Changing the lock screen icons on your iPhone can be a fun way to personalize your device and make it truly unique. By customizing the icons, you can create a look and feel that reflects your personal style and preferences. Whether you want to go for a sleek and minimalistic look or a vibrant and colorful style, there are several methods available for changing lock screen icons on your iPhone. In this blog post, we will discuss four different methods that you can use to change lock screen icons and provide a step-by-step guide for each method.
Why You Need to Change Lock Screen Icons on iPhone
- Add a personal touch: Changing lock screen icons allows you to add a personal touch to your iPhone and make it stand out from the crowd.
- Enhance aesthetics: With the ability to customize lock screen icons, you can create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look that matches your style.
- Improve organization: By using custom lock screen icons, you can improve organization and easily identify different apps.
- Showcase creativity: Changing lock screen icons allows you to showcase your creativity and create a unique visual experience.
Video Tutorial:
Part 1. Using the Shortcuts App
The Shortcuts app is a built-in feature on iPhone that allows you to automate tasks and create custom shortcuts. By using the Shortcuts app, you can change lock screen icons on your iPhone. Here’s how you can do it:
Method:
1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on the “+” icon to create a new shortcut.
3. Select “Add Action” and search for “Open App” in the search bar.
4. Tap on “Open App” to add it to your shortcut.
5. Tap on “Choose” and select the app for which you want to change the lock screen icon.
6. Tap on the three-dot menu icon at the top right corner of the screen.
7. Select “Add to Home Screen” from the menu.
8. Tap on the icon image to open the photo picker and choose a custom icon.
9. Tap on “Add” at the top right corner of the screen.
10. Enter a name for your shortcut and tap on “Add” again to add the shortcut to your home screen.
Pros:
1. Allows for customization of lock screen icons without the need for third-party apps.
2. Provides the flexibility to create shortcuts for multiple apps.
3. Custom icons can be easily changed anytime.
Cons:
1. Requires manual creation of shortcuts for each app.
2. Lock screen icons are not directly changed but are accessed through shortcuts.
3. Limited customization options compared to dedicated icon customization apps.
Part 2. Using Icon Customization Apps
There are various third-party apps available in the App Store that specialize in icon customization for iPhones. These apps offer a wide range of customization options and allow you to change lock screen icons easily. Here’s how you can do it using an icon customization app:
Method:
1. Download and install an icon customization app from the App Store.
2. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
3. Browse through the available icon packs or design your own icons.
4. Select the app for which you want to change the lock screen icon.
5. Choose the desired icon from the available options or import your custom icon.
6. Follow the app’s instructions to apply the new icon to your lock screen.
Pros:
1. Offers a wide range of customization options and icon packs.
2. Simplifies the process of changing lock screen icons with user-friendly interfaces.
3. Provides the ability to customize multiple apps at once.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing third-party apps.
2. Some apps may have limitations on customization options for free users.
3. May not support all apps and may have compatibility issues with certain iOS updates.
Part 3. Using Widgetsmith
Widgetsmith is a popular app that allows you to create custom widgets and change lock screen icons on your iPhone. With Widgetsmith, you can create personalized widgets with various styles, fonts, and backgrounds. Here’s how you can change lock screen icons using Widgetsmith:
Method:
1. Download and install Widgetsmith from the App Store.
2. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
3. Tap on “Add Widget” and choose the widget size that matches your lock screen icon size.
4. Tap on the widget to customize it with the desired style, font, and background.
5. Once you’re satisfied with the customization, tap on “Set Widget” at the top right corner of the screen.
6. Go to your home screen and long-press on the app for which you want to change the lock screen icon.
7. Tap on “Edit Home Screen” and tap on the “+” icon at the top left corner of the screen.
8. Scroll down and select the Widgetsmith widget you created.
9. Use the “-” and “+” icons to adjust the widget size and position it appropriately.
10. Tap on “Done” to finalize the changes.
Pros:
1. Offers a unique way to change lock screen icons using personalized widgets.
2. Provides a wide range of customization options for widgets.
3. Widgets can be resized and positioned according to preferences.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing the Widgetsmith app.
