Related
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!
Hello everybody!
I'm interested in buying the Mate 8 but still have a few question I weren't able to find answers to.
I currently own a Nexus 5 and like the clean look of stock Android.
First questions are in regards to themes.
1. Do they still apply when you change the launcher or this somehow linked to the EMUI stock launcher?
2. Can you change the dropdown menu (notifications and quick settings) with these themes, too, in order to make it more like stock Android? Screenshots of the dropdown menu are rarely given.
3. How easy is it to create themes by oneself?
All in all I'd like to have a clean stock look as especially these bubbles around the icons are a pain to my eyes.
I would prefer to NOT have to flash a custom ROM.
The second part of my questions is in regard to Google Now.
1. Do you have the Google Now cards available?
2. Is Google Now on Tap working?
I hope you guys can enlighten me
Thanks in advance! :fingers-crossed:
SCHMANKii said:
Hello everybody!
I'm interested in buying the Mate 8 but still have a few question I weren't able to find answers to.
I currently own a Nexus 5 and like the clean look of stock Android.
First questions are in regards to themes.
1. Do they still apply when you change the launcher or this somehow linked to the EMUI stock launcher?
2. Can you change the dropdown menu (notifications and quick settings) with these themes, too, in order to make it more like stock Android? Screenshots of the dropdown menu are rarely given.
3. How easy is it to create themes by oneself?
All in all I'd like to have a clean stock look as especially these bubbles around the icons are a pain to my eyes.
I would prefer to NOT have to flash a custom ROM.
The second part of my questions is in regard to Google Now.
1. Do you have the Google Now cards available?
2. Is Google Now on Tap working?
I hope you guys can enlighten me
Thanks in advance! :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Do they still apply when you change the launcher or this somehow linked to the EMUI stock launcher?
EMUI themes still apply when you change launchers. You can set your custom icons on the launcher desktop, but the themed icon will still appear in other places like the recent apps screen or in notifications. So you will still see ugly rounded square or circle boarder with your icons outside of your launcher desktop. Fortunately this can be solved by installing custom EMUI theme with stock icons, which you can find here: http://foerster.io/hack-huawei-enable-pure-icons-with-no-borders-backgrounds-etc/
2. Can you change the dropdown menu (notifications and quick settings) with these themes, too, in order to make it more like stock Android? Screenshots of the dropdown menu are rarely given.
Themes can change the dropdown menu to a certain extent, mostly changing the shortcut icons. I've yet to see any theme that can make the dropdown menu look completely stock, I don't think it's possible because they operate differently. To me the EMUI dropdown UI looked decent enough (albeit in a different style) so I don't mind it so much.
3. How easy is it to create themes by oneself?
Don't know, never tried it myself.
1. Do you have the Google Now cards available?
I have the international version of the phone (L29), most google services are pre-installed including google now cards. If you get the Chinese version you'll have to install google services yourself, which I heard is a fairly easy process.
2. Is Google Now on Tap working?
You can turn on the now on tap function in google cards settings, but it doesn't seem to work when I long press the home button.
Please note that I'm still on an early EMUI build (B103) and have not yet received any OTA, I don't know if later updates changes anything.
Overall I did get a fairly decent looking UI running on my mate 8. Some UI elements will remain in EMUI style (most notably recent apps and notification dropdown and settings screen) as you can't change those without a custom ROM or at least some root hack, but I don't mind those too much, in fact I liked some of the EMUI design. The worse part of EMUI 4.0 is the launcher and the forced icon background on 3rd party apps, but like I said earlier these can all be averted with 3rd party launcher and custom theme. If you're a diehard fans for the "stock-look" who won't accept any non-material design element then this may not be good enough for you, but it is good enough for me.
@beachletter
Thank you a million times, Sir!
So did I get this right and you also tried to achieve a more or less stock look?
If so, could you please provide screenshots of your dropdown menu and maybe of your homescreen?
Did you own a Nexus phone before the Mate 8, too?
Regarding the dropdown menu of notifications: if I understand it correctly it's more or less working like a timeline, not like on other phones. This can't be changed, can it? I guess I know the answer as themes are supposed to only change the look and not the way things work, but yeah...
This is what my ui looks like after getting custom launcher and material design icon theme.
Sent from my HUAWEI NXT-L29 using XDA Free mobile app
SCHMANKii said:
@beachletter
Thank you a million times, Sir!
So did I get this right and you also tried to achieve a more or less stock look?
If so, could you please provide screenshots of your dropdown menu and maybe of your homescreen?
Did you own a Nexus phone before the Mate 8, too?
