Database Develop

[HOW-TO] Work-arounds for issues with stock Nook Color ROM

Since the same questions seem to be getting asked a lot, here are some methods for getting past stock NookColor ROM limitations in a single thread:
1. How do I keep wifi from turning off when the screen goes to sleep?
- download Spare Parts from the market and set wifi sleep policy to never.
. . . mixed results have been reported with this method, but this appears to be the best known fix at the moment.
2. I restored and re-rooted, now I can't log in to my B&N account!
- get NookColorTools app (if not installed during root, it's on xda). Under All Settings, open the 2nd (of 3) setting called Wireless near the bottom. This will begin their registration process again.
3. How do I install a different keyboard?
- if it's in the market, first purchase/install it-- if it's a stand-alone apk, skip that and move on to the next paragraph. If you just downloaded it from the market, find the apk somewhere in data/app/ and copy from there.
Now place the app's apk (Root Explorer works great) in system/app (mount system as r-w first). Look at the file's permissions (long hold on it and choose Permissions from the menu), and match it to the permissions of the other files in that folder. Reboot. Then open your trusty NookColorTools, select keyboard, and you should be able to switch to it. Not all keyboards are currently working, but this is a great way to find out if it does that doesn't require renaming or deleting your current keyboard.
4. How do I get Swype on here?
- right now, you can't. Swype requires a copy that matches your device's resolution, and the only version of Swype that matches ours (1024x600) is the copy that ships with the Galaxy Tab, but, to my knowledge, nobody has gotten it completely working on here without causing major system crashes (not to mention the apk couldn't be posted on xda even if it was eventually hacked to work).
SlideIT keyboard is another trace keyboard that DOES work on the NookColor, and I've been very happy with it (it's come a long way since I tried it last summer and quickly uninstalled it). The method in #3 above should work to install it.
5. Wait, I can't copy and paste on the NookColor??
- not through the OS, no. There is a solution though. It involves getting an app called Copy Paste It from the market (paid, but there's a trial version). You'll probably need to set it to rotate clockwise (in settings), or it'll get screwy.
When you want to copy, activate the function from the notification, and it'll let you frame the text to copy:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
The second part, pasting, requires having a keyboard with a Paste setting in it. Again, SlideIT has this on the special characters keyboard (I'm not a troll for SlideIT, just a happy customer). I'm not sure which other keyboards have this feature, if any (if you know, post, and I'll update this). Assuming you have a keyboard with paste, it'll paste what the Copy Paste It app copied.
6. Why is everything on my screen so small?
- this is because the NookColor's stock LCD density is 169.333, which is pretty low (Galaxy Tab is 240). Unlike resolution, which is hardware-based, density is software-based and can be changed. If you search the market for LCD density, there are a couple apps that will do this--a free one that won't survive a hard reboot, and a paid one that (supposedly) will.
If you want to make it permanent for free, you can edit your build.prop file. Again, use Root Explorer to open system/build.prop (BACKUP FIRST!), find the following two lines:
ro.sf.lcd_density.xdpi=169.33333
ro.sf.lcd_density.ydpi=169.33333
If you wanted your density to be 250, you'd replace them with the following single line:
ro.sf.lcd_density=250
Save the edited file, and reboot.
Here are two of my Galaxy Tab-esque homescreens set to 250:
. . . Now, jacking up your LCD density much above 200 will make your status bar look wonky and cut-off. One solution for this is to set it to 250, like above (by changing build.prop - I think the apps I mentioned only allow multiples of 20), which will make it look clean (as long as wifi is on). The only problem there is that you'll lose your status bar clock and Notifications in portrait mode . . .
. . . the solution for THIS is to get two apps: hellostatusbar, and quick launch. Set quick launch to open hellostatusbar on a home- button double press, and it will display your Notifications.
Also note that raising the density can cut-off parts of the stock Barnes & Noble software (they're designed for the lower density), so this mod is probably better for people like me who use the Kindle app and ezPDF for reading.
7. If I don't want to use softkeys, can I remap the hardware buttons to do something different?
Yes. In Root Explorer, navigate to system/usr/keylayout, make a backup of TWL4030_Keypad.kl, then open the original with text editor and change the entry for key 115 ( volume up) and/or key 114 (volume down) with something like BACK, MENU, or SEARCH. Save the file. Reboot, and they'll be whatever you changed the entry to.
If you want easy volume controls after remapping these buttons, a market app called Volumer++ can be set to live in your notifications for easy access. Otherwise, you can change them from settings.
