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9 Android Customization Tricks You Probably Haven’t Tried
There are many ways to make an Android smartphone or tablet your own, from transferring contacts and apps to installing widgets and downloading fun wallpaper. Here are nine ways to make your Android device all about you.
Expert Tip: Note
The directions below should apply no matter who made your Android phone: Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, or other manufacturers.
01 of 09
Add Widgets to Your Home Screen
A favorite Android feature is the large selection of widgets that can be added to the home screen. Many widgets are built in, but third-party apps that support widgets give you a near-endless supply of all kinds of options: weather, time and date, calendar, sports scores, music controls, alarms, note-takers, fitness trackers, social media, and more.
Many widgets come in multiple sizes so that you can make the most of your screen real estate.
02 of 09
Download Wallpaper
Most of the wallpaper options on smartphones and tablets are boring, not to mention that thousands are walking around with the same designs. Changing the wallpaper is easy and totally free.
Have a little fun. Spice up your screen with your favorite photos or download a wallpaper app and find something that fits your preferences. You can even cycle through your favorites, so you're not stuck with one background.
There are also apps you can use to design wallpapers with your favorite colors and patterns. Best of all, most of these apps are free or inexpensive.
03 of 09
Customize Your Lock Screen
Like everything else on Android, you don't have to stick with the out-of-the-box lock screen. In addition to choosing the unlock method, you can also show notifications and designate how much information you want to display to protect your privacy.
You can also write text on the lock screen, turn on Now Playing to identify songs automatically, and add shortcuts to things like Do Not Disturb and Camera. Third-party apps can include access to lock screen widgets.
04 of 09
Set Up Default Apps
Ever clicked a link in an email and your smartphone launched an app instead of a browser? Or maybe you downloaded a new caller ID or SMS app, but your phone keeps using the old one.
This behavior is easy to change on most Android devices and will immediately make your phone work like you want it to.
Related: How to Change the Color of Your Apps on Android
05 of 09
Transfer Your Contacts, Apps, and Other Data
When you get a new Android, transfer the data from a previous device by syncing with your Google account or by making a manual backup and restoring it to your new phone.
If you have your old phone, this is a painless way to go. There are other apps you can use to back up data on one device and transfer that data to another device.
Expert Tip: Important
If you're switching to Android from an iPhone, turn off iMessage to avoid issues with text messages getting to your new Android. Tap Settings > Apps > Messages and then switch off the iMessage toggle.
06 of 09
Install a Better Keyboard
Smartphones running stock Android (or close to stock) default to Gboard, Google's well-regarded keyboard. Devices that run a custom version of Android may default to the manufacturer's keyboard, such as Samsung.
If you're not happy with your built-in keyboard, try another one. There are many third-party keyboards available on Google Play, including Microsoft SwiftKey, which has an AI-powered chatbot built in. There are also GIF keyboards and other specialty apps.
Expert Tip: Tip
Whether you keep the stock keyboard or install a new one, customize the autocorrect settings. This lets you match your lingo to avoid awkward interactions and general frustration.
07 of 09
Replace Your Home Screen With a Launcher
You don't have to use the home screen and app manager that comes with your phone. Without rooting, you can download and install a third-party Android launcher that cleans up the interface and customizes your home screens beyond app shortcuts.
Additional features include resizing icons, setting up personalized gesture controls, and changing the color scheme.
08 of 09
Root Your Device
Rooting an Android smartphone opens up a host of options. When you root the device, you gain access to the latest Android features first and can update your OS whenever you want—not when your carrier and manufacturer provide the update.
That also means you can use stock Android without any skins the manufacturer might build in or annoying bloatware.
Rooting can be intimidating, but if you follow the instructions carefully, the good can outweigh some of the drawbacks.
09 of 09
Flash a Custom ROM
When you root an Android smartphone, you can opt to install (flash) a custom ROM, although it's not required.
Custom ROMs are modified versions of Android. The most popular ROMs are LineageOS (formerly CyanogenMod) and Paranoid Android. Both offer added features beyond stock Android, such as custom button configuration and the ability to hide screen elements. Each tends to offer bug fixes faster than Google.