Modern smartphones provide users with an unprecedented level of personalization, but standard interface settings often seem too conservative. Owners of devices based on Android 11 especially often face the desire to transform a familiar picture, making it more functional or simply aesthetically pleasing. Changing the menu is not just changing the wallpaper, it is a deep reworking of the logic of interaction with the gadget, affecting system fonts, the grid of icons and the behavior of control panels.

The modification process can vary from a simple change of the launcher to the implementation of complex scripts via ADB, which requires caution. Google and shell manufacturers like One UI or MIUI are constantly changing the system architecture, so old methods may not work. In this article, we will analyze current customization methods that are guaranteed to work on stable versions of the eleventh Android system, allowing you to create a unique user experience.

Before taking active steps, you need to understand that any intervention in system files or installing third-party launchers carries certain risks. The system section "SystemUI" is responsible for rendering the interface, and its incorrect modification can lead to a cyclic reboot of the device. Always create backup copies of important data before starting experiments with deep settings system.

Changing the launcher as the basis for changing the menu

The easiest and safest way to radically change the appearance of the application menu and desktop is to install an alternative launcher. The standard shell often limits the user's ability to customize the grid, animations, and gestures, while third-party solutions provide full control over every pixel of the screen. Popular options like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher allow you to implement functions that system developers have hidden by default.

After installing a new application, the system will prompt you to select it as the default for processing the home page. It is important to carefully study the settings of the selected launcher, as the standard settings may not meet your expectations. Typically, in the "Desktop" or "Application Menu" section, you can change the number of rows and columns, which is critical for placing widgets.

⚠️ Attention: Some smartphone manufacturers, for example Xiaomi or Huawei, can aggressively optimize background processes, which leads to the launcher crashing and returning to standard interface. You must manually prevent the system from closing the selected application.

Deep customization often requires granting special permissions through a computer or wireless debugger. This allows the launcher to manage system icons and even change the behavior of the notification panel, which is impossible to do using conventional methods. However, it is worth remembering that with each new security version Android the capabilities of third-party applications are narrowed.

  • 🚀 Nova Launcher —a standard of speed and flexibility of settings, ideal for advanced users.
  • 🌿 Lawnchair —an open launcher that follows the Pixel style, but with the addition of many functions.
  • 🎨 Smart Launcher —automatically sorts applications by categories, saving time on searching.
  • 📱 AIO Launcher — turns the desktop into an information panel with widgets instead of icons.
📊 Which type of interface is closer to you?
Standard grid: Icons in a row: Information widget: Minimalism without icons

Customizing the quick access panel and curtain

Interface Android 11 brought significant changes to the operation of the control panel, separating the power switches and multimedia controllers. Many users want to return to the familiar look or, conversely, adapt new elements to suit their needs. Using standard system tools you can only rearrange the tiles, but for real changes additional tools will be required.

To edit hidden switches, such as the battery percentage in the status bar or animation speed, the hidden settings menu is often used. It can be accessed through special shortcut applications that activate hidden system activities. This allows you to fine-tune the behavior Quick Settings without obtaining superuser rights.

adb shell settings put global qs_tile_animation_duration 0

Executing similar commands through ADB allows you to disable tile animation, making the interface more responsive on older devices. However, be careful: changing system flags can lead to unstable operation of the interface if the value is set incorrectly. Always write down the original values before making changes.

☑️ Check before changing system settings

Done: 0 / 1

It is worth noting that the ability to customize the curtain greatly depends on the version of the manufacturer's shell. In pure Android opportunities are limited, while OnePlus or Oppo allow you to change the style of icons and background transparency natively.

Using themes and icons for personalization

Visual component of the menu consists not only of the arrangement of elements, but also of their graphic design. Iconpacks (icon sets) - the most popular way to refresh the interface without losing functionality. Most modern launchers support the use of third-party icon sets, which can be found in Google Play.

To use icons, the launcher must support this function, which is standard for most popular applications. After installing a set of icons, select “Icon Style” or “Theme” in the launcher settings, where the new package is activated. If there is no icon for an application, the launcher will automatically create a placeholder based on the color scheme of the original.

Package name Style Number of icons Compatibility
Whicons Minimalism 2000+ High
LineX Linear 4500+ Medium
CandyCons Material 3000+ High
Flight Flat 1800+ Medium

In addition to icons, you can change system fonts if the device firmware allows it. On smartphones Samsung or Xiaomi there are official theme stores where you can download a full visual style that changes the settings menu, dialer and messages. On other devices, replacing fonts often requires root access or the use of special modules.

Where to get high-quality icon packs?

