Instagram has recently provided its users with the option to change the app icon on their iPhones. This is a new feature that has left many users wondering how to do it. Instagram’s app icon has been the same since its launch in 2010, so this is a long-awaited feature. Changing the app icon is a great way to personalize your home screen and make it stand out from others. In this blog post, we will discuss how to change the Instagram icon on your iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Change the Instagram Icon on iPhone
Changing the Instagram icon on your iPhone can be challenging, especially if you are not tech-savvy. Instagram has buried this feature deep inside the app, making it difficult for users to locate it. Not to mention that you need to have the latest version of Instagram installed on your iPhone to access this feature. This means that if you are not up-to-date with the latest app version, you will not be able to change the icon.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the different methods of changing the Instagram icon on your iPhone, there are a few things you should prepare for. Firstly, you need to update your Instagram app to the latest version available on the Apple App Store. Secondly, you need to download the new icon you want to use and save it in your device’s camera roll. Lastly, you need to have the Shortcuts app installed on your iPhone.
Method 1: Using Instagram’s Easter Egg
One method to change the Instagram icon on your iPhone is by using Instagram’s Easter egg. Instagram has hidden this feature within the app, and you can only access it if you know how to trigger it. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap the three horizontal lines on the top right corner of the screen to access your settings.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the settings menu and find the "About" section.
- Swipe down repeatedly on the screen until a series of emoticons appear.
- A "cake" emoticon with a pop-up message "Congratulations" should appear.
- Tap the message and select the new app icon from the given options.
Pros:
- No need for third-party apps or Shortcuts app.
- Instagram provides a few icon options to choose from.
Cons:
- This method may not work on all versions of Instagram.
- The icon options are limited to the ones provided by Instagram.
Method 2: Using Shortcuts App
Another method to change the Instagram icon on your iPhone is by using the Shortcuts app. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
- Tap the "+" sign on the top right corner of the screen to create a new shortcut.
- Select "Add Action" and search for "Open App."
- Select Instagram as the app you want to open.
- Tap the ellipsis (…) on the top right corner of the screen and select "Add to Home Screen."
- Select the photo in your camera roll that you want to use as the new app icon.
- Enter a name for the shortcut, and tap "Add."
Pros:
- You can use any photo from your camera roll as the new icon.
- You can customize the name of the shortcut.
Cons:
- This method requires the use of the Shortcuts app, which may be unfamiliar to some users.
- You need to set up a shortcut for each new app icon.
Method 3: Using Widgetsmith App
Widgetsmith is an app that allows you to customize widgets and app icons on your iPhone’s home screen. Here are the steps to follow to use Widgetsmith to change the Instagram icon:
- Download Widgetsmith from the App Store.
- Open Widgetsmith and create a new widget.
- Select "Widgetsmith Large" as the widget size.
- Select "Custom" as the widget type.
- Tap the widget to open the configuration screen.
- Select "Choose Photo" under the Icon section.
- Select the photo from your camera roll that you want to use as the new Instagram icon.
Pros:
- Widgetsmith app allows for easy customization of app icons and widgets.
- You can use any photo from your camera roll as the new icon.
Cons:
- This method requires the use of a third-party app, Widgetsmith.
- You need to create a new widget and set up a shortcut for each new app icon.
Why Can’t I Change the Instagram Icon on My iPhone?
There could be several reasons why you are unable to change Instagram’s icon on your iPhone. Here are a few reasons and how to fix them:
1. You don’t have the latest version of Instagram.
A newer version of the app may include this feature, so make sure you update the app to the latest version from the App Store.
2. Instagram has temporarily removed the feature.
There have been reports of people not being able to change the icon, even with the latest version of the app. This could be because Instagram has temporarily removed the feature.
3. You haven’t downloaded the new icon.
To change the Instagram icon, you need to have the new icon saved in your camera roll. Make sure you have downloaded the icon before attempting to change the app icon.
Additional Tips
If you want to keep your original Instagram icon, but still want to have the new custom icon on your home screen, you can simply move the original app icon to a separate folder. This way, your new custom icon will be the only one visible on your home screen. You can also use this method to create themed folders with customized icons.
5 FAQs about Changing the Instagram Icon on iPhone
Q1: What if I want to go back to the original Instagram icon?
A: You can easily switch back to the original Instagram icon by following the same steps as above but selecting the original Instagram icon instead.
Q2: Do I need to pay for the Shortcuts app or Widgetsmith?
A: No, both apps are free to download from the App Store.
Q3: Can I use any photo as the new Instagram icon?
A: Yes, you can use any photo from your camera roll as the new icon.
Q4: Can I use the same shortcut or widget for multiple custom app icons?
A: No, you need to create a new shortcut or widget for each new custom app icon.
Q5: Will changing the Instagram icon affect the app’s performance?
A: No, changing the Instagram icon will not affect the performance of the app in any way.
In Conclusion
Changing the Instagram icon on your iPhone is a fun way to personalize your home screen. There are various ways to do it, including using Instagram’s Easter egg, the Shortcuts app, or Widgetsmith. Whichever method you choose, make sure you have the latest version of Instagram, the new icon downloaded, and the Shortcuts app installed. Remember that changing the Instagram icon is purely for aesthetic purposes and will not affect the performance of the app in any way.