AndroidTutor2018- One of the best things about Android is how easy it is to customize, modify and otherwise set up your smartphone or tablet exactly as you want it. With a little know-how and the right apps, you can make your phone truly unique. If you're not sure where to start, our list of the best apps to customize Android will set you on the right path.
Mind-blowing true facts about Android
Cool things you didn't know Android could do
This list isn't hierarchical, and how appropriate each app is for your custom needs will depend entirely on what exactly you want to achieve. Combining several of these apps together will get you something truly unique.
Flashify
If you want to get serious about customizing Android rooting your phone is the best solution, and if you're just taking your first tentative steps into the world of rooted phones Flashify is a good way to start.
Of course, not everyone wants to go that far so we've also shared some cool hacks for non-rooted Android phones, and you don't need root for the rest of the apps in this list either.
Flashify is a simple app that requires root access, but once granted, there's nothing it can't do. You can install a custom recovery, flash custom ROMs, zip files, boot images and recoveries, as well as manage your backups. If you want to make extra sure that you have a safe backup of your phone somewhere before you start flashing, lots of root users use apps like Titanium Backup too.
Flashify is your one-stop flashing app. / © AndroidPIT
Flashify (for root users) Best custom ROMs for Android
Best root apps for Android
Nova Launcher
While Nova Launcher isn't necessarily our favorite launcher, it's widely-regarded as one of the most customizable, and there's a free version that doesn't skimp on features too much either.
You can pretty much set up everything on your Android to behave the way you want with Nova, from appearance to animations to app icons to gesture controls. You can even import previous launcher settings from another Android device, which makes Nova a good long-term option.
The paid Nova Launcher Prime version of this launcher adds a few more features, but check out the free version first because it might not be necessary for you to pay for the app in order to get what you want out of your phone.
You can customize almost every part of how your phone looks and responds with Nova Launcher. / © AndroidPIT
Nova Launcher Best Android launchers
How to install a custom launcher on Android
Icon packs
With a custom launcher installed, and your phone is already taking on a new look, it's time to delve into the expansive world of icon packs to mix things up a bit. As you'd expect, installing an icon pack replaces the current app icons on your phone with different (and presumably better) ones.
While there are lots of different icon packs to choose between, when you settle on one (or two, or five), you can then either apply them individually (many packs have thousands in each app) or you can set an icon pack theme to give everything a more streamlined look.
Icon packs are available from the Play Store and work with most major custom Android launchers, but you will need to pay for many of the best packs. There are free ones (with in-app purchases) too though. Don't forget to check out exactly what icons each pack contains though, as it's always annoying to add an icon pack and then you don't have new icons for some of your favorite apps, particularly if you paid for the pack.
Best icon packs for Android
How to theme Android
Min is an (unsurprisingly) minimalist set of icons for your phone. / © AndroidPIT
Zedge
If you want to customize more than just the look of your phone or your home screens, but don't want to install three or four different apps to achieve your goals, Zedge is a solid option for a single app that allows you to modify a whole lot of your phone.
In addition to wallpapers and icon packs, you can add custom ringtones and notification sounds - and given that there's such a huge number to choose between, you can also just set them to automatically update periodically, whether that's each day or every hour. You can even download games from directly within Zedge, if you want to.
Images scale to your phone’s screen dimensions, and you can set specific ringtones for every contact you have, so you know who's calling before you even see your screen. Zedge also includes four different widgets that allow you to set a custom clock or quickly launch games, among other things.
Zedge has a huge number of different ringtones, wallpapers, notification sounds and more. It also has ads. / © AndroidPIT
ZEDGE™ Ringtones & Wallpapers Best wallpaper apps for Android
How black wallpaper can help save battery life
Ringdroid
OK, so Zedge was a little too much for you, but you still want to set custom ringtones. If that's the case, Ringdroid is well worth checking out for a few reasons.
