Hey guys! Ever wondered if you could jazz up your Instagram app icon? Well, in 2020, Instagram let users change their app icon to celebrate its 10th birthday. It was a blast from the past with classic icons making a comeback. Sadly, that feature is gone now, but don't worry! There are still some cool ways to customize your home screen and give your Instagram icon a fresh new look in 2024. I'm going to walk you through how to do it, step by step. So, let's dive in and get your Instagram icon looking snazzy!

Why Change Your Instagram Icon?

Instagram icon customization isn't just about aesthetics; it's about expressing your personal style and making your phone feel more like you. Think of it as giving your digital space a little makeover! Changing your Instagram icon can provide a fresh and exciting feel every time you unlock your phone. It's like giving your phone a mini makeover, making it feel new and exciting. Plus, it can be a fun way to celebrate special occasions or milestones. Imagine switching to a festive icon during the holidays or using a special edition icon to commemorate a personal achievement. Beyond the visual appeal, changing your Instagram icon can also improve your phone's organization. By assigning unique icons to different apps, you can quickly identify and launch the ones you use most often. This can save you time and effort, especially if you have a lot of apps installed. For example, you might choose a minimalist icon for your productivity apps and a colorful icon for your social media apps. This visual distinction can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. And, let’s be real, it’s just plain fun to experiment with different looks and see what suits your style. You might discover a hidden talent for design or find a new way to express your personality through your digital devices. So, go ahead and give it a try! You might be surprised at how much you enjoy the process and the results.

Method 1: Using iOS Shortcuts (iPhone)

If you're an iPhone user, the iOS Shortcuts app is your best friend for customizing your Instagram icon. This method is super easy and doesn't require any third-party apps. First, you'll need to find or create a new icon image that you like. You can search online for free icon packs or design your own using apps like Canva or Procreate. Once you have your new icon image ready, open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. If you can't find it, swipe down from the middle of your home screen and search for "Shortcuts" in the search bar. Tap the plus (+) button in the top right corner to create a new shortcut. Next, tap "Add Action" and search for "Open App". Select the "Open App" action. Tap on the "App" text in the action and choose "Instagram" from the list of apps. Now, tap the three dots (...) in the top right corner of the screen to open the shortcut details. Give your shortcut a name, like "Instagram New Icon". Then, tap "Add to Home Screen". On the next screen, you'll see the option to change the icon. Tap the default icon and choose "Choose Photo" to select the new icon image you saved earlier. Adjust the image if needed and tap "Choose". Finally, tap "Add" in the top right corner. A new Instagram icon will now appear on your home screen! You can move the original Instagram icon to your App Library or hide it in a folder to avoid confusion. Remember, this method creates a shortcut that opens the Instagram app, so it's not a direct replacement of the original icon. But it's a simple and effective way to customize your home screen and give your Instagram icon a fresh new look.

Method 2: Using App Icon Changer (Android)

For Android users, the App Icon Changer apps are the way to go for customizing your app icons. These apps let you change the appearance of your app icons without needing to root your device. Keep in mind that while these apps are generally safe, it’s always a good idea to read reviews and check permissions before installing anything on your phone. First, head over to the Google Play Store and search for "App Icon Changer". There are several options available, such as "Icon Changer Free" or "Awesome Icons". Choose one that has good ratings and a decent number of downloads. Once you've installed the app, open it and you'll see a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Find "Instagram" in the list and tap on it. The app will then give you options to change the icon. You can usually choose from a variety of pre-installed icons or upload your own image from your gallery. If you want to use a custom image, make sure you have it saved on your phone. After selecting your new icon, you can also change the app's name if you want to. This is optional, but it can be a fun way to personalize your home screen even further. Once you're happy with your new icon and name, tap "OK" or "Apply". The app will then create a shortcut on your home screen with the new icon. You can move the original Instagram icon to your app drawer or hide it in a folder to keep your home screen clean. Note that this method creates a shortcut, similar to the iOS method. It doesn't directly change the original app icon, but it's a great way to customize your home screen and give your Instagram icon a unique look.

