appearance by jailbreaking your iPhone:
1. Research and choose a reputable jailbreaking tool that supports your iPhone model and iOS version. Popular options include "Checkra1n" for iOS 14 and earlier versions and "unc0ver" for iOS 13 and below.
2. Backup your iPhone using iTunes or iCloud to prevent data loss during the jailbreaking process.
3. Follow the instructions provided by the jailbreaking tool to jailbreak your iPhone. This usually involves connecting your device to a computer and running the jailbreaking software.
4. Once your iPhone is successfully jailbroken, you can install tweaks and themes from third-party repositories such as "Cydia" or "Sileo". These tweaks and themes offer a wide range of app customization options.
Pros:
– Extensive customization options not available through official methods.
– Ability to install third-party apps and tweaks for advanced customization.
– Can change the overall look and feel of your device.
Cons:
– Jailbreaking voids your device warranty.
– Increased security risks and potential for unstable performance.
– Required technical expertise and research to ensure compatibility and stability.
Method 3: Using Shortcuts App
If you want to change the app icons on your iPhone without jailbreaking, you can utilize the Shortcuts app, which is built into iOS. While this method does not provide as much flexibility as jailbreaking, it allows you to create custom shortcuts with personalized icons for your apps. Here’s how you can use the Shortcuts app to change app icons:
1. Download and install the desired app icon images or create your own in a square format.
2. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
3. Tap on the "+" icon in the upper right corner to create a new shortcut.
4. Tap on "Add Action" and search for "Open App" in the search bar.
5. Select "Open App" from the available options and choose the app you want to change the icon for.
6. Tap on the three dots (…) in the top right corner to access shortcut settings.
7. Tap on the current icon image and select "Choose Photo" to select the custom app icon image you downloaded or created earlier.
8. Tap on "Add to Home Screen" and enter a name for your shortcut. You can choose to display the name or not.
9. Tap on the icon next to the shortcut name and select "Choose Photo" to assign a custom icon image.
10. Tap on "Add" in the top right corner to add the shortcut to your home screen. It will appear as a new app with the custom icon.
Pros:
– No need to jailbreak your iPhone.
– Allows customization of app icons without extensive technical expertise.
– Built-in feature on iOS devices.
Cons:
– Limited to changing app icons only.
– Can be time-consuming if you have multiple apps to customize.
Method 4: Using App Store Widgets
With the introduction of iOS 14, Apple introduced widgets that can be placed on the home screen, offering another way to change the way apps look. While this method does not directly change the appearance of app icons, it allows you to personalize your home screen layout by adding and rearranging widgets. Here’s how you can use App Store widgets to change app appearance:
1. Long press on any empty space on your home screen to enter the jiggle mode.
2. Tap on the "+" icon in the top left corner to enter the widget gallery.
3. Scroll through the available widget options and choose the one you want to add to your home screen.
4. Tap on the widget size you prefer and select "Add Widget" to add it to your home screen.
5. Tap on the newly added widget to customize its appearance and content.
6. Rearrange the existing app icons on your home screen to create a layout that complements the added widgets.
Pros:
– No need to install third-party apps or jailbreak your device.
– Widgets offer a dynamic and interactive way to change the appearance of your home screen.
– Can be easily customized and rearranged.
Cons:
– Limited to changing the home screen layout and adding widgets, not the actual app icons.
– Available widgets may vary depending on the apps installed on your device.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to enhance your app appearance customization experience:
1. Explore different icon sources: Apart from the App Store, there are numerous online sources and communities that offer a wide range of custom app icons. Explore these sources to find unique icons that match your desired app appearance.
2. Use wallpaper to complement app icons: Changing the wallpaper on your iPhone can significantly enhance the overall look of your app icons. Look for wallpapers that match the theme or color scheme you’re aiming for.
3. Experiment with different themes: Changing the way apps look is not limited to individual customization methods. You can mix and match different methods, themes, and icons to create a truly unique and personalized app appearance.
5 FAQs about Changing App Appearance on iPhone
Q1: Can I change the app appearance without jailbreaking my iPhone?
A: Yes, you can change the app appearance without jailbreaking your iPhone by using third-party apps, the Shortcuts app, or customizing your home screen with widgets.
Q2: Will changing the app appearance affect the performance of my iPhone?
A: Changing the app appearance should not significantly impact the performance of your iPhone. However, it is recommended to use reputable sources and tools to minimize any potential risks.
Q3: Is jailbreaking my iPhone safe?
A: Jailbreaking your iPhone can expose your device to security risks and void its warranty. It is important to research and choose a reputable jailbreaking tool and only install trusted tweaks and themes.
Q4: Can I revert the changes and restore my iPhone to its original appearance?
A: Yes, you can easily revert the changes and restore your iPhone to its original appearance by uninstalling third-party apps, removing shortcuts, or deleting widgets from your home screen.
Q5: Are there any risks involved in customizing the app appearance on iPhone?
A: Customizing the app appearance on iPhone, especially through jailbreaking, comes with certain risks such as security vulnerabilities, reduced stability, and voided warranty. It’s important to weigh these risks and proceed accordingly.
In Conclusion
Changing the way apps look on your iPhone can be a creative way to personalize your device and make it reflect your unique style. From utilizing third-party apps to jailbreaking your device, there are various methods available to customize the app appearance on iPhone. Remember to research and choose the method that suits your preferences and technical expertise, and proceed with caution to ensure the security and stability of your device.