Hey guys! Ever wanted to give your Instagram app icon a fresh, new look? Well, you're in luck! While Instagram doesn't natively support changing the app icon within the app settings anymore, there are still some cool workarounds you can use to customize your home screen. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to change your Instagram icon in 2024, making sure your phone's aesthetic is totally on point. We'll cover everything from using the Shortcuts app on iOS to third-party apps on Android. So, let's dive in and get your Instagram icon looking exactly how you want it! And don't worry, it's easier than you think! We're going to break it down step by step, so even if you're not super tech-savvy, you'll be able to follow along without any trouble. Ready to make your Instagram icon stand out? Let's do it!

Why Change Your Instagram Icon?

Okay, so before we jump into how to do it, let's quickly chat about why you might want to change your Instagram icon in the first place. There are actually a bunch of reasons! First off, it's a super fun way to personalize your phone. Let's be real, we all love making our devices feel a little more 'us', right? Changing the Instagram icon can be a simple yet effective way to add a personal touch. Maybe you're tired of the same old icon and want something that better matches your current vibe. Or perhaps you want to commemorate a special event or holiday with a themed icon. Think spooky icons for Halloween, festive ones for Christmas, or maybe even a custom icon featuring your favorite meme. The possibilities are endless!

Another reason is aesthetics. Maybe you're meticulously curating your home screen to achieve a certain look – minimalist, colorful, retro, you name it. The default Instagram icon might just not fit in with your carefully chosen color palette or overall theme. Changing the icon allows you to seamlessly integrate Instagram into your overall aesthetic vision. Plus, let's not forget the nostalgia factor. Instagram has had a few different icon designs over the years, and maybe you're feeling a bit sentimental for one of the older versions. Changing your icon back to a classic design can be a fun way to relive those memories. Finally, it's just a cool way to stand out. How many of your friends have a custom Instagram icon? Probably not many! This is a simple way to show off your creativity and tech skills. So, whether you're looking to personalize your phone, improve your aesthetic, or just have some fun, changing your Instagram icon is a great way to do it. Now that we've covered the why, let's get to the how!

Method 1: Using the Shortcuts App on iOS

Alright, iOS users, this one's for you! The easiest way to change your Instagram icon on your iPhone is by using the built-in Shortcuts app. This method doesn't actually change the original app icon, but it creates a new icon on your home screen that opens Instagram when you tap it. Think of it as a clever workaround! Here’s how to do it:

1. Find or create your new icon: Before you start, you'll need the image you want to use as your new Instagram icon. You can find tons of free icon images online with a quick Google search, or you can even create your own using a photo editing app. Just make sure the image is a square and high-resolution for the best results.
2. Open the Shortcuts app: If you can't find it, swipe down from the middle of your home screen and search for "Shortcuts" in the search bar.
3. Create a new shortcut: Tap the plus (+) icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut.
4. Add an action: Tap "Add Action". In the search bar, type "Open App" and select the "Open App" action.
5. Choose the app: Tap the word "App" in the shortcut action. A list of your apps will appear. Scroll down and select "Instagram."
6. Name your shortcut: Tap the three dots (...) in the top right corner of the screen. Give your shortcut a name – something like "Instagram (New)" or whatever you prefer. This is the name that will appear under the new icon on your home screen.
7. Add to Home Screen: Tap "Add to Home Screen." Here, you can customize the icon and the name that appears on your home screen.
8. Change the icon image: Tap the default icon image. You'll have the option to "Choose Photo" or "Take Photo." Select "Choose Photo" and select the image you want to use as your new Instagram icon.
9. Adjust the icon name (optional): You can also change the name that appears under the icon on your home screen. If you're happy with the name you chose earlier, you can leave it as is.
10. Add to Home Screen: Tap "Add" in the top right corner. The new Instagram icon will now appear on your home screen!

And that's it! You've successfully created a custom Instagram icon using the Shortcuts app. You can now move the original Instagram icon to your App Library (by long-pressing the icon and selecting "Move to App Library") to keep your home screen clean and organized. Remember, this method doesn't actually change the original app icon, so you'll still need the original app installed on your phone. But hey, it's a super easy way to customize your home screen and add a personal touch to your Instagram experience!