Firstly, it's open source, free and doesn't contain ads - and there aren't too many apps that you can say that about now. Secondly, it's really simple to use and good at it's job. Your favorite song probably lasts for three or four minutes, so making that your ringtone isn't really a good idea. Using Ringdroid, you can turn any song into a ringtone-appropriate length: just isolate the particular riff or chorus you like and create a new audio file, which can then be used just like any other ringtone.
You can set your new ringtone as a notification or contact ringtone, or as an alarm. While there are other apps that do the same thing, Ringdroid is simple and gets extra points for being open source.
Ringdroid is the simplest and the best ringtone trimmer. / © AndroidPIT
Ringdroid How to replace your Android boot animation
Best Android apps not available on iOS
Defumblr
If you want a handy way to launch contextually-relevant apps, but don't want to trust your phone to the previously great Cover app (it hasn't been updated since 2014), then Defumblr is the way to go.
In a nutshell, it tries to make your lock screen a whole lot more useful by making it really easy to fine-tune the sort of notifications you get without wading through lots of options and menus. As such, swiping on a notification gives you additional options (like blocking messages from a specific sender from getting to your lock screen or allowing you to block notifications from specific apps altogether.
At the bottom of the screen, there's a little bar/arrow to pull up, which reveals your most frequently used apps and a few 'challenges' (like seeing how few times you can unlock your phone in a day, for example) to try and keep things feeling fun. It's also free to use, which is a bonus.
A potential drawback, however, is that it doesn't support fingerprint scanners as yet, it seems. You can lock the Defumblr screen with a PIN or pattern though.
Defumblr puts your lock screen to use. / © AndroidPIT
Defumblr Smart Lock Screen Best Android lock screen apps
Best Android lock screen games
Xposed Framework
If you want to go one step further than just modifying the appearance of your phone, the Xposed Framework allows you to select (and remove) any features or modules that come pre-installed on your phone that you never use.
While it might sound like you need root access, you don't - but you should make sure you have a recent backup of your phone stored somewhere else before you start, as the Xposed Framework does warn you that it can 'soft brick' devices by sending them into a boot loop.
However, if you're interested to tinker around with Android a little more than usual, Xposed Framework will certainly let you do that. There are different versions to install, depending on which build of Android you're running though, so make sure you get the right one. Many Nougat phones aren't supported at the moment either.
Xposed reveals the inner workings of your Android so you can customize features. / © AndroidPIT
What is Xposed and how do modules work?
The best Xposed modules
What are your favorite apps to customize your smartphone? Do you think you'll use any of our suggestions yourself? Let us know in the comments.
627 Shares
Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Share on Google+ 627 Shares
More from the web
Monterey Park, California: This Company You May Not Have Heard Of Is Disrupting A $200 Billion IndustryEverQuote Insurance Quotes
Say Goodbye to Phone Bills Forever With One Super-Low Wireless Payment Per Year!MintSim
First Pics: See the New Cars Coming for 2018Kelley Blue Book
We Tried HelloFresh: Here's What HappenedPopdust for HelloFresh
by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links
19 comments
Write a comment!
Write new comment:
SubmitCancel
1 Bibith Mathew 5 months ago Link to comment
i think arrow is better than nova launcher. some simple apps to personalize the android phone. . . :) .. just check it out https://www.androidpit.com/best-apps-to-customize-android
0
Reply
1 Karsten Franke 6 months ago Link to comment
I love Lightning Launcher. You can customize almost everything (really) and share your themes. Some learning curve involved but it also runs on older phones.
There are some interesting themes out there.
Best one is called 'zunish' I think (can be found on playstore). Microsoft ZuneHD experience for Android if you want, also including media player, rss news feeds and weather widget without external apps
0
Reply
20 Jacques Labuschagne Mod 8 months ago Link to comment
KLWP still the best app to use to customise and create your own themes as you like it.
0
Reply
20 Carmelo Rivera 8 months ago Link to comment
I HAVE A NEXUS 6, AND STILL NO XPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR NOUGAT. DAMMIT!!!!
