How to Change Icons Back to Default Android: A Comprehensive Guide
Tired of your customized Android icons and want to revert back to the clean, default look? This guide will walk you through several methods to restore your Android phone or tablet's icons to their original state. Whether you've used a third-party launcher, a theme, or accidentally applied a custom icon pack, we've got you covered.
Understanding Why Your Icons Changed
Before diving into solutions, let's quickly understand how your icons might have deviated from the default Android appearance. Several factors can lead to this:
-
Third-Party Launchers: Apps like Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, and Microsoft Launcher significantly alter your home screen's appearance, including icon shapes and styles. They offer extensive customization, but often deviate from the stock Android look.
-
Theme Packs: Some themes drastically change the overall aesthetic, including icons. Applying a theme might have unintentionally replaced your default icons.
-
Icon Packs: These are standalone apps solely designed to change your app icons. Installing one can instantly transform your home screen's visual style.
Now, let's explore the various ways to restore your default Android icons:
1. Uninstalling Third-Party Launchers
This is the most common reason for non-default icons. If you're using a custom launcher, uninstalling it will usually return your phone to its original launcher and icon set.
- How to: Go to your device's Settings > Apps (or Apps & Notifications). Find the third-party launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher, etc.) and tap on it. Tap "Uninstall" and confirm. Your phone may restart, and you'll likely be greeted by your default Android launcher and icons.
2. Removing Theme Packs
If you applied a theme that included custom icons, removing it should bring back the default ones.
- How to: The location of theme management varies across devices and Android versions. Look for options like Themes, Wallpaper & Style, or similar settings within your device's Settings. Locate the applied theme and choose to uninstall or remove it. This process might vary based on your device manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) and the specific theme app you used.
3. Disabling or Uninstalling Icon Packs
Similarly to themes, icon packs solely dedicated to changing icons can be disabled or uninstalled.
- How to: Navigate to your device's Settings > Apps. Find the icon pack app and tap on it. Choose either "Disable" or "Uninstall," depending on the option available. This will return your icons to their default appearance if the system launcher hasn't been modified.
4. Checking for System Updates
In rare cases, a faulty system update might interfere with icon rendering. Checking for and installing available updates might resolve this issue.
- How to: Go to Settings > System > System update (or similar). Check for updates and install any available ones.
5. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If none of the above methods work, a factory reset is the nuclear option. This will completely wipe your device's data and restore it to factory settings, including the default icons. Remember to back up your important data before proceeding!
- How to: The exact steps for a factory reset differ across devices. Generally, it's located within Settings > System > Reset options (or similar).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: My icons are blurry after changing launchers. How do I fix them?
A: Blurry icons often result from the launcher's scaling settings. Check the launcher's settings for icon scaling options and adjust them accordingly. Sometimes, simply uninstalling and reinstalling the launcher can also fix this.
Q: I can't find my default launcher. What should I do?
A: If your default launcher is missing, restarting your device might restore it. If not, you might need to factory reset your device (refer to step 5, but backup your data first!).
Q: Can I change individual icons back to default without changing all of them?
A: This usually isn't directly possible if you've used a theme or icon pack. The easiest way to achieve this is to uninstall or disable the theme or icon pack affecting them.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully revert your Android icons back to their default settings. Remember to always back up your data before attempting a factory reset.
