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How to Change Your Discord Icon on Mobile: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re itching to give your Discord app a fresh, new look on your mobile device? You’ve come to the right place. While Discord doesn’t natively support changing the app icon on iOS or Android without workarounds, there are methods to achieve this customization. This guide will walk you through the process, exploring both official and unofficial routes, while keeping things simple and safe.

The Core Question: How to Change Your Discord Icon on Mobile?

The straightforward answer is: Discord does not officially offer a feature to directly change the app icon on your mobile device (iOS or Android) through its settings. This is a restriction imposed by the operating systems themselves. However, fear not, customization enthusiasts! There are platform-specific workarounds to get that personalized icon you crave.

Let’s break down the methods for both iOS and Android:

iOS (iPhone & iPad): Using Shortcuts

iOS offers a fantastic built-in app called Shortcuts that allows you to create custom app icons. Here’s how:

Find or Create Your New Icon: The first step is to have the image you want to use for your new Discord icon ready. Ensure the image is saved to your device’s photo library. A square image works best.
Open the Shortcuts App: This app comes pre-installed on most iPhones. If you don’t see it, search for it in the App Store and download it.
Create a New Shortcut: Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut.
Add the “Open App” Action: In the search bar at the bottom, type “Open App” and select the “Open App” action.
Choose Discord: Tap the word “Choose” in the action. This will allow you to select the app you want this shortcut to open. Find and select Discord.
Add to Home Screen: Tap the three dots “…” in the top right corner.
Name Your Shortcut: Enter a name for your shortcut. This will be the text displayed under your new icon. A simple “Discord” works well.
Change the Icon: Tap the icon under “Home Screen Name and Icon.” You’ll be presented with options to take a photo, choose a photo, or choose a file. Select “Choose Photo” and select the image you downloaded or created in step 1. Adjust the zoom if needed.
Add to Home Screen: Tap “Add” in the top right corner. You’ll then see the “Add to Home Screen” option again. Tap “Add” in the top right corner one last time.
Success! The new icon should now appear on your home screen.

Important Note for iOS: This method creates a shortcut. The original Discord app icon will still be on your phone. You can remove the original app icon from your home screen (but don’t delete the app itself!), moving it to the App Library for safe keeping.

Android: Using a Launcher or Icon Packs

Android offers a more direct approach through the use of custom launchers or icon packs.

Choose a Custom Launcher: A launcher is essentially the home screen replacement app. Popular and trusted launchers include Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and Action Launcher. Download one from the Google Play Store.
Install and Configure the Launcher: Follow the on-screen instructions to set the launcher as your default home screen. This usually involves granting the launcher certain permissions.
Install an Icon Pack (Optional): Many launchers support icon packs. An icon pack is a collection of themed icons for various apps. Search the Google Play Store for “icon pack” and find one you like. Download and install it.
Long Press the Discord Icon: On your new launcher’s home screen, long-press the Discord app icon.
Edit or Customize: Depending on the launcher, you’ll see options to “Edit,” “Customize,” or similar. Tap the option that allows you to change the icon.
Choose a New Icon: Some launchers let you choose an icon from your gallery, while others let you select from the icons provided by the launcher or an installed icon pack. Select your desired icon.
Confirm and Save: Apply the changes, and your Discord icon should be updated.

Android Advantage: Some launchers even allow you to change the icon on an individual basis without affecting other apps or requiring an icon pack.

Risks and Considerations

iOS Shortcuts: The shortcut method on iOS means that when you tap the custom icon, it briefly opens the Shortcuts app before launching Discord. This is a minor visual hiccup.
Android Launchers: Third-party launchers can sometimes impact battery life or collect data. Stick to reputable launchers with good reviews and privacy policies. Always grant permissions thoughtfully.
App Updates: Updates to Discord should not affect your custom icons, but it is good practice to save a copy of the image you used as your custom icon if you need to reapply it after an update.
Legality: Changing app icons is perfectly legal, as you are only altering the visual representation on your own device, not the app’s code itself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about changing your Discord icon on mobile, along with detailed answers:

1. Can I change my Discord icon directly from the Discord app settings on my phone?

No. Discord does not have a built-in feature to change the app icon on iOS or Android. You need to use the methods described above (Shortcuts on iOS, launchers/icon packs on Android).

2. Will changing my Discord icon affect the functionality of the app?

No. Changing the icon only alters the visual representation of the app on your home screen. It doesn’t affect how the app works.

3. Is it safe to use third-party launchers on Android?

Generally, yes, but exercise caution. Stick to reputable launchers with good reviews and a clear privacy policy. Avoid launchers that request excessive permissions. Read app reviews before downloading to see if any users have experienced issues.

4. Will iOS updates remove my custom Discord icon created with Shortcuts?

Potentially, yes. While it’s not guaranteed, iOS updates can sometimes reset customizations. Keep a copy of your custom icon image handy so you can easily reapply it if needed.

5. Can I use any image as my Discord icon?

Yes, as long as the image is saved to your device and accessible through the Shortcuts app (on iOS) or your launcher (on Android). Square images usually look best.

6. How do I revert back to the original Discord icon?

iOS (Shortcuts): Simply remove the custom shortcut from your home screen. The original Discord app icon will still be available in your App Library. Drag it back onto your home screen.
Android (Launcher/Icon Pack): Depending on the launcher, you can either revert to the default icon theme or individually change the Discord icon back to its original. Refer to your launcher’s documentation for specific instructions.

7. I changed my Discord icon on Android, but it looks blurry. Why?

This can happen if the image you used is too small. Use a high-resolution image (at least 512×512 pixels) to ensure a sharp icon. Some launchers also allow you to adjust the icon size, which can sometimes improve clarity.

8. Is there a way to change the Discord icon on my computer (Windows/macOS)?

Yes, on desktop systems this is possible via custom themes or by editing the application’s resource files. However, these methods can be complex and potentially unstable. We’ll focus on mobile in this guide.

9. Can I change the Discord icon for only myself, or will it affect other users?

The change is only local to your device. It won’t affect how other users see the Discord app icon on their devices.

10. I’m having trouble finding the “Open App” action in the iOS Shortcuts app. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure you’re searching for “Open App” and selecting the action that specifically says “Open App”. Some other actions might have similar names. Also, ensure your Shortcuts app is updated to the latest version.

11. My Android launcher is asking for a lot of permissions. Should I be worried?

Be cautious. Review the permissions carefully. A launcher needs permissions to access your apps and customize your home screen, but excessive permissions (like access to your contacts or camera without a clear reason) are a red flag.

12. Will changing my Discord icon void my warranty or violate Discord’s terms of service?

No. Changing the app icon using the methods described here does not violate Discord’s terms of service or void your device’s warranty. You are simply customizing the visual appearance on your own device. You are not modifying the app’s code itself.

In conclusion, personalizing your Discord app icon on your mobile device adds a touch of individuality to your digital life. While the process involves workarounds on both iOS and Android, the results are worth the effort, allowing you to express your unique style. Now go forth and customize!