Android 12 brought a host of visual enhancements, and one of the most noticeable is the ability to customize the shape of your app icons. This feature allows you to personalize your phone’s home screen and app drawer, giving it a unique look and feel that reflects your style. While the process isn’t always immediately obvious, this guide will walk you through the steps to change your icon shapes on various Android 12 devices.
Understanding Icon Shape Customization In Android 12
Icon shape customization in Android 12 allows you to modify the visual appearance of app icons displayed on your home screen and within the app drawer. Instead of being stuck with the default rounded squares or circles, you can choose from a selection of alternative shapes, such as squares, teardrops, or rounded rectangles. This seemingly small change can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetics of your phone.
The availability and method of changing icon shapes can vary depending on your Android device manufacturer. Some manufacturers provide built-in options within their custom launchers, while others require the use of third-party launchers or apps. It is important to note that not all Android 12 devices support icon shape customization natively.
Checking For Native Icon Shape Customization Options
The first step is to check if your Android 12 device offers native icon shape customization options. Many manufacturers include this feature within their custom launchers, such as One UI (Samsung), MIUI (Xiaomi), ColorOS (Oppo), and Realme UI. The location of these settings can vary slightly depending on the specific device and software version.
To check for native options, start by accessing your device’s settings menu. You can usually do this by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon.
Next, look for options related to “Personalization,” “Themes,” “Display,” or “Home Screen.” These are the most common places where icon shape customization settings are located. Inside one of these sections, you should look for options such as “Icon Style,” “Icon Shape,” or simply “Icons.”
Once you find the relevant section, you should be presented with a selection of icon shapes to choose from. Typically, you’ll find options like:
- Default (often rounded square)
- Circle
- Square
- Rounded Rectangle
- Teardrop
Simply select the icon shape you prefer and apply the changes. The new icon shapes should immediately be visible on your home screen and in the app drawer.
Customizing Icon Shapes On Samsung Devices (One UI)
Samsung’s One UI offers a relatively straightforward way to customize icon shapes. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Display.
- Scroll down and tap on Icon style.
In the Icon style menu, you will see options to choose between the default icon style and custom styles. If you choose the custom style, you can adjust the icon size, icon labels, and most importantly, the icon shape. Samsung typically offers a variety of shapes, including circle, square, and squircle.
Customizing Icon Shapes On Xiaomi Devices (MIUI)
Xiaomi’s MIUI skin offers similar customization options. The steps are as follows:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Home screen.
- Tap on Icon size.
Within the Icon size section, you will find options to adjust the size of the icons as well as the icon shape. Select your preferred shape and apply the changes.
Customizing Icon Shapes On Oppo/Realme Devices (ColorOS/Realme UI)
Oppo and Realme devices, which run ColorOS and Realme UI respectively, also provide built-in icon customization options. The steps are generally similar:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Personalizations.
- Tap on Icons.
This section will allow you to change the icon style, including the shape, size, and even the corner rounding. Experiment with the different options to find the look you like best.
Using Third-Party Launchers For Icon Shape Customization
If your device doesn’t offer native icon shape customization options, or if you’re looking for a wider range of choices, you can use a third-party launcher. Third-party launchers replace your device’s default home screen and app drawer, providing a wealth of customization options, including icon shape modification. Some of the most popular and feature-rich launchers include Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, and Lawnchair Launcher.
These launchers offer granular control over almost every aspect of your home screen, including icon shapes, sizes, themes, and animations. They often come with a vast library of icon packs that you can download from the Google Play Store, each offering a unique style and shape.
Setting Up A Third-Party Launcher
Before you can start customizing your icons, you’ll need to install and set up a third-party launcher. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Search for your desired launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, Lawnchair Launcher).
- Tap on the Install button.
- Once the installation is complete, tap on the Open button.
The launcher will guide you through the initial setup process. This typically involves granting permissions and choosing whether to import your existing home screen layout.
Once the launcher is set up, you’ll need to make it your default launcher. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app.
