Updating the operating system to version Android 12 has become a real shock for many users, especially in terms of visual style. Google presented a large-scale redesign called Material You, which affected not only color schemes, but also the structure of system elements. The quick settings curtain and the notification panel have undergone dramatic changes: the buttons have become larger, their layout has shifted, and the logic of interaction itself has become less familiar to those who have been using the classic interface for years.
Many owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme and other brands immediately wondered: is it possible to return the old curtain, which everyone is used to? This cannot be done using standard system tools, since Google has firmly fixed the new design in the code. However, enthusiasts and developers have found workarounds to modify the interface. In this article we will analyze all the available methods, from simple settings to advanced methods using system commands. Android 12 bring back the old curtain that everyone is used to? This cannot be done using standard system tools, since Google has firmly fixed the new design in the code. However, enthusiasts and developers have found workarounds to modify the interface. In this article we will analyze all the available methods, from simple settings to advanced methods using system commands.
It is worth noting right away that the process of returning to the usual appearance may require you to be attentive and, in some cases, have a computer. The interface Android is deeply integrated, and changing its key elements affects system files. However, the result is worth it if you value the functionality and compactness of the old notification panel more than newfangled visual effects.
Why the design of the curtain changed in Android 12
The transition to Material You (or Material Design 3) was planned by Google long before the release Android 12. The main goal was to personalize the interface: the system should automatically select the color scheme of buttons and widgets to match the desktop wallpaper. This required changing the structure of the panels to make the new dynamic colors look organic. As a result, the classic grid of switches has given way to large, round tiles that take up much more space.
In addition to aesthetics, changes also affected ergonomics. The new curtain has become more “finger-oriented”, but has lost information density. There are now fewer switches on one screen, which forces users to scroll more often or open additional menus. For those who are accustomed to quick access, this became a significant inconvenience. That is why the question of how to return the old curtain remains one of the most popular in developer communities. Changing system parameters via ADB or installing modified system applications can lead to unstable operation of the interface. Before making changes, it is recommended to create a backup copy of important data. Android 12 bring back the old curtain remains one of the most popular in the developer communities.
⚠️ Attention: Changing system parameters via ADB or installing modified system applications can lead to unstable operation of the interface. It is recommended that you back up your important data before making changes.
Smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung with their own shell One UI or Xiaomi s MIUIalso have made their own adjustments to Google's design, which sometimes creates conflicts when trying to change standard elements. Understanding exactly how the new interface rendering system works will help you choose the right method to return to the familiar look.
Using the QuickSwitch application to change the style
One of the easiest and safest ways to change the appearance of the Quick Settings panel is to use specialized launcher applications for the curtain. The most popular solution is the application QuickSwitch. It does not require root access, but for it to work fully it will still need ADB rights, which we will discuss below. This application allows you to choose different styles of switches, including the classic look from Android 10 and Android 11.
After installing the application, you will need to activate it through your computer. The process is not complicated, but requires strict adherence to the instructions. QuickSwitch intercepts the system call to open the curtain and replaces the standard interface with its own customized one. This allows you to maintain the functionality of the new system, but return the visual style of the old one.
☑️ Preparing to install QuickSwitch
- 📱 Download the latest version QuickSwitch from a reliable source, such as GitHub or w3bsit3-dns.com.
- 🔌 Connect your smartphone to the computer and make sure that in the menu developer activated
USB debugging. - 🖥️ Launch the terminal on your PC and enter the command to grant the necessary permissions to the application.
- 🎨 In the application settings, select the style Stock or Legacyto imitate the old design.
It is important to understand that QuickSwitch only changes the visual shell. No deep changes are made to the system code, which reduces the risk of errors (bugs). However, if you plan to use complex themes, the performance of opening the curtain may be slightly reduced on older devices.
Configuration via ADB commands: advanced method
For those who do not want to install third-party launcher applications, there is a more direct way - using the command line ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to make changes directly to the system interface settings. It works on most devices, including Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus and others running on stock Android 12 or similar shells.
The essence of the method is to change the value of the variable responsible for the style of the switches. In the new version of Android, the parameter qs_tile_styleis responsible for this. By changing its value, you can force the old tile style to be enabled. This will not return the one-to-one curtain as in Android 11, but will make the tiles square and compact, which is visually very close to the classics.
adb shell cmd overlay enable com.android.system.qs.tilestyle.stockIf the standard command did not work (since the paths may differ in different firmware), you can try to disable new functions through hidden flags. To do this, in the developer menu or through ADB you need to find the parameters associated with Material You. For example, a command to reset all overlays can return the standard view if you previously changed something.