0
Reply
1 ֆɦค໓ฯ 8 months ago Link to comment
It will take time for xposed im afraid. Look on XDA news, they posted an update for how long it will take for xposed to come to nougat. If you can't live without xposed then get a marshmallow ROM or you'll have to be patient. Trust me, its not the developers fault, it will take a lot of time that he is dedicating. Please research this before making an ignorant comment against the developer.
0
Reply
21 Andrew Burgin 8 months ago Link to comment
Just love change the looks of my Galaxy phones,Tried different launchers but now use Atom Laucher,which is so easy to set up,Always used ClockQ Premium which is easy to set up for Date,Time and shows battery level but then set up by just touch the clock it turns my wi-fi on or off after installing Quick Wi-Fi,Got Toolwiz photos as well which is so good for Changing Wallpapers,CoolBright is the one i use to change how bright i want my screen to look so my battery does drain having the screen to Bright,Screen Filter is app i like to save battery life as it dims the screen and saves power before i press the Screen on/off button,just wish Google would make Application creators include the Exit Function on every Applications,to help consumers stop worrying about there Battery Life
0
Reply
10 Andria D. 8 months ago Link to comment
One of the best articles I've read here, EVER. I'm addicted to customizing any computer-type interface I use; I even got into web design because I just can't resist tweaking the CSS. :-D I'm also saddened to read in the other comments that Xposed Framework really does require rooting, because apparently that will not be an option in my Zmax Pro. Oh well... next phone. :-) More interface-customization articles, please!
0
Reply
3 Awah Prince Collins Mar 14, 2016 Link to comment
Really cool apps but I think you forgot greenify
0
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 8 months ago Link to comment
greenify does not alter the looks so there for its useless to mention here. greenify saves battery behind the screens.
0
Reply
6 Mark Conroy Dec 15, 2015 Link to comment
Unfortunately you do need root privileges for closed to work with all recent versions of Android.
0
Reply
2 Krishna Ahire Sep 17, 2015 Link to comment
I just started using custom launchers, i installed approx 3-4 different launchers but have found only "Launcher 8" the best.
you can download thousands of the themes in this just one launcher. very simple to modify and customize as per your interest. I just installed only three themes and I change those themes time to time and my phone look fresh every time.
Krishna Ahire
Founder
MyEarningSecrets.com
0
Reply
5 Nishant gauns Dec 31, 2014 Link to comment
Xposed framework needs root access... Please fix the mistake!!!
1 Jerry's W.
Reply
1 Caroline Dec 31, 2014 Link to comment
I really like UR launcher, it has cool live wallpapers!
0
Reply
3 Gagan Singh Dec 31, 2014 Link to comment
where can i get the wallpaper shown in nova launcher screenshot? It looks awesome..
0
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 8 months ago Link to comment
In Nova Launcher
0
Reply
1 Umberto Dec 30, 2014 Link to comment
Do you know where I can find the wallpaper displayed in the Nova Launcher screenshot of this page? It's awesome.
0
Reply
8 Kishin Dec 30, 2014 Link to comment
Um, excuse me, I have a little query. When you spoke about the Xposed Installer you said you don't require root, but according to the description for the Xposed Installer on its official page it says it needs root access.
" Xposed is a framework for modules that can change the behavior of the system and apps without touching any APKs. That's great because it means that modules can work for different versions and even ROMs without any changes (as long as the original code was not changed too much). It's also easy to undo. As all changes are done in the memory, you just need to deactivate the module and reboot to get your original system back. There are many other advantages, but here is just one more: Multiple modules can make changes to the same part of the system or app. With modified APKs, you decide for one. No way to combine them, unless the author builds multiple APKs with different combinations.
*Note that this only works with root access on Android 4.0.3 or later. *"
So does it really need root access or not?
0
Reply
14 Saem Sarguroh Dec 30, 2014 Link to comment
It needs. I use it always. The thing you pointed out is a mistake in the article.
