How to personalize your Android phone with themes and launchers

Contents

Android phone showing a custom launcher

Android customization is one of the reasons why many people prefer it. You can change the look, the feel and function of virtually any themed android mobile, custom launchers and icon packs. Here's how to get started.

Some phones allow you to install themes, while all Android phones allow you to install custom launchers and icon packs. These go a long way towards making your phone unique, thanks to the almost infinite launcher and icon pack customizations.

Step one: Select a topic (just some phones)

themes in play store

Some Android phones allow you to select a theme for the phone dialer, the messenger, the settings app and other built-in apps. They are generally as simple as selecting between light and dark backgrounds., but it may not be an all or nothing matter. As an example, Pixel line does not allow users to select between light and dark theme for Settings menu, but the Quick Settings menu, the phone dialer, the messenger and some (But not all) the other Google apps can be individually toggled between light and dark mode.

If you are using a Galaxy flagship phone, you will have access to the amazing Samsung theme store. This enables you to change the icons used in the Samsung launcher, the color of the Settings and Quick Settings menus, Samsung's messaging app, phone dialer and other built-in apps. It also allows you to change the appearance of the navigation buttons. As an example, the theme I'm using (called Material Dark) Makes the navigation buttons look like the ones on vanilla Android phones. In conclusion, Samsung Themes allows you to download different designs for your Always-on-Display, so even if your phone is on a table, you can show some personal style.

details page of a topic

If you don't get theme options with your phone manufacturer's built-in apps, you can always use an application other than the Play Store. You can use Google Messages to send SMS, and Solid Explorer to browse files and switch between dark and light theme within those apps.

Step two: choose a launcher

The launcher is where you will notice the greatest possibility to personalize your phone. The launcher is the first thing you will see when you unlock your phone and where it will go when you are not using an app. At the same time offering you an aesthetic option, launchers also allow you to navigate the phone faster with gestures.

custom launcher displayed on android screen

New Launcher is always popular. It has a free version that allows you to use icon packs, resize icons, select between folder and font options, use app shortcuts and more. The free version is likely more customizable than the launcher that shipped on your phone, but the paid version gives you even more options for just $ 5. My favorite features of the paid version are the gestures and the ability to hide apps from the app drawer. My app drawer has a total of four visible apps because I have hidden all the apps that are in my home screen folder and the ones that I don't use often.

app drawer and widget screen

You can also add a gesture to your home screen by opening Nova Settings again. After, select “Gestures and inputs” to change the gesture settings and use the home button to go back to your launcher and test the gestures.

new configuration screen

These are, decidedly, just some of the features of Nova. You can do much more with him.

RELATED: The five most useful functions of Nova Launcher for Android

Action launcher it is also popular. Brings the best features of Google's Pixel Launcher to any Android device, even those stuck in old versions of Android. You get full support for icon packs, as well as the ability to automatically resize icons to make them more uniform. One of the most exclusive features is Shutters: swipe up on an app icon to view its widget (if you have one). You also get the famous Quickdrawer from Action Launcher, that allows you to slide your finger from the left side of the screen to see all the applications, instead of swiping up or pressing a button on the home screen.

quick drawer displayed on screen

If none of these you like, or if you just want to go down the pitcher's rabbit hole, there are many more options en Play Store. Try some, then choose the one that best suits your needs.

Step three: download a pack of icons and wallpapers

icons in play store

Icon Packs are the icing on the customization cake. exist thousands of icon packs to select, so you will possibly find one that you like. I go back and forth between Whicons and Moonshine Pro, depending on how much color you want to see. Most icon packs cost less than a dollar, if the developer charges something, so you can try multiple packages without spending a lot of money. Note that you will likely need a custom launcher before you can use an icon pack.

wallpapers in play store

Wallpapers are also a great way to make your phone stand out.. Your phone will likely include some wallpapers to get you started, but applications like Backdrops have even more options. You can also always set a photo of your children, your partner or your favorite pet as wallpaper.

You don't have to use all of these on your phone; even a new wallpaper will make your phone stand out from the crowd. It doesn't matter which launcher or icons you use, your phone will be truly yours.

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