In this digital era, iPhones have become our go-to devices for most things, including browsing the internet. Bookmarks help us access our favorite websites with ease, but sometimes the bookmark icons may not be visually appealing. What if we could personalize these icons to match our styles and tastes? Unfortunately, Apple does not provide a one-click solution for this. However, with a few tricks and methods, you can easily change bookmark icons on your iPhone to make them more attractive and easy to identify.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Changing A Bookmark Icon on iPhone
Sadly, Apple does not allow users to change bookmark icons on iOS browsers like Safari and Google Chrome. You might think it’s impossible to personalize the bookmarks, but with a few hacks, you can change the icons to your desired images. The iPhone’s iOS has restrictions for app developers, making it harder for users to change settings in certain areas. But, some developers have created apps to bypass these restrictions for easy icon customization.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before changing bookmark icons on iPhone, you should make sure you’ve got the following things prepared:
1. An iPhone – Ensure your iPhone is charged, and it’s operating on the latest iOS version.
2. A browser – You can use a browser like Google Chrome or Safari for the bookmark icon customization process.
3. A computer – You’ll use your computer to create customized icons and upload them to the iPhone.
4. An icon-making software – Use online icon-making software like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create icon designs from scratch.
Method 1: Using the “Add to Home Screen” Feature on Safari
This is the simplest way to change a bookmark icon on iPhone when using the Safari browser. The steps to achieve this are:
1. Launch the Safari app on your iPhone and visit the website with the bookmark you wish to change the icon.
2. Tap the "Share" icon from the bottom toolbar. It looks like a box with an upward-pointing arrow.
3. From the menu options, tap "Add to Home Screen."
4. You will be directed to a new page where you can name the shortcut. You can edit the name by tapping on the current name.
5. Tap the "Add" button on the top right corner. A shortcut will be created on your iPhone Home Screen, and it will have the website’s default icon.
6. Exit Safari and open the shortcut to see the website page.
7. Tap and hold the icon until it starts to shake.
8. A small "X" button will appear, tap it to delete the icon.
9. Go back to the Safari app and revisit the website.
10. When the page loads, tap the "Share" icon and select "Add to Home Screen" again.
11. On the new page, tap on the icon to edit. You can choose an already existing icon or upload a new one. Choose your preferred icon and tap "Add."
12. The icon on your iPhone Home screen will then change to the new icon.
Pros:
– The method is easy and straightforward.
– No third-party software is required.
Cons:
– You have to manually change each bookmark icon separately.
– You can only use the shortcut on the Home Screen instead of the Safari app.
Method 2: Using the “Add to Home Screen” Feature on Google Chrome
Although changing bookmark icons on Google Chrome is similar to Safari, the difference is that it’s more flexible and customizable. Here are the steps to achieve this:
1. Launch Google Chrome and visit the website with the bookmark.
2. Tap the "Three dots" icon on the top right corner.
3. From the menu options, tap "Add to Home Screen."
4. On the new page, type in the name of the shortcut.
5. Tap on the "Add automatically" option to add the icon to your Home Screen.
6. Exit Google Chrome and open the shortcut on your Home Screen.
7. Tap and hold the icon until the app icons begin to shake.
8. You will see a small "X" button; tap it to delete the icon.
9. Go back to Google Chrome and revisit the website.
10. When the page loads, tap the "Three dots" icon and select "Add to Home Screen" again.
11. You will be directed to a new page where you can choose a custom icon and edit its name. Tap "Add" when you’re done.
12. The icon on your iPhone Home Screen will then change to the new icon.
Pros:
– Google Chrome allows icon customization.
– No third-party software is required.
Cons:
– You have to manually change each bookmark icon separately.
– You can only use the shortcut on the Home Screen instead of Google Chrome.
Method 3: Using a Shortcut-Icon App
If you are looking for an efficient one-click solution, then a third-party shortcut-icon app is your best bet. Here are the steps to accomplish this:
1. Download and install a shortcut-icon app like "Icon Themer" or "Shortcuts" on your iPhone.
2. Open the app and follow the instructions to create the icon shortcut.
3. Download the image you want to use as an icon.
4. Go to the shortcut’s editing screen and choose the icon you downloaded from your photos.
5. Save your changes by clicking on the "Done" button.
6. Tap the newly created icon, and it will open the website.
Pros:
– Third-party apps have more flexibility in icon customization.
– No restrictions on where you can use the icons.
Cons:
– Third-party apps can have compatibility issues with the iPhone’s iOS system.
– Some shortcut apps require a subscription fee or in-app purchases.
Why Can’t I Change A Bookmark Icon on iPhone?
1. Limited Privacy Settings – Apple’s iOS is known for its strict privacy settings, making it harder for users to make changes in some areas.
2. Apple’s Software Framework – App developers mainly use Apple’s software framework to develop apps, which limits app customization.
3. Lack of Customization Options – Unlike Android, iOS doesn’t offer multiple customizations for users.
Fixes:
1. Tweak Your iPhone’s Settings – If you want to have more control over your iPhone’s settings, you can navigate to the Settings app and tweak various options.
2. Use Third-Party Apps – Third-party apps can considerably expand the iPhone’s functionality by providing features that Apple doesn’t provide.
3. Wait for Future iPhone Updates – iPhone updates usually come packed with new features and enhancements that expand the functionality of the iOS system.
Additional Tips
– Backup your iPhone’s data before attempting any customization.
– Only download third-party apps from the App Store to avoid malware and viruses.
– Make sure you’re using a trusted online icon-making software to create icons.
5 FAQs about Changing A Bookmark Icon on iPhone
Q1: Is it possible to customize bookmark icons for all websites using a single method?
A: Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to customize all bookmark icons at once. You have to do it one-by-one using any of the methods we’ve outlined.
Q2: Can I change a bookmark icon on my iPhone without using a computer?
A: Yes, using third-party apps like "Icon Themer" or "Shortcuts," you can customize bookmark icons without using a computer.
Q3: Can I use any image as a bookmark icon?
A: No, Apple has certain guidelines on the type of icons allowed, and they have specified formats such as .png and .jpeg.
Q4: Are there any restrictions on third-party apps’ customization features?
A: Yes, Apple has set some restrictions in their software framework to ensure that third-party apps don’t harm the device performance and user’s privacy.
Q5: Will changing a bookmark icon affect the website’s functionalities?
A: No, changing a bookmark icon doesn’t affect the website functionalities and operations in any way.
In Conclusion
Customizing bookmark icons on iPhone may not be an easy task, but with the right tools and instructions, you can achieve it. With the above methods and tips, you can now personalize your bookmarks to sync with your preferences. Remember, always be cautious when using third-party apps and websites, and backup your iPhone’s data before making any customization.
