The release of Android 8.0 Oreo has been a highly anticipated one, and it not just because of how cool it sounds. With a bunch of upgrades, the latest Android version brings features such as Picture-in-Picture mode, Notification channels, aggressive Doze Mode and so much more with it. However, one of the lesser known design tweaks that comes with the Android 8.0 update is Adaptive icons.

Google’s attempt at fixing the uneven app icons with the Adaptive icons feature isn’t perfect, since it can bring up a white background around the app icons just to keep the design element intact. This is especially noticeable on devices like the Galaxy S9, and since the feature is baked into Oreo, the only way around it is a third-party launcher.

If you have received the Oreo update on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8, and aren’t liking the white background on app icons, then this is for you.

Related:
How to get the unread count bubble on app icon on Android 8.0 Oreo update

Get yourself a third-party launcher and an icon pack

There’s no limit to the what app launchers can do today, from bringing notification badges to app icons, to changing the entire user interface of the smartphone. All you need as an app launcher and your choice of icons pack from the Google Play Store and you’re all set.

Here are some of our most recommended choices:

Home Screen Replacement apps (Android launcher apps):

  1. Nova Launcher
  2. Apex Launcher
  3. ADW Launcher 2
  4. Find more on the Play Store

Icon packs:

  1. Pixel Icon Pack (gives your device a Google Pixel look)
  2. Click UI
  3. Polycon
  4. Find more icon packs on the Play Store

Once you have the icon pack installed, it will use its own icon for the apps you have, and they won’t have the white background.

But of course, there are chances that some of your installed apps do not have a dedicated icon in the icon pack, thus leaving it as it is. In that case, you can press and hold on that app’s iconon the home screen, and manually select its icon to your liking.

Which is your favorite app launcher and icon pack to solve the nuisance that is the Adaptive icons feature of Android 8.0 Oreo?