You can change your Instagram app icon on Android by using the app's built-in theme settings or by creating a custom home screen shortcut

Instagram on Android offers two main ways to change how the app icon appears on your home screen. The first is through Instagram's own settings, where you can switch between a few preset icon designs. The second is by creating a custom shortcut on your home screen that points to Instagram but displays a different image. Which method works depends on which version of Instagram you have and what look you want to achieve.

The built-in method is simpler but offers fewer choices. The custom shortcut method takes a few more steps but lets you use any image you want as your icon.

Key Takeaways

  • Instagram's built-in icon themes are found in Settings > Appearance, and let you choose between a few preset designs without installing anything extra.
  • Custom home screen shortcuts let you create a second Instagram icon with a different image, though both will open the same app.
  • You can use your phone's built-in shortcut tools or third-party apps like Nova Launcher or KWGT to create custom icons.
  • Changing the icon does not change how the app works or what notifications you receive — it is only a visual change on your home screen.

Using Instagram's built-in theme settings

Open Instagram and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Look for Appearance in the list. Tap it to see the icon options Instagram offers.

The available icons vary depending on your Instagram version, but typically include the standard colorful icon, a black version, and sometimes a gradient or minimalist design. Tap the icon you want to use, and it will change on your home screen immediately. This method works on most Android phones and does not require any additional apps.

Creating a custom shortcut with Android's built-in tools

If you want an icon that is not in Instagram's preset options, you can create a custom home screen shortcut. Long-press an empty area of your home screen until a menu appears. Tap Widgets or Create shortcut (the exact wording depends on your phone's manufacturer). Search for Instagram in the list of apps.

Select Instagram from the results. Your phone will ask you to choose an image for the shortcut icon. You can take a photo, pick one from your gallery, or use a pre-made icon image you have saved. After you select the image and confirm, the shortcut will appear on your home screen. Tapping it opens Instagram just like the regular app icon does.

This method creates a second icon on your home screen rather than replacing the original one. You can delete the original Instagram icon if you prefer to use only the custom shortcut, or keep both if you like having options.

Using a launcher app for more icon choices

Nova Launcher and Microsoft Launcher are two popular Android launchers that let you change app icons across your entire home screen. Download one from the Google Play Store and set it as your default launcher. Open the launcher's settings and look for icon pack options or theme settings.

Many icon packs are free and include custom Instagram icons in different styles. Once you apply an icon pack, the Instagram icon (and all your other app icons) will change to match the pack's design. This approach works well if you want a cohesive look across all your apps rather than just changing Instagram.

Some icon packs cost money, but many free options are available. If you decide you do not like a launcher, you can switch back to your phone's default launcher in Settings > Apps > Default apps, and your icons will return to normal.

Using widget apps like KWGT for custom icon designs

KWGT and similar widget apps let you create custom icons by downloading pre-made designs and placing them on your home screen. Download KWGT from the Google Play Store, then browse the available icon designs. Many are free, though some creators offer paid designs.

Once you find an Instagram icon design you like, add it to your home screen as a widget. The widget will display the custom icon image. You can then tap it to open Instagram. This method gives you access to thousands of designs created by the community, so you have far more choices than Instagram's built-in themes or a single icon pack.

The downside is that widgets can take up more home screen space than regular icons, and some designs may not update as quickly as the app itself.

What happens to notifications when you change the icon

Changing your Instagram icon does not affect notifications. Whether you use Instagram's built-in themes, a custom shortcut, or a launcher app, you will still receive notification badges showing new messages, likes, and comments. The notification count appears on top of whichever icon you are using.

If you create multiple Instagram shortcuts or icons on your home screen, notifications will only appear on the original app icon, not on the custom shortcuts. This is why most people keep the original icon or replace it entirely rather than keeping both.

Removing custom icons and returning to the default

If you created a custom shortcut and want to remove it, long-press the icon and tap Remove or Delete. The original Instagram app icon will still be on your home screen unless you deleted it separately.

If you switched to a custom launcher and want to go back to your phone's default launcher, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps (or Home app on some phones) and select your phone's original launcher. Your icons will return to their default appearance. Any custom shortcuts you created will disappear, but the Instagram app itself remains installed and works normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the icon affect my Instagram account or data?

No. Changing the icon is purely visual and does not touch your account, messages, photos, or any data. You are only changing how the app appears on your home screen.

Can I use the same custom icon for multiple apps?

Yes. You can create shortcuts with the same image for different apps. This is useful if you want a matching set of icons across your home screen.

Do I need to pay for a custom icon or launcher?

No. Instagram's built-in themes are free, and most launcher apps and icon packs are free to download. Some premium icon packs and launcher features cost money, but free options work well for most people.

What if the icon does not change after I select a new one?

Try closing Instagram completely and reopening it. If that does not work, restart your phone. If you are using a custom shortcut, make sure you tapped the correct image and confirmed the selection before closing the menu.

Can I change the icon back to the original?

Yes. If you used Instagram's built-in themes, go back to Appearance and select the original icon. If you created a custom shortcut, delete it and use the original app icon instead. If you switched launchers, change back to your default launcher in Settings.