VKontakte remains one of the most popular social networks in Russia, but the standard application interface on Android does not always suit users. Some want to return to the old version of the design, some are missing the dark theme, and some are looking for ways to simplify navigation. In this article, we will look at all the current methods for changing the interface VK on Android —from official settings to third-party solutions, taking into account security and compatibility.

It is important to understand that customization options depend on the application version and policy VK LLC. For example, in 2026, developers removed support for some themes, but added flexible font settings. We analyzed all the available options and selected those that work on most devices - from budget Redmi to flagship Samsung Galaxy.

If you are looking for a way to do VK is more convenient for you -read on. We will look at both basic settings (language, theme, text size) and advanced methods such as installing modified clients or using ADB for deep customization.

1. Official VK interface settings: what can be changed without risks

Let's start with the safest method - built-in application options. Even without root access or third-party apps, you can:

  • 🌓 Switch dark/light mode —available in the profile settings.
  • 📱 Change font size —useful for users with vision problems.
  • 🌐 Change interface language —including regional dialects.
  • 🔄 Return the old version of news (if available in your region).

To open these settings:

  1. Launch the application VKontakte.
  2. Tap on your avatar in the lower right corner.
  3. Select Settings → Appearance.

Here you will see a slider for the dark theme (night theme), an option to change the text size and a list of available languages. Please note that some languages (for example Tatar or Ukrainian) may not display correctly in older versions of Android.

📊 Which design mode do you prefer on VKontakte?
Dark
Light
Automatic (by time of day)
I don't care
⚠️ Attention: In some regions (for example, in Belarus or Kazakhstan), the list of interface languages may differ due to local restrictions VK. If the required language is not available, try changing the region in your account settings.

2. How to return the old VK design through the app settings

Many users are nostalgic for the interface VKontakte 2018–2022when the news feed was more compact and the buttons were larger. Unfortunately, developers are gradually removing support for outdated design versions, but in some cases you can temporarily roll back:

  • 📱 Through the "Design Version" menu - appears for some users in Settings → Design.
  • 🔄 Rolling back the application version - through APK-file with APKMirror (risky!).
  • 🛠️ Using modified clients - for example, VKontakte Mod or Kate Mobile.

The safest way is to check for the presence of the option in the official application:

  1. Open Settings → Appearance.
  2. Scroll down - if there is an item Design version, tap on it.
  3. Select Classic or Compact (if available).

If this option is not there, then your account is included in the group of users for which it is disabled. In this case, only alternative methods remain (about them in the following sections).

Why is VK removing old versions of the design?

The developers motivate this by the need to unify the interface for all platforms (Android, iOS, web), as well as the desire to introduce new functions like Stories and mini-applications. Old versions of the design do not support these features, so they are gradually being phased out.

Method of returning the old design Risks Complexity
Official setting in the application No risks ⭐ (simple)
Rollback via APK Security vulnerabilities, account ban ⭐⭐⭐ (average)
Modified clients (VK Mod) Account blocking, viruses ⭐⭐ (easy, but dangerous)
Using the web version through a browser Inconvenient on mobile ⭐ (simple)

3. Installing alternative VK clients: pros and cons

If the built-in settings are not enough, you can try third-party applications. The most popular options:

  • 🛡️ Kate Mobile —an open-source client that supports a dark theme and flexible feed settings.
  • 🎨 VKontakte Mod —a modified version with expanded themes and removed advertising.
  • 📱 Frost for VK —a minimalistic client with an emphasis on privacy.

Advantages of alternative clients:

  • ✅ More design options (including custom CSSthemes).
  • ✅ No advertising (in most mods).
  • ✅ Additional features like mass downloading media.

But there are also serious risks:

  • ❌ Account blocking — VK actively fights against unofficial clients.
  • ❌ Leakage data —some modified versions contain spyware.
  • ❌ Lack of support —applications may stop working after API updates.

If you decide to install, download APK only from trusted sources (for example, F-Droid for Kate Mobile) and use second account for testing.

Download APK only from the official website of the developer|

Check the file hash (MD5/SHA-1) on VirusTotal|

Disable autologin in the main VK application|

Use a temporary account for testing|

Update the client regularly-->

⚠️ Attention: In 2026 VK LLC tightened its policy towards third-party clients. Accounts authorized through modified applications may be blocked without warning. If your profile is important (for example, related to work or monetization), it is better to avoid such methods.

4. Deep customization via ADB: for advanced users

If you are ready to dive into technical details, you can change the interface VKontakte at the system level using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for:

  • 📱 Changes DPI (pixel density) for a more compact display.
  • 🎨 Forced inclusion of a dark theme for all elements.
  • 🔧 Disable animations and unnecessary visual effects.