0
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 8 months ago Link to comment
Yep. Without root no Xposed.
0
Reply
Write a comment!
Mind-blowing true facts about Android
Cool things you didn't know Android could do
This list isn't hierarchical, and how appropriate each app is for your custom needs will depend entirely on what exactly you want to achieve. Combining several of these apps together will get you something truly unique.
Flashify
If you want to get serious about customizing Android rooting your phone is the best solution, and if you're just taking your first tentative steps into the world of rooted phones Flashify is a good way to start.
Of course, not everyone wants to go that far so we've also shared some cool hacks for non-rooted Android phones, and you don't need root for the rest of the apps in this list either.
Flashify is a simple app that requires root access, but once granted, there's nothing it can't do. You can install a custom recovery, flash custom ROMs, zip files, boot images and recoveries, as well as manage your backups. If you want to make extra sure that you have a safe backup of your phone somewhere before you start flashing, lots of root users use apps like Titanium Backup too.
Flashify is your one-stop flashing app. / © AndroidPIT
Flashify (for root users) Best custom ROMs for Android
Best root apps for Android
Nova Launcher
While Nova Launcher isn't necessarily our favorite launcher, it's widely-regarded as one of the most customizable, and there's a free version that doesn't skimp on features too much either.
You can pretty much set up everything on your Android to behave the way you want with Nova, from appearance to animations to app icons to gesture controls. You can even import previous launcher settings from another Android device, which makes Nova a good long-term option.
The paid Nova Launcher Prime version of this launcher adds a few more features, but check out the free version first because it might not be necessary for you to pay for the app in order to get what you want out of your phone.
You can customize almost every part of how your phone looks and responds with Nova Launcher. / © AndroidPIT
Nova Launcher Best Android launchers
How to install a custom launcher on Android
Icon packs
With a custom launcher installed, and your phone is already taking on a new look, it's time to delve into the expansive world of icon packs to mix things up a bit. As you'd expect, installing an icon pack replaces the current app icons on your phone with different (and presumably better) ones.
While there are lots of different icon packs to choose between, when you settle on one (or two, or five), you can then either apply them individually (many packs have thousands in each app) or you can set an icon pack theme to give everything a more streamlined look.
Icon packs are available from the Play Store and work with most major custom Android launchers, but you will need to pay for many of the best packs. There are free ones (with in-app purchases) too though. Don't forget to check out exactly what icons each pack contains though, as it's always annoying to add an icon pack and then you don't have new icons for some of your favorite apps, particularly if you paid for the pack.
Best icon packs for Android
How to theme Android
Min is an (unsurprisingly) minimalist set of icons for your phone. / © AndroidPIT
Zedge
If you want to customize more than just the look of your phone or your home screens, but don't want to install three or four different apps to achieve your goals, Zedge is a solid option for a single app that allows you to modify a whole lot of your phone.
In addition to wallpapers and icon packs, you can add custom ringtones and notification sounds - and given that there's such a huge number to choose between, you can also just set them to automatically update periodically, whether that's each day or every hour. You can even download games from directly within Zedge, if you want to.
Images scale to your phone’s screen dimensions, and you can set specific ringtones for every contact you have, so you know who's calling before you even see your screen. Zedge also includes four different widgets that allow you to set a custom clock or quickly launch games, among other things.
Zedge has a huge number of different ringtones, wallpapers, notification sounds and more. It also has ads. / © AndroidPIT
ZEDGE™ Ringtones & Wallpapers Best wallpaper apps for Android
How black wallpaper can help save battery life
Ringdroid
OK, so Zedge was a little too much for you, but you still want to set custom ringtones. If that's the case, Ringdroid is well worth checking out for a few reasons.
Firstly, it's open source, free and doesn't contain ads - and there aren't too many apps that you can say that about now. Secondly, it's really simple to use and good at it's job. Your favorite song probably lasts for three or four minutes, so making that your ringtone isn't really a good idea. Using Ringdroid, you can turn any song into a ringtone-appropriate length: just isolate the particular riff or chorus you like and create a new audio file, which can then be used just like any other ringtone.
