[Q] What can I do with my Nexus 5 without rooting? - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

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!

Related

[Q] Stock ICS Status bar + Notification Shade?

Alright, so with the recent Root for the AT&T HTC One X I was wondering if there is a way for me to replace the current (ugly) status bar HTC put on this beautiful phone with the stock ICS status bar and notification shade. There are some apps in the Play Store that let you alter the appearance on the status bar, but they run in the background and seem to just run over the status bar (sometimes it flashes and you see the default one). I'm still not up to par with all this rooting stuff (coming from a jailbroken iPhone and messing with Windows Phone 7 only gives me minimal experience with Androids take on things) and am not sure if this is possible with a locked bootloader. if you could go one step further and tell me how to strip Sense from the UI altogether without an unlocked bootloader I would be forever in your debt.
So if you thought tl;dr then: Can/how do I replace the stock status bar+notification shade with the stock ICS versions?
Thank you so much for any help you can provide!
Edit to add: I saw in some of the other threads for the international One X that there are transparent status bar tweaks, but those require flashing. Am I to assume the original question I posed is impossible without the ability to flash as well?
Unfortunately, were going to have to wait until the bootloader is unlocked, to allow custom ROMs to be installed, or someone figures how to deodex the stock system to allow developers to easily theme.
As for removing sense, i dont know what APKs you would have to delete for it. I do know that if you download an alternate launcher, such as apex launcher or nova launcher, you will not see sense widgets and you can hide the sense apps in the app drawer in apex and nova launcher pro.
Mosch26 said:
Unfortunately, were going to have to wait until the bootloader is unlocked, to allow custom ROMs to be installed, or someone figures how to deodex the stock system to allow developers to easily theme.
As for removing sense, i dont know what APKs you would have to delete for it. I do know that if you download an alternate launcher, such as apex launcher or nova launcher, you will not see sense widgets and you can hide the sense apps in the app drawer in apex and nova launcher pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured the bootloader would get in the way I wasn't sure if there was a way to modify the look of the OS (the core UI I should say) without requiring a custom ROM.
Currently I'm using Apex Launcher Pro and its pretty amazing, still Sense abounds outside of the homescreen.
ErikWithNoC said:
I figured the bootloader would get in the way I wasn't sure if there was a way to modify the look of the OS (the core UI I should say) without requiring a custom ROM.
Currently I'm using Apex Launcher Pro and its pretty amazing, still Sense abounds outside of the homescreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, my best advice is to just give it some time, the phone has only been out on AT&T for 3 days now. I know developers are already working on an unlock for the bootloader now.
Mosch26 said:
Yeah, my best advice is to just give it some time, the phone has only been out on AT&T for 3 days now. I know developers are already working on an unlock for the bootloader now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup I was surprised to see the root to be honest. I appreciate all the work the devs are doing and can't wait to see what they do with this device.
it is possible, actually, without being able to flash. last night i spent time just changing up some icons and replacing those lame emoticons with ICS Android blacked out ones. looks tons better. i used adb to pull/push back to the phone. i'm currently trying to figure out how to theme the HTC Skins...particularly the dock bar. maybe i should take a look in the international HOX threads to see if anyone has done this

