Rooting an Android phone or tabletallows you to maintain a more minimalist version of Android, without the bloatware that manufacturers often tack on. It has become increasingly difficult over the years, but you don’t necessarily have to root your phone to get all the benefits. Here are a few ways to give yourSamsung Galaxy S8a stock Android look and feel without having to root it. Don’t own a Samsung Galaxy S8? We also have directions forgetting Google Pixel features on any Android phone.
Let’s start with the biggest difference maker for daily use, the launcher. Our pick for the most basic launcher is the Pixel Launcher that comes onGoogle Pixel phones. It’s available in the Play Store. You’ll be informed that this launcher will not work with your phone (which is a lie). You’ll still need to install it nonetheless. To do so, go toSettings,thenSecurity, and turn onUnknown sources.
After that grab thelatest APK file, then start the download and save it to your device. Once it downloads, go to the My Files app on your phone, tap the APK, and selectInstall. After it installs, select the Home button and select the Pixel Launcher. This will set Pixel Launcher as the new default launcher.
Next up, is the messaging app which is in theGoogle Play Store. Search for Android Messages in the Play Store and then install it. Open it and follow the prompts to set it as the default messaging app. Next we are going to add a new stock keyboard. Go to the Play Store and search forGboard. Install Gboard, open the app, and again follow the prompts to set this as your default input method.
Now, let’s switch the browser. IfGoogle Chromeis not already installed on your phone search for Chrome in the Play Store and install it. Now, go toSettings, and thenApps, then tap the three dots in the top right corner, and selectDefault Apps. Then tapBrowser Appsand select Chrome. Now, anytime you open links it will automatically open Chrome.
Now, let’s change the Dialer and Contacts. Go to the Play Store and search forExDialerand install it. Once this is installed, got toSettings, thenApps, and then select the three dots in the top right corner again. Now selectDefault Apps, then tap onCalling Apps, and select ExDialer.
Now, let’s have our Android use the stock Calendar app rather than the Samsung Calendar app. Like Chrome this may already be on your device, but if it is not go to the Play Store and search for Google Calendar and install it. Open Google Calendar and set it up if you have not already done so.
Next go toSettings, tapApps, and select Samsung Calendar (it’s the Calendar app with the green icon, not the blue icon). Once there, selectClear Defaultsand this will remove Samsung Calendar as the app that handles events on your device. The next time you are prompted to select a calendar to mark an event select Google Calendar to set it as your new default calendar. Now, selectMore OptionsinSettingsand turn off notifications for the Samsung Calendar to prevent double notifications for future events.
For a final touch, let’s add astock Android wallpaper. Select the wallpaper you prefer, then tap, and hold it once the wallpaper is enlarged. Then selectDownload Imageusing the three dot button in the top right of the screen and this will be saved in your Gallery. Now, tap and hold on the home screen background, tap Wallpapers, and then tap My Photos. Select the wallpaper you downloaded and selectSet Wallpaper.
David Cogen, a regular contributor here at Digital Trends, runs a popular tech blogTheUnlockr.comthat focuses on tech news, tips and tricks, and the latest tech. You can also find him over at Twitter discussing the latest tech trends.
