Black And White News Icon For IPhone: A How-To Guide

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey guys! Ever wanted to give your iPhone a sleek, monochrome look? One way to do this is by changing your app icons to black and white. In this article, we'll dive deep into how you can transform your news app icon into a stylish black and white version. Let's get started!

Why Go Black and White?

Before we jump into the how, let's talk about the why. Why would you want a black and white news icon, or any black and white icon for that matter? Well, there are several reasons:

  • Aesthetic Appeal: A monochromatic theme can give your phone a clean, minimalist look. If you're into design, you know how impactful a consistent color palette can be.
  • Reduced Distraction: Vibrant colors can sometimes be distracting. Black and white icons can help reduce visual clutter, making it easier to focus on what you need.
  • Personalization: Customizing your phone is all about making it yours. Changing your app icons is a cool way to express your personal style.
  • Accessibility: For some users, a black and white interface can be easier on the eyes and improve readability. It's all about making your phone work best for you.

Now that we've covered the reasons, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually change that news app icon.

Method 1: Using the Shortcuts App

The Shortcuts app is your best friend when it comes to customizing app icons on your iPhone. This method is a bit roundabout, but it's the most reliable way to get the job done without jailbreaking your device. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Find or Create a Black and White Icon

First things first, you'll need a black and white version of the news icon. You have a couple of options here:

  • Search Online: A quick Google search for "black and white news icon" will likely yield tons of results. Make sure the image is high quality and in a square format for the best results.
  • Create Your Own: If you're feeling creative, you can use a photo editing app like Adobe Photoshop Express, PicsArt, or even the built-in editing tools on your iPhone to convert the original news app icon to black and white. Experiment with different filters and adjustments to get the look you want.

Once you've found or created your icon, save it to your Photos app. You'll need it in the next steps.

Step 2: Open the Shortcuts App

If you don't already have it, download the Shortcuts app from the App Store. It's a free app made by Apple, so it's safe and easy to use. Once it's installed, open the app.

Step 3: Create a New Shortcut

In the Shortcuts app, tap the + button in the top right corner to create a new shortcut. This will open a new screen where you can start building your shortcut.

Step 4: Add the "Open App" Action

Tap the Add Action button. In the search bar, type "Open App" and select the Open App action. This action will allow the shortcut to open the news app when you tap the custom icon.

Step 5: Choose the News App

Tap the word Choose in the Open App action. This will bring up a list of all the apps installed on your iPhone. Scroll through the list and select your news app. Make sure you pick the right one!

Step 6: Add to Home Screen

Tap the three dots (...) in the top right corner of the screen. This will open a new window where you can name the shortcut and add it to your home screen.

Step 7: Name Your Shortcut

Give your shortcut a name. It's best to use the same name as the original news app so you don't get confused. For example, if you're changing the icon for the Apple News app, name the shortcut "Apple News."

Step 8: Change the Icon

Tap the icon next to the shortcut name. You'll see a few options: Choose Photo, Take Photo, and Choose File. Tap Choose Photo and select the black and white news icon you saved earlier. Adjust the icon as needed to fit the frame.

Step 9: Add to Home Screen (Again!)

Tap Add to Home Screen. This will show you a preview of how the icon will look on your home screen. Tap Add in the top right corner to add the shortcut to your home screen.

Step 10: Move the Original App to the App Library

Now you'll have both the original news app icon and your new black and white icon on your home screen. To keep things clean, you can move the original news app icon to the App Library. To do this, long-press the original app icon, tap Remove App, and then tap Move to App Library. This will remove the original icon from your home screen without deleting the app.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

While the Shortcuts app method is reliable, it can be a bit tedious. Luckily, there are several third-party apps that can help you customize your app icons more easily. Keep in mind that some of these apps may require a subscription or have in-app purchases.

Here are a few popular options:

  • Icon Changer: This app allows you to change app icons using custom images. It has a user-friendly interface and a wide range of customization options.
  • X Icon Changer: Similar to Icon Changer, this app lets you create custom icons using your own photos or images from its library.
  • ThemeKit: This app offers pre-made themes and icon packs, including black and white options. It's a great option if you want a complete makeover for your iPhone.

To use these apps, simply download them from the App Store and follow the instructions. The process is usually similar to the Shortcuts app method, but with a more streamlined interface.

Important Considerations

Before you start changing your app icons, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Notifications: Custom icons created with the Shortcuts app may not display notification badges. This means you won't see the little red circles indicating unread messages or updates on your custom news app icon. Keep this in mind if you rely on notifications.
  • App Updates: When the original news app is updated, your custom icon will remain the same. You won't have to recreate the shortcut unless something goes wrong.
  • Storage: Custom icons take up a small amount of storage space. If you're running low on storage, you may want to limit the number of custom icons you create.
  • Security: Be cautious when using third-party apps to customize your icons. Make sure the app is from a reputable developer and has good reviews. Avoid apps that ask for excessive permissions.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

  • Icon Not Appearing: If the custom icon doesn't appear on your home screen, try restarting your iPhone. This can sometimes resolve the issue.
  • Shortcut Not Working: If the shortcut doesn't open the news app, double-check that you selected the correct app in the Open App action. Also, make sure the original app hasn't been moved or deleted.
  • Low-Quality Icon: If the custom icon looks blurry or pixelated, try using a higher-resolution image. A square image with a resolution of at least 512x512 pixels is recommended.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Changing your news app icon to black and white is a fun and easy way to personalize your iPhone and give it a sleek, minimalist look. Whether you use the Shortcuts app or a third-party app, the process is straightforward and rewarding.

Go ahead and experiment with different icons and themes to create a home screen that truly reflects your style. And remember, customization is all about making your phone work best for you. Happy customizing!

By following these steps, you can easily transform your iPhone's news app icon into a stylish black and white version, adding a touch of elegance and personalization to your device. Whether you're a fan of minimalist design or simply want to reduce visual clutter, this guide provides everything you need to get started. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy your new, customized home screen!