You can set your new ringtone as a notification or contact ringtone, or as an alarm. While there are other apps that do the same thing, Ringdroid is simple and gets extra points for being open source.
Ringdroid is the simplest and the best ringtone trimmer. / © AndroidPIT
Ringdroid How to replace your Android boot animation
Best Android apps not available on iOS
Defumblr
If you want a handy way to launch contextually-relevant apps, but don't want to trust your phone to the previously great Cover app (it hasn't been updated since 2014), then Defumblr is the way to go.
In a nutshell, it tries to make your lock screen a whole lot more useful by making it really easy to fine-tune the sort of notifications you get without wading through lots of options and menus. As such, swiping on a notification gives you additional options (like blocking messages from a specific sender from getting to your lock screen or allowing you to block notifications from specific apps altogether.
At the bottom of the screen, there's a little bar/arrow to pull up, which reveals your most frequently used apps and a few 'challenges' (like seeing how few times you can unlock your phone in a day, for example) to try and keep things feeling fun. It's also free to use, which is a bonus.
A potential drawback, however, is that it doesn't support fingerprint scanners as yet, it seems. You can lock the Defumblr screen with a PIN or pattern though.
Defumblr puts your lock screen to use. / © AndroidPIT
Defumblr Smart Lock Screen Best Android lock screen apps
Best Android lock screen games
Xposed Framework
If you want to go one step further than just modifying the appearance of your phone, the Xposed Framework allows you to select (and remove) any features or modules that come pre-installed on your phone that you never use.
While it might sound like you need root access, you don't - but you should make sure you have a recent backup of your phone stored somewhere else before you start, as the Xposed Framework does warn you that it can 'soft brick' devices by sending them into a boot loop.
However, if you're interested to tinker around with Android a little more than usual, Xposed Framework will certainly let you do that. There are different versions to install, depending on which build of Android you're running though, so make sure you get the right one. Many Nougat phones aren't supported at the moment either.
Xposed reveals the inner workings of your Android so you can customize features. / © AndroidPIT
What is Xposed and how do modules work?
The best Xposed modules
What are your favorite apps to customize your smartphone? Do you think you'll use any of our suggestions yourself? Let us know in the comments.
627 Shares
Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Share on Google+ 627 Shares
More from the web
Monterey Park, California: This Company You May Not Have Heard Of Is Disrupting A $200 Billion IndustryEverQuote Insurance Quotes
Say Goodbye to Phone Bills Forever With One Super-Low Wireless Payment Per Year!MintSim
First Pics: See the New Cars Coming for 2018Kelley Blue Book
We Tried HelloFresh: Here's What HappenedPopdust for HelloFresh
by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links
19 comments
Write a comment!
Write new comment:
SubmitCancel
1 Bibith Mathew 5 months ago Link to comment
i think arrow is better than nova launcher. some simple apps to personalize the android phone. . . :) .. just check it out https://www.androidpit.com/best-apps-to-customize-android
0
Reply
1 Karsten Franke 6 months ago Link to comment
I love Lightning Launcher. You can customize almost everything (really) and share your themes. Some learning curve involved but it also runs on older phones.
There are some interesting themes out there.
Best one is called 'zunish' I think (can be found on playstore). Microsoft ZuneHD experience for Android if you want, also including media player, rss news feeds and weather widget without external apps
0
Reply
20 Jacques Labuschagne Mod 8 months ago Link to comment
KLWP still the best app to use to customise and create your own themes as you like it.
0
Reply
20 Carmelo Rivera 8 months ago Link to comment
I HAVE A NEXUS 6, AND STILL NO XPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR NOUGAT. DAMMIT!!!!
