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Hello all,
New to the forums and I'm pretty much a complete newb to smart phones as well (I haven't had a cell phone in close to 5 years lol). Anyway, got a Galaxy S2 a couple weeks ago, started wondering about customization, etc and ran into this site.
Looking at some of the home screens you guys come up with, they are amazing.
But, I honestly have no idea where to start to make my own. Do I need to root my phone to do this stuff? Or, is it as simple as downloading some themes and icons and installing them?
I don't mind reading and/or teaching myself how to do it, but, if someone could just point me the right direction I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance for any help. Cheers.
actually , you have no need to root your phone if you just want to change some icons or themes , but you may change your launcher so you can use those themes or dock icons that you have download in xda .
Try different launchers to replace your standard home, they're all good. Adw is what I normally use, launcher pro is good, go launcher also.
sinkster
I was actually curious about this too. I like PyroMod, but I think the Opacity of the windows should be closer to 80% and the notification fonts should be white instead of black. What specifically do I need to modify for this to work?
Thanks for the replies.
I downloaded and installed Launcher Pro, just to try...I have read about ADW and a couple others that I will try as well once I get the hang of this thing.
Are there any problems that may pop up with the phone using 2 launchers? I guess not or you guys wouldn't be using them.
im using launcher pro and zeam launcher and i had no problems so far
Without rooting, you can change icons on your homescreen (using a home replacement app and/or Desktop Visualizer), use modified widgets as long as they're not system apps, customize your lock screen with WidgetLocker, and of course change your wallpaper. You can also use something like Multipicture LWP to do a bit more creative stuff - like embedding icons on the wallpaper in PS and stuff.
With rooting you can do all of those things, plus modify your status bar & notification icons, change icons for apps officially (not just on the homescreen), modify system apps or remove them, etc etc. If you have no reason to root, don't. It's a common misconception that you have to root to make your phone look good. While it definitely helps, it's not necessary.
If you do plan on rooting and are interested in theming, see if MIUI is available for your device. You may like it, and the theming possibilities are endless. If you don't like it or it isn't available, other roms have theming built in as well - CM7 is one that comes to mind.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
plainjane said:
Without rooting, you can change icons on your homescreen (using a home replacement app and/or Desktop Visualizer), use modified widgets as long as they're not system apps, customize your lock screen with WidgetLocker, and of course change your wallpaper. You can also use something like Multipicture LWP to do a bit more creative stuff - like embedding icons on the wallpaper in PS and stuff.
With rooting you can do all of those things, plus modify your status bar & notification icons, change icons for apps officially (not just on the homescreen), modify system apps or remove them, etc etc. If you have no reason to root, don't. It's a common misconception that you have to root to make your phone look good. While it definitely helps, it's not necessary.
If you do plan on rooting and are interested in theming, see if MIUI is available for your device. You may like it, and the theming possibilities are endless. If you don't like it or it isn't available, other roms have theming built in as well - CM7 is one that comes to mind.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting might be something I would think about down the road, but, being so new to this I will probably hold off for now. I wouldn't mind unlocking it at some point though as I do travel to the States a couple times a year and would like the freedom that provides for my trips.
Thanks for the detailed reply, it is appreciated and I will look into some of those apps that you mentioned.
Hello there everyone. I have many widgets that I use on my device, and each of them come with different sizes. Because of that, it takes forever to scroll through all of them, even when in reality, I only have 20 different ones in total (But if each has 10 sizes, it adds up...) I found an app that combines them, but it requires root. (Or does it? Here.) I believe that Cyanogen does this on it's own, but I don't want to root my phone or change ROMs because I would be unable to pay for a new phone if something were to go wrong, nor do I have a spare to get me by if it was bricked. I know apps like WidgetLocker override stock apps without root, is there a way to do that with the widget selector?
Also, is the selector a function of the launcher, not the operating system? I'm using GoLauncher if that makes a difference.
Thank you very much.
So it is not possible to achieve the picker I want without root?
In that case, is there a foolproof, 100% successful way to root and change roms? All of the ROM threads I see have endless posts of bugs, things not working, and bricked phones. They also throw around lots of terms (Like flash this... But to where?) without explanations for noobs like me.
Can anyone help me out?