Question - How do I change the number of home screens

Hi all, I am a newbie to Android device here. Please don't flame me.
I have recently acquired both Nexus 4 and 10. Both great devices. However, I really don't need to scroll around 5 screens. I can't seem to find any settings that allows me to reduce the number of home screens. And according to the forum I read, the only thing I know is to install a what's called "launcher" to provide additional customization which allows me to change the screen. Since I am new to the Android scene, I rather stick to stock everything as much as I can and familiarize myself before I venture too far. So I was wondering if there is anything changed since 4.2.1?
Any insights would be much appreciated. Thanks!
This app will.
This is the only way to do it aside from manually de-compiling the .Apk and editing it, trust me, this is a lot easier and this launcher is just the stock version but with extra options.
Try Apex Launcher or ADW.Launcher both or good.
If you root your device there are roms that have this build in.
for instance my HTC Sensation with ViperS has Sense, and that can add more home pages..
There would be roms that have this feature built in
Matrix1999 said:
Hi all, I am a newbie to Android device here. Please don't flame me.
I have recently acquired both Nexus 4 and 10. Both great devices. However, I really don't need to scroll around 5 screens. I can't seem to find any settings that allows me to reduce the number of home screens. And according to the forum I read, the only thing I know is to install a what's called "launcher" to provide additional customization which allows me to change the screen. Since I am new to the Android scene, I rather stick to stock everything as much as I can and familiarize myself before I venture too far. So I was wondering if there is anything changed since 4.2.1?
Any insights would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't stock launcher do it? Do a pinch in gesture, it will show overview of all screens. Long press on the one u want to remove, it will guide u through rest.
life!
Thanks. I tried the pinch on my N4 but didn't seem to work.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Next launcher is best in the market... try it ... it is fully 3d and developed by go team...

