Perfectly Syncing Android Iconography with Wallpapers: A Comprehensive Guide

Quick Links

• Themed Icons on Samsung Galaxy Phones
• Themed Icons on Google Pixel Phones

Android can make themes based on the colors from your wallpaper . To take it a step further, you can also apply the colors to the icons on your home screen. We’ll show you how to get this super custom look.

“Material You” was introduced in Android 12, and it applies the colors from your wallpaper to things like the Settings, Phone, Messages, and more apps. Android 13 builds on that with the ability to theme the home screen icons as well.

Themed home screen icons are only supported by the default launcher . For Samsung Galaxy devices , that’s “One UI Home.” Google Pixel phones use the “Pixel Launcher.” You’ll need to use these in order to see the themed icons.

Related: How to Change the Theme Color on Android

Themed Icons on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Samsung gives you two options for theming your phone—“Themes” and the “Color Palette .” The “Color Palette” is Samsung’s implementation of “Material You,” and it’s what we’ll be using.

First, swipe down once from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon.

Next, go to the “Wallpaper and Style” section in the Settings.

Now select “Color Palette.” You’ll be given the option to apply the default device theme if you’re not already using it.

Here’s where you can choose one of the color palettes based on your wallpaper, as well as scroll down and turn on “Apply Palette to App Icons.”

That’s all there is to it! You’ll see that some of the icons now match your color palette.

Related: How to Change the Color Palette on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Themed Icons on Google Pixel Phones

The option will only appear on Google Pixel phones if you are using the Pixel Launcher. Swipe down twice from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon.

Next, go to “Wallpaper & Style.”

Scroll down and toggle on “Themed Icons.”

That’s it! The icons on your home screen will match your wallpaper! Not all of the icons will reflect the change as it requires the developer to support the feature. Over time, more apps will adopt the theming. Make your phone personal !

Related: Why Aren’t You Personalizing the Outside of Your Phone, Too?