Regarding the dropdown menu of notifications: if I understand it correctly it's more or less working like a timeline, not like on other phones. This can't be changed, can it? I guess I know the answer as themes are supposed to only change the look and not the way things work, but yeah...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like stock icons and stock recent apps screen, but for notification and quick settings drop down I actually liked EMUI's implementation. I used CM and other near-stock rom in my previous phones.
See the post above for screenshots.
Alright, thanks again!
Now I have most of the information I can possibly get to make the right decision. Hopefully I will
Okay, so I've bought a Mate 8 to test things.
While it is really well designed, is nice to hold and snappy as well, I still can't get myself to like the software that much.
I have tried to apply the theme @beachletter provided but it somehow doesn't apply correctly and therefore many icons still have that bubble around it (e.g. Chrome, Play Store). Dialer and Contacts are still the same icons.
Regarding Google Now on Tap: this functionality was added with B152 firmware update which immediately showed up while setting up the device.
Additionally I have to say that the horizontal scrolling in the recent apps menu is even more unintuitive than I've thought it would be.
SCHMANKii said:
Okay, so I've bought a Mate 8 to test things.
While it is really well designed, is nice to hold and snappy as well, I still can't get myself to like the software that much.
I have tried to apply the theme @beachletter provided but it somehow doesn't apply correctly and therefore many icons still have that bubble around it (e.g. Chrome, Play Store). Dialer and Contacts are still the same icons.
Regarding Google Now on Tap: this functionality was added with B152 firmware update which immediately showed up while setting up the device.
Additionally I have to say that the horizontal scrolling in the recent apps menu is even more unintuitive than I've thought it would be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange, on my phone the dialer and contacts have separate icons (although I usually don't use contacts because I can quick dial any name in dialer to search my contact list) , and I don't see any icon background/border for chrome or play store.
Maybe you should check out the newest version of the theme here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/rooting-roms/hack-enable-pure-icons-borders-t3315731
and FYI the launcher I use is NOVA Prime
Good to know google now is back in B152. Unfortunately my phone doesn't get any OTA update above B103 yet. But at least there's no camera focusing issue on my phone, even with B103.
beachletter said:
That's strange, on my phone the dialer and contacts have separate icons (although I usually don't use contacts because I can quick dial any name in dialer to search my contact list) , and I don't see any icon background/border for chrome or play store.
Maybe you should check out the newest version of the theme here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/rooting-roms/hack-enable-pure-icons-borders-t3315731
and FYI the launcher I use is NOVA Prime
Good to know google now is back in B152. Unfortunately my phone doesn't get any OTA update above B103 yet. But at least there's no camera focusing issue on my phone, even with B103.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that bad anymore. I installed Nova Prime as well and added icon packs to fit my preferences.
But with the new theme it's working, even in the status bar! Thanks for providing the link!
SCHMANKii said:
It's not that bad anymore. I installed Nova Prime as well and added icon packs to fit my preferences.
But with the new theme it's working, even in the status bar! Thanks for providing the link!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I just switched to this theme which seems to have a more comprehensive set of material design icons:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-7/themes-apps/theme-material-emui-predaturd-p-kulkes-t3265917
You may want to give it a try.
I am using Nova Luncher(play store version) as of now for the Google Discovery function. However, Nova Launcher on this phone for some reason is very unstable and keep on crashing. I am considering switching back to the default luncher but I will miss the Google Discover. Anybody know any method or ways to replace the Smart Assistant screen in the default launcher with Google Discovery? I am fine with complicated or troublesome work-arounds.
Thanks!
Note: I know I can flash another custom rom if I want a stable default launcher with Google Discovery but I cannot unlock the bootloader (hopefully for now) as my model (Malaysia) is "Carrier-locked" according to the in-depth test app.
It's not possible without a custom rom so leave it be or disable with ADB. I use the Google search app to get discover.
So I just received met 12S Ultra yesterday here in the USA. I ordered from Giztop.com They pre-installed google services so no issues there.. I have a T-Mobile sim in the phone and seems to be working.
Questions....
First I installed the "Google" app and it worked yet now it has disappeared on my screen and I can't search for it either though its shows installed on the PlayStore.. Any ideas and is it possible to have the Google news feed show up when I do a swipe right like you can in most phones. I am coming from IOS so bare with me.
Are there any good launchers that can mimic a stock android experience without having to root the phone etc... I want something simple.
I did order the Xiaomi 12S Ultra case and think its great add protection to the camera module.