8. How do I set my wallpaper so that the resolution looks good?
- I used a market app called Wallpaper Set & Save. It's easy, and resolution looks great. I think it cuts off the image a little bit, but not much. I think this method will suffice for many people, but if you want it to be sized perfectly, do the following (credit to swapdotavi for the instructions):
[Get an image that is at least 1200x1024, crop it (without scaling) to 1200x1024. If you're using Photoshop, copy the entire image, then create a new file sized 1200x1024. Then paste the image and use the arrow to drag it around to whatever looks best to you. Save the file as a .png, transfer to your nook, and use Wallpaper Set & Save to choose the new file.]
. . . Since we share the same resolution with the Galaxy Tab, the wallpapers that came with it look phenomenal (in my opinion) on the NookColor. Follow this link to pick them up:
http://galaxytabwallpapers.net/original-galaxy-tab/
9. Can I change the lockscreen slider to look like stock Android or Sense?
- yes - get an app called WidgetLocker. Set it to look how you want. Then, under Behavior, set Homehelper as your system home. Still under Behavior, go to Home to Launch, and pick your real launcher (Launcherpro, ADW, etc.). Also, under Advanced, be sure to check both the Root Bypass of 5 Second Rule, and Retain Keyguard.
10. My NookColor seems sluggish - is there a way to speed it up?
Most of you will already know this, but Setcpu is a market app that can speed things up and improve battery life. CPU Tuner is a free alternative that's similar, but I've had more experience with setcpu, and can vouch much more for it.
My recommended settings:
Min 600
Max 800
Governor: OnDemand*
check 'set on boot'
... And one profile enabled:
Screen Off
Min 300
Max 600
Governor: Ondemand
... And another optional setting (for even a little more extra zip):
under Advanced:
change "Up Threshold" to 35
* for the fastest setting, set the governor in the main CPU setting to Performance (with 800 max). It may drain your battery quicker, but mine still holds up surprisingly well on performance--and the nook is very fast.
These are just settings that work for me. Feel free to experiment. Also, some people were having their Nook randomly reboot, and changing the governor from conservative to ondemand helped.
11. Any other battery-saving tips?
In case you missed the rival xda threads arguing over who thought of it first, there was a potentially useful battery-saving trick in there:
Go back in Root Explorer, and in system/app, mount as r-w and rename Phone.apk and TelephonyProvider.apk to anything else (adding .bak onto the end would be fine).
Basically, you're removing android system files that may be wasting juice looking for a non-existent cell service. It's unsure if or how much this actually improves battery life, but it very well could, and it certainly won't hurt anything changing their names.
12. Why aren't my favorite live wallpapers working?
I'm not sure, but here's how to get the rest of them going:
Download this file: http://db.tt/ur0c98s
It will fail installing, but if you use Root Explorer, copy it from your download directory, go to system/app, set as r-w... Then long-press on any file in that directory, and look at its permissions. Now paste your LiveWallpapers.apk there and change its permissions to match the others. Your live wallpapers should work now!
The Nexus wallpaper won't work, but just install Nexus Revamped from the market - it's identical, it's free, and it has customization.
If you're using one of the more system-intensive Live Wallpapers (like "Water"), I'd recommend using all of the Setcpu changes from #10 above to keep things snappy (also know that LWP's can drain battery quicker).
13. How can I get my Google contacts in here?
If you aren't concerned with them showing up in the B&N Contacts app, and are more interested in having them come up as auto-suggestions when typing an email address or Google Voice text number, there's a way (credit to jadambpharm):
- Go to gmail on the web, click on contacts (left side), then More Actions, then Export. Choose .vcard format. Transfer that file to your SD card.
- get a Market app on your Nook called Import Contacts. Point it to the contacts.vcard file you just got, and they'll now come up for auto-fill suggestions!
14. How can I prevent the Nook from automatically updating the firmware?
- Change the name of etc/security/otacerts.zip to anything else (doing this in Root Explorer works fine). So far, this had looked pretty solid in successfully disabling OTA updates.
15. Why won't YouTube play videos in HD?
For some reason, the YouTube that's installed from rooting won't do it. To get a version that plays HD:
- uninstall your current YouTube via Titanium Backup
- download this version from the Evo (credit aludal): http://db.tt/y5vVvI2
- rather than installing this one, rename it youtube.apk and copy it into system/app (w/permissions matching the other apk's in that folder)
It should be there now, ready to play HQ clips. If not, reboot first.
I'll update as I think of more. Enjoy your modestly-priced, unintentional Android tablets!

