Operation: Undercover App
Ever downloaded an app that screams "look at me, I'm totally a social media app" with its logo? ♀️ Yeah, we've all been there. But fear not, fellow undercover agents! There's a way to change your app's name and icon on your iPad, turning it into a secret agent disguised as a boring calculator. Disclaimer: This won't actually change the app itself, but it will shield your browsing history from any prying eyes.
Here's your mission briefing:
Gadget: Your iPad (cue dramatic music)* *Target: Incriminating app icon (let's face it, "Flamingo Beach Party" is a dead giveaway) ❌ *Weapon of choice: The Shortcuts app (think of it as your Q Branch)
Calling in the Shortcuts Crew
Apple, in its infinite wisdom, doesn't allow us to rename app icons directly. But that's where Shortcuts come in. This nifty app lets you create little mini-programs, and one of its superpowers is creating a secret entrance to your favorite apps.
Building Your Secret App Lair
- Open the Shortcuts app. We're going in!
- Tap the "Create Shortcut" button. This is where the magic happens.
- Search for "Open App" in the search bar. This is the secret handshake that unlocks your app.
- Tap "See all" next to Actions. We need to find your target app.
- Scroll through the list and find your app. Let's say you're trying to be inconspicuous with "Flamingo Beach Party."
- Tap on the app you want to disguise. It will be added to the shortcut.
Applying the Disguise
Now comes the fun part: creating your cover!
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner. This is your mission control.
- Tap "Add to Home Screen". We're prepping for deployment.
- Here's your chance to get creative! Rename the shortcut whatever you want your secret app to be called. "Expense Tracker" sounds much more believable than "Flamingo Beach Party," right?
- Tap the icon. This is where you choose your disguise. You can pick from emoji , photos from your library, or even take a new one.
Mission Accomplished!
Tap "Add" and your undercover app will appear on your home screen. Now you can launch "Flamingo Beach Party" (or whatever your app is really called) without anyone knowing your secret identity. Remember, with great anonymity comes great responsibility.
Bonus Tip: You can create different shortcuts for the same app with different names and icons. Now you have a whole undercover network at your fingertips! Just be careful not to get too confused yourself.
