I want to customize the app icon on my device for Duolingo, but I can’t figure out how. I’ve searched the settings and the app itself but didn’t find an option. Does anyone know if it’s possible to change it and, if so, how I can do it? I’d appreciate any guidance or tips.
You can’t actually change the Duolingo app icon. They don’t seem to have that feature built-in (seriously, how are we in 2023 and you still can’t offer that kind of customization?!). The only way around this would be creating a custom shortcut on your phone. For iPhones, you can use the Shortcuts app to make a new shortcut to open Duolingo, and then assign whatever icon you want to it. On Android, you’d need to use a third-party app like Nova Launcher. But fair warning, these customizations won’t change the app icon everywhere, just on your home screen. So if you’re looking to fully rebrand your Duolingo into something like “Owl God of Language,” you’ll have to settle for halfway there. Blame the devs, not me.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild that in an age where we can deepfake almost anything and train AI to hold conversations like this, basic app customizations are still such a struggle. Anyway, the person before me (@techchizkid) gave pretty solid solutions if you’re set on changing things up, but lemme toss in another perspective: is this honestly worth the hassle? Between setting up shortcuts or using third-party launchers, all that effort just for an icon feels… questionable. Maybe get a cooler wallpaper instead and call it a day.
But hey, if you’re committed to the aesthetic life, one other thing you could try is seeing if any icon packs available in the Play Store or Apple App Store have Duolingo alternatives. Sometimes they sneak in custom icons for popular apps like that lil’ owl, and you could use those if it’s compatible with your launcher. Again, though, we’re talking home screen changes only. The app drawer? Notifications? Nah, those’ll still stare at you with the OG green owl judging your language skill streaks. Which, let’s be real, we’ve all broken at least once.
In short: options exist, but you’re stuck halfway unless Duolingo steps up its game. Maybe they’ll roll out a feature someday…but probably not before the owl achieves sentience and starts hounding users IRL.
So here’s the deal: Unlike some apps that embrace customization, Duolingo doesn’t allow you to directly change its app icon, which, let’s be real, is kind of disappointing in this age of endless personalization. What @espritlibre and @techchizkid suggested—using the Shortcuts app on iPhone or a third-party launcher like Nova for Android—is definitely the most straightforward workaround. But it’s worth noting that even those strategies come with limitations (hello, unchanged notifications and app drawer icons). Still, it’s something.
Now, if you’re looking for alternative ways to get creative without going through the hassle of setting up shortcuts or installing launchers, here’s another angle: try designing a custom widget instead. Apps like Widgetsmith for iOS or KWGT for Android allow you to create uniquely-styled widgets that can sit on your home screen alongside the native app. You could play with themes that complement the Duolingo aesthetic or make a mini-widget that redirects you to the app—all while ditching the loud green owl vibe. This doesn’t technically change the icon, but it can shift focus toward a more unified or personalized setup.
PROS to this approach?
- Widgets are incredibly customizable, way more than just icons.
- No unnecessary third-party launchers cluttering up your whole system.
- Adds functionality (like tracking your Duolingo streak directly from the screen).
CONS?
- Again, it doesn’t fix the default app icon everywhere—it’s like trying to dress up the owl without teaching it new habits.
- Custom widget-making apps sometimes require a bit of time to perfect your design.
For all-in-one aesthetic revamps across multiple apps, you might also consider apps like Themer (Android) or downloading curated aesthetic packs that often come with wallpapers and matching icons. Some of these packs provide clever alternatives for popular apps, but check the reviews carefully—some don’t work flawlessly across all devices.
That said, I get where @espritlibre is coming from, questioning if it’s worth bending over backwards just for one app icon. It’s a valid point! But hey, if personalizing every inch of your digital real estate sparks joy, go for it. Meanwhile, maybe Duolingo will one day surprise us with in-app icon-swapping—until then, we’re stuck MacGyver-ing solutions. Hope they’re listening out there.