Are you tired of looking at awkward, mismatched, or just plain confusing icons on your Android device? Maybe you experimented with a new launcher or theme, only to realize it wasn’t for you. Or perhaps you accidentally changed an icon and now you can’t figure out how to switch it back. Whatever the reason, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to change your Android icons back to their original, beautiful selves.
Why Icon Customization Can be Problematic
Before we dive into the solution, it’s essential to understand why icon customization can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, customizing your Android icons can be a great way to personalize your device and make it stand out from the crowd. You can choose icons that reflect your personality, favorite colors, or even your mood. On the other hand, tampering with icons can lead to confusion, visual clutter, and even compromise your device’s performance.
Too many custom icons can slow down your device. When you change an icon, your device has to reload the new icon every time you open the app or navigate to the widget. This can lead to a noticeable lag, especially if you have a lower-end device or if you’ve changed multiple icons.
Custom icons can be inconsistent. Imagine having a mix of Material Design icons, iOS-inspired icons, and maybe even some futuristic, sci-fi-inspired icons on your home screen. It can be jarring and make it harder to navigate your device.
You might lose important visual cues. Icons are designed to provide instant recognition and visual cues about an app’s function or purpose. When you change an icon, you might lose that instant recognition, leading to confusion and frustration.
Before You Begin: Backup Your Data and Icons
Before you start reverting your icons, take a moment to backup your data and icons. This is crucial, especially if you’re using a third-party launcher or icon pack. Losing your custom icons or app data can be devastating, so take the following steps to ensure a smooth transition:
- Backup your app data using the built-in Android backup feature or a third-party app like Helium Backup.
- Take a screenshot of your current home screen and icon arrangement, so you can refer to it later.
- Export your current icon pack or theme, if possible, so you can switch back to it later if needed.
Method 1: Resetting Icons through the Android Settings
The easiest way to change your Android icons back to normal is through the Android Settings app. Here’s how:
For Android 10 and Later
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Scroll down and select the “Home screen” or “Display” option.
- Look for the “Icon pack” or “Theme” option and select it.
- Tap the “Reset” or “Default” button to revert to the default icon pack.
For Android 9 and Earlier
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Scroll down and select the “Display” option.
- Look for the “Icon theme” or “Icon pack” option and select it.
- Tap the “Reset” or “Default” button to revert to the default icon pack.
Method 2: Using a Launcher or Icon Pack App
If the above method doesn’t work, or if you’re using a third-party launcher or icon pack, you might need to reset your icons through the app itself. Here’s how:
For Nova Launcher
- Open Nova Launcher on your device.
- Tap the “Nova Settings” icon or long-press on an empty area of the home screen and select “Nova Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Look and feel” section.
- Tap the “Icon theme” option.
- Select the “System default” or “Nova default” option to revert to the default icon pack.
For Other Launchers and Icon Packs
- Open the launcher or icon pack app on your device.
- Look for the “Settings” or “Preferences” option.
- Scroll down to the “Icon” or “Theme” section.
- Select the “Default” or “Reset” option to revert to the default icon pack.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re still having trouble reverting your icons to their default state, try the following troubleshooting steps:
Clearing the Icon Cache
Sometimes, the icon cache can become corrupted, causing issues with your icons. Clearing the cache can resolve this issue:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Scroll down and select the “Storage” or “Internal storage” option.
- Look for the “Clear cache” or “Clear icon cache” option and select it.
- Confirm that you want to clear the cache.
Reinstalling the Icon Pack or Launcher
If the above steps don’t work, try reinstalling the icon pack or launcher app:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
- Search for the icon pack or launcher app.
- Tap the “Uninstall” button to remove the app.
- Wait a few seconds, then tap the “Install” button to reinstall the app.
Conclusion
Changing your Android icons back to normal can be a daunting task, but with the right steps, you can revert to the default icon pack and regain a sense of visual sanity. Remember to backup your data and icons before making any changes, and don’t hesitate to try troubleshooting steps if you encounter any issues. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to switch back to the default icons and enjoy a more streamlined, intuitive Android experience.
Did this guide help you change your Android icons back to normal? Share your experiences and any tips you might have in the comments below!
Why did my Android icons change in the first place?
Sometimes, Android icons can change unexpectedly due to various reasons such as a software update, an accidental theme change, or even a mischievous app. When this happens, it can be frustrating and disorienting, especially if you’ve grown accustomed to the original icons. Reverting back to the original icons can be a challenge, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to change your Android icons back to their normal state. Whether you’re using a Samsung, Google Pixel, or any other Android device, we’ll show you how to restore your icons to their original glory.
Will reverting to normal icons affect my phone’s performance?
Restoring your Android icons to their original state won’t have any significant impact on your phone’s performance. The process of changing icons is purely cosmetic, and it won’t affect the underlying system or apps. Your phone will continue to function as usual, with the only difference being the visual appearance of the icons.
So, don’t worry about sacrificing performance for the sake of aesthetics. You can safely revert to the original icons without compromising your phone’s speed, battery life, or overall functionality.
Do I need to root my Android device to change icons?
No, you don’t need to root your Android device to change icons. Rooting can be a complex and potentially risky process, and it’s not necessary for this task. The methods outlined in this article are safe and easy to follow, and they don’t require any advanced technical knowledge or root access.
By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to change your Android icons without voiding your warranty or risking damage to your device. So, even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can still restore your icons to their original state.
Will changing icons affect my app data?
Changing your Android icons won’t affect your app data in any way. The icons are separate from the apps themselves, so you don’t have to worry about losing any data or settings. When you restore the original icons, your apps will continue to function as usual, with all your data and preferences intact.
You can think of changing icons as simply switching to a different skin or theme. The underlying apps and data remain unaffected, so you can make changes to the icons without worrying about any unintended consequences.
Can I customize my Android icons further?
Yes, you can further customize your Android icons to suit your personal taste. While reverting to the original icons is a great starting point, you can also experiment with different icon packs, themes, and launchers to give your device a unique look.
There are many icon packs and customization options available in the Google Play Store, so you can choose the ones that fit your style and preferences. Whether you want to change the shape, color, or design of your icons, the possibilities are endless.
Will changing icons affect my device’s security?
Changing your Android icons won’t compromise your device’s security. The process of changing icons is isolated from the system’s security features, so you don’t have to worry about introducing any vulnerabilities.
In fact, using the original icons can actually enhance your device’s security by reducing the risk of installing malicious icon packs or themes that might contain hidden malware.
Can I restore my icons on any Android device?
Yes, the methods outlined in this article can be applied to most Android devices, regardless of the manufacturer or model. Whether you’re using a Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus, or any other Android device, you can follow our guide to restore your icons to their original state.
However, it’s worth noting that some devices might have slightly different procedures or options, so you may need to adapt our instructions accordingly. But in general, the principles remain the same, and you should be able to restore your icons with ease.