You can change the Intercom launcher icon in the Messenger settings by uploading your own launcher image, but only on the Advanced and Expert plans; on Essential those fields can't be edited. On any plan you can also hide the default launcher and open the Messenger from your own button, which is how animated launchers like Chatmello work.
Option 1: upload a custom launcher image
In Intercom, open the Messenger's customization settings, find the launcher options and upload your own launcher image or logo. This needs the Advanced or Expert plan.
- Good for: showing your logo instead of Intercom's chat icon, with no code.
- Limits: the launcher icon can't be enlarged, there's one launcher position per site, and it stays a still image.
- Also in the same settings: the launcher color (your action color), left or right, and the spacing from the edges.
Option 2: hide the launcher and use your own button
Intercom lets you hide its launcher and open the Messenger from any element on your page. This works on every plan, but you build and maintain the button yourself.
- Set
hide_default_launcher: truein your Intercom settings object (orIntercom('update', { hide_default_launcher: true })). - Either set
custom_launcher_selectorto your button's CSS selector, or callIntercom('show')when your button is clicked. - Style your button however you like, including on mobile, since Intercom has no separate mobile launcher setting.
Option 3: an animated character as the launcher
Intercom has no animated launcher. A launcher layer such as Chatmello does option 2 for you: it hides Intercom's launcher using hide_default_launcher, shows an animated character in your brand colors, opens the Messenger when it's clicked, and shows Intercom's unread count on the character.
Which option should you pick?
| Option | Plan | Code | Animated | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upload a launcher image | Advanced or Expert | None | No | A logo on the button, no code |
| Your own button | Any | Yes | If you build it | Developers who want full control |
| Chatmello character | Any Intercom plan; free Chatmello plan | One script tag | Yes | A friendly, animated button without code |
FAQ
Can I change the Intercom launcher icon on the Essential plan?
No. Intercom's launcher customization fields can't be edited on Essential. You can still hide the launcher and use your own button.
Can I make the Intercom launcher bigger?
No. Intercom's docs say the launcher symbol can't be enlarged. A custom button or a launcher layer can be any size.
Can the Intercom launcher be animated?
Not with Intercom's settings. You'd need your own animated button, or a launcher layer such as Chatmello.
Does hiding the launcher break the Messenger?
No. With hide_default_launcher the Messenger still works; you open it with Intercom('show') or custom_launcher_selector.
Can I use a different launcher on mobile?
Intercom has no separate mobile launcher setting. You can set hide_default_launcher from your own mobile check, or use display conditions.
Will Fin and my inbox still work with a custom launcher?
Yes. Changing or hiding the launcher doesn't change the Messenger, Fin or routing.
Sources
- Intercom Help: set up and customize the Messenger, checked October 18, 2026
- Intercom developer docs: Messenger attributes, checked October 18, 2026
- Intercom Help: hide the Messenger, checked October 18, 2026
Learn more
- Animated Intercom chat button how Chatmello works with Intercom
- How to customize your website's chat button 8 chat tools compared
- Install guides