Hi there,
Think you can try Golauncher Pro, it let's you to custom the number of icon you can put on the home screens (default 4 by 4 ) and also lets you to resize the widgets.. hope that's what you are looking for.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA Premium App
Just got my 7.0 Plus P-6210, rooted it, and now I'm looking for "stuff" to do. I'd like to get themes, I'd like to use the LumTec clocks so I'll need Crazy Home (having trouble finding a compatible version), and whatever else 'cool' I can do. I use this for work and pleasure so I don't want to actually launch nuclear missiles, just up the alert level from time to time. Any ideas?? (And, for you flamers, Yes, I have been looking at the forum, FAQs, etc. as well Multiple sources are always good!)
Welcome to the gt+ forum. You can start by personalizing the user interface. I find the touch wiz to be quite dull. I am using Go Launcher Ex, there are plenty of themes and personalization that you can play with.
On the developer side, not much you can do, very few devs have dedicated time to our beloved tablet. You can install cwm version from Gary, and try a couple kernel setting to both overclock and undervolted your beast!
Have fun...
P_
I'm a fairly new owner as well. So far I've played around with different interface options and so far I really like GO Launcher HD, Widget Locker for the lock screen, and minimalistic text for weather / clock / system info widgets.
There were several helpful threads in the Android Theme forum.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=761517
On the productivity side, I've found a few good ideas like:
http://m.lifehacker.com/5869452/how...n-awesome-productivity boosting-second-screen
Sent from my GT-P6210 using XDA Premium HD app
Thanks. I'm using ADW Launcher right now and it's 'ok' but thats all. Beautiful Widgets for time and wx. I'd like to use some of Cookie Monsters stuff but I think that's only for phones. Also Cracy House but, again, can't find one compatible with the tab. I'll keep playing with it and see if I go blind.
Guys,
Do I stand any chance of finding stock ROM, but with following mods?
Volume up or down wake up screen
Turn on flashlight on long(2 sec) volume up or down while screen turned off. Turn it off on volume key up or down.
Wake up lock screen on double tap
Google calendar with text in month view
Remove google apps including Google search bar
Advanced reboot menu
Android 4.3 dialer
% instead of battery
Thanks :good:
Check the development section, read the OPs of all the ROM threads, pick the one that best suits your needs.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
_MetalHead_ said:
Check the development section, read the OPs of all the ROM threads, pick the one that best suits your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you please explain the difference between Android developement and Original Android threads?
rbs_uk said:
Guys,
Do I stand any chance of finding stock ROM, but with following mods?
Volume up or down wake up screen
Turn on flashlight on long(2 sec) volume up or down while screen turned off. Turn it off on volume key up or down.
Wake up lock screen on double tap
Google calendar with text in month view
Remove google apps including Google search bar
Advanced reboot menu
Android 4.3 dialer
% instead of battery
Thanks :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock ROM, rooted with xposed installer. Gravity Box KK for most of your feature requests. Titanium Backup to remove or freeze the apps and features you want removed. Simply install alternative launcher, no root needed, to change search bar behavior. A thread is in the Themes & Apps section about adding full text to Google Calendar, or use a third party calendar app.
Search, research, simply browsing these forums will bring you all your answers.
Sent from my Nexus 5
HenryDCase said:
Stock ROM, rooted with xposed installer. Gravity Box KK for most of your feature requests. Titanium Backup to remove or freeze the apps and features you want removed. Simply install alternative launcher, no root needed, to change search bar behavior. A thread is in the Themes & Apps section about adding full text to Google Calendar, or use a third party calendar app.
Search, research, simply browsing these forums will bring you all your answers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I have no Android skills to implement all thes features separately, its too advances stuff for me, therefore I was hoping for ROM with them built in.
rbs_uk said:
Unfortunately I have no Android skills to implement all thes features separately, its too advances stuff for me, therefore I was hoping for ROM with them built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, if you can't root and install a few apps from xda and the Play Store then there is no way you should be flashing a custom ROM.
Read threads. Research. Learn. Xposed is simply a collection of apps. Titanium Backup is an app from the Play Store. Search Bar simply needs another launcher, such as installing Nova Launcher from Play Store.
Really, flashing a custom ROM is much more "work" than all the individual steps that I listed.
Not trying to come off as a jerk, just don't want you borking your device without actually understanding what you are doing. None of the requests you made Require a custom ROM, and all of them are more simply implemented without using a custom ROM.
Sent from my Nexus 5
The problem is that every mod/tweak thread is full of terminology, which is understandable only to Android wise people. There is no consistent way of implementing mods, as every developer choses his own way of doing things. If there would be just one way of installing a mod, then there would be no problems. Imagine, for example, one program to run which would ask you to browse for file to be installed, few clicks, reboot and its done, you have modified your Android or installed a new feature.
