Changing app icons can be a fun and creative way to personalize your Samsung device. However, at times, you may prefer to revert to the original app icons for consistency, clarity, or simply to refresh the look of your home screen. This complete guide will detail how to change app icons back to their original state on Samsung devices, with all the essential tips and tricks to help you on your way.
Understanding Samsung’s Customization Features
Samsung devices are known for their extensive customization options, allowing users to alter almost every aspect of their phones, from themes and wallpapers to app icons. It can be an exciting way to express your style, but this level of customization can also lead to confusion, especially when trying to revert back to the original settings.
When you change app icons on a Samsung device, it usually involves using a custom launcher, a theme from the Samsung Themes Store, or simply changing the icons manually. Understanding how these methods work is crucial to successfully resetting your app icons.
Types of Icon Changes on Samsung Devices
Themed Icons: When you apply a theme, it often changes all the app icons to fit a specific aesthetic. This method is popular for those who want an entire overhaul of the phone’s design.
Third-Party Launchers: Launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher can allow even more extensive customization, including the ability to change individual icons.
Manually Changed Icons: Samsung allows users to change app icons manually. You can simply long-press an app icon, select Edit, and change the icon to a different one of your choosing.
Why Reverting to Default Icons is Beneficial
There can be various reasons why you might want to restore your app icons:
- Clarity: Default icons are recognizable and provide a sense of familiarity.
- Performance: If a custom launcher or theme is causing lag or performance issues, reverting to default icons can help improve responsiveness.
- Aesthetic Preferences: Sometimes, nothing beats the clean, simple look of default app icons.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change App Icons Back to Normal on Samsung Devices
Changing the icons back to their original state may vary depending on how they were modified in the first place. Follow these steps carefully based on your customization method.
Restoring Default Icons from Samsung Themes
If you changed your app icons using a Samsung theme, follow these steps:
Open the Settings App: Tap on the Settings icon from your app drawer or home screen.
Select Themes: Scroll down and tap on the Themes option to access the Samsung Themes Store.
Choose My Themes: Tap on the My Themes tab at the bottom of the screen. Here, you will see all the themes you currently have installed.
Select the Default Theme: Look for the Default option or a theme titled “Samsung”. Tap on it.
Apply the Default Theme: Click on the Apply button to revert to the default theme, which will also reset all app icons to their original design.
Confirm Changes: Your device will apply the default theme, and once completed, you should see all your app icons return to their normal appearance.
Restoring Icons Changed by Third-Party Launchers
If you used a third-party launcher, the procedure is slightly different:
Open the Launcher Settings: Navigate to your home screen and tap on the launcher’s settings. This is usually accessible by tapping and holding the home screen, then selecting Settings or the gear icon.
Select Preferences: Look for an option labeled Preferences, Appearance, or something similar.
Choose Icon Pack: Under the Icon Pack or relevant section, you will likely find an option to revert to the default or system icon pack.
Confirm the Change: Select your default launcher’s icon pack option and confirm.
Return to Your Home Screen: Exit the settings, and you should see your app icons restored to normal.
Manually Changing Icons Back to Default
If you changed the icons one at a time manually, you can restore them individually:
Locate the App Icon: Go to your home screen where you want to change the icon back.
Long-Press on the Icon: Tap and hold the app icon you want to revert. A menu will appear.
Select Edit: In the options that appear, tap on Edit (typically represented by a pencil or edit symbol).
Choose Default Icon: Tap on the app icon itself in the edit menu. This will open a selection of icons.
Select Original Icon: Choose the default icon displayed in the selection.
Confirm the Change: After selecting the original icon, press Done or Save to apply the changes.
Additional Tips for Managing Your App Icons
To ensure a smooth experience while managing app icons, keep the following tips in mind:
Back Up Your Current Layout
Before making extensive changes to your home screen or app icons, consider backing up your current layout. Most Samsung devices provide a way to save your layout settings through Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch.
