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The Android operating system is known for its flexibility and customization options. One of the recent trends in customization is to make the Android home screen look like iOS 14. iOS 14 introduced a new home screen layout with customizable widgets and an app library, and many Android users were intrigued by its design. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to customize your Android home screen to resemble iOS 14. We will discuss the challenges of achieving this customization, different methods to achieve it, alternative solutions, bonus tips, and answer frequently asked questions.
The Challenge of Customizing Android Home Screen Like iOS 14
- Android and iOS have different design languages and user interface elements. It can be challenging to replicate the exact look and feel of iOS 14 on an Android device.
- Android device manufacturers often have their own user interface skins and launchers, which may limit customization options compared to stock Android.
- Most customization methods require third-party apps, which may not always provide a seamless experience or have the same level of customization as iOS 14.
Video Tutorial:
Method 1. How to Customize Android Home Screen Like iOS 14 using Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher is a popular third-party launcher app that offers extensive customization options for Android. Here’s how you can use Nova Launcher to customize your Android home screen like iOS 14:
1. Download and install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
2. Set Nova Launcher as your default launcher by going to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Home App and selecting Nova Launcher.
3. Long-press on your home screen and select "Settings" to access Nova Launcher settings.
4. Navigate to "Desktop" settings and enable "Widget overlap" to allow widgets to overlap like in iOS 14.
5. Download iOS-style icon pack from the Play Store and apply it to your app icons through Nova Launcher settings.
6. Resize and rearrange your app icons to achieve the desired layout. You can create folders and hide app labels if you want a cleaner look.
7. Add iOS-style widgets by long-pressing on the home screen and selecting "Widgets". Browse through the available widgets and choose ones that resemble iOS 14 widgets.
8. Customize your dock to resemble the iOS 14 dock by selecting a transparent background and adding commonly used apps.
9. Enable the "App Library" feature by creating a new page on Nova Launcher and applying a grid layout. Add frequently used apps to the home screen and move the rest to the app library page.
Pros:
1. Nova Launcher offers extensive customization options for your Android home screen.
2. It allows you to apply iOS-style icon packs, resize and rearrange app icons, and add customizable widgets.
3. Nova Launcher provides a seamless experience and can make your Android home screen closely resemble iOS 14.
Cons:
1. Nova Launcher requires downloading third-party apps and icon packs, which may not always provide the same level of customization as iOS 14.
2. Some advanced features of Nova Launcher may require a premium version, which comes with a cost.
3. Nova Launcher may not be compatible with all Android devices and may not work well with certain device manufacturers’ custom user interfaces.
Method 2. How to Customize Android Home Screen Like iOS 14 using KWGT
KWGT is a widget creation tool that allows you to design and customize widgets for your Android home screen. Here’s how you can use KWGT to achieve an iOS 14-like home screen:
1. Download and install KWGT from the Google Play Store.
2. Long-press on your home screen and select "Widgets".
3. Locate KWGT widgets and add a KWGT widget of your preferred size to the home screen.
4. Tap on the added KWGT widget to open the KWGT editor.
5. Customize the widget by selecting the desired style, design, and layout elements. You can add text, images, icons, and customize their properties.
6. Resize and rearrange the widget to fit your desired layout.
7. Repeat the process to create additional widgets in different sizes and designs.
8. Customize your app icons using an iOS-style icon pack or by using customized icon apps available on the Play Store.
9. Resize and rearrange the app icons to resemble the iOS 14 home screen layout.
10. Use a custom wallpaper that matches the iOS 14 aesthetic to complete the look.
Pros:
1. KWGT offers complete widget customization, allowing you to design widgets that closely resemble iOS 14 widgets.
2. You can create widgets in any size and design, allowing for a more personalized experience.
3. KWGT offers a vast collection of premade widget designs created by the community.
Cons:
1. KWGT requires some design and customization skills to create custom widgets.
2. It may require additional time and effort to get the desired look, especially if you’re starting from scratch.
3. KWGT is solely focused on widgets and does not provide options to customize other elements of the home screen, such as app icons or the app library.
Method 3. How to Customize Android Home Screen Like iOS 14 using Lawnchair Launcher
Lawnchair Launcher is another popular third-party launcher app that offers iOS-like customization options for Android. Here’s how you can use Lawnchair Launcher to customize your Android home screen like iOS 14:
1. Download and install Lawnchair Launcher from the Google Play Store.
2. Set Lawnchair Launcher as your default launcher by going to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Home App and selecting Lawnchair Launcher.
3. Long-press on your home screen and select "Settings" to access Lawnchair Launcher settings.
4. Customize the app icons using an iOS-style icon pack or by using customized icon apps available on the Play Store.
5. Resize and rearrange the app icons to resemble the iOS 14 home screen layout.
6. Enable the "App Library" feature by creating a new page on Lawnchair Launcher and applying a grid layout. Add frequently used apps to the home screen and move the rest to the app library page.
7. Customize the dock by selecting a transparent background and adding commonly used apps.
8. Add iOS-style widgets by long-pressing on the home screen and selecting "Widget". Choose widgets that resemble iOS 14 widgets and resize them accordingly.
Pros:
1. Lawnchair Launcher provides an iOS-like experience with customizable app icons, dock, and app library.
2. It offers an extensive range of customization options to make your Android home screen resemble iOS 14.
3. Lawnchair Launcher provides a seamless experience without impacting the overall performance of your device.
Cons:
1. Lawnchair Launcher may not be compatible with all Android devices and may not work well with certain device manufacturers’ custom user interfaces.
