How to Change iPhone Icon Background Color and Customize Your Home Screen

Introduction

Hey readers!

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to change the icon background color on your iPhone. Whether you’re a seasoned iOS user or a newbie, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information to personalize your iPhone’s home screen and make it truly your own.

Get ready to explore the creative possibilities of customizing your iPhone’s aesthetics. Let’s dive right in!

Section 1: Understanding the Basics of Icon Customization

Understanding the Limitations

Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t natively allow you to directly change the background color of app icons. However, don’t let this deter you! There are still plenty of ways to achieve a similar effect using third-party apps and workarounds.

Using the Shortcuts App

The Shortcuts app, pre-installed on all iPhones running iOS 13 or later, offers a powerful way to automate tasks and customize your iPhone. We’ll explore how to leverage this app to change your icon background colors.

Section 2: Customizing Icons with Shortcuts

Creating a Custom Shortcut

First, let’s create a custom shortcut that will change the icon of any app you choose. Open the Shortcuts app and tap on the plus (+) button in the top-right corner.

Next, tap on "Add Action" and search for "Open App." Select the "Open App" action and choose the app you want to customize.

Adding a Background Image

Now, let’s add a background image to the icon. Tap on "Add Action" again and search for "Image." Select the "Get Image from Photos" action and choose the image you want to use as the background.

Finally, tap on the "Share" button in the top-right corner and select "Add to Home Screen." Give the shortcut a name and tap on "Add."

Section 3: Using Icon Packs and Themes

Icon Packs

Icon packs offer a convenient way to change the appearance of multiple app icons at once. There are numerous icon packs available for download in the App Store.

Once you’ve downloaded an icon pack, you can simply choose the icons you want and follow the instructions provided by the app to apply them to your home screen.

Themes

Themes can transform the entire look and feel of your iPhone, including the app icons. Many themes are available in the App Store, and they typically come with a cohesive set of icons, wallpapers, and other customization options.

Section 4: Table Breakdown of Customization Options

Method Pros Cons
Shortcuts Allows for custom background images, free Requires creating shortcuts for each individual app
Icon Packs Easy to apply to multiple apps, cost may vary Limited customization options
Themes Comprehensive customization, can change multiple aspects of the iPhone May not be free, may introduce bugs

Conclusion

With the methods discussed in this guide, you now have the power to personalize your iPhone’s icon background colors and create a truly unique home screen. Remember to experiment with different apps and techniques to find the customization options that suit you best.

If you’re looking for more ways to customize your iPhone, be sure to check out our other articles on iOS customization and personalization. Keep exploring and make your iPhone truly your own!

FAQ about iPhone Change Icon Background Color

Q: Can I change the icon background color on my iPhone’s home screen?

A: Yes, you can use the Shortcuts app to create custom icons with a colored background.

Q: How do I create a custom icon with a colored background?

A:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app.
  2. Tap the "+" icon to create a new shortcut.
  3. Search for "Open App" and add it to the shortcut.
  4. Select the app you want to create an icon for.
  5. Tap the ellipsis icon ("…") and select "Add to Home Screen."
  6. Enter a name for the shortcut, provide an icon, and tap "Add."
  7. Long-press the new icon and tap "Edit Home Screen."
  8. Tap the icon and select the "Background Color" option.
  9. Choose the desired color for the background.

Q: How do I remove the background color from a custom icon?

A:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app.
  2. Select the shortcut with the custom icon.
  3. Tap the ellipsis icon ("…") and select "Edit Shortcut."
  4. Tap the "Icon" section.
  5. Tap the "Background Color" option and select "None."

Q: Can I use a photo or image as the background color for my icon?

A: Yes, you can use the "Choose Image" option to select a photo or image from your library or take a new one.

Q: How do I change the shape of the custom icon?

A: You can choose between the shapes "Square," "Circle," or "Rounded Rectangle." Select the desired shape from the "Shape" option in the "Icon" section.

Q: Can I make the custom icon transparent?

A: Yes, you can choose the "Transparency" option in the "Background Color" section and adjust the transparency level to make the icon partially or fully transparent.

Q: Why isn’t my custom icon showing up on the home screen?

A: Make sure you have added the shortcut to your home screen by tapping "Add to Home Screen" when saving the shortcut.

Q: Can I create custom icons for any app?

A: Yes, you can create custom icons for most apps installed on your iPhone, including third-party apps.

Q: Does changing the icon background color affect the app’s functionality?

A: No, changing the icon background color does not affect the functionality of the app. It is purely a cosmetic change.

Q: Can I share my custom icons with others?

A: Yes, you can share your custom icons with others via the Shortcuts app. Open the shortcut with the custom icon and tap the "Share" button to send it to your contacts or through other sharing options.