What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?
If the computer does not recognize the smartphone, check the installed drivers. For Xiaomi, Realme and some other devices, you may need to enable the "USB Debugging (Security Settings)" mode in the developer menu. Without this item, the computer will only charge the phone.
- 🛠️ Install Platform Tools (ADB and Fastboot) on your computer.
- 📲 Enable developer mode by quickly clicking on the build number 7 times
O phone. - ⚙️ Activate the item
USB debuggingin the developer menu. - 💻 Connect the phone and enter the command
adb devicesto test the connection.
Using ADB gives more control, but requires caution. One wrong command can lead to a cyclic reboot of the interface (bootloop), although you can usually return everything back with a reset command or reboot in safe mode.
Modifying the system UI via Launcher
Another way to influence the appearance of the curtain is to use alternative launchers with extended access rights to system elements. Although standard launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher cannot completely replace the system curtain, there are specialized solutions. Some of them, such as Niagara Launcher in conjunction with plugins, allow you to partially customize the top part of the screen.
However, the most effective method in this category is to install modified versions of the system application SystemUI.apk. This requires root access. If your smartphone is rooted (for example, via Magisk), you can replace the system interface file with a modified one, in which the curtain design has already been changed by community developers.
| Method | root access required | Difficulty | Risk of errors |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickSwitch | No (ADB required) | Medium | Low |
| ADB commands | No | High | Medium |
| Modified SystemUI | Yes | Very high | High |
| Third-party curtains (Apps) | No | Low | Low |
Replacement SystemUI.apk is the path for advanced users. An incorrectly selected file can cause the phone to stop responding to touches or go into an endless reboot. Always make a backup TWRP before such operations.
Alternative curtain applications
If system methods seem too complicated or risky to you, you can always use third-party applications that completely replace the standard curtain. There are dozens of them on Google Play and other app stores. They work on the principle of an overlay: when you swipe from above, the system shows not the native Android curtain, but the application interface.
Popular options include Material Status Bar, Control Center (iOS style) and Super Status Bar. These applications allow you not only to return the old look, but also to add new functions: music control, quick memory clearing, advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switches. They are completely independent of the Android version, so they will work on both Android 12and newer versions.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party curtains consume more battery than system ones, since they constantly hang in the background and track your actions. In addition, they may conflict with navigation gestures.
The main disadvantage of such solutions is the delay when opening. The system curtain is drawn instantly, and the application takes a split second to launch. In addition, you will not be able to use the curtain during a call or in some system menus where access to overlays is prohibited.
Solving problems after modifying the interface
After trying to change the design of the curtain, users often encounter artifacts: buttons may not be displayed correctly, colors may “float”, and the panels themselves may overlap each other. If you used the ADB method, first try rebooting your device. This often resets temporary interface caches.
If the problem lies with the QuickSwitch application, check its compatibility settings. In some shells (for example, MIUI or ColorOS), you must additionally allow the application to display on top of other windows and autorun. Without these permissions, the curtain may simply not appear or crash.
If after all the manipulations the interface is unstable, the safest way is to remove modifier applications and reset the settings via ADB with the `pm uninstall` command for the corresponding packages.
If you changed the system files (SystemUI), and the phone went into a bootloop (reboot cycle), you You will need to enter Recovery mode (by holding down the volume and power buttons) and make a Wipe Cache Partition. If this does not help, you will have to do a complete reset or flashing of the device.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to return the old curtain to Samsung without a computer?
On smartphones Samsung with One UI 4.0 shell (based on Android 12) it is impossible to return the old look using standard means. However, you can use applications like Good Lock (QuickPanel module), which allow you to flexibly customize the appearance of the curtain, making it look like a classic one, although a full return to the Android 11 design is impossible without root access.
Is it safe to use ADB commands to change the interface?
Using ADB commands is relatively safe, since you are not modifying system files directly, but only changing the values of variables in memory or user settings. If something goes wrong, simply resetting your phone or deleting the manipulating app will bring everything back. The risk of “bricking” is minimal if you do not remove critical system components.
Will the old curtain disappear after updating Android?
Yes, most likely. When updating the system (for example, to Android 13 or 14), all changes made via ADB may be reset, and applications like QuickSwitch may no longer work correctly due to changes in the system code. You will have to re-apply the settings or look for updated versions of the tools.
Does changing the curtain style affect battery performance?
Changing the style via ADB or system settings itself does not affect battery consumption. However, if you use third-party curtain applications that constantly hang in the background, energy consumption may increase by 3-5% per day depending on the frequency of use.