The best icon sets are often distributed for a fee or through Patreon developers. Free versions on the Play Market may contain advertising or have reduced functionality. It is recommended to check reviews and the date of the last update of the package, as old sets may not display correctly on Android 11.

Advanced configuration via ADB and system flags

For users who are not afraid of the command line, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) opens the door to the deepest system settings. This method allows you to change parameters that are not available even in the engineering menu. Using ADB, you can hide icons in the status bar, change the interface density (DPI) or disable system applications that are annoying with their intrusiveness.

To work, you need to enable USB debugging mode in the "For Developers" menu and connect your smartphone to your computer. Commands are entered in the terminal and applied instantly, although some changes require a reboot. For example, changing the interface scale allows you to make elements larger or, conversely, fit more information on the screen.

adb shell wm density 400

This command will change the pixel density, which will visually make all interface elements smaller. You can return the standard value with the command adb shell wm density reset. Be extremely careful: setting the value too high or low may make the interface unreadable, and you will have to reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Changing system flags via ADB does not require root access, but errors in commands may lead to a software crash (bootlap). If you are not sure about the value of the parameter, it is better not to change it.

Also, through ADB you can remove system junk that cannot be removed using standard means. This frees up space and sometimes speeds up menu operation, since the system does not need to index unnecessary components. However, remove only those packages whose purpose you are 100% sure of.

Widgets and smart lock screens

The menu is not only the desktop, but also the lock screen, which we see dozens of times a day. Android 11 offers basic settings for widgets on the lock screen, but third-party applications can expand these capabilities beyond recognition. You can add widgets for weather, exchange rates, calendar or even system switches directly to the lock screen.

Using widgets on the desktop also helps to structure the menu. Instead of flipping through pages of icons, the user gets access to key information at a glance. Widgets from Google, Microsoft and independent developers allow you to create a unique dashboard.

  • 🌤 Today Weather - beautiful and informative weather widgets of various sizes.
  • 📅 Google Calendar - display of upcoming events directly on your desktop.
  • 🔋 Battery Widget Reborn —detailed information about the battery status.
  • 🎵 Spotify —control music without unlocking the phone (depending on the launcher).
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Use transparent background widgets to create the effect of “floating” elements on your desktop by choosing the wallpaper to match the color range of icons.

Some launchers allow you to create “smart folders” that change contents depending on the time of day or location. For example, in the morning applications for mail and calendar appear in the "Work" folder, and in the evening - social networks and music.

Typical problems and their solutions

When changing the menu, users often encounter artifacts, lags, or incorrect display of elements. One common issue is the conflict between the system dark mode and the launcher dark theme. This causes the text to become unreadable or disappear completely.

The solution is often to reset the launcher settings or update it to the latest version. Problems may also arise after updating the operating system itself Android. Launcher developers usually release patches quickly, but sometimes you have to wait for adaptation.

If, after installing the theme or icons, the phone starts to run slower, try clearing the launcher cache in the application settings. In severe cases, when the interface “floats” or black screens appear, deleting the problematic application through safe mode or ADB helps.

⚠️ Attention: Manufacturer interfaces (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS) may have their own restrictions on changing fonts or icons, which cannot be circumvented without unlocking the bootloader. Official sources may limit functionality for the sake of security.
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The stability of the interface is more important than its appearance. If customization causes lags, it is better to return to the standard settings or choose a lighter launcher.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to change the menu without installing third-party applications?

Basic changes are available in the system settings: changing wallpaper, font size, desktop grid (on some models) and theme (light/dark). However, it is almost impossible to radically change the application menu structure or control panel without a third-party launcher or superuser rights on Android 11.

Is it safe to use third-party launchers?

Launchers from the official store Google Play from well-known developers (Nova, Microsoft, Lawnchair) are safe. They operate in a sandbox and do not have access to your personal data without explicit permission. Beware of unknown launchers with suspicious permission requests.

Why did widgets disappear after installing the launcher?

Some widgets are tied to a specific launcher or system. When changing the launcher, old widgets may no longer display correctly. They need to be removed from the desktop and added again through the widget menu of the new launcher.

How to get everything back if you don’t like anything?

Simply delete the installed launcher or select “Reset settings” in its settings. The system will automatically return to the standard interface. If you changed the settings via ADB, use the reset command or reboot the device in safe mode to remove the problematic software.

Does changing the menu affect the speed of the smartphone?

Heavy launchers with a lot of animations and live wallpapers can consume more RAM and battery power, which will affect the performance of weak devices. Light launchers, on the contrary, can speed up the operation of an old smartphone by replacing the heavy system shell.