Customization has always been one of the strong points of Android compared to other mobile operating systems such as iOS or the now extinct Windows Phone. The possibilities were already great years ago, but now, it has evolved to make many changes can be made directly from the settings, and with great ease.
In this sense, what it has taken Apple years to allow in its smartphones, Android has had for a long time. Possibilities such as creating animated wallpapers or modifying the style of the icons and grouping them in folders in the application box are just some examples.
The Free Android
However, it is not the only thing that can be done, since today, most Android brands have a series of more detailed options that can be the finishing touch to the customization that is done to the device. In addition, many even allow you to use aesthetics created by the community.
Home screen
The home screen is one of the elements of our smartphone with which we interact the most, since it is where the vast majority of applications and widgets that we use on a daily basis are located. And the best thing is that many aspects can be modified to leave it as each user prefers.
On the one hand, it is possible to modify the size of the application grid so that a greater or lesser number is displayed in each row and column. Thus, it is possible to take advantage of a large screen to have more elements in view, which allows for a smaller number of active pages.
On an aesthetic level, it is also possible to change the way the applications look. It has always been possible to download and install different icon packs to change their aesthetics. Now, it is also possible to use Android’s adaptive icons. Basically, these give a uniform design to this element using black, white, and whatever color has been chosen for the general theme of the interface.
These settings are accessible from the launcher settings of each manufacturer, which can usually be accessed by pressing and holding on a free space on the screen. In this section it is also possible to modify the size of the icons so that they appear smaller or larger depending on needs.
Lock screen
Many Android manufacturers have some very interesting options if you are looking to modify the device’s lock screen. We can make it so that it does not show the content of notifications or does not allow access to quick settings, but it is also possible to change its behavior and appearance.
Within Settings, in the Lock Screen section it will be possible to change the quick actions that are displayed at the bottom of the screen and that allow you to quickly invoke applications or functions, right when you turn on the panel. For example, a good idea may be to place the flashlight here, although if you do not want to have this type of access so that the screen has a cleaner aesthetic, you can deactivate it.
Weather on Samsung lock screen
Most manufacturers also allow you to modify the layout of the clock that appears when the screen is turned on, as well as adding or removing additional data such as weather information. Some manufacturers even allow you to download themes from their theme store to further customize this section.
Custom themes
When talking about the aesthetics of Android, we can clearly differentiate between manufacturers that opt for a version of the operating system with few modifications, such as Google, OnePlus or Motorola, and manufacturers that prefer to integrate their own design language. Some examples are companies like Samsung or Xiaomi.
Theme icons on Android
The Free Android
In the latter case, these manufacturers, in addition to having a slightly different aesthetic than what Google proposes every year, have a theme store in which you can download creations made by the community and by the brand itself and that provide pronounced changes. , especially on elements such as the lock screen or home screen icons.
Phones from other manufacturers cannot download themes, but since Android 14 they have the option to change the accent color of the adaptive theme. This means that you can have the same color pattern in the wallpaper as in the menu backgrounds and in the accent colors that are displayed throughout the interface. The truth is that the mobile can change a lot in this way, and each user can choose the set of colors that they like the most.
