Why does the Duolingo app icon look sick?

DUOLINGO users have noticed that their owl icon isn't looking quite itself lately.

The Duolingo owl went from cheery to dreary overnight and debate is circulating online about why. Here's everything you need to know.

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Why does the Duolingo app icon look sick?

Popular language learning app, Duolingo, has left fans baffled after they noticed the app's iconic owl has changed and now wears a sad and rather ill expression.

There has been much debate online from users speculating why Duolingo is looking rough?

Duolingo UK hasn't revealed the exact reason why the app's icon has changed to look so sad.

On April 3, 2024, the company posted a cryptic meme about it on X / Twitter, with the caption "when you put off your lesson for 5 mins"

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In response to one user, the firm said the owl is "in my tired era".

It is thought that the change may be intended to encourage users to open the app and learn.

There's speculation about it being a marketing trick to grab people's attention and get them talking.

It's not the first time Duolingo have pulled this stunt.

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In October 2023, the Duolingo owl appeared to melt as part of a limited-time app icon change. 

What does the original Duolingo app icon look like?

The original Duolingo features a green owl icon that usually has a cheerful appearance.

The giant Duolingo plushy owl that features on the 's TikTok page continues to sport the original cheerful and approachable expression as he gallivants around the UK.

However, the app thumbnail looks anything but happy.

What is Duolingo used for?

Duolingo is a free language learning app that helps users master new words and phrases in a language of their choice.

The app delivers up game style language study tools in bite-sized lessons.

Users can choose from over 40 languages to learn from scratch, or simply to brush up on their knowledge of speaking a second language.

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Can I revert the Duolingo app icon back to the original?

Fortunately, there are ways to revert back to the original cheery owl icon, but it depends on the type of account you have and your streak.

If you're a Max or Super Duolingo subscriber you gain access to a special icon that's super easy to switch on.

• Start by opening the app and tapping the owl sitting in the top right of your screen
• Scroll down until you see Super App Icon or Max App Icon
• Tap TURN ON
• And finally, tap OK

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The other way you can change the Duolingo app icon is via the Streak Society dashboard.

• Open the app and tap the flame streak icon at the top of your screen
• Tap Enter Now in the Streak Society box
• Go down until you see Rewards and the New App Icon option
• Tap CHANGE APP ICON
• Make your selection and tap OK