Lastly does this phone have a screen protector that is installed already by the factory
thanks
It will run if you just select bootloader can be unlocked in dev settings. Install Nova launcher and select google integration.
It would not run without Nova ( china bans google) and Nova wouldnt run without the bootloader switch.
Thanks for your help. I did what you said yet after I installed Nova Launcher I cannot set the Default Home Screen to Nova Launcher. Gives me error message
Something about third parties mistune verified by MIUI..
Sugestions ?
As I said, switch the allow bootloader to be unlocked in dev section. You can then install. I'm sure that's all I did but while in the menus, ensure security settings are allowing 3rd party apps etc.. my dev settings attached.
Thanks I will double check
Also how can I change the play store to the default when I try to select google integration in Nova it takes me to the Xiaomi store
Lastly is there anyway to keep gestures when using a third party launcher right now it says gestures are not supported using third party launcher’s
You need to select Nova as the launcher from within Nova Settings, not the phone settings.
kuau said:
Thanks I will double check
Also how can I change the play store to the default when I try to select google integration in Nova it takes me to the Xiaomi store
Lastly is there anyway to keep gestures when using a third party launcher right now it says gestures are not supported using third party launcher’s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to download and install Google integration
I successfully installed the Google Integration app.
In regards to "System navigation" is there anyway for Nova to use Gestures at this point. Right now it will not let me switch to Gestures...
Finally if and when Xiaomi does release a "International" version of the 12S Ultra will it possible to install that ROM instead of the Chinese version?
Not sure about the gestures but yes, you can change ROM, if they do and they say that they not currently due to shortages.
The Xiaomi EU group will be adding Thor (12s Ultra ) to their released ROM collection. Pop over to their forum for more info when they release their version. You will need to unlock your bootloader (168 hour wait between starting and actually unlocking the bootloader) and flash the ROM using fastboot (and format) if there is no TWRP when they do.
Once flashed, it will behave as if the bootloader is locked, so everything works. They release a stable and a weekly (or beta) version of nearly all supportable Xiaomi phones. You will need to decide which version you want as you cannot change without a further format (due to partition differences between them).
It is based on the Chinese releases but fully useable by all. More info about what their ROMs contain can be found on their ROM release. Hope it helps, I'm not try to teach you to suck eggs but I don't know your level of knowledge.
@Sathelp thanks for all your help.
Hmm what I really need is Android Auto to work though I am not sure this will ever happen.
I know just enough to be dangerous I guess.
Would something like this work?
Replace MIUI with Stock Android — Detailed Guide - xiaomiui
Xiaomi users who see Google Pixel users have dreamed of replace MIUI with stock Android at least once. Because when compared to MIUI, Pixel devices have a
xiaomiui.net
The 11ultra has now a version of stock android. It is in its infancy but as 11ultra had a global release there was more chance that someone would develop one, where the 10 didn't and 12ultra doesn't look like a global release.
Users do have Xiaomi EU working with android auto and this because of the full implementation of the Google framework so there is hope yet for you. Just keep browsing the Xiaomi EU group forums as well as here.
kuau said:
So I just received met 12S Ultra yesterday here in the USA. I ordered from Giztop.com They pre-installed google services so no issues there.. I have a T-Mobile sim in the phone and seems to be working.
Questions....
First I installed the "Google" app and it worked yet now it has disappeared on my screen and I can't search for it either though its shows installed on the PlayStore.. Any ideas and is it possible to have the Google news feed show up when I do a swipe right like you can in most phones. I am coming from IOS so bare with me.
Are there any good launchers that can mimic a stock android experience without having to root the phone etc... I want something simple.
I did order the Xiaomi 12S Ultra case and think its great add protection to the camera module.
Lastly does this phone have a screen protector that is installed already by the factory
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Discover/Feed is not available in the MIUI 13 Chinese ROM.
Yuu will need to use a 3rd party launcher (e.g. I use and recommend Nova and Nova-Companion plug in)
kuau said:
Thanks for your help. I did what you said yet after I installed Nova Launcher I cannot set the Default Home Screen to Nova Launcher. Gives me error message
Something about third parties mistune verified by MIUI..
Sugestions ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into Nova app settings and set the default launcher in there (that works I tested it)
See screenshot, I can select from miui menu too.
I'm trying to hide some apps and access it with a pin code like I used to do when I had OOS. I have Nameless OS on my Oneplus 9 but there seems to be no way to hide apps like how I used to do. There are some apps that seems to be able to do that, but the apps are a bit quirky and doesn't work properly.
I use PSOL launcher off the playstore. It has a great hide app functionality.