Table of Contents
Problem Overview
After a recent update, users of the Finch self-care app were dismayed to find that their familiar task icons had been inexplicably replaced with random and often unrelated images—such as ants, toilet paper, camels, and koalas. This sudden change has led to widespread confusion and frustration, especially among users who rely on visual cues to manage routines and support their mental health.
Key Issues Identified:
- Random Icon Assignment: Medication reminders, once a pill bottle or chocolate bar, now display an ant for many users. Other tasks have similarly nonsensical icons (e.g., toilet paper for cleaning, camel for brushing teeth).
- Lack of Control for Free Users: Only Finch Plus subscribers can manually change icons, leaving free-tier users stuck with the random assignments.
- Negative Emotional Impact: Many users find the new icons unsettling or unhelpful—especially those with phobias (e.g., aversion to insects)—and some are considering deleting important reminders as a result.
- No Official Explanation or Warning: The change appears to have rolled out without prior notice or in-app communication, intensifying user dissatisfaction.
Solution 1: Manual Icon Editing (Finch Plus Only)
Subscribers can edit icons by:
- Tapping the center of the task (not the checkbox)
- Selecting “Edit”
- Clicking the pencil icon next to the current icon
- Choosing a more appropriate emoji or icon, then saving
Solution 2: Text-Based Icon Manipulation (Free Users)
- Change Task Wording: Experiment with different task names—e.g., “take medicine,” “take pills,” or use specific medication names like “Tylenol”—to trigger different icons.
- Add Emojis to Task Titles: Placing a relevant emoji at the start of the task name (e.g., “💊 Medication Time”) may force the app to use that emoji as the icon.
- Use Hashtags: Adding or altering hashtags in the task name (e.g., “#meds,” “#pill”) can sometimes prompt a new icon assignment.
- Delete and Recreate Task: Some users report that deleting the affected task and recreating it with different wording can result in a more suitable icon, though results are inconsistent.
Solution 3: Community Tips
- Share Workarounds: Many users are actively sharing successful combinations of task names and emojis on Reddit and other forums, which can be a valuable resource for finding temporary solutions.
- Feedback to Developers: Users are encouraged to contact Finch support or leave feedback requesting more control over icons, especially for accessibility reasons.
This situation is likely the result of an unintended bug or an unannounced change in the app’s icon assignment algorithm. The lack of communication and inability to revert icons without a paid subscription has left many users feeling powerless and frustrated. Some users find the changes amusing, but the overall sentiment is negative, especially among those who depend on routine and visual consistency for mental health support.
Recommendations for Finch App Developers
- Restore Previous Icon Assignments: Revert to the original, context-appropriate icons for all users.
- Improve Communication: Notify users in advance of any changes that affect core app functionality.
- Allow Basic Icon Customization for All: At minimum, enable free users to revert icons to a default set, especially for essential tasks like medication reminders.
- Blacklist Problematic Icons: Exclude icons that could trigger phobias or discomfort from the randomization pool.
The random icon swap in Finch is a disruptive, negative experience for many users. While Finch Plus subscribers have a direct fix, free users must rely on creative workarounds like changing task names or adding emojis. Until the developers address this issue, sharing solutions within the community and providing feedback to Finch support are the best courses of action.