Beginners Guide to Adding App Icons with Shortcuts

One of my favorite things to do is organize and personalize things. Especially on my phone's home screen! I love to pick a theme such as a color or a season and 'input' it into my phone. One way to do just that is with the Shortcuts app, which is the way that I do it. It's a simple, albeit, a little time-consuming way to beautify your phone's home screen. Without further ado, here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to add app icons to your phone with the Shortcuts app, accompanied by pictures:

Pre-step:

Download the shortcuts app to your phone if you don't have it already. The app should be available to download on Android, Galaxy, Samsung, and Apple phones. The logo should look like the picture on the left.

Step 1

Open your Shortcuts app and press the plus button on the top right corner of your screen to add a new shortcut.

Step 2

On the top of your screen where it says 'New Shortcut' tap the arrow and click the option 'Rename' and name your shortcut.

Step 3

Then tap the button that says 'Add Action' and type in Open App and click the option when it pops up.

Step 4

Tap on the faded App button and search for the app you want to make a shortcut for.

Step 5

Tap on the down arrow at the top again and tap the option that says 'Add to Home Screen'

Step 6

Tap the symbol under the 'Home Screen Name and Icon' section and choose your option.

Step 7

If you used files or photos click the picture you want your icon to be then click the 'Add' button on the top right corner.

It should immediately take you to your home screen and show you your app.

From there you just move it to where you want it on your home screen.

Then repeat with your next icon.

As I said, this is a time-consuming way to add new icons, and if you want an easier way I suggest getting an app that best suits your needs and interests. However, most apps have in-app purchases that prevent you from using icons that you love, and Shortcuts is completely free. Even so, if you use shortcuts, you will need to look up app icon types online and screenshot/save them as photos or buy some online, or you could even make your own with Canva or another graphic design program.