2. Lock screen icons are changed indirectly through custom widgets.
3. May require additional time and effort to set up and customize.
Part 4. Using the Workflow App
The Workflow app, now known as the Shortcuts app, allows you to automate tasks and create custom shortcuts on your iPhone. By using the Workflow app, you can change lock screen icons by creating custom icons and assigning them to your apps. Here’s how you can do it:
Method:
1. Download and install the Workflow app from the App Store (now known as Shortcuts).
2. Open the Workflow app and navigate to the “Gallery” section.
3. Search for “Set App Icon” in the search bar and select the “Set App Icon” workflow.
4. Tap on the “+” icon to add the “Open App” action.
5. Choose the app for which you want to change the lock screen icon.
6. Tap on the “+” icon again and select the “Choose from Photos” action.
7. Select the desired custom icon image from your photo library.
8. Tap on the “Share” button and select “Add to Home Screen” from the menu.
9. Enter a name for the shortcut and tap on “Add” to add it to your home screen.
Pros:
1. Allows for customization of lock screen icons using custom images.
2. Provides a wide range of customization options for app icons.
3. Custom icons can be easily changed anytime.
Cons:
1. Requires manual creation of shortcuts for each app.
2. Lock screen icons are not directly changed but are accessed through shortcuts.
3. May not support all apps and may have limitations on icon customization for some apps.
What to Do If You Can’t Change Lock Screen Icons
If you encounter difficulties or limitations in changing lock screen icons on your iPhone, here are three alternative solutions you can try:
1. Use iOS customization features: Although changing lock screen icons might not be directly possible on iOS, you can still customize other aspects of your device, such as wallpapers, widgets, and app layouts. Experimenting with these customization features can help you create a unique look for your iPhone without changing the lock screen icons.
2. Jailbreak your iPhone: Jailbreaking is a process that allows you to bypass Apple’s restrictions and gain full control over your iPhone’s system. By jailbreaking your device, you can access various customization tweaks and apps that enable you to change lock screen icons and perform other advanced customizations. However, it is important to note that jailbreaking voids your warranty and may introduce security risks.
3. Consider using Android: If customization is a high priority for you and changing lock screen icons is essential, you might want to consider switching to an Android device. Android provides a higher level of customization flexibility compared to iOS, allowing users to change lock screen icons, themes, and other aspects of the user interface more easily.
Bonus Tips
- Backup your iPhone before making any significant customization changes to prevent data loss.
- Regularly check for updates and new features in icon customization apps to explore more options.
- Experiment with different icon styles, colors, and themes to find the best look for your lock screen.
The Bottom Line
Changing lock screen icons on your iPhone can transform the visual experience of using your device. Whether you choose to use the Shortcuts app, icon customization apps, Widgetsmith, or the Workflow app, each method offers a unique way to personalize your lock screen icons. By following the step-by-step guides provided in this blog post and considering alternative solutions, you can successfully change lock screen icons on your iPhone and create a look that reflects your individuality.
5 FAQs about Changing Lock Screen Icons on iPhone
Q1: Can I change lock screen icons without using third-party apps?
A: Yes, you can use the Shortcuts app or the Workflow app (now known as Shortcuts) to change lock screen icons without relying on third-party apps.
Q2: Can I change lock screen icons on older versions of iPhone?
A: Yes, you can change lock screen icons on older versions of iPhone as long as they are running compatible versions of iOS that support the necessary features.
Q3: Will changing lock screen icons affect the functionality of apps?
A: Changing lock screen icons does not affect the functionality of apps. It is merely a visual customization that alters the appearance of app icons on the lock screen.
Q4: Can I change lock screen icons without jailbreaking my iPhone?
A: Yes, you can change lock screen icons without jailbreaking your iPhone by using the methods outlined in this blog post, such as the Shortcuts app, icon customization apps, Widgetsmith, or the Workflow app.
Q5: Can I revert back to the original lock screen icons after changing them?
A: Yes, you can revert back to the original lock screen icons by either deleting the custom shortcuts or widgets created or by uninstalling the icon customization app that you used.