How to Change How Your Apps Look on Android

Android is an incredible operating system that is packed with tons of customizable features. One of the best things about Android is that it allows users to modify the appearance of their apps. This means that you can easily change the icons, themes, and layout of your apps to make them look unique and personal.

While customizing your Android apps is fun, it can be a bit tricky if you are new to it. There are several methods that you can use to modify the appearance of your apps, and each method requires a different set of tools and procedures. However, with the right set of instructions and tools, anyone can change the way their apps look in minutes. In this article, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to change how your apps look on Android.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Modifying App Appearance on Android

Modifying the appearance of your apps on Android requires some technical knowledge and skill. If you are not familiar with the different tools and systems used to customize apps, you may find it challenging to modify your apps.

Another challenge of modifying app appearance on Android is that the process can be time-consuming. Different methods may require different steps, tools, and setups, which can take up a significant amount of time.

Things You Should Prepare For

To modify the appearance of your apps on Android, you will need to prepare the following:

  1. A device running on Android OS (version 6.0 and above)
  2. An internet connection to download necessary tools and files
  3. A file manager app
  4. A launcher app
  5. A customization tool, such as Icon packs, Theme Store, and Wallpaper apps
  6. A backup plan to secure your data in the event that the customization process goes wrong

Method 1: Using Launcher Apps

Launcher apps are some of the most popular tools used to modify app appearance on Android. Launchers allow you to customize the appearance of your device by providing you with access to themes, wallpapers, and different icons. Here’s how to use a launcher app:

Instructions:

  1. Download and install the launcher app of your choice, such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, or Microsoft Launcher.
  2. Launch the app and follow the wizard to set it as your default launcher.
  3. Go to the launcher’s settings menu and navigate to the section that allows you to change the icons, wallpapers, themes, and layout.
  4. Select the desired customization options, such as icon packs or themes, from the app’s store.
  5. Apply the changes and wait for the app to adjust the device’s layout.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Provides access to a large library of customization options
  • Offers complete control over the device’s appearance and layout

Cons:

  • Requires a stable internet connection to download and install the app and its customization options
  • Some launcher apps may slow down the device’s performance
  • May not be compatible with certain device models or Android versions

Method 2: Using Icon Packs

Icon packs are popular among Android users who want to change the look of their device’s icons. Icon packs come with different styles of icons, such as rounded or square. Here’s how to use an icon pack to modify your app icons:

Instructions:

  1. Download and install a launcher app that supports icon packs, such as Nova Launcher.
  2. Download an icon pack of your choice from the Google Play Store.
  3. Go to your device’s settings and navigate to the display section.
  4. Select the option to change the device’s appearance and choose the icon pack that you want to use.
  5. Apply the changes and wait for the device to adjust the icons according to the selected icon pack.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Provides access to a large library of icons from different themes and styles
  • Doesn’t require any technical knowledge or skill

Cons:

  • May not provide control over the device’s appearance beyond the icons
  • Icons may not be compatible with some launcher apps
  • May not be available for every app that you want to customize

Method 3: Using Theme Store Apps

Theme store apps provide access to a variety of different themes and wallpapers. They allow you to customize your device’s background and other visual elements to match a specific theme. Here’s how to use a theme store app:

Instructions:

  1. Download and install a theme store app of your choice, such as Theme Store by Xiaomi or Samsung Theme Store.
  2. Open the app and navigate to the store section that contains the themes and wallpapers that you want to apply.
  3. Select the theme and wallpapers that you prefer and download them to your device.
  4. Go to your device’s settings and navigate to the display section.
  5. Choose the theme that you want to apply from the list of available themes.
  6. Select the wallpapers that you’ve downloaded and apply them to your device.

Pros:

  • Provides access to a large library of themes and wallpapers
  • Doesn’t require any technical knowledge or skill
  • Can customize the device’s appearance significantly with just one change

Cons:

  • May not be available for every device model or Android version
  • Themes may slow down the device’s performance or consume a lot of battery
  • Some themes and wallpapers may not be free

Method 4: Using Widgets

Widgets are interactive graphical elements that allow you to access specific features or information directly from your device’s home screen. Widgets can be customized to match the device’s appearance and integrate well with other customizations, such as icon packs and themes. Here’s how to use widgets:

Instructions:

  1. Go to your device’s home screen and long-press on the screen until a menu appears.
  2. Select the option to add a widget.
  3. Choose the widget that you want to add from the available options.
  4. Customize the widget according to your preferences, such as the size, color, and text.
  5. Drag and drop the widget to the desired location on the home screen.

Pros:

  • Allows quick and easy access to frequently used features or information
  • Provides visual enhancements to the device’s home screen through customizations
  • Doesn’t require any technical knowledge or skill

Cons:

  • May consume more battery and data than non-customized widgets
  • Some widgets may not be available for certain devices or Android versions
  • May not provide control over the appearance of apps beyond the home screen

Why Can’t I Change How My Apps Look on Android?

There are several reasons why you may not be able to change how your apps look on Android. Some of the most common reasons include:

  1. Your device may not support customization options due to hardware or software limitations.
  2. The app that you want to customize may not be compatible with the customization tools or launcher apps that you are using.
  3. You may not have the necessary permissions or access to modify the appearance of the app.

Fixes:

  1. Check the device’s specifications and limitations to ensure that it supports customization options.
  2. Troubleshoot the compatibility issues by trying different customization tools or launcher apps.
  3. Grant the necessary permissions and access to the customization tools or try rooting your device to gain more control over the device’s appearance.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you customize the appearance of your apps on Android:

  1. Backup your device’s data before making any significant changes to the device’s appearance.
  2. Experiment with different customization options to find the ones that work best for you.
  3. Regularly check for updates or new customization options to keep the device’s appearance fresh and up-to-date.

5 FAQs About Modifying App Appearance on Android

Q1: Can I customize the appearance of every app on my Android device?

A: No, not all apps can be customized, and the extent to which an app can be customized may vary depending on the app and the device’s software and hardware limitations.

Q2: Are there any risks to modifying how my apps look on Android?

A: Yes, there can be some risks to modifying app appearance on Android, such as decreased performance or compatibility issues. It is recommended that you backup your device’s data before making any significant changes and proceed with caution.

Q3: Are there any alternative solutions to modify app appearance on Android?

A: Yes, some alternative solutions to modify app appearance on Android include rooting the device or using third-party customization apps.

Q4: Does customizing my apps on Android void my device warranty?

A: It depends on the device’s manufacturer and warranty terms. Some manufacturers may void the device’s warranty if it is rooted or modified, while others may not.

Q5: Can I undo the changes made to my apps on Android?

A: Yes, you can undo the changes made to your apps by using a backup or resetting the device to its default settings. However, resetting the device will erase all your data, so it should only be done as a last resort.

In Conclusion

Modifying the appearance of your apps on Android is a fun and exciting way to personalize your device. With the right set of tools and instructions, anyone can change how their apps look in minutes. Using launcher apps, icon packs, theme store apps, and widgets are some of the most popular methods of modifying app appearance on Android. While customizing your apps is easy, it does come with some risks, so it is always recommended to backup your data and proceed with caution. With these tips and tricks, you can take full control over your device’s appearance and make it look unique and personal.