To do this you will need:

  1. Enable Developer mode on your phone (tap the build number 7 times in Settings → About phone).
  2. Activate USB debugging in the developer menu.
  3. Install ADB on a computer (for example, via Platform Tools from Google).
  4. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the commands.

Example command for changing DPI (replace com.vkontakte.android with the current package and 420 with desired value):

adb shell wm density 420 && adb shell am force-stop com.vkontakte.android

Important: Not all versions of VK work correctly with a changed DPI - there may be problems with displaying dialogs or media files. Before experiments, make a backup copy of your application data via adb backup.

💡

If after changing the DPI the VK interface becomes blurry, try clearing the application cache in the Android settings. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → VK → Memory → Clear cache.

5. Using the Xposed Framework and LSPosed for fine-tuning

For users with root-rights or devices running Magisk more flexible tools are available like LSPosed (successor Xposed). With their help you can:

  • 🎭 Change the colors of individual interface elements (buttons, headers).
  • 🔍 Hide unnecessary tabs (for example, Clips or Games).
  • 📱 Add control gestures (swipe for navigation).

Popular modules for LSPosed:

  • GravityBox —a universal module for customizing the interface.
  • VK Tweaks — specialized patches for VKontakte.
  • App Settings — allows you to change DPI permissions for individual applications.

Installation instructions:

  1. Install Magisk i LSPosed (instructions are available at XDA Developers).
  2. Download the module VK Tweaks from the repository LSPosed.
  3. Activate the module and reboot the device.
  4. Configure the parameters in application LSPosed Manager.
⚠️ Attention: Using Xposed/LSPosed may lead to unstable system operation or errors in other applications. Before installing modules, create a backup using TWRP or another custom recovery.

6. standard interface

If, after experimenting with the design, VKontakte started to work incorrectly (for example, animation disappeared, photos are not displayed, or the application crashes), you can return everything back in several ways:

  • 🔄 Clearing the cache - deletes temporary data without loss account.
  • 🗑️ Resetting application settings —returns standard settings.
  • 📥 Reinstalling VK —an extreme method if all else fails.

Step-by-step guide for resetting:

  1. Go to Android Settings → Applications → VK.
  2. Click Memory → Clear cache.
  3. If the problem persists, select Clear data (you will have to re-enter your login/password).
  4. Restart the application.

If you used ADB or LSPosed, undo the changes:

  • For ADB: run the command adb shell wm density reset.
  • For LSPosed: deactivate the modules in Magisk Manager.
💡

Before resetting your settings, export chats and media files via VK settings → Account management → Export data. This will save your correspondence even if the application is reinstalled.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the VK interface to Android

Is it possible to change the VK color scheme to a custom one (for example, green or blue)?

This is not possible in the official application. However, some modified clients (for example, VKontakte Modallow you to install custom CSSthemes. An alternative option is to use LSPosed with a module VK Tweaksthat supports changing the color palette.

Please note that too bright colors can impair the readability of text, especially in dark mode.

Why did the settings disappear after updating VK design?

Developers regularly remove outdated interface options in order to unify the user experience on different platforms. If menu items disappear after the update (for example, selecting a design version), it means:

  • The function has been removed from the official build.
  • Your account has been included in the test group with the new one. interface.

In this case, you can either wait for the option to return, or use alternative clients.

How to make the font in VK larger than the maximum value in the settings allows?

If the built-in font size regulator is not enough, you can:

  1. Use ADB to change the system text scale: 
    adb shell settings put system font_scale 1.3

    (where 1.3 is the scaling factor; maximum value is 1.5).

  2. Install LSPosed with module App Settings and manually set the font size for VK.

Both methods require superuser rights (root) or Magisk.

Will the old VK design work if you roll back the application version via APK?

Probably yes - but with reservations:

  • 🔹 The application may require updating when first launched.
  • 🔹 Some functions (for example, Stories or Clips) will not be available.
  • 🔹 Risk of account blocking for using an outdated version.

If you decide to rollback, download APK only from trusted sources (for example, APKMirror) and disable auto-update in Google Play.

Is it possible to change the interface VK without root access?

Yes, but the possibilities will be limited:

  • ✅ Built-in settings (dark theme, font size).
  • ✅ Alternative clients (for example, Kate Mobile).
  • ✅ ADB-commands for changing DPI (does not require root, but USB debugging is required).

For deep customization (for example, changing the colors of individual elements) root or Magisk will still be required.