Symptoms
- Icon shows an old design after the app updated its look
- Generic placeholder icon instead of the app's actual logo
- Icon looks pixelated or the wrong size
- Icon is correct in the app store but wrong on the home screen
Likely causes
- CommonIcon cache not refreshed after an app updateThe home screen sometimes keeps a cached version of the icon rather than fetching the updated one immediately.
- PossibleIncomplete app updateIf the update didn't fully finish, some assets like the icon may not update while the app itself still works.
- PossibleLauncher-specific icon pack overriding the actual icon (Android)Custom icon packs or themes can substitute their own icon design.
- Less commonCorrupted icon cache system-wideA broader caching bug could affect multiple icons at once.
What to do
- Restart the phone, which often refreshes icon caches automatically.
- Check for a pending update for the app and complete it if found.
- If using a custom icon pack or theme, check whether it's overriding this specific app's icon.
- Remove the app icon from the home screen and re-add it.
- Clear the launcher app's cache if on Android and using a custom launcher.
- Uninstall and reinstall the app if the icon still won't update.
When to call a pro
No professional repair needed; this is a purely cosmetic caching issue.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.