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Change the App Icon

Use this guide when white-labeling an Instamobile React Native app for your own brand or client.

Quick Answer​

Prepare a 1024x1024 source icon, generate iOS and Android icon assets, replace the native icon asset folders, rebuild the app, then verify the icon on device, in Xcode, in Android Studio, and in store release metadata.

1. Prepare the Source Icon​

Create a square icon source file:

  • 1024x1024 px;
  • no transparency for iOS App Store icon;
  • clear brand mark at small sizes;
  • enough padding for adaptive Android masks;
  • PNG source exported from your design file.

Keep the original design file in your product assets folder so future icon updates are repeatable.

2. Generate Icon Assets​

Use your design pipeline or an icon export tool to create all required sizes.

You need:

PlatformAssets
iOSAppIcon.appiconset with all required sizes.
Androidlauncher icon resources under mipmap-* and adaptive icon layers if used.

If the app uses adaptive Android icons, update foreground and background assets together.

3. Replace iOS Icon Assets​

Find the active iOS asset catalog:

find ios -name "AppIcon.appiconset"

Replace the existing AppIcon.appiconset with the generated one.

Then open the workspace in Xcode and confirm the app target uses that asset catalog.

4. Replace Android Icon Assets​

Common Android paths:

android/app/src/main/res/mipmap-hdpi
android/app/src/main/res/mipmap-mdpi
android/app/src/main/res/mipmap-xhdpi
android/app/src/main/res/mipmap-xxhdpi
android/app/src/main/res/mipmap-xxxhdpi

Search first:

find android/app/src/main/res -iname "*ic_launcher*"

Replace all launcher icon files used by the app. If the app has adaptive icon XML files, confirm they point to the new foreground/background assets.

5. Rebuild and Verify​

Rebuild after native asset changes:

corepack yarn ios
corepack yarn android

If the old icon still appears, delete the app from the simulator/device and run again. Launchers can cache icons.

Verification Checklist​

  • iOS icon appears correctly on simulator or device.
  • Android icon appears correctly on emulator or device.
  • Icon looks good at small sizes.
  • No old Instamobile/demo icon remains.
  • App Store Connect 1024x1024 icon is ready.
  • Google Play icon and feature graphic are prepared separately if needed.

Troubleshooting​

ProblemFix
Old icon still appearsDelete the installed app and rebuild.
Android icon is croppedAdjust adaptive icon safe area and foreground padding.
iOS App Store rejects iconUse a 1024x1024 PNG without transparency.
Debug and release show different iconsCheck build variants, flavors, and asset paths.

Next Steps​