2. Some advanced features of Lawnchair Launcher may require a premium version, which comes with a cost.
3. It may require some time and effort to set up and customize Lawnchair Launcher to achieve the desired iOS 14-like home screen.
Method 4. How to Customize Android Home Screen Like iOS 14 using Custom Launchers
Apart from Nova Launcher and Lawnchair Launcher, there are several custom launchers available on the Google Play Store that offer iOS-like customization options. These custom launchers often come pre-packaged with iOS-style themes, app icons, and widgets. Here’s how you can use custom launchers to customize your Android home screen:
1. Research and choose a custom launcher that offers iOS 14-like customization options. Examples include Niagara Launcher, CPL (Customized Pixel Launcher), and Microsoft Launcher.
2. Download and install the chosen custom launcher from the Google Play Store.
3. Set the custom launcher as your default launcher by going to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Home App and selecting the custom launcher.
4. Customize app icons, widget styles, and layouts using the built-in options and themes provided by the custom launcher.
5. Resize and rearrange the app icons, add iOS-style widgets, and customize the dock to resemble the iOS 14 layout.
Pros:
1. Custom launchers often provide pre-packaged iOS-like themes and customizations, simplifying the setup process.
2. They offer a wide range of customization options for app icons, widgets, and overall home screen layout.
3. Custom launchers are usually optimized for performance and provide a seamless experience.
Cons:
1. Custom launchers may not be as feature-rich as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair Launcher.
2. Some custom launchers may have a learning curve and require time to familiarize yourself with their settings and customization options.
3. Compatibility with various Android devices and device manufacturer skins may vary.
Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Customize Your Android Home Screen Like iOS 14
If you’re unable to achieve the desired iOS 14-like customization on your Android device, here are a few alternatives you can consider:
1. Explore Other Launcher Options: Try out different launcher apps from the Play Store to find one that offers a closer iOS 14 experience for your device. Experiment with different customization options within each launcher to achieve your desired home screen design.
2. Use Icon Packs: Instead of customizing the entire home screen, focus on changing the app icons to resemble iOS 14. There are many icon packs available on the Google Play Store that provide iOS-style app icons, which can give your home screen a similar look and feel.
3. Embrace Android’s Unique Customization: Instead of replicating iOS 14, embrace the unique customization options that Android offers. Explore different themes, wallpapers, widgets, and launchers to create a home screen that reflects your personal style and preferences.
Bonus Tips
Here are a few bonus tips to enhance your Android home screen customization:
1. Experiment with Widget Placement: Widgets can be placed on the home screen, resized, and stacked to create visually appealing designs. Try different combinations and layouts to find the one that suits your needs.
2. Customize App Drawer: Some launchers allow you to customize the app drawer, allowing you to organize your apps in folders or categories for easier access.
3. Automation Apps: Use automation apps like Tasker or MacroDroid to create custom home screen actions and gestures. For example, you can set up a gesture to launch specific apps or perform certain actions with a swipe or tap.
4. Stay Updated: Keep an eye on new launcher apps, icon packs, and customization tools that are regularly released on the Play Store. New options and features may become available over time, offering even more customization possibilities for your Android home screen.
5 FAQs about Customizing Android Home Screen Like iOS 14
Q1: Will customizing my Android home screen to look like iOS 14 affect the performance of my device?
A: Customizing your home screen should not significantly impact the performance of your device. However, certain launchers or customization options may consume additional system resources, which can slightly affect performance in some cases. It’s recommended to choose lightweight launchers and limit the use of resource-intensive widgets to maintain optimal performance.
Q2: Can I revert back to my previous home screen layout after customizing it to look like iOS 14?
A: Yes, you can easily revert back to your previous home screen layout by changing the default launcher or resetting the launcher settings to their default values. Simply go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Home App and select your previous launcher. Alternatively, you can uninstall the custom launcher to revert back to the default launcher.
Q3: Can I achieve the exact look and functionality of iOS 14 on my Android device?
A: While it’s possible to make your Android home screen resemble iOS 14 to a certain extent, achieving the exact look and functionality may be challenging. Android and iOS have different design languages and user interface elements, so there may be limitations on replicating specific features or interactions. However, with the right customization tools and launcher options, you can create a similar visual experience.
Q4: Will customizing my Android home screen void my warranty?
A: Customizing your home screen does not void your device’s warranty. Customization involves changing the launcher and app icons, which are not considered system-level modifications. However, it’s always recommended to proceed with caution and keep a backup of your device in case any issues arise during the customization process.
Q5: Can I customize other aspects of my Android device to resemble iOS 14?
A: Yes, you can customize other aspects of your Android device to resemble iOS 14. Apart from the home screen, you can customize the lock screen, notification center, system fonts, and system-wide themes using various customization apps and tools available on the Google Play Store. However, keep in mind that heavy modifications may require rooting your device, which can void your warranty and may have security implications.
In Conclusion
Customizing your Android home screen to resemble iOS 14 can be a fun and creative process. With the right tools and customization options, you can achieve a similar visual experience and layout. Whether you choose Nova Launcher, KWGT, Lawnchair Launcher, or other custom launchers, remember to experiment, be patient, and find the customization method that works best for your Android device. Embrace the unique customization options Android offers and create a home screen that reflects your personal style and preferences.