These days, Instagram and other social platforms have become a huge part of our lives—especially with how fast everything’s evolving. And let’s be honest, when it comes to our iPhone home screens, we want things to look aesthetic, clean, and a little personalized, right?
If you’re someone who’s into curating their home screen vibe, you might already know how big of a difference a simple icon change can make. That includes the Messages app too. Swapping the default icon for something more stylish can instantly upgrade your screen’s overall look. And luckily, iOS now allows that kind of customization. So if you’re hunting for aesthetic message icons, you’re definitely in the right place.
Here are a few go-to resources where you can find cute and creative iOS message icons—plus a quick guide on how to use them.
Pinterest – The Icon Treasure Trove
Pinterest is a goldmine when it comes to visuals. Honestly, if you’re looking for aesthetic anything—icons, wallpapers, color schemes—Pinterest has it. You’ll find message icons in all kinds of styles: minimal, Y2K, pastel, dark mode, and more.
There are tons of pins shared every day by creators around the world, so chances are, you’ll find a message icon that fits your aesthetic. Just search terms like “iOS aesthetic message icon” or “custom iPhone icons” and start exploring. You can easily save the ones you like and add them to your Shortcuts app.
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Icons8 – Clean, Custom, and Super Easy to Use
Okay, so if you’re after something that looks a little more polished (but still super easy to get), Icons8 is honestly a great option. It’s one of those websites that feels like it was actually made for people who just want nice-looking icons without spending hours searching.
What makes Icons8 stand out is how many styles and color choices they give you. I’m talking about everything from basic black-and-white icons to ones in green, beige, or even with see-through (transparent) backgrounds. They’ve basically got options that can match almost any aesthetic you’re going for.
Most of the icons are totally free to use for personal stuff, which is awesome. But yeah, if you want some of the fancier or more detailed ones, they do have a paid section. Still, the free ones are more than enough for most people.
And the best part? The site is actually easy to use. Like, you don’t have to dig through a bunch of random stuff like on Pinterest. Everything’s sorted nicely, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. I’ve used it myself a few times, and honestly, it just makes the whole icon-hunting thing way less stressful.
Elasq – Cute & Colorful Picks
Another hidden gem is Elasq. Not as well-known as Pinterest or Icons8, but surprisingly good if you’re after something sweet and playful. Their collection features unique icon packs in soft colors like pink, beige, and brown—which are perfect for soft aesthetic lovers.
What I really like about Elasq is that everything feels designed with intention. The icons don’t look like basic stock images, and many of them are free to download directly from the site. It’s one of those sites you stumble across and then bookmark because it feels like you’ve found a secret.
How To Set Up Aesthetic Message Icons on iOS
Let’s be real, customizing icons used to be such a pain. But now, thanks to iOS updates, it’s way easier. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to do it:
Alright, here’s how you can change your Messages icon without making it complicated:
First, find the icon you like – Could be from Pinterest, Icons8, Elasq… doesn’t matter. Just grab one that fits your vibe and save it to your photos.
Now open the Shortcuts app – This app honestly does all the heavy lifting. It might seem confusing at first, but once you do it once, it’s super chill.
Hit the little “+” sign to make a new shortcut – Then choose “Open App,” and pick Messages from the list. That’s the app you’re customizing.
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Tap the icon part (top right corner) – You’ll get an option to “Choose Photo.” Just upload the image you saved earlier—that’s gonna be your new icon.
Name the shortcut if you want – You can leave it as “Messages” or name it something fun like “Chat Zone” or “Text Me Maybe” (lol, your call).
Add it to your home screen – Once you do that, you’ll see your new custom icon sitting right there like it was always meant to be.
And that’s literally it. Doesn’t take more than a couple of minutes once you get the hang of it. Just looks way cooler than the default green bubble, if you ask me.
Tip: You can do the same with other apps too, and fully redesign your whole home screen layout. It takes a little time, but once it’s done, it feels so you.
Conclusion
If you’re someone who loves curating the look and feel of your iPhone, aesthetic message icons are such a simple but satisfying upgrade. You don’t need to be a tech expert or designer—just a few downloads and some quick Shortcuts magic, and you’re all set.
Pinterest is great for variety, Icons8 offers professional-grade icons, and Elasq has those softer, cuter vibes. Mix and match, play around, and find the look that matches your personality. Your home screen should make you smile every time you open your phone—and this is a fun way to make that happen.
