How to Change the X Icon Back to the Twitter Bird on Any Device

Elon Musk’s rebrand of Twitter to X left many users feeling a sense of loss. The familiar blue bird, a symbol of public conversation for over a decade, was suddenly gone from our home screens and browser tabs. If you’re among those who prefer the old icon, you’re not stuck with the new minimalist ‘X’. With a few clever workarounds, you can bring the bird back.

Restoring the Bird on Your Computer Browser

The web version is the easiest to fix. You don’t need any technical skills, just a simple browser extension. Think of it as a visual patch that changes the logo before it even loads on your screen.

For Chrome or Microsoft Edge users, search for the “X to Twitter” extension in your browser’s web store. It’s free and takes seconds to install. Firefox users can find a similar add-on. Once installed, just refresh your twitter.com tab. The extension works silently in the background, swapping the X for the classic bird icon automatically.

Getting the Twitter Icon Back on iPhone

Apple’s iOS doesn’t let you change app icons directly, but its Shortcuts app provides a powerful workaround. It’s a bit like creating a custom shortcut that looks and acts like the old app.

First, find a high-quality image of the Twitter bird logo. A quick Google Images search will do. Save it to your Photos.

Now, open the Shortcuts app (it comes pre-installed on all iPhones). Tap the ‘+’ button in the top right to create a new shortcut. Search for and add the “Open App” action. When prompted, select the “X” app from your list of installed applications.

Next, tap the three dots (•••) or the arrow next to your new shortcut’s name. Select “Add to Home Screen.” Here’s where the magic happens: tap the generic icon preview, choose “Choose Photo,” and select the bird image you saved. Name it “Twitter” and tap “Add.” You’ll now have a perfect bird icon on your home screen that opens X.

Changing the App Icon on Android

Android offers more flexibility, often through third-party apps. A popular and free tool for this is an app called Shortcut Maker, available on the Google Play Store.

After installing Shortcut Maker, open it and grant the necessary permissions. Tap on “Apps” and find the “X” app in your list. Select it, then tap on “Icon.” Choose “Gallery Image” and pick your downloaded Twitter bird picture. You can crop it to fit perfectly.

If your phone has already renamed the app to “X,” you can edit the label back to “Twitter” right in Shortcut Maker. Finally, tap “Create Shortcut.” A new icon will appear on your home screen. You can move it, place it in your dock, and forget the official X icon even exists.

Why Bother Changing the Icon?

For many, it’s not just about aesthetics. The bird icon represents a specific era and feel for the platform—a sense of community and familiarity that the stark X doesn’t capture. It’s a small act of personalization in a digital world that often feels homogenized. These methods are harmless, reversible, and give you back a slice of the internet you remember.

So, whether you’re a nostalgic long-time user or simply find the blue bird easier to spot in a crowded app folder, these steps let you customize your experience. The platform’s functionality remains unchanged; you’re just wrapping it in a more comforting, familiar package.