I have been reading forum for so many weeks, but I still cannot get my head around this all flashing/modding etc. I`m not the stupidest person on the planet, but I can`t get it because there are soooo many ways of doing same one thing and developers use whatever option they like. You really have to understand writing code/Linux.
But I love Android as OS and Nexus 5 is amazing phone, hence I jumped from iOS. Shame I`m just not able to use it to its full potential and enjoy as I would like it.
rbs_uk said:
Would you please explain the difference between Android developement and Original Android threads?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the development section is supposed to be meant for ROMs that are built off the stock ROM, and original
development would be for full custom ROMs built from AOSP source. Though with the Nexus devices it seems there is a lot of grey area when it comes to dev and original dev.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
rbs_uk said:
The problem is that every mod/tweak thread is full of terminology, which is understandable only to Android wise people. There is no consistent way of implementing mods, as every developer choses his own way of doing things. If there would be just one way of installing a mod, then there would be no problems. Imagine, for example, one program to run which would ask you to browse for file to be installed, few clicks, reboot and its done, you have modified your Android or installed a new feature.
I have been reading forum for so many weeks, but I still cannot get my head around this all flashing/modding etc. I`m not the stupidest person on the planet, but I can`t get it because there are soooo many ways of doing same one thing and developers use whatever option they like. You really have to understand writing code/Linux.
But I love Android as OS and Nexus 5 is amazing phone, hence I jumped from iOS. Shame I`m just not able to use it to its full potential and enjoy as I would like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xposed Framework IS exactly as easy as installing an app, choosing from a list of mods, downloading them, then rebooting. That's exactly what you described that you are looking for.
Sent from my Nexus 5
HenryDCase said:
Xposed Framework IS exactly as easy as installing an app, choosing from a list of mods, downloading them, then rebooting. That's exactly what you described that you are looking for.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. All my devices are stock + Xposed. No need for a custom ROM anymore.
rbs_uk said:
Unfortunately I have no Android skills to implement all thes features separately, its too advances stuff for me, therefore I was hoping for ROM with them built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hence the purpose of Xposed Framework. Xposed is an app that allows you to have some of the front-end features and granular control of custom ROMs while keeping the Stock ROM on the backend. All it requires is root access. Once you're rooted you simply sideload the Xposed installer. Then from within the Xposed Installer, you install the Xposed Framework. Finally once Xposed Framework is installed, you download modules from within the Xposed Installer that suit your needs i.e. GravityBox.
Thank you very much, will start with that then.
Hi all -
So I'm just about to get my brand new N5 32gb black from Google Play (can't wait!) but I'm not sure how to use it to its full potential. I already read the beginner's guide on here, but I was wondering what I can do without rooting? I've been using an iPhone 4S for the last 2 years and had an HTC Legend before then that I did nothing with so I have no idea. I'm a bit of a noob so please be patient! I know you can download themes from Google Play but what's the deal with that? What's the difference between those and what you get when rooting? I really like how Google Now is front and centre, but can I install a new theme and still keep it so easily accessible? Like, how much can I customise how everything fits together? And how does that change if I decide to root?
Thanks a lot!
EDIT: Sorry, just realised this should go in the Q&A forum but don't know how to move it?
streether said:
EDIT: Sorry, just realised this should go in the Q&A forum but don't know how to move it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi and welcome
At the top right of your post you have a report button (small triangle with exclamation mark), click and ask to move your thread.
Done for you
For the rest, at the beginning I would say to get used to your new nexus 5. Mostly if you want to "customize" your phone the root will be necessary at some point. With a custom launcher (Nova, Apex for example) you can change the look of the icones on homescreen/app drawer, change the number of homescreens, change the number of rows/columns but if you want more (full theme) you'll need root (Xposed Framework with Xposed modules for example that allows almost 100% customization for example, custom roms, etc...).
Root allows access at the files system (in short) so you can modify a bunch of things..., without root about theming you'll be limited.
To read:
[HOW-TO] The Nexus 5 All-In-One Beginner's Guide.
[GUIDE] Nexus 5 - How to Unlock Bootloader, Install Custom Recovery and Root.
It depends of what you want exactly...
viking37 said:
Hi and welcome
At the top right of your post you have a report button (small triangle with exclamation mark), click and ask to move your thread.