- Search for “Default apps” or “Home app”.
- Tap on the current default launcher.
- Select the new launcher you just installed.
Now, when you press the home button, you’ll be taken to the new launcher’s home screen.
Customizing Icon Shapes With Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher is one of the most popular and versatile Android launchers, offering extensive customization options, including icon shape modification. Here’s how to change icon shapes with Nova Launcher:
- Long-press on an empty area of your home screen.
- Tap on Settings.
- Tap on Look & Feel.
- Tap on Icon style.
In the Icon style menu, you’ll find options to:
- Change the icon theme (which affects the overall style and shape of the icons).
- Reshape legacy icons (icons that don’t conform to the current icon pack’s shape).
- Adjust the corner radius to fine-tune the roundness of the icons.
Experiment with these settings to achieve your desired icon shape. You can also download icon packs from the Google Play Store to further customize the appearance of your icons.
Customizing Icon Shapes With Action Launcher
Action Launcher is another excellent third-party launcher with a focus on speed and efficiency. It also offers icon shape customization options. Here’s how to access them:
- Swipe in from the left edge of the screen to open the Action Launcher sidebar.
- Tap on Settings.
- Tap on Appearance.
- Tap on Icon appearance.
Here you can select “Icon pack” which would influence the shapes, or adjust the icon scale and other specific features.
Customizing Icon Shapes With Lawnchair Launcher
Lawnchair Launcher is a free and open-source launcher known for its clean and minimalist design. It also offers icon shape customization. The steps are similar to the other launchers:
- Long-press on an empty area of your home screen.
- Tap on Settings.
- Tap on Theme.
- Tap on Icon shape.
Select from the available shapes and apply the changes. Lawnchair Launcher also supports icon packs, allowing you to further customize the appearance of your icons.
Troubleshooting Icon Shape Customization Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to customize icon shapes in Android 12. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Changes not applying: Ensure that you have correctly saved the changes in your launcher settings. Try restarting your launcher or your device.
- Incompatible icon packs: Some icon packs may not be fully compatible with your launcher or device. Try using a different icon pack or contacting the icon pack developer for assistance.
- Icons reverting to default: This can happen if your launcher is not set as the default launcher. Go to your device’s settings and ensure that your chosen launcher is set as the default home app.
- Missing customization options: If you cannot find the icon shape customization options, your device may not support this feature natively, or your manufacturer may have hidden the setting. Try using a third-party launcher.
Conclusion
Customizing icon shapes in Android 12 is a simple yet effective way to personalize your phone’s appearance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily change the shapes of your app icons and create a unique look that reflects your style. Whether you use the native customization options provided by your device manufacturer or opt for a third-party launcher, the possibilities are endless. Remember to experiment with different shapes and icon packs to find the perfect combination for your home screen. While some devices offer more straightforward methods than others, achieving your desired aesthetic is ultimately achievable with a bit of exploration and tweaking. Enjoy personalizing your Android 12 experience!
What Icon Shapes Are Available In Android 12?
Android 12 offers a selection of icon shapes beyond the standard square. Commonly available options include Circle, Squircle (a rounded square), Teardrop, and Rounded Rectangle. The specific shapes available might slightly vary depending on your Android device’s manufacturer (OEM) and their customization of Android 12. Exploring the Settings app will reveal the shapes supported on your specific device.
Keep in mind that these shapes apply to the icons displayed on your home screen and app drawer. System icons in the notification shade or settings menus may retain their original shapes, which are generally governed by the system theme. The changes you make affect the visual appearance of app icons within the launcher environment of your phone.
How Do I Change The Icon Shape On My Android 12 Device?
The most common method to change icon shapes involves navigating to the Settings app, then Personalization or Theme settings. Within these settings, you should find an option related to “Icon Packs” or “Styles,” which allows you to customize the overall appearance of your icons. The exact wording and location might differ slightly based on your device’s manufacturer, but the core concept remains the same: you’re looking for visual customization options.
