Huawei phones let you change app icons through themes, icon packs, and launcher settings

Huawei devices offer several ways to customize your home screen by changing how app icons look. The most straightforward method is using themes built into EMUI (Huawei's operating system), which change icons across your entire phone at once. If you want more control, you can install a third-party launcher or icon pack from the Huawei AppGallery, or use the phone's built-in icon editor to change individual app icons. The method you choose depends on whether you want a complete visual overhaul or just want to tweak specific icons.

Each approach takes a different amount of time and gives you different levels of control. Themes are the fastest but offer the least flexibility. Individual icon editing takes longer but lets you keep your existing setup. Third-party launchers and icon packs sit in the middle — they give you more options without replacing your entire interface.

Key Takeaways

  • Huawei's built-in Themes app is the fastest way to change all your app icons at once, and many themes are free or cost a small amount.
  • You can change individual app icons by long-pressing an app, selecting "Edit icon," and choosing a new image from your gallery or the icon library.
  • Third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher give you more customization options but replace your entire home screen interface.
  • Icon packs from the Huawei AppGallery work with your existing launcher and let you change icons without switching your entire interface.

Using Huawei's built-in Themes app to change all icons at once

The quickest way to change your app icons is through the Themes app, which comes pre-installed on most Huawei phones. Open the Themes app, tap the "Themes" tab at the bottom, and browse the available options. Each theme includes a complete visual package — new icons, wallpaper, and sometimes lock screen designs. Tap a theme to preview it, then tap "Apply" to install it across your phone.

Many themes are free, though some cost between 2 and 10 yuan (roughly $0.30 to $1.50 USD, though pricing varies by region). Once you apply a theme, all your app icons change to match that theme's design. If you want to go back to your original icons, open Themes again and select "Default" or the original theme your phone shipped with. The change takes effect immediately without requiring a restart.

Changing individual app icons without a theme

If you only want to change specific app icons, you can edit them one at a time. Long-press the app icon on your home screen until a menu appears, then tap "Edit icon." A window will open showing your current icon and options to change it.

You can choose a new icon from Huawei's built-in icon library by tapping "Select from icon library," or you can use a photo from your phone's gallery by tapping "Select from gallery." If you use a gallery image, the phone will let you crop and resize it to fit the icon space. Tap "Save" when you're done. This method works for individual apps and doesn't affect other icons on your phone, so you can mix and match icons from different sources.

Installing icon packs from Huawei AppGallery

Icon packs are collections of replacement icons designed by third-party creators. They work with your existing launcher and let you change how apps look without switching your entire interface. Open the Huawei AppGallery, search for "icon pack," and browse the available options. Popular choices include "Linebit," "Pixel Icons," and "Evo Icon Pack," though availability varies by region.

Download and install an icon pack, then long-press your home screen and tap "Themes" or "Icon pack settings" (the exact wording depends on your EMUI version). Select the icon pack you just installed, and your app icons will change to match that pack's design. If the icon pack doesn't include a replacement for every app, those apps will keep their original icons. You can have multiple icon packs installed and switch between them at any time.

Using a third-party launcher for complete customization

If you want full control over your home screen layout, icon style, and organization, you can install a third-party launcher. Popular options available on Huawei AppGallery include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and Poco Launcher. Download and install your chosen launcher, then open it and follow the setup steps.

Once installed, long-press your home screen and tap "Home screen settings" or "Launcher settings," then select your new launcher as the default. Your phone will ask you to confirm — tap "Always" to make it permanent. From that point on, your new launcher controls your home screen, and you can customize icons, grid size, animations, and layout to your preference. To switch back to Huawei's default launcher, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Home screen, and select "Huawei Home."

Troubleshooting icon changes that don't appear

If you apply a theme or icon pack and the icons don't change, try restarting your phone. Sometimes EMUI needs to reload to display the new icons properly. If that doesn't work, open the Themes app and reapply the theme by tapping "Apply" again.

If you're using a third-party launcher and icons still look wrong, check that the launcher is set as your default home screen. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Home screen and confirm your launcher is selected. If you installed an icon pack but it's not showing up in your launcher's settings, the pack may not be compatible with that launcher — try a different icon pack or launcher instead. Clearing your launcher's cache can also help: go to Settings > Apps, find your launcher, tap "Storage," and tap "Clear cache."

Reverting to your original app icons

To go back to your phone's original icons, open the Themes app and tap "Default" or the theme your phone came with (usually labeled with your phone model name). Tap "Apply" and your icons will return to their original appearance.

If you were using a third-party launcher, switch back to Huawei Home by going to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Home screen and selecting "Huawei Home." If you were using an icon pack, open your launcher's settings and disable or uninstall the icon pack. Your original icons will reappear immediately. If you edited individual icons and want to reset them, you'll need to edit each one again and select the original icon from the icon library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix icons from different themes?

No — when you apply a theme, all your icons change together as a set. If you want to mix icons from different sources, use the individual icon editing method (long-press an app and select "Edit icon") or install a third-party launcher with an icon pack, which gives you more granular control.

Will changing my app icons affect how the apps work?

No. Changing an icon only changes how the app looks on your home screen. The app itself works exactly the same way, and all your data and settings remain unchanged.

Do I need to download themes from outside the Themes app?

No. The Themes app built into your phone connects directly to Huawei's theme store, so you don't need to search elsewhere. All themes available for your phone model are shown in the app.

What happens if I uninstall a launcher I was using?

Your phone will automatically switch back to Huawei Home as your default launcher. Any customizations you made with that launcher will disappear, but your apps and data will remain intact.

Can I create my own custom icon pack?

Most third-party launchers let you change individual icons by long-pressing them and selecting a new image, but creating a full icon pack that works across your phone requires technical knowledge and icon design software. For most users, editing individual icons or using existing icon packs is simpler.