Pixel-ify Your Android Device with These Apps [No Root]

You can Pixel-ify your Android device without the need for root access. And we will show you the apps that you can use to get pixel-like experience on any Android smartphone. Google’s line of Pixel devices shows the company's position on what Android should be. Although the software experience is still top notch, the Pixel range has always had glaring problems. Below are some apps and tips that let you enjoy the functionality of Pixel 4 on any Android smartphone.

The tech giant's latest Pixel duo – the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL have less-than-standard battery life and don't offer much apart from great cameras. Also, the Soli chip is not as useful as we had hoped. So, if you like the Pixel user interface but not the hardware, here's how to Pixelize your Android device. You can also discover 5 reasons why you shouldn't buy the Pixel 4.

We have selected the best apps that will help you get the best Pixel experience by adding Pixel 4 functionality to your Android device. Additionally, these apps do not require root permissions to run. There is therefore no risk of voiding the warranty of the device. So let's take a look at the apps you need to use to enjoy the Google Pixel experience on any Android phone.

Lounge chair 2

The new Lawnchair 2 home screen launcher provides the best pixel-like experience without sacrificing customization options. It was recently published on the Google Play Store and replaces the OG Lawnchair launcher. Fortunately, you don't have much to do to reproduce the Pixel launcher. Lawnchair 2 brings the same pixel type layout by default. So, the only thing you have to do is configure your home screen with the apps you use the most. In addition, you can even install the Lawn extension to get the Google feed on the home screen.

Lawnchair 2 also supports third-party icon packs and we have also listed the best Pixel-type icon pack. The association of the icon pack with Lawnchair 2 Pixel-ify instantly your Android device.

Pixel 4 Icon Pack

As we mentioned above, this is arguably the best icon pack for Pixel-ify your Android smartphone. This icon pack includes over 10,000 custom icons. These are an insane amount of custom icons, which is why you can expect most apps to be supported. The Pixel Pie icon pack also includes a bunch of wallpapers that complement the icons in the pack. Each icon has a circular base for a more uniform appearance. What is even more impressive is that the icon pack is free to download. So there is no reason not to download the Pixel pie icon pack on Pixel-ify on your Android device. Additionally, you can download the Pixel 4 stock and live wallpapers to improve your home screen and lock screen.

VolumePie

This cool app replaced the OEM skin volume slider with a better and more functional volume controller on the side. Most OEMs place the volume slider near the top of the screen. This is difficult to achieve when using the device with one hand. VolumePie brings a clean and useful cursor to the side where it can be easily reached. You can further expand the volume pop-up window to control the volume of the ringer, alarm, or even the call volume. Thanks to its pixel-like appearance, it perfectly replaces the stock volume slider.

Discover: Android customization: a minimal home screen configuration

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The own Google Messages app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. It can be installed on any Android smartphone without having to load the app. It is the same app used in Pixel devices. Therefore, if you're ready to go the extra mile to Pixel-ify your Android device, we recommend installing Messages. Unfortunately, the app does not offer additional features such as message categorization and the theme of the app outside of the dark mode option. However, it is a great alternative to most of the preinstalled OEM email applications.

Pixel 4 navigation bar

The Android navigation bar could be completely replaced by gestures in the next few years. However, if you prefer the OG navigation bar to modern gestures, this application is made for you. The Pixel navigation bar gives you the option of replacing the stock navigation bar with the Pixel navigation bar. Apart from that, the app is downloadable for free and does not require root access. You can even customize the navigation bar if you choose to have a navigation bar slightly different from Pixel devices.

Gboard

If you're still using the default OEM keyboard on your Android device, you're missing the best typing experience. Google Gboard is arguably one of the best keyboard apps you can use at the moment. The auto fix feature in Gboard is miles ahead of most other alternatives. And it even has a bunch of useful additions such as a built-in GIF explorer and theme manager. The keyboard supports Glide input, voice input, Emoji search, multilingual input and lots of other features. On top of that, it's the original keyboard on Pixel devices. Therefore, this further adds to the overall pixel-like experience.

Check out: Get Pixel 4 Live Caption on any Android 10 device

Material notification lampshade

Here is an application that will replace your skin notification panel by existing OEM with a pixel type notification tray. This is a must if you are looking at Pixel-ify for your Android device. The app weighs just under 3MB and is inspired by the Android 8.0 notification bar. However, there is not much difference between Material Notification Shade and the notification bar of Android 10 on Pixel devices. This is particularly useful if you have a device from an OEM such as Oppo or Vivo.

These are the essential apps to enjoy the functionality of Pixel 4 on any Android. To take it even more, you can find out how to get the Pixel's revamping ringtone feature. In addition, you can download the Pixel 4 wallpapers to make the configuration even more convincing.

Read more: How to use Focus mode on Android to avoid distractions