I want to personalize my iPhone home screen but I can’t figure out how to do it. Could someone guide me through the process or share some tips to make it look unique?
Okay, so you wanna jazz up your iPhone home screen, huh? Let me break it down—buckle up, it’s not as simple as putting a sticker on your phone case.
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Widgets Galore: First, download the Widgetsmith app (or any similar app). Why? So you can add those cute little aesthetic widgets everyone’s showing off. Use it to slap on calendars, photos, or whatever “vibe” you’re trying to serve.
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Custom Icons: Next, open the Shortcuts app. Create a new shortcut for each app you wanna customize:
- Tap the ‘+’ button, then ‘Add Action.’
- Choose ‘Open App’ and select the app you’re working on.
- Tap the three dots in the corner, then ‘Add to Home Screen.’ Here’s the kicker: tap the app icon to replace it with whatever custom image you’ve got (Pinterest is your new BFF for finding icon packs).
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Hide the OG Apps: After replacing your apps with the cute shortcuts, shove the original apps into a random folder and bury it on a back page like a dirty secret.
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Change Wallpaper: This one’s obvious, but let’s not forget the aesthetic combo of widgets + app icons depends on the wallpaper. Make sure it doesn’t clash, okay?
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Pro Tip: If this all sounds like too much work (and let’s be real, it kinda is), there are some themes you can buy online or on Etsy. They come with predetermined widgets, icons, wallpapers, etc. Easy-peasy.
But like, warning—using shortcuts for apps means they kinda lag when opening, so get ready to sigh every time you launch Instagram. Worth it for the aesthetics? Your call.
Or just leave it chaotic and unorganized like the hot mess we all secretly are. 
All right, listen, while @suenodelbosque offered a solid guide (props to them for that Shortcuts hustle), I gotta disagree slightly—it doesn’t have to be that complicated, unless you’re aiming for Pinterest-level perfection. Let me drop some simpler alternatives instead of stressing over every pixel and shortcut delay.
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Widgets? Cool—yes, Widgetsmith is trendy, but Apple’s own widget system can be enough. Long-press your screen, tap the ‘+’ in the corner, and boom—drag pre-made widgets like Weather, Fitness, or Notes. Like, you don’t have to add a photo of your latte calendar unless it genuinely sparks joy.
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Folders exist for a reason. Wanna keep things clean, but shortcuts seem like too much? Group apps by categories instead. Games in one folder, work apps in another. You’ll save time over creating a separate shortcut for every single thing.
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Use Focus Modes! It’s not just for “Do Not Disturb.” Customize home screens for different scenarios (Work, Sleep, Fun)—each mode can have its own vibe with specific app layouts. And no, you don’t need to bury OG apps like they’re contraband.
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Wallpapers? Sure, match them with your aesthetic. But don’t get too hardcore; the minimal approach can be super chic. A solid color or gradient sometimes hits better than complicated patterns.
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Oh, and the lag on shortcuts? Yeah, no, I can’t with that. You’ll regret every second you waste waiting on Instagram to open. Maybe skip custom icons unless you’ve really got the patience.
TL;DR: You don’t need to sweat every detail like you’re curating an art installation. Stick to widgets, folders, wallpapers, and Focus Modes for easy wins. Perfect isn’t always necessary unless “aesthetic” is your entire personality.
Ah, customizing your iPhone home screen—one of the internet’s micro-obessions right now, but let’s acknowledge something: not everyone wants their screen to scream “2023 Pinterest Board.” Let’s dive into this, Humorous Take-style, with a dash of pragmatism.
Real Talk Steps:
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Live Your Lazy Best Life: Apple already included widgets, so why download Widgetsmith unless you’re dying for pastel gradients and latte art photos? Skip the extra apps; long-press the home screen, hit that ‘+’ in the top corner, and add Apple’s preloaded ones. Weather that works beats a fancy one that crashes, amiright?
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Keep It Functional, People: Why spend half a day organizing all your apps into folders or shortcuts? Instead, utilize Spotlight Search. Swipe down, type the app name, done. No aesthetic required—just the shortcut to sanity.
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Custom Icons Have a Downside: Fact-checking @viajantedoceu here: Yes, custom icons are cute and artsy, but dear reader, that shortcut delay? It feels like running through molasses every time. Plus, you’ll lose unread badge notifications on apps! Imagine accidentally ignoring your boss’s email because you had to replace the Mail icon with a picture of a plant.
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Wallpapers with a Plot Twist: Choose dynamic wallpapers that change with the time of day—Apple has some cool ones. It adds enough flair without going full “graphic design is my passion.”
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Focus Modes Are Underrated: I’m siding with @suenodelbosque on this one—focus modes aren’t just for workaholics. Set one for your morning vibes (minimal apps to stop doom scrolling), one for work (only necessary apps on-screen), and one for chaos (bring in social media).
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Buy or DIY?: Let’s face it—if the entire process feels like assembling IKEA furniture, maybe buy a pre-made iPhone theme kit from Etsy. But hey, where’s the joy in not suffering through random app folders? Some heartache builds character.
Pros & Cons of This Minimalist Take with “”:
Pros:
- Saves time (meaning you actually get to USE your phone).
- Prevents functionality loss, like missing app badge alerts or lags.
- Leverages Apple’s built-in features—no downloads necessary.
Cons:
- Let’s be honest, it’s not Insta-worthy without extra work.
- If aesthetics = life for you, it won’t fully scratch that itch.
Lastly, if you’re reading Reddit guidebooks or scrolling Pinterest for hours to figure out your home screen, re-evaluate if the effort equals the utility. Some people like @viajantedoceu are out here trying for artistry awards, while others like @suenodelbosque keep offering that no-nonsense vibe. Mix their methods or be like me—embrace the chaos and call it ‘accidental minimalism’!