[Q] cyanogenmod

hi, sorry if i am a begginer, but i have few questions: (i have cm10.1 on galaxy tab 2 10.1 - p5110)
1. i have to periodically update gapps (to flash them), or they update from play store?
2. i understand that cm is deodexed, the apps installed from store will be odexed? i will have both odexed & deoexed apps?
3. cm for my device is created specially for it, with the right drivers?
(because sound seems a little low and luminosity the same, compared to stock)
4. is there a possibility to have softkeys in left of screen?
5. it seems to me that the resolution is different than stock? because the screen looks a little bit condensed...
6. i can, for example, to disable apolo and install stock player?
7. how about the dialer, i have wifi version and it's missing, i want it for those service codes (imei, service menu, etc..)
8. how can i make my own flashable apps package? to not install them one by one from store. i have to deoex them?
9. how about wallpapers, they appear zoomed on homescreen ...
10. where i can learn how cm works, about deoex and all those things? on their site are not much things explained for begginers
Thank you for understanding
no one?
geo741 said:
hi, sorry if i am a begginer, but i have few questions: (i have cm10.1 on galaxy tab 2 10.1 - p5110)
1. i have to periodically update gapps (to flash them), or they update from play store?
2. i understand that cm is deodexed, the apps installed from store will be odexed? i will have both odexed & deoexed apps?
3. cm for my device is created specially for it, with the right drivers?
(because sound seems a little low and luminosity the same, compared to stock)
4. is there a possibility to have softkeys in left of screen?
5. it seems to me that the resolution is different than stock? because the screen looks a little bit condensed...
6. i can, for example, to disable apolo and install stock player?
7. how about the dialer, i have wifi version and it's missing, i want it for those service codes (imei, service menu, etc..)
8. how can i make my own flashable apps package? to not install them one by one from store. i have to deoex them?
9. how about wallpapers, they appear zoomed on homescreen ...
10. where i can learn how cm works, about deoex and all those things? on their site are not much things explained for begginers
Thank you for understanding
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do not post twice! just wait someone will read it!
anyway i will try and help you.
1) no they update via play store if update is present.
2)all your apps are deodexed now.
3)yes it is, but kernel is different and so are drivers because it is compiled from source and not by modding samsung rom. so it differs in few aspect, but it will become better and better with the developing. nightlies are not the top notch version of any rom, just wait!
4)that i do not know hope some dev will answer you.
5)it could be due to different kernel and gpu drivers. like said before wait for RC and stable version to see good things in that aspect.
6)you can do that. but i suggest not to remove apollo, just install the music player that you want and set it as default player so you do not mess with system files.
7)wifi verion=nodialer! if there is a mod for that search or ask a dev to do it for you or study and do it yourself!(for the study thing read down)
8)long thing to do, just patiently wait them to install from play OR install titanium back up, do a back up of the app you want, then you just need to install titanium back up and restore those app from there!
9)don't know what you mean. sorry post screenshot!
10) to learn everything you need check in xda forum under android general! AND go to XDA-UNIVERSITY and learn what you need!
11) NOT ASKED BUT REQUIRED: IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT BUY A BEER TO ANY DEV THAT HELPS YOU OUT IN SOMETHING OR THAT GIVE YOU SOMETHING USEFUL!!!
i'm not a dev so just give me a thx and i'm happy
enjoy!
9. Use quickpic
sent from MY BAD A$$ ET4G
dagothe9 said:
do not post twice! just wait someone will read it!
anyway i will try and help you.
1) no they update via play store if update is present.
2)all your apps are deodexed now.
3)yes it is, but kernel is different and so are drivers because it is compiled from source and not by modding samsung rom. so it differs in few aspect, but it will become better and better with the developing. nightlies are not the top notch version of any rom, just wait!
4)that i do not know hope some dev will answer you.
5)it could be due to different kernel and gpu drivers. like said before wait for RC and stable version to see good things in that aspect.
6)you can do that. but i suggest not to remove apollo, just install the music player that you want and set it as default player so you do not mess with system files.
7)wifi verion=nodialer! if there is a mod for that search or ask a dev to do it for you or study and do it yourself!(for the study thing read down)
8)long thing to do, just patiently wait them to install from play OR install titanium back up, do a back up of the app you want, then you just need to install titanium back up and restore those app from there!
9)don't know what you mean. sorry post screenshot!
10) to learn everything you need check in xda forum under android general! AND go to XDA-UNIVERSITY and learn what you need!
11) NOT ASKED BUT REQUIRED: IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT BUY A BEER TO ANY DEV THAT HELPS YOU OUT IN SOMETHING OR THAT GIVE YOU SOMETHING USEFUL!!!
i'm not a dev so just give me a thx and i'm happy
enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you !
At 9, the problem is when i set the wallpaper, it is set directly, without to open croping tool first, and in landscape mode, it appears zoomed in.
And, at settings----apps--all i see many apps, like google ears, dialer apk's, but i dont find them to use them.
geo741 said:
Thank you !
At 9, the problem is when i set the wallpaper, it is set directly, without to open croping tool first, and in landscape mode, it appears zoomed in.
And, at settings----apps--all i see many apps, like google ears, dialer apk's, but i dont find them to use them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok for the wp problem check some app.. i do not know how to fix that sorry.
For the second one, well dialer apk is the one for the phone dialer you do not need to find it directly, the same goes for a lot of other apps. For anyone those search Google or xda to discover what they are and why they are there
I use quickpic and still have the same problem with wallpaper. i'm hoping there is a better answer but the way i got wallpaper to fit is by extending the border.. exp wallpaper has black background and is 100x100 create picture thats 200x200 paint it black then c&p your wallpaper and center it.
complicated? thats what i'm saying lol. again i'm sure theres a simpler way.. and no ... just resizing the wallpaper so its smaller wont work

[Q] Which ROM has these features?

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.

