Are you tired of the colorful icons on your Android device and want to give your home screen a minimalist look? Making your Android icons black and white is a great way to achieve a clean and simple aesthetic. In this article, we will guide you through the process of converting your Android icons to black and white, and also provide some tips on how to customize your home screen to match your new icon theme.
Why Go for Black and White Icons?
Before we dive into the process of making your Android icons black and white, let’s explore why you might want to do so. Here are a few reasons why black and white icons are a great choice:
- Minimalist aesthetic: Black and white icons give your home screen a clean and minimalist look that is easy on the eyes.
- Reduced visual clutter: By removing the colors from your icons, you can reduce visual clutter and make it easier to focus on the apps you need to use.
- Improved accessibility: Black and white icons can be easier to see for people with visual impairments, as they provide high contrast and are less distracting.
Method 1: Using a Third-Party Launcher
One of the easiest ways to make your Android icons black and white is to use a third-party launcher. There are many launchers available on the Google Play Store that offer this feature, including:
- Nova Launcher: A popular launcher that offers a wide range of customization options, including the ability to change icon colors.
- Apex Launcher: A fast and customizable launcher that allows you to change icon colors and apply themes.
- ADW Launcher: A highly customizable launcher that offers a wide range of features, including icon color changing.
To use a third-party launcher to make your Android icons black and white, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Install a Third-Party Launcher
- Go to the Google Play Store and search for a third-party launcher that offers icon color changing.
- Download and install the launcher on your device.
- Follow the prompts to set up the launcher and grant it the necessary permissions.
Step 2: Change Icon Colors
- Open the launcher settings by tapping on the launcher icon and selecting “Settings.”
- Look for the “Icon” or “Icon color” option and select it.
- Choose the “Black and white” or “Monochrome” option to change the icon colors.
- You may need to restart your device or reload the launcher for the changes to take effect.
Method 2: Using an Icon Pack
Another way to make your Android icons black and white is to use an icon pack. Icon packs are collections of icons that can be applied to your device to change the look and feel of your home screen. There are many icon packs available on the Google Play Store that offer black and white icons, including:
- Black and White Icon Pack: A simple icon pack that offers black and white icons for a wide range of apps.
- Monochrome Icon Pack: A highly customizable icon pack that allows you to change icon colors and apply themes.
- Minimalist Icon Pack: A minimalist icon pack that offers simple, black and white icons for a clean and simple look.
To use an icon pack to make your Android icons black and white, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Install an Icon Pack
- Go to the Google Play Store and search for an icon pack that offers black and white icons.
- Download and install the icon pack on your device.
- Follow the prompts to set up the icon pack and grant it the necessary permissions.
Step 2: Apply the Icon Pack
- Open the icon pack settings by tapping on the icon pack icon and selecting “Apply.”
- Choose the “Black and white” or “Monochrome” option to apply the icon pack.
- You may need to restart your device or reload the launcher for the changes to take effect.
Method 3: Using a Custom ROM
If you are comfortable with flashing custom ROMs on your device, you can also make your Android icons black and white by using a custom ROM. Custom ROMs are modified versions of the Android operating system that offer additional features and customization options. Some custom ROMs, such as LineageOS and AOSP Extended, offer the ability to change icon colors, including making them black and white.
To use a custom ROM to make your Android icons black and white, follow these steps:
Step 1: Flash a Custom ROM
- Go to the XDA Developers forum or other reputable sources to find a custom ROM that offers icon color changing.
- Download the custom ROM and follow the instructions to flash it on your device.
- Be careful when flashing a custom ROM, as it can potentially brick your device if done incorrectly.
Step 2: Change Icon Colors
- Once you have flashed the custom ROM, go to the settings menu and look for the “Icon” or “Icon color” option.
- Choose the “Black and white” or “Monochrome” option to change the icon colors.
- You may need to restart your device or reload the launcher for the changes to take effect.
Tips for Customizing Your Home Screen
Once you have made your Android icons black and white, you can further customize your home screen to match your new icon theme. Here are a few tips:
- Use a black or white wallpaper: A black or white wallpaper can help to create a cohesive look with your black and white icons.
