I am a big fan of icon packs as they provide a fresh new look to your Android device without any hassle and only require a custom launcher like Nova or Apex to work. However, with the release of KitKat, I had to give up on third-party launchers because of the lack of Google Now integration and the ‘Ok, Google’ feature.

Thanks to the Xposed framework and Unicon module though, it is now possible to apply icon packs on the stock launcher of your Android device. This includes the Google Experience Launcher — or GEL— as well the launcher included by OEMs on their devices like TouchWiz or Sense.

If you aren’t familiar with Xposed Framework, you should read this article to know what it is and how to install it. If you are rooted and already using it, follow the guide below to know how you can apply icon packs on the stock launcher of your device.

1. Head over to the Play Store and download Unicon ($1.49). Make sure to grant the app root access when you first start it.

2. You’ll need to activate Unicon’s Xposed module before you can start using the app. Tap the ‘Open Xposed Installer’ option from the dialog box that pops-up. Then, tap the back arrow at the top-left of the Xposed Installer, select ‘Modules’ and activate the Unicon module. Restart your device for the changes to take affect.

3. Start Unicon and move it to the /system partition by tapping ‘Move’ from the dialog box that pops up. Make sure to grant the app root access once again.

4. You can now finally start applying Icon packs. Start Unicon, select the icon pack you’d like to use and hit the Apply button.

Most, if not all, the icon packs that are compatible with launchers like Nova/Apex will work with Unicon. Another advantage of using Unicon is that it applies the packs on a system-wide level and not just to app icons in the app drawer.

If you don’t know which packs to try, I suggest you read our Top 5 icon packs article for starters.