How to Change Home Screen Icons Without Using Shortcuts

Last updated: 2026/01/29

When adding a website to the iPhone Home Screen using “Add to Home Screen,” the icon is usually determined by the website itself—meaning users cannot freely choose their own image. However, with OJapp, you can change the Home Screen icon and app name without using the Shortcuts app.

Why You Normally Can’t Change Home Screen Icons

Most websites define their own icons for Home Screen installation. For example:

• Medium → Medium’s “M” icon
• Shopify → Shopify’s bag icon
• Etsy → Etsy’s “E” logo

This is due to a standard Safari mechanism: iOS reads the apple-touch-icon specified by the site and uses it automatically.

As a result, even if you add your personal blog, portfolio, or shop, all icons end up showing the platform’s branding instead of your own. This can make your Home Screen look inconsistent.

The Problem With the Common “Shortcuts Method”

Yes—using the Shortcuts app allows you to set a custom icon. But it has several drawbacks:

• Too many steps; confusing for beginners
• Difficult to share or recreate for others
• A Shortcut screen briefly appears before opening the site

Many users give up halfway, even if they initially want a clean, unified Home Screen layout.

OJapp Lets You Change Icons Freely

OJapp is a tool that lets you freely configure the icon, app name, and URL used when adding a website to the Home Screen. It works on both iPhone and Android and does not require installing any app.

Only Three Simple Steps

1. Select the image you want to use as the icon
2. Enter the display name
3. Enter the URL you want to place on the Home Screen

Open the generated link and tap “Add to Home Screen.” That’s it.

What It Feels Like to Use It

Being able to change every icon freely transforms your Home Screen from “a collection of platform logos” into a Home Screen that reflects your personal style.

Your shop, blog, Medium articles, portfolio— any URL can be added with your preferred design, making your daily Home Screen experience feel more enjoyable.

For Shopify or Etsy shop owners, this is especially powerful: instead of using the default platform logos, customers can add your shop using your own brand logo.

Customize Your Icons Without Shortcuts Using OJapp

Even websites without official apps can have custom Home Screen icons and names when added through OJapp.

This method is extremely easy and requires no Shortcuts setup— perfect for anyone who wants a clean, unified Home Screen design.

👉 Try OJapp and customize your Home Screen icons