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps on Android

Okay, Android users, let's get you guys sorted out! While iOS has the Shortcuts app, Android offers a bit more flexibility when it comes to customization. There are several third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that allow you to change your Instagram icon and even customize other aspects of your phone's appearance. Keep in mind that the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the app you choose, but the general process is pretty similar. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Choose a launcher app: The most common way to change app icons on Android is by using a custom launcher. A launcher is basically the interface that you see when you turn on your phone – it controls the look and feel of your home screen, app drawer, and more. There are tons of launcher apps available on the Google Play Store, such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and Action Launcher. Many of these launchers offer icon pack support, which makes it easy to change the look of all your app icons at once.
2. Install and set up the launcher: Download your chosen launcher app from the Google Play Store and install it. When you open the app for the first time, it will usually guide you through the setup process. This may involve granting the app certain permissions and choosing it as your default launcher.
3. Find an icon pack (optional): If you want to change all your app icons at once, you can download an icon pack from the Google Play Store. There are tons of free and paid icon packs available, covering a wide range of styles and themes. Search for "icon pack" in the Play Store to browse the available options.
4. Change the Instagram icon: Once you have your launcher set up, you can change the Instagram icon in a few different ways. Some launchers allow you to long-press on the Instagram icon on your home screen or in the app drawer and select an option like "Edit" or "Change Icon." This will usually open a screen where you can choose a new icon from your phone's gallery or from an icon pack.
5. Customize individually: Some launchers also allow you to customize the icon by adjusting its size, shape, and color. This can be a great way to create a truly unique and personalized look for your Instagram icon.
6. Apply the changes: Once you've chosen your new Instagram icon, be sure to apply the changes to save your customization. The exact steps for doing this will vary depending on the launcher you're using.

Important Considerations for Android Users:

• Security: When downloading third-party apps, always make sure you're downloading from a reputable source like the Google Play Store. Read reviews and check the app's permissions before installing it to make sure it's safe and doesn't contain any malware.
• Battery Life: Some launcher apps and icon packs can use more battery than others. If you notice that your battery life is significantly shorter after installing a new launcher or icon pack, you may want to try a different option.
• Compatibility: Not all icon packs are compatible with all launchers. Before downloading an icon pack, check the app's description to make sure it's compatible with your chosen launcher.

With a little bit of experimentation, you can easily customize your Instagram icon on your Android phone and create a look that's totally you. So go ahead, download a launcher, find an icon pack, and start customizing! Have fun!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Okay, so sometimes things don't go exactly as planned, right? Here are a few common issues you might run into when changing your Instagram icon and how to fix them:

• The new icon doesn't appear:
  • iOS: Make sure you've followed all the steps in the Shortcuts app correctly. Double-check that you've added the shortcut to your home screen and that you've selected the correct image for the icon.
  • Android: If you're using a launcher app, make sure you've set it as your default launcher in your phone's settings. Also, try restarting your phone to see if that helps.
• The new icon opens the wrong app:
  • iOS: In the Shortcuts app, make sure you've selected "Instagram" as the app to open when the shortcut is tapped.
  • Android: In your launcher settings, double-check that the new icon is linked to the Instagram app.
• The icon image is blurry or low-quality:
  • Make sure you're using a high-resolution image for your icon. Ideally, the image should be at least 512x512 pixels.
• The icon pack isn't working:
  • Android: Make sure the icon pack is compatible with your chosen launcher. Some icon packs only work with specific launchers. Also, try clearing the cache and data for the launcher app in your phone's settings.
• The original Instagram icon is still visible:
  • iOS: You can move the original Instagram icon to your App Library to keep your home screen clean and organized. Long-press the icon and select "Move to App Library."
  • Android: You can usually hide the original Instagram icon in your launcher settings.

If you're still having trouble, try searching online for solutions specific to your device and launcher app. There are tons of forums and communities where people share tips and tricks for customizing their phones. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks! Changing your Instagram icon in 2024 is totally doable, even if Instagram doesn't offer a direct way to do it within the app itself. Whether you're an iOS user rocking the Shortcuts app or an Android enthusiast exploring the world of custom launchers, there's a method out there for you. Remember, it's all about adding that personal touch and making your phone truly your own. So go ahead, get creative, experiment with different icons and themes, and have some fun! And if you run into any snags along the way, don't sweat it – just refer back to the troubleshooting tips we covered earlier. Now go out there and give your Instagram icon a fresh new look. Happy customizing!