- Add a widget: Adding a widget, such as a clock or weather widget, can help to break up the monotony of a black and white home screen.
- Use a custom launcher: A custom launcher can offer additional features and customization options, such as the ability to change icon sizes and shapes.
Conclusion
Making your Android icons black and white is a great way to give your home screen a clean and minimalist look. By using a third-party launcher, icon pack, or custom ROM, you can easily change the colors of your icons to black and white. Additionally, by customizing your home screen with a black or white wallpaper, adding a widget, and using a custom launcher, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing look that matches your new icon theme.
What is the purpose of making Android icons black and white?
Making Android icons black and white can serve several purposes. For one, it can help create a visually cohesive and minimalist look on your home screen. By converting all icons to a single color scheme, you can achieve a clean and uniform appearance that is easy on the eyes. Additionally, using black and white icons can also help reduce visual noise and distractions, allowing you to focus on the apps and functions that matter most.
Another benefit of using black and white icons is that they can be easier to distinguish from one another, especially for users with visual impairments. By removing the color element, you can rely more on the icon’s shape and design to identify the app, which can be particularly helpful for users who have trouble distinguishing between similar colors.
Do I need to root my Android device to make icons black and white?
No, you do not need to root your Android device to make icons black and white. There are several methods and apps available that can help you achieve this without requiring root access. For example, you can use a third-party launcher or icon pack that supports black and white icons, or you can use an app that can convert your existing icons to black and white.
However, it’s worth noting that some methods may require you to have a certain level of customization permissions or access to the device’s settings. But in general, making icons black and white can be done without rooting your device, and there are many user-friendly solutions available that can help you achieve this.
What are some popular apps for making Android icons black and white?
There are several popular apps available that can help you make Android icons black and white. Some examples include Icon Themer, Black Icon Pack, and Mono Icon Pack. These apps typically offer a wide range of black and white icons that you can apply to your existing apps, and some may also offer additional customization options, such as the ability to adjust icon size or shape.
Another popular option is to use a third-party launcher that supports black and white icons, such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher. These launchers often offer a wide range of customization options, including the ability to change icon colors, shapes, and sizes. You can also use apps like Adapticons or Icon Converter to convert your existing icons to black and white.
Can I make individual icons black and white without changing the entire icon pack?
Yes, it is possible to make individual icons black and white without changing the entire icon pack. Some apps, such as Icon Themer or Adapticons, allow you to select individual icons and convert them to black and white. This can be useful if you only want to change a few specific icons, rather than applying a new icon pack to your entire device.
To do this, you can typically select the icon you want to change, and then use the app’s built-in editing tools to convert it to black and white. Some apps may also offer additional options, such as the ability to adjust the icon’s brightness or contrast, or to add a custom overlay or effect.
Will making icons black and white affect my device’s performance?
No, making icons black and white should not affect your device’s performance. Changing icon colors or applying a new icon pack is typically a cosmetic change that does not impact the underlying functionality of your device. Your apps and functions should continue to work as normal, regardless of the icon colors or design.
However, it’s worth noting that some icon packs or launchers may require additional resources or processing power, which could potentially impact performance on lower-end devices. But in general, making icons black and white is a relatively lightweight change that should not have a significant impact on your device’s performance.
Can I revert back to my original icons if I don’t like the black and white look?
Yes, you can typically revert back to your original icons if you don’t like the black and white look. Most apps and launchers that allow you to change icon colors or apply a new icon pack also offer the option to revert back to the original icons. This can usually be done by selecting the “Restore Original Icons” or “Revert to Default” option in the app’s settings.
Additionally, if you’re using a third-party launcher, you can usually switch back to the default launcher and restore your original icons. It’s also a good idea to create a backup of your original icons before making any changes, so you can easily restore them if needed.
Are there any limitations to making Android icons black and white?
Yes, there are some limitations to making Android icons black and white. For example, some apps may not support black and white icons, or may not display correctly when converted to black and white. Additionally, some icon packs or launchers may not offer the same level of customization or flexibility as others.
Another limitation is that some icons may not look as good in black and white as they do in color. This can be particularly true for icons that rely heavily on color to convey meaning or distinguish between different functions. In these cases, converting the icon to black and white may make it more difficult to use or understand.