Duolingo lets you swap the app icon for different designs without reinstalling
Duolingo has built-in icon options you can switch between directly in the app settings. On both iPhone and Android, you open Duolingo, go to your profile, find the icon settings, and pick a new design. The change happens instantly on your home screen — you don't need to delete and reinstall the app.
The available icons vary by device type and change periodically as Duolingo adds new designs. Some are seasonal, some are character-themed, and some are just different color versions of the standard icon. You can switch back and forth between any available icon as many times as you want.
Key Takeaways
- Open Duolingo, tap your profile icon, scroll to App Icon, and select from the available designs to change it instantly.
- iPhone and Android have different icon options available, and Duolingo rotates designs seasonally and for special events.
- Changing the icon does not affect your progress, streaks, or account — it is purely visual.
- If you do not see the App Icon option, update Duolingo to the latest version from your app store.
How to change the icon on iPhone
Open the Duolingo app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. This takes you to your account settings page. Scroll down until you see App Icon — it appears below settings like notifications and sound.
Tap App Icon to see all available designs. Each one shows a preview of how it will look on your home screen. Tap the icon you want to use, and it changes immediately. You will see the new icon on your iPhone home screen within a few seconds.
If you do not see the App Icon option, make sure you have the latest version of Duolingo. Open the App Store, search for Duolingo, and tap Update if one is available. Then return to your profile and try again.
How to change the icon on Android
Open Duolingo and tap your profile picture in the bottom right. Scroll down to find App Icon in the settings menu. The option sits near other customization settings like notifications and sound preferences.
Tap App Icon to view the available designs. Select the one you want, and the change takes effect immediately on your Android home screen. You may need to wait a few seconds for the icon to refresh if you are looking at your home screen at the same time.
On some Android phones, you might need to long-press the Duolingo icon on your home screen and tap Update to see the new design right away. If the App Icon option does not appear, check the Google Play Store for a Duolingo update and install it before trying again.
What happens to your progress when you change the icon
Changing the app icon changes nothing about your account. Your streak, your level, your lingots, and all your progress stay exactly the same. The icon change is only visual — it affects how the app looks on your home screen, not how it works inside.
You can switch icons as many times as you want without any penalty or delay. There is no limit to how often you change it, and you can go back to the original icon at any time.
Why some icons might not be available
Duolingo rotates icon designs regularly. Some icons are only available during certain seasons or events — for example, a holiday-themed icon might only appear in December, or a special design might be available for a limited time during a Duolingo event.
If you see fewer icons than you expected, it may be because you are between seasonal rotations. Check back in a few weeks to see if new designs appear. You can also see which icons were available in the past by looking at the full list in the App Icon menu — grayed-out icons are ones that are not currently available.
Troubleshooting if the icon will not change
If you tap an icon and it does not change on your home screen, try closing Duolingo completely and reopening it. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom to close the app. On Android, swipe up from the bottom or use your recent apps menu to close it. Then open Duolingo again and check your home screen.
If the icon still has not changed after a few seconds, restart your phone. This clears the app cache and usually fixes display issues. After restarting, open Duolingo and check your home screen again.
If the App Icon option is missing entirely, update Duolingo to the latest version. Open the App Store on iPhone or Google Play Store on Android, search for Duolingo, and tap Update. Older versions of the app may not have the icon-changing feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a custom icon that is not in the app?
No. Duolingo only lets you choose from the icons it provides in the App Icon menu. You cannot upload your own design or use a completely custom icon through the app itself. However, on iPhone you can create a custom Shortcut that launches Duolingo with a different icon using the Shortcuts app, though this is more complicated and creates a separate icon on your home screen.
Do I need to update the app to change the icon?
You need to have a reasonably recent version of Duolingo. If the App Icon option does not appear in your profile settings, check your app store for an update. Most versions from the last year or two support icon changing, but very old versions may not have the feature.
Will changing the icon log me out or lose my data?
No. Changing the icon is a visual-only change that does not touch your account, progress, or login status. Your streak, level, and all your learning data remain exactly as they were.
What if my phone does not show the new icon right away?
Wait a few seconds — sometimes the home screen takes time to refresh. If it still shows the old icon, close Duolingo completely and reopen it, or restart your phone. The icon should update within a few seconds after that.
Can I change the icon on a computer or web version?
No. The icon-changing feature only works in the mobile app on iPhone and Android. The web version of Duolingo does not have this option because it does not have an icon on your home screen.