One of the biggest advantages of using a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra over an iPhone is the sheer level of customization available. While Apple users are stuck with the same default icons unless they go through a complicated Shortcut workaround, Samsung users can easily change their entire icon pack in just a few steps. Thanks to One UI 5.1, the process is smoother than ever, allowing you to give your device a fresh, personalized look without any hassle.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to change your icon pack in One UI 5.1 on the Galaxy S23 Ultra and why this feature makes Samsung stand out from the competition.
Why Change Your Icon Pack?
Changing your icon pack isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about personalization and productivity. Here are some reasons why you might want to customize your icons:
Aesthetic Appeal – Choose icons that match your wallpaper, theme, or personal style.
Improved Readability – Some icon packs offer better contrast and visibility for easier navigation.
Minimalist Experience – Reduce visual clutter with sleek and simple icon designs.
Thematic Consistency – Match your icons with your preferred theme for a unified look.
Avoiding Monotony – Keep your device looking fresh by switching up your icons regularly.
Now that we know why changing your icon pack is beneficial, let’s dive into the step-by-step process.
How to Change Your Icon Pack on the Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung’s One UI 5.1 offers multiple ways to change your icon pack, whether through the built-in Galaxy Themes app or using third-party launchers. Let’s explore both methods.
Method 1: Using Galaxy Themes (Official Method)
Samsung provides its own Galaxy Themes store, where you can download and apply icon packs directly. Here’s how:
Open the Galaxy Themes App
Long press on your Home Screen and tap Themes, OR
Open the Settings app, go to Wallpapers and Style, and tap Themes.
Go to Icons Section
Tap the Icons tab at the bottom of the screen.
Browse and Select an Icon Pack
Browse through the available free and paid icon packs.
Tap on an icon pack you like to see a preview.
Download and Apply
Tap Download, then Apply to set the icon pack as your default.
Your Galaxy S23 Ultra will instantly switch to the new icon pack, giving your home screen a fresh look.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party Launcher
If you want more customization options beyond what Galaxy Themes offers, third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and Niagara Launcher allow you to install and use custom icon packs from the Google Play Store.
Steps to Apply Custom Icon Packs Using Nova Launcher:
Install Nova Launcher
Download and install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
Download an Icon Pack
Search for “icon packs” in the Play Store and download your favorite one.
Set Nova Launcher as Default
Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Home App and select Nova Launcher.
Apply the Icon Pack
Open Nova Settings > Tap Look & Feel > Select Icon Style.
Tap Icon Pack and choose the one you downloaded.
Your icons will change immediately, and you’ll have even greater control over your home screen layout.
iPhone Users Are Missing Out!
Apple users don’t have an easy way to change their icons. While iPhones allow users to create custom app icons using the Shortcuts app, the process is time-consuming, requires setting up each icon manually, and doesn’t apply universally across the system. On the other hand, Samsung’s One UI 5.1 makes it seamless to change icons in just a few taps, providing a superior customization experience.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (One UI 5.1) | iPhone (iOS) |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in Theme Support | Yes | No |
| One-Tap Icon Pack Change | Yes | No |
| Third-Party Launcher Support | Yes | No |
| Universal Icon Change | Yes | No |
| Extra Steps Required | No | Yes (Shortcuts app workaround) |
This is just one of many areas where Samsung’s software flexibility beats Apple’s rigid ecosystem.
Best Icon Packs for Galaxy S23 Ultra
Here are some top-rated icon packs you can try for your Galaxy S23 Ultra:
Whicons – A sleek, all-white minimalist icon pack.
Viral – A dark, grunge-style icon pack.
Delta – Soft pastel-colored icons for a retro-modern look.
Zwart – A clean black icon pack for an AMOLED-friendly experience.
Pix Material You Icons – Inspired by Google’s Material You design.
Conclusion
With the Galaxy S23 Ultra and One UI 5.1, you can effortlessly customize your home screen by changing your icon pack in just a few taps. Whether you choose the built-in Galaxy Themes or opt for a third-party launcher, the customization possibilities are endless.
iPhone users, on the other hand, are stuck with tedious workarounds that don’t offer true system-wide customization. If personalization matters to you, Samsung is clearly the better choice.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give your Galaxy S23 Ultra a brand-new look today!