Method 3: Using Custom Launchers (Android)

Another cool way for Android users to customize their app icons, including Instagram, is by using custom launchers. These launchers not only let you change icons but also offer a ton of other customization options to revamp your entire home screen experience. Think of it as giving your phone a complete makeover! Some popular custom launchers include Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and Action Launcher. These launchers are available on the Google Play Store and are generally free to download, although some may offer premium features for a small fee. Once you've downloaded and installed a custom launcher, you'll need to set it as your default launcher. When you press the home button, your phone will ask you which launcher you want to use. Choose the one you just installed. After setting up your custom launcher, you can start customizing your app icons. The process varies slightly depending on the launcher you're using, but generally, you'll need to long-press on the Instagram icon on your home screen or app drawer. A menu will pop up with options to edit or customize the icon. From there, you can choose a new icon from a built-in icon pack or upload your own image from your gallery. Many custom launchers also support icon packs from the Google Play Store, giving you access to thousands of different icon styles. You can even change the size and shape of the icons to create a truly unique look. Custom launchers offer a lot more than just icon customization. They also let you change the layout of your home screen, add widgets, customize gestures, and much more. This makes them a powerful tool for personalizing your Android device and making it truly your own. However, keep in mind that using a custom launcher may require some initial setup and configuration. It may take some time to get everything looking exactly the way you want it. But once you've got it set up, you'll have a personalized home screen that reflects your style and preferences.

Finding Icon Packs and Images

Finding the perfect icon packs and images to customize your Instagram icon can be a fun and creative process. The internet is full of resources where you can find both free and premium icons to suit your style. One of the best places to start is the Google Play Store (for Android users) or the App Store (for iOS users). Search for "icon packs" and you'll find a wide variety of options, ranging from minimalist designs to colorful and playful icons. Many icon packs are free to download, while others require a small purchase. Another great resource is websites like Flaticon and Iconfinder. These websites offer a vast library of icons in various styles and formats. You can browse through their collections and download the ones you like for free, although some icons may require attribution. If you're feeling creative, you can also design your own icons using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva. Canva is a great option for beginners, as it's easy to use and offers a wide range of templates and design tools. You can create custom icons from scratch or modify existing ones to match your personal style. When searching for icon images, make sure to choose high-quality images that are the right size and resolution for your phone's screen. Low-quality images may look pixelated or blurry when used as icons. It's also important to choose images that are visually appealing and easy to recognize. After all, the goal is to make your Instagram icon stand out and be easily identifiable on your home screen. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and designs until you find the perfect icon that reflects your personality and preferences. Customizing your app icons is a fun way to personalize your phone and make it truly your own.

Potential Risks and Considerations

Before you dive into changing your Instagram icon, there are a few potential risks and considerations you should keep in mind. While the methods described above are generally safe, it's always a good idea to be aware of the potential downsides. One of the main risks is downloading apps from unknown or untrusted sources. Some app icon changer apps may contain malware or viruses that can harm your device or steal your personal information. To avoid this, always download apps from reputable sources like the Google Play Store or the App Store. Before installing any app, read the reviews and check the permissions it requests. If an app asks for permissions that seem unnecessary or suspicious, it's best to avoid it. Another consideration is that using custom launchers or app icon changer apps may affect your phone's performance. Some launchers can be resource-intensive and may slow down your device or drain your battery. If you notice a significant decrease in performance after installing a custom launcher, you may want to consider switching to a lighter alternative. It's also important to note that changing your Instagram icon using these methods doesn't actually change the original app icon. Instead, it creates a shortcut on your home screen with the new icon. This means that you'll still see the original Instagram icon in your app drawer or when you receive notifications. If you want to completely replace the original icon, you may need to root your Android device, which is a more advanced and risky procedure. Finally, keep in mind that Instagram may release updates that change the way the app interacts with custom launchers or app icon changer apps. This could potentially break the functionality of these apps or cause unexpected issues. To avoid any problems, it's always a good idea to keep your apps updated to the latest version. By being aware of these potential risks and considerations, you can safely customize your Instagram icon and enjoy a personalized home screen experience.

Conclusion

So there you have it, changing your Instagram icon in 2024 is totally doable, even though the official feature is gone. Whether you're on iPhone or Android, there are plenty of ways to give your home screen a fresh new look. For iPhone users, the iOS Shortcuts app is a simple and effective way to create custom icons. Android users can choose between app icon changer apps and custom launchers, depending on how much customization they want. Remember to download apps from trusted sources and be aware of potential risks. With a little creativity and effort, you can create a personalized home screen that reflects your style and preferences. Have fun experimenting with different icons and designs, and don't be afraid to try something new! Now go ahead and give your Instagram icon a makeover!