Updating an app icon is a common task, but it often causes confusion because there are actually two different icons you might need to update: the one users see on their phones, and the one users see on the Google Play Store.
Here is exactly how to update both.
1. Updating the App Icon on the Device
This is the icon users see on their home screens after installing your application. To change this, you must update your app's source code and release a new update.
### The Recommended Method: Image Asset Studio
The easiest way to update your icon in Android Studio is using the built-in Image Asset tool, which automatically generates all required sizes and handles adaptive icons.
1. Open your project in Android Studio. 2. In the left panel, make sure you are in the Android view. Navigate to `app/res`. 3. Right-click on the `res` folder → Select New → Image Asset. 4. In the Asset Studio dialog: * Icon Type: Select "Launcher Icons (Adaptive and Legacy)". * Name: Keep it as `ic_launcher`. * Source Asset: Click the folder icon and select your new high-resolution image file. 5. Adjust the scaling/padding if necessary, then click Next and Finish.
This automatically replaces the files in your `mipmap` folders (`mipmap-hdpi`, `mipmap-xhdpi`, etc.) with properly sized icons.
### After Replacing the Icon
To ensure the new icon displays correctly on your test devices: 1. Verify your `AndroidManifest.xml` still points to the correct resources: ```xml android:icon="@mipmap/ic_launcher" android:roundIcon="@mipmap/ic_launcher_round" ``` 2. Go to Build → Clean Project, then Build → Rebuild Project. 3. Crucial Step: Uninstall the old version of the app from your test device before installing the new build. If you don't, Android might cache the old icon.
2. Updating the Store Listing Icon (Play Console)
This is the large, high-quality icon that appears on your app's Google Play Store page. Updating this icon does not require an app update.
1. Go to the [Google Play Console](https://play.google.com/console) and select your app. 2. In the left menu, navigate to Store presence → Main store listing. 3. Scroll down to the "App icon" section. 4. Upload a 512×512 px PNG image. 5. Click Save at the top right of the page.
The new icon will typically appear on the Play Store within a few hours after being reviewed.
Key Differences Summary
| Feature | Device App Icon (Home Screen) | Store Listing Icon (Play Store) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Where to Change | Android Studio (Code) | Google Play Console | | Requires App Update?| ✅ Yes | ❌ No | | Required Format | Multiple mipmap sizes | Single 512×512 px PNG | | Visibility | On the user's phone | On the Play Store listing |
By understanding these two distinct icons, you can ensure your branding stays consistent across both the app store and your users' devices.