Customize Your Android’s Quick Settings in a Few Clicks

The newer operating systems for Android now have a Quick Settings drop-down menu that allows you to quickly access certain applications. You can also change your Android’s settings from here, like Wi-Fi access or cellular data usage. But how can you tailor your Quick Settings to fit your needs, so that you only see the apps that you use most?

The easiest option, if you have Android 6.0 (“Marshmallow”), is to enable a secret menu called System UI Tuner, which will allow you to change your Quick Settings. To access System UI Tuner you must pull down the notification menu from the top of your screen, and then hold in the gear icon for about five seconds. The icon will start spinning, and then notify you that System UI Tuner has been added to your settings. Now you can open the application, which will allow you to edit your Quick Settings. You can rearrange tiles, remove tiles that you don’t use, and add new tiles.

Read More: How can you Tell Which Android Phone is Right for You?

Another option is to download an app that will allow you to customize your Quick Settings. A good option is Custom Quick Settings by Mighty Quinn Apps, which is available for free from the Play store. You can use this app without rooting your Android if you have Android 6.0+, but if you have an earlier version you will need to root your Android for the app to work. With this app you can add web links, and custom tiles and icons to your Quick Settings.

If you don’t have Marshmallow or Custom Quick Settings won’t work with your device, you can “root” your phone. “Rooting” allows you to access your operating system fully, and change your permissions for every file; this will allow you to remove what you don’t want on your device or alter the software. The downside of rooting your Android is that it makes your device less secure. Luckily, rooting your Android isn’t as necessary as it used to be for altering your Quick Settings, but if you want a fully customized phone, then this is the option for you.

However, if you don’t mind waiting, an even simpler way to customize your Quick Settings will soon be available. With the release of Android 7.0 Nougat, you will simply be able to pull down the Quick Settings menu, and click “Edit”— no hidden menu, rooting, or apps necessary! Currently Nougat is only available for newer Nexus devices, but it should be available on Motorola, Sony, and Samsung products soon.