Done for you
For the rest, at the beginning I would say to get used to your new nexus 5. Mostly if you want to "customize" your phone the root will be necessary at some point. With a custom launcher (Nova, Apex for example) you can change the look of the icones on homescreen/app drawer, change the number of homescreens, change the number of rows/columns but if you want more (full theme) you'll need root (Xposed Framework with Xposed modules for example that allows almost 100% customization for example, custom roms, etc...).
Root allows access at the files system (in short) so you can modify a bunch of things..., without root about theming you'll be limited.
To read:
[HOW-TO] The Nexus 5 All-In-One Beginner's Guide.
[GUIDE] Nexus 5 - How to Unlock Bootloader, Install Custom Recovery and Root.
It depends of what you want exactly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot, that's really useful. So basically all the themes/launchers on the Play Store are Google approved replacements that have various features (some of which being design features) to go on top of what I already have? So, will Google Now still be there when I swipe to the left or does it erase all that? Also, how do I change back to my original/a new launcher?
Then if I root, I can add unapproved launchers that have more customisability than what Google usually approves?
streether said:
Thanks a lot, that's really useful. So basically all the themes/launchers on the Play Store are Google approved replacements that have various features (some of which being design features) to go on top of what I already have? So, will Google Now still be there when I swipe to the left or does it erase all that? Also, how do I change back to my original/a new launcher?
Then if I root, I can add unapproved launchers that have more customisability than what Google usually approves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to root to install any launcher.
Swipe to the left Google now will not work if you are not on the stock launcher. The swipe home button up does though.
Once you have a second (or more) launcher installed, an option shows up in your system settings, that let's you select which launcher you want to use by default. You don't lose the stock launcher by installing a different one.
Sent from my Nexus 5
welcome!
streether said:
Thanks a lot, that's really useful. So basically all the themes/launchers on the Play Store are Google approved replacements that have various features (some of which being design features) to go on top of what I already have? So, will Google Now still be there when I swipe to the left or does it erase all that? Also, how do I change back to my original/a new launcher?
Then if I root, I can add unapproved launchers that have more customisability than what Google usually approves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome bud! The swipe-left-for-google-now feature is only on the stock nexus 5 launcher or google experience launcher(GEL), as it is sometimes referred to. It won't erase the launcher if you install a new one, it essentially just freezes the launcher you aren't using. In order to go from the stock launcher to others, just go to setting and there is a tab labeled "home." click on it and you will have the option of whichever launcher you want to run at the moment. I'm huge into tinkering with my device for customization and I've tried multiple ROMs and the rootbox option as well as simple play store options for customization...but honestly I'm now back on stock, unrooted. to me, this phone is absolutely perfect as is. There are a ton of options, even third party apps like lux auto brightness that allow you to personalize the aut brightness on your device. Pretty much anything you would "need" can be accomplished without root, though root allows for much better system customization. Again man, welcome. if there is anything I can help you with, just lemme know or PM me if you have any questions.
Brandon
You can start searching for your favorite keyboard like swype or swiftkey. you don't need root to change that.
There are some nice emulators in the play store I think apple store doesn't allow emulators so there something you can do play games lol.
Now I don't know if this needs root but you can try this for some themes.
Don't you mean what can you do with root?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
streether said:
Hi all -
So I'm just about to get my brand new N5 32gb black from Google Play (can't wait!) but I'm not sure how to use it to its full potential. I already read the beginner's guide on here, but I was wondering what I can do without rooting? I've been using an iPhone 4S for the last 2 years and had an HTC Legend before then that I did nothing with so I have no idea. I'm a bit of a noob so please be patient! I know you can download themes from Google Play but what's the deal with that? What's the difference between those and what you get when rooting? I really like how Google Now is front and centre, but can I install a new theme and still keep it so easily accessible? Like, how much can I customise how everything fits together? And how does that change if I decide to root?
Thanks a lot!
EDIT: Sorry, just realised this should go in the Q&A forum but don't know how to move it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install something called a launcher from the Play store, such as Nova or Apex. These are home screen replacements. These will give you more customization, by allowing you to change your home screen grid, and/or apply icon packs. However, by installing another launcher, you will lose the "OK Google" and swipe to the right for Google now features. The choice is up to you.
For themes, you need to be rooted. These are themes that change your phones look, all around. I'll be honest, I wouldn't root for this. The android themes available aren't fantastic. If you want to theme, you can find tutorials on rooting, unlocking the bootloader, and flashing ROMs here at XDA or YouTube even. If you are new to this, I would recommend CyanogenMod11. It is pretty close to stock, stable, and gives you a few extra features as well as a theme chooser which lets you apply themes from the play store.
