You can change the Instagram app icon on Android through the app's settings menu in under a minute
Instagram lets you swap out the standard colorful camera icon for alternative designs directly from the app. The process works on any Android phone running a recent version of Instagram. You do not need to download a separate launcher or use third-party tools — the option lives in Instagram's own settings menu.
The alternative icons available depend on which version of Instagram you have installed. Instagram periodically adds new icon designs, so the exact options you see may differ from what another person sees. The change is purely visual and does not affect how the app works or what notifications you receive.
Key Takeaways
- Open Instagram, tap your profile icon, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then scroll to find App icon and select a new design.
- Instagram offers several alternative icon styles beyond the default, though the exact options vary by app version.
- Changing the icon does not affect your account, messages, notifications, or any other app functionality.
- If you do not see the App icon option, update Instagram from the Google Play Store to the latest version.
How to change the icon through Instagram settings
Open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. This takes you to your profile page. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the top right, then tap Settings and privacy.
From the Settings and privacy menu, tap Settings. Scroll down through the list until you find App icon. Tap it to see the available icon designs. Select the one you want, and it changes immediately on your home screen. You do not need to restart the app or your phone.
What icon options are usually available
Instagram typically offers between three and six alternative icons, though this varies. The default icon is the colorful camera. Other common options include a gradient version, a monochrome black or white version, and occasionally limited-edition designs tied to seasonal events or brand partnerships.
The icon you choose is stored in your account settings, so if you uninstall and reinstall Instagram, your chosen icon will return when you log back in. Switching between icons does not require you to log out or restart anything.
Why the App icon option might not appear
If you do not see the App icon setting, your version of Instagram is likely outdated. Open the Google Play Store, search for Instagram, and tap Update if the button appears. Once the update finishes, close and reopen Instagram, then follow the steps above.
Older Android versions (below Android 5.0) may not support app icon customization, though this is rare on phones still in regular use. If you have updated Instagram and still do not see the option, your device may fall into this category.
Changing the icon using your phone's home screen settings
Some Android phones allow you to change app icons through the home screen itself, separate from Instagram's built-in option. Long-press the Instagram icon on your home screen and look for an Edit app, App info, or Customize option. Not all Android phones or launchers support this method, so it may not appear on your device.
This method is less reliable than using Instagram's settings because it depends on your phone's launcher (the software that manages your home screen). If the option does not appear, stick with the method described in the Instagram settings section above.
What happens when you change the icon
Changing the icon affects only what you see on your home screen. Your notifications, messages, followers, and all account data remain exactly the same. People who follow you will not see any change — the icon swap is local to your phone only.
If you share your phone with someone else, they will see whichever icon you selected when they open Instagram from your home screen. If they have their own Android device and Instagram account, they can choose a different icon on their own phone without affecting yours.
Switching back to the default icon
To return to the original Instagram icon, open Instagram, go to your profile, tap the menu icon, select Settings and privacy, then Settings, scroll to App icon, and select the default option (usually labeled as the original or standard design). The change takes effect immediately.
You can switch between icons as many times as you want. There is no limit to how often you change it, and each switch happens instantly without affecting any other part of the app or your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing the icon affect my notifications or messages?
No. The icon change is purely visual and does not affect how notifications work, how messages arrive, or any other functionality of the app. You will receive notifications exactly as you did before.
Can I use a custom icon that is not in Instagram's list?
Not through Instagram's official settings. You would need to use a third-party launcher app that supports custom icons, but this is more complicated and not necessary for most people. Instagram's built-in options are the simplest way to change the icon.
Will my chosen icon stay if I uninstall Instagram?
When you reinstall Instagram and log back into your account, your chosen icon will return automatically. Instagram stores this preference in your account settings, not on your phone.
Why do I see different icon options than my friend?
Instagram rolls out new icon designs gradually and may show different options based on your app version or region. Updating to the latest version of Instagram from the Google Play Store usually gives you access to the full set of available icons.
Can I change the icon on my phone but not on my tablet?
Yes. Each device stores its own icon preference. If you have Instagram on multiple Android devices, you can choose a different icon on each one independently.