If your device’s manufacturer does not offer native icon shape customization, you can also achieve this using third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher. These launchers provide extensive control over the appearance of your home screen, including icon shapes, sizes, and even custom icon packs downloaded from the Google Play Store. Choosing a launcher gives you more flexibility, though it replaces your default home screen environment.
Will Changing The Icon Shape Affect All The Apps On My Phone?
Yes, changing the icon shape through the system settings or a third-party launcher will generally affect all apps on your phone, as long as the apps are displayed in the launcher environment. This applies to both pre-installed system apps and apps you’ve downloaded from the Google Play Store. The unified icon shape creates a consistent visual experience across your home screen and app drawer.
However, there are exceptions. Some apps may have icons that are specifically designed and hardcoded to resist shape changes. These apps may retain their original icon shape despite your customization efforts. Also, widget icons are typically not affected by the icon shape settings, as they are independent graphical elements with unique designs. Only standard app icons are subject to these shape changes.
Can I Use Custom Icon Packs With Android 12 Icon Shapes?
Yes, you can definitely use custom icon packs with Android 12 icon shapes, provided you’re using a third-party launcher that supports icon packs. Launchers like Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, and Lawnchair are well-known for their extensive customization options, including the ability to apply icon packs downloaded from the Google Play Store. These launchers allow you to combine different icon packs with the system-level icon shape customizations.
When using a custom icon pack, the launcher typically replaces the default icon for each app with the corresponding icon from the pack. If an app doesn’t have a specific icon in the pack, the launcher might use a “masking” feature to apply the overall style of the pack to the default icon. This ensures a consistent appearance even for apps that are not explicitly supported by the icon pack. Custom icon shapes set by the launcher can then be applied to the icons provided by the icon pack.
How Do I Revert To The Default Icon Shape On Android 12?
To revert to the default icon shape, you need to navigate back to the same settings menu where you initially changed the icon shape. This usually involves going to Settings, then Personalization or Theme settings, and finding the “Icon Packs” or “Styles” option. Within this section, you should find an option to select the “Default” or “System” icon shape, or to disable any custom icon shape applied.
If you are using a third-party launcher, the process might be slightly different. You would typically need to open the launcher’s settings menu, look for the “Icon” or “Appearance” section, and then choose the “Default” icon shape option or disable any custom icon shape settings. This will restore the original icon shapes as defined by your device’s manufacturer or the Android system itself. If you’re using an icon pack, select the system icon theme.
Does Changing Icon Shapes Affect Performance Or Battery Life?
Generally, changing icon shapes through system settings or a reputable third-party launcher has a negligible impact on performance or battery life. The process of applying icon shapes is relatively lightweight and doesn’t consume significant system resources. The changes are mostly visual, and the overhead is minimal for modern smartphones with sufficient processing power.
However, using a poorly optimized or resource-intensive third-party launcher might have a slightly noticeable impact on performance or battery life, especially on older or lower-end devices. Some launchers with excessive animations, complex features, or poorly coded components can consume more RAM and CPU cycles, potentially leading to slower performance or increased battery drain. Choose a well-reviewed and optimized launcher to minimize any potential performance impact.
What If I Don’t See The Option To Change Icon Shapes In My Android 12 Settings?
If you can’t find the option to change icon shapes in your Android 12 settings, it likely means that your device’s manufacturer (OEM) has not implemented this feature in their customized version of Android. Some OEMs choose to retain a more standardized look and feel or have their own unique theming system that doesn’t include icon shape customization. In such cases, the native Android 12 settings will not offer this functionality.
In this situation, your best alternative is to use a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store. Launchers like Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, and Lawnchair provide extensive customization options, including the ability to change icon shapes, regardless of whether your device’s manufacturer has included this feature. Download and install a reputable launcher, configure it as your default home screen, and then explore its settings to customize your icon shapes and other visual elements. Be sure the launcher is compatible with your version of Android.