To rename apps on iPhone, you must use the Shortcuts app because iOS does not allow directly renaming original app icons. The only way to change an app's label is to create a custom-named shortcut that opens the app, which acts as a renamed bookmark on your home screen.
How to rename apps on iPhone: The only way that works
iOS does not let you edit the name of an original app icon. Pressing and holding an app icon until icons wiggle and then tapping the icon only enters the home screen editing mode for moving or deleting apps; it does not allow renaming the original icon. To get a custom label, you create a shortcut via the built-in Shortcuts app. This workaround places a new icon on your home screen with the name you choose, while the original app remains unchanged. This is essential for anyone interested in changing names and labels on mobile, as it gives you full control over your home screen organization without altering the app itself.
Step 1: Create a new shortcut to open your app
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
- Tap the + button in the top-right corner to create a new shortcut.
- In the search bar, type "Open App" and select the Open App action from the list.
- Tap Choose and select the app you want to rename from the list of installed apps.
Step 2: Rename the shortcut
- Tap the three dots (...) or the down arrow next to the shortcut name at the top of the screen.
- Enter your new custom name for the shortcut.
- Tap Done to save the new name.
Step 3: Add the renamed shortcut to your home screen
- Tap the Share icon (a square with an arrow pointing up) in the bottom-right corner of the shortcut editor.
- Select Add to Home Screen from the share sheet.
- In the pop-up, you can customize the name again if desired. The icon preview will show the app's original icon by default.
- Tap Add in the top-right corner to place the renamed shortcut icon on your home screen.
Organizing your new app shortcuts
After adding the renamed shortcut, you can move the original app icon to the App Library to keep only the renamed shortcut visible on your home screen. To do this, press and hold the original app icon, tap Remove App, then select Move to App Library. This gives you a cleaner home screen with only your custom-named shortcuts showing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rename the original app icon without using Shortcuts?
No. iOS does not provide any built-in option to rename original app icons. The Shortcuts workaround is the only method that creates a custom label on your home screen.
Will renaming the shortcut affect the app's functionality or data?
No. The shortcut simply opens the original app. All app data, settings, and features remain unchanged. It is purely a cosmetic change to the home screen label.
Can I use the same name for multiple renamed shortcuts?
Yes. Shortcuts can have identical names. However, to avoid confusion, it is recommended to use unique names for each app.
Can I change the icon of the renamed shortcut?
Yes. When adding the shortcut to your home screen, you can tap the icon preview to choose a different photo, color, or glyph from the Shortcuts app. This is optional and not required for renaming.
How do I delete a renamed shortcut from my home screen?
Press and hold the renamed shortcut icon, then tap Remove App and select Remove from Home Screen. This deletes only the shortcut, not the original app.
Can I revert a renamed shortcut back to the original app name?
To revert, delete the renamed shortcut from your home screen and use the original app icon from your App Library or home screen. The original app name is never changed.
Can I revert an app to its original name after renaming it?
Yes. Since the renaming is done via a shortcut, you can delete the custom-named shortcut and create a new one with the original app name, or simply edit the existing shortcut's name back to the original by tapping its name in the Shortcuts app and typing the original name.