0
Reply
1 ֆɦค໓ฯ 8 months ago Link to comment
It will take time for xposed im afraid. Look on XDA news, they posted an update for how long it will take for xposed to come to nougat. If you can't live without xposed then get a marshmallow ROM or you'll have to be patient. Trust me, its not the developers fault, it will take a lot of time that he is dedicating. Please research this before making an ignorant comment against the developer.
0
Reply
21 Andrew Burgin 8 months ago Link to comment
Just love change the looks of my Galaxy phones,Tried different launchers but now use Atom Laucher,which is so easy to set up,Always used ClockQ Premium which is easy to set up for Date,Time and shows battery level but then set up by just touch the clock it turns my wi-fi on or off after installing Quick Wi-Fi,Got Toolwiz photos as well which is so good for Changing Wallpapers,CoolBright is the one i use to change how bright i want my screen to look so my battery does drain having the screen to Bright,Screen Filter is app i like to save battery life as it dims the screen and saves power before i press the Screen on/off button,just wish Google would make Application creators include the Exit Function on every Applications,to help consumers stop worrying about there Battery Life
0
Reply
10 Andria D. 8 months ago Link to comment
One of the best articles I've read here, EVER. I'm addicted to customizing any computer-type interface I use; I even got into web design because I just can't resist tweaking the CSS. :-D I'm also saddened to read in the other comments that Xposed Framework really does require rooting, because apparently that will not be an option in my Zmax Pro. Oh well... next phone. :-) More interface-customization articles, please!
0
Reply
3 Awah Prince Collins Mar 14, 2016 Link to comment
Really cool apps but I think you forgot greenify
0
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 8 months ago Link to comment
greenify does not alter the looks so there for its useless to mention here. greenify saves battery behind the screens.
0
Reply
6 Mark Conroy Dec 15, 2015 Link to comment
Unfortunately you do need root privileges for closed to work with all recent versions of Android.
0
Reply
2 Krishna Ahire Sep 17, 2015 Link to comment
I just started using custom launchers, i installed approx 3-4 different launchers but have found only "Launcher 8" the best.
you can download thousands of the themes in this just one launcher. very simple to modify and customize as per your interest. I just installed only three themes and I change those themes time to time and my phone look fresh every time.
Krishna Ahire
Founder
MyEarningSecrets.com
0
Reply
5 Nishant gauns Dec 31, 2014 Link to comment
Xposed framework needs root access... Please fix the mistake!!!
1 Jerry's W.
Reply
1 Caroline Dec 31, 2014 Link to comment
I really like UR launcher, it has cool live wallpapers!
0
Reply
3 Gagan Singh Dec 31, 2014 Link to comment
where can i get the wallpaper shown in nova launcher screenshot? It looks awesome..
0
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 8 months ago Link to comment
In Nova Launcher
0
Reply
1 Umberto Dec 30, 2014 Link to comment
Do you know where I can find the wallpaper displayed in the Nova Launcher screenshot of this page? It's awesome.
0
Reply
8 Kishin Dec 30, 2014 Link to comment
Um, excuse me, I have a little query. When you spoke about the Xposed Installer you said you don't require root, but according to the description for the Xposed Installer on its official page it says it needs root access.
" Xposed is a framework for modules that can change the behavior of the system and apps without touching any APKs. That's great because it means that modules can work for different versions and even ROMs without any changes (as long as the original code was not changed too much). It's also easy to undo. As all changes are done in the memory, you just need to deactivate the module and reboot to get your original system back. There are many other advantages, but here is just one more: Multiple modules can make changes to the same part of the system or app. With modified APKs, you decide for one. No way to combine them, unless the author builds multiple APKs with different combinations.
*Note that this only works with root access on Android 4.0.3 or later. *"
So does it really need root access or not?
0
Reply
14 Saem Sarguroh Dec 30, 2014 Link to comment
It needs. I use it always. The thing you pointed out is a mistake in the article.
0
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 8 months ago Link to comment
Yep. Without root no Xposed.
0
Reply
Write a comment!
0 Response to "The best apps to customize your Android for a truly unique look -[AndroidTutor2018]"
Post a Comment