Regularly Clear Cache of Launchers
If using a third-party launcher, it can help to clear the app cache regularly. This will prevent any potential lag or problems in icon rendering. Go to Settings > Apps, find your launcher, and tap on Storage. Here you can choose to clear cache.
Be Mindful of Icon Packs
When using third-party icon packs, make sure that they are compatible with your launcher. Some icon packs may not work properly, causing unexpected visual issues.
Conclusion: Embrace a Fresh Look with Default Icons
Restoring your Samsung app icons back to their original state can enhance your device’s usability and provide a cleaner aesthetic. Whether you used themes, third-party launchers, or manually changed icons, the steps outlined above will guide you back to the familiar and functional default settings.
Remember, while customization is an essential part of the smartphone experience, sometimes simplicity and clarity reign supreme. Enjoy your refreshed device, embracing the natural elegance of Samsung’s default app icons!
What are the steps to restore my Samsung app icons to default?
To restore your Samsung app icons to default, start by going to your device’s home screen. Tap and hold on an empty space on the screen until the home screen options appear. From there, select “Settings,” and then navigate to the “Home screen” options. Look for “Reset home screen layout,” which will allow you to revert all icons to their default settings.
After tapping this option, confirm the action when prompted. This will not only reset your app icons but also clear any folders you may have created on your home screen. Your app icons will then be restored back to the original layout, and any additional customizations will be lost.
Will I lose my app data if I reset my app icons?
No, resetting your app icons to the default settings will not result in the loss of any app data. This process merely changes the appearance of your app icons and the arrangement on the home screen. All of your installed applications and their respective data will remain intact.
However, any custom folders or organization you’ve created on your home screen will be removed. It’s always a good idea to back up your important data before making significant changes to your device settings, but for this specific action, your data will remain safe.
Can I customize my app icons after restoring them to default?
Yes, once you have restored your Samsung app icons to their default settings, you can certainly customize the icons again as per your preference. Samsung devices typically allow for various customization options, including changing the appearance of icons, rearranging them, and creating folders.
To customize your app icons, simply tap and hold the desired icon on the home screen. You can then choose to change the icon’s appearance or move it to a different location on your screen. This flexibility allows you to personalize your home screen according to your style and usage.
What if my app icons do not reset to default?
If your app icons do not reset to default after following the prescribed steps, ensure that you are using the correct Samsung device settings. Sometimes, discrepancies in software versions can affect the functionality. Check if your device needs any software updates and install them accordingly.
Additionally, consider restarting your device and trying the reset process again. If the problem persists, you may want to explore whether any third-party launchers are managing your home screen layout, as these often override the default Samsung settings. Uninstalling such launchers might resolve the issue.
Is there a way to back up my home screen layout before resetting?
Yes, you can back up your home screen layout before performing a reset. Samsung devices often come with a feature to back up your data, which includes home screen settings and layouts. You can find this option in the settings under “Accounts and Backup,” or “Backup and Restore.”
By selecting the home screen settings to include in the backup, you’ll be able to restore your layout later if desired. This precaution allows you to explore the default settings without losing your personalized setup permanently.
Will resetting my app icons affect my widgets?
Resetting your app icons will not directly affect the widgets on your home screen. However, depending on how you perform the reset, you may need to rearrange and reconfigure any widgets you’ve added, as some actions could remove them from the home screen layout.
It’s essential to note that while the app icons will revert to their default arrangement, the widgets may still require manual adjustment to fit your preferences again. Keeping a note of how your widgets were arranged prior to the reset can make this process easier.
Can I reset my app icons without losing data from other applications?
Absolutely! Resetting your app icons is a non-intrusive change that solely affects the home screen appearance and layout. Your applications and their associated data will remain untouched and intact and not require any data loss.
The reset process is designed to only impact the visual organization of your app icons, leaving your files, settings, and accounts as they were. This makes it a safe operation if you’re looking to revamp your home screen without concerns about losing important information from your apps.