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How to Theme KitKat to Look Like Android L on Your Nexus 5

Jul 9, 2014 04:30 PM
Smartphone displaying settings menu options.

The new preview build of Android is out, and it looks good. But if you're not quite ready to install Android L on your phone, there's still another way to enjoy some of these new visual elements on your Nexus device.

Developer Adhithya Rajagopal has created an Xposed module that automatically themes several aspects of the System UI on stock Android. Everything from icons in the notification bar to the Settings menu has been themed in the new Material design style, so this is quite a theme.

Prerequisites

Install Android L Theme

Rajagopal's module, Android L Theme, hasn't been uploaded to the Xposed Repository just yet, so you'll have to download this one manually.

The developer is keeping the module up to date in XDA thread, so future updates can be downloaded there. But I've got a direct link to the current version ready for download at right here.

How to Theme KitKat to Look Like Android L on Your Nexus 5
How to Theme KitKat to Look Like Android L on Your Nexus 5
How to Theme KitKat to Look Like Android L on Your Nexus 5
How to Theme KitKat to Look Like Android L on Your Nexus 5

Once the download is finished, tap the notification to launch the installer. On the next screen, hit Install, then when finished, you'll see a notification from Xposed telling you that the module isn't yet activated and a reboot is needed. Leave this one alone for now, because there are some settings in the module that also require a reboot. Instead, just tap Open on the installer page.

Permission request screen for Android application installation.
Android L Theme app installation screen with options to open or dismiss.
Permission request screen for Android application installation.
Android L Theme app installation screen with options to open or dismiss.

Choose the Elements You'd Like to Theme

After launching Android L Theme, you'll see a set of options for additional UI elements that you can also theme. Tick the boxes next to the options that you'd like to have themed, then press the Apply button.

Android L Theme user interface options with settings for fans, ball animations, and brightness.
Android L Theme settings with user interface options including wallpaper, fonts, boot animations, and brightness adjustments.
Android L Theme user interface options with settings for fans, ball animations, and brightness.
Android L Theme settings with user interface options including wallpaper, fonts, boot animations, and brightness adjustments.

Next, the Android L Theme app will ask for Superuser permissions, so Grant it those. Then, the app will work its magic and ask if you want to reboot to make these changes take effect. Press No here.

How to Theme KitKat to Look Like Android L on Your Nexus 5
Reboot confirmation dialog on a mobile device with options for 'Yes' and 'No'.
How to Theme KitKat to Look Like Android L on Your Nexus 5
Reboot confirmation dialog on a mobile device with options for 'Yes' and 'No'.

Now, since both the companion app and the Xposed module need a reboot, pull down your notification shade and tap the Activate and Reboot button at this point.

Notification about Xposed module not activated on Android device.

Checking Out the New Theme

While rebooting, take notice of the boot animation, as it's now changed to the Android L version if you ticked that option in the Android L Theme app.

When you get back up, you'll immediately notice the changes. Icons in the notification bar are now in the "L" style, and the navigation buttons at the bottom are also new.

How to Theme KitKat to Look Like Android L on Your Nexus 5

Old KitKat look.

How to Theme KitKat to Look Like Android L on Your Nexus 5

New "L" look.

How to Theme KitKat to Look Like Android L on Your Nexus 5

Old KitKat look.

How to Theme KitKat to Look Like Android L on Your Nexus 5

New "L" look.

The Settings menu got a makeover, and while not perfect, emulates the new Android L Settings menu pretty well.

Mobile device settings menu displaying Wi-Fi and other connectivity options.

Old Settings.

Mobile settings menu with options for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, data usage, sound, display, storage, and battery.

New Settings.

Mobile device settings menu displaying Wi-Fi and other connectivity options.

Old Settings.

Mobile settings menu with options for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, data usage, sound, display, storage, and battery.

New Settings.

Even the Calculator app got the "L" treatment. It's done up in the new colors from its Android L counterpart. Of course for the fully themed Android L calculator, check out Neil's guide for installing the ported version.

Calculator interface displaying numbers and basic arithmetic functions.

KitKat Calculator.

Calculator interface displaying numbers and basic operations.

Themed Calculator.

Calculator interface displaying numbers and basic arithmetic functions.

KitKat Calculator.

Calculator interface displaying numbers and basic operations.

Themed Calculator.

And there are countless other minor UI changes that bring in the Android L look to your KitKat device. Keep looking around and you'll notice the subtle changes.

For a full Android L look, you can even give your Launcher a quick makeover.

How are you liking the new Android L interface? Have you noticed any minor tweaks that I haven't covered here? Let us know in the comments section below.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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