Question Trying to make my S22 Ultra look like a Pixel 7/7 Pro

Hey all,
Background: I used to do a lot of messing with my older android phones, flashing custom recoveries, custom roms, nightly builds, etc. but it has been YEARS since I messed around.
I want to try and get back into it a bit, specifically I want to get my S22 Ultra to "look" like a Pixel 7 OS. I know I used to be able to find roms like that for future versions of android or other phones, etc. back in the day but i'm not really seeing much of that type of development now.
So my question is: what is the BEST way to make my phone feel like a Pixel? Is it to use Magisk to edit features, etc.? Are there any sorts of...presets or anything in Magisk? I've never used it. Also, on the TWRP website, they don't have recoveries for the S22u, are there any manually compiled ones?
Sorry, it has been a LONG while since I did anything like this, you can direct me to other threads if things are answered, I would appreciate it!
Thanks!
ziggs4lyfe said:
Hey all,
Background: I used to do a lot of messing with my older android phones, flashing custom recoveries, custom roms, nightly builds, etc. but it has been YEARS since I messed around.
I want to try and get back into it a bit, specifically I want to get my S22 Ultra to "look" like a Pixel 7 OS. I know I used to be able to find roms like that for future versions of android or other phones, etc. back in the day but i'm not really seeing much of that type of development now.
So my question is: what is the BEST way to make my phone feel like a Pixel? Is it to use Magisk to edit features, etc.? Are there any sorts of...presets or anything in Magisk? I've never used it. Also, on the TWRP website, they don't have recoveries for the S22u, are there any manually compiled ones?
Sorry, it has been a LONG while since I did anything like this, you can direct me to other threads if things are answered, I would appreciate it!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean Icons and Such things try hex Editor. There is an aosp theme
Goku1992 said:
If you mean Icons and Such things try hex Editor. There is an aosp theme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! thanks for the reply! no, not quite just the icons and such, more like. the settings menu, the pulldown bar, the power options, like everything to be like the phone IS a Pixel
Why would you want to take a $1200+ top of the line smartphone and make it imitate a mediocre Google product? You could have saved a lot of money and time and just bought a Pixel 7!
neilth said:
Why would you want to take a $1200+ top of the line smartphone and make it imitate a mediocre Google product? You could have saved a lot of money and time and just bought a Pixel 7!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the pixel 7 pro wasn't out when i got my s22u and just for the sake of trying it tbh, i like the Pixel OS
So you need to find a compatible launcher that imitates the AOSP environment. Good luck.
Lawnchair Launcher imitates the Pixel Launcher with a lot more options...
Been using it for yeeaarrssss (Since I had launch day Pixel)
je2854 said:
Lawnchair Launcher imitates the Pixel Launcher with a lot more options...
Been using it for yeeaarrssss (Since I had launch day Pixel)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm using lawnchair currently but it's not the full experience. it's still Samsung OS. i'm trying to replace the whoooole experience, but thank you!
#hex theme, lawnchair, kwgt widgets, icon packs and Google apps will be the closest you will get for now.
MRDOCA said:
#hex theme, lawnchair, kwgt widgets, icon packs and Google apps will be the closest you will get for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi can you elaborate on Hex Theme?
In playstore search for #hex then you can use the aosp theme.
MRDOCA said:
In playstore search for #hex then you can use the aosp theme.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i bought it for $1.99 and installed it, and when i launch it, it says there's a licensing error and to reinstall. i reinstall, same thing. is it because i'm on the OneUI 5 beta?
ziggs4lyfe said:
So i bought it for $1.99 and installed it, and when i launch it, it says there's a licensing error and to reinstall. i reinstall, same thing. is it because i'm on the OneUI 5 beta?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to say when I installed beta 1 I had this same problem. For whatever reason it started working again the next update.
ziggs4lyfe said:
So i bought it for $1.99 and installed it, and when i launch it, it says there's a licensing error and to reinstall. i reinstall, same thing. is it because i'm on the OneUI 5 beta?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi hex installer works fine on oneUI 5.1
And using
Hex installer (play store)
Nova launcher (play store)
Good lock (galaxy store)
Pixelful icon pack (play store)
But you will need root or use ADB via pc/laptop
If this is the look you are after
dj_mol3y_x8 said:
Hi hex installer works fine on oneUI 5.1
And using
Hex installer (play store)
Nova launcher (play store)
Good lock (galaxy store)
Pixelful icon pack (play store)
But you will need root or use ADB via pc/laptop
If this is the look you are after
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a friendly note/warning. If those are your actual IMEIs in your screenshots ypu may want to delete or edit that screen shot. Usually not a good idea to share your IMEI publicly.

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