Without rooting, you can install widgets of your choice, install replacement apps such as browsers or keyboards, and install launchers.
If you decide to modify your device by rooting, flashing a ROM, or unlocking the bootloader, take caution and be sure to follow the guides exactly as written.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I remember feeling like the op waiting for my device. All my days revolved around the Nexus 5 as if I actually owned one, up until the day I actually got it. #AniticipationKills
"Cataclysm + ElementalX + Dalvik/Bionic Patches + Exposed + Gravity Box & Candy shop Mods + Jishnu's Camera Mod/LG G2 Camera Port + Latest GPU Drivers + -75 UV Across The Board + 4 OC Cores @ 2.226 GHz + TWRP" My Nexus Is The ?,┌П┐[◣_◢]┌П┐!
Thanks so much for all the support, guys. Nice to be part of such a friendly forum. I see what you're saying about the stock Google launcher - is there any way to keep it and change the look of icons etc.? Or is it one or the other? Also, what's the difference between a launcher and a theme?
Someone mentioned Cyanogen Mod 11 if I decided to root - what exactly is that, and what is the difference between choosing that and another one?
Thank you all again, much appreciated!
Hello,
You can keep the stock launcher and change the look of the icons with "Unicon" (Play Store) but you need root and Xposed Framework.
Maybe Desktop Visualizer (Play Store) could do this also with the stock launcher (without root?).
A launcher can modify your homescreens/app drawer mainly, a theme can change the look of the whole system.
Cyanogen Mod is a custom rom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2584004. For example you have Theme Chooser in this rom so you can apply some themes made especially for (take a look on Play Store for CM theme) .
After, why choose this rom or another... take a look in the devs forum, read the features list, changelog and feedback to see what rom will suits your needs.
For now keep your stock rom, root if you want, play a bit with the apps mentionned above to change the look of your stock launcher or try an alternate launcher. Then if it's not enough for your needs think about a custom rom.
But before, read closely the different guides and take your time
I would unlock the boot loader before you even boot it up. All your data will get wiped when you unlock it. And we all know you will
Sent from my Nexus 5
pepdavies said:
I would unlock the boot loader before you even boot it up. All your data will get wiped when you unlock it. And we all know you will
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's unlocking the boot loader? And buy unlocking, do you mean rooting?
streether said:
What's unlocking the boot loader? And buy unlocking, do you mean rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the first reply to your thread. The answers are there.
streether said:
What's unlocking the boot loader? And buy unlocking, do you mean rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking boot loader is completely different to rooting thou usually done at the same time.
Root = administrative privileges to the whole operating system.
Unlocking boot loader = ability to flash other ROMs e.g cyanogenmod, omnirom and paranoid android.
There's plenty more than that they're just some popular ones.
Custom ROMs = complete replacement operating system usually based on android but not always look at Ubuntu or Firefox os
You know you could just look up one of the many noob guides. I don't think us telling you this is much good until you experience and learn.
Just reminds me how much Apple babysits everyone.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Whatever you decide to do make sure you read everything. From many many days of experience, rushing any process dealing with root/flashing can screw your phone up pretty quickly. Usually there are resolutions to most screw up's but that besides the case. Not trying to scare you but just trying to encourage you to keep asking questions with the addition of reading before making any modifications to your device. Welcome to the root world!?
"Cataclysm + ElementalX [Tap2Wake Enabled] + Dalvik/Bionic Patches + Exposed + Gravity Box & Candy shop Mods + DPI 440 + Apex Launcher w/ Morena Icons + Jishnu's Camera Mod/LG G2 Camera Port + Latest GPU Drivers + -75 UV Across The Board + 4 OC Cores @ 2.226 GHz + TWRP" My Nexus Is The ?,┌П┐[◣_◢]┌П┐!
streether said:
Thanks a lot, that's really useful. So basically all the themes/launchers on the Play Store are Google approved replacements that have various features (some of which being design features) to go on top of what I already have? So, will Google Now still be there when I swipe to the left or does it erase all that? Also, how do I change back to my original/a new launcher?
Then if I root, I can add unapproved launchers that have more customisability than what Google usually approves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI... Google doesn't really "approve" of things... You're free to do what you want.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
korockinout13 said:
FYI... Google doesn't really "approve" of things... You're free to do what you want.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, but Google designed this device for deliberate tinkering...that is its purpose. There are better options for vanilla phones for the masses.
Thanks everyone!
Will definitely do some further reading but this has cleared up some big question marks. Off to pick up my N5 from the depot!