Reserved 10 chars

How about "What size should wallpaper images be?"
I suggest this because I dont know

swapdotavi said:
How about "What size should wallpaper images be?"
I suggest this because I dont know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't resize them manually, I just used an app - will update OP in a minute with that, and again later when I get the chance to research manually setting them . . .

I don't know either, but I've had good luck with searching for 'wallpaper' on Google images with size set to 1024*1024 and then using 'set as wallpaper' from dolphin browser HD.
Sent from my NOOKcolor using XDA App

pest789 said:
I don't know either, but I've had good luck with searching for 'wallpaper' on Google images with size set to 1024*1024 and then using 'set as wallpaper' from dolphin browser HD.
Sent from my NOOKcolor using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Galaxy Tab wallpapers I've used all look phenomenal too. Same resolution, so its tailor-made. Easy to find them with a google search.

For some reason changing the lcd density didn't do a damn thing through build.prob after reboot. What did I do wrong?
Edit:
And I did save it before rebooting so I'm not sure what I did wrong...

wvcachi said:
3. How do I install a different keyboard?
- if it's in the market, first purchase/install it-- if it's a stand-alone apk, skip that and move on to the next paragraph. If you just downloaded it from the market, find the apk somewhere in data/app/ and copy from there.
Now place the app's apk (Root Explorer works great) in system/app (set system as r-w first). Reboot. Then open your trusty NookColorTools, select keyboard, and you should be able to switch to it. Not all keyboards are currently working, but this is a great way to find out if it does that doesn't require renaming or deleting your current keyboard.
Can you please explain the 'set system as r-w'?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

@beejis - make sure you're losing the xdpi and ydpi parts and merging it into a single entry. Look closely at the example in the OP. Also, make sure you're editing the entry that isn't commented out (don't bother editing the lcddensity entry with a # in front of it) a few lines earlier. If for some reason that didn't work, then use the free app from the market to change it.
@k8108 - if you're using Root Explorer, it's a little button up top when you're navigating system/, which lets you toggle mounting system as 'read-write' and 'read-only.'

Beejis said:
For some reason changing the lcd density didn't do a damn thing through build.prob after reboot. What did I do wrong?
Edit:
And I did save it before rebooting so I'm not sure what I did wrong...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Comment out these lines (add # to beginning):
# ro.sf.lcd_density.xdpi=169.3333
# ro.sf.lcd_density.ydpi=169.3333
Add this line:
ro.sf.lcd_density=254
I already had a line similar that I uncommented, and I run mine at 254.
169.3333 / 2 = 84.6666
169.3333 + 84.6666 = 254
I am probably overthinking it, but it looks good. You can make that number 250 if you want.
The Program LCD Density lets you select specific densities as well, but is only soft. Nice for testing.

k8108 said:
Can you please explain the 'set system as r-w'?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://nookdevs.com/NookColor_Making_system_partition_Read-Write
From adb shell, run this code:
Code:
mount -o rw,remount -t ext2 /dev/block/mmcblk0p5 /system

ThrowingKs said:
http://nookdevs.com/NookColor_Making_system_partition_Read-Write
From adb shell, run this code:
Code:
mount -o rw,remount -t ext2 /dev/block/mmcblk0p5 /system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...I got the impression he was using Root Explorer, in which case it's a little button that says r-w.

I have used the free market app to change the lcd density and it makes most of the interface fantastic except for a couple things. As noted the status bar doe mess up but that I am not worried about but the screen density change to, 250 in my case, really screws up the formating of my nook library and shop. I use them quite a lot to read newspapers and such so if anyone else has this experience let me know how/if you deal with it.
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using XDA App

foethalove said:
I have used the free market app to change the lcd density and it makes most of the interface fantastic except for a couple things. As noted the status bar doe mess up but that I am not worried about but the screen density change to, 250 in my case, really screws up the formating of my nook library and shop. I use them quite a lot to read newspapers and such so if anyone else has this experience let me know how/if you deal with it.
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point - I'll note that in the OP. I don't use the B&N stuff, so it's easy for me to forget that not everyone on xda is in the same boat.

Where does the SlideIT.apk go after you install it from the market? I can't put it in the system/app folder because i can't find it. Any ideas?
NookColor+ XDA 4 ever

cgtombstone said:
Where does the SlideIT.apk go after you install it from the market? I can't put it in the system/app folder because i can't find it. Any ideas?
NookColor+ XDA 4 ever
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in data/app, and find the file named com.dasur.slideit.apk. Copy/paste that into system/app (hit r-w first of course), then reboot and switch keyboards via NookColorTools.

My bad I was searching for it in root explorer and I gues the search function was skipping the data folder for some reason ( or I'm missing something). Thanks anyway.
NookColor+ XDA 4 ever

Thanks bookmarking this thread

wvcachi said:
I didn't resize them manually, I just used an app - will update OP in a minute with that, and again later when I get the chance to research manually setting them . . .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah perfect did not see your update. I see you found Set and Save, but you mentioned you might update with exact size instructions later. I actually went and did a bit of research, so maybe I can save you some time
To get an perfect wallpaper using 5 screens, like in ADW:
- Get an image that is at least 1200x1024
- Crop (dont scale) it to 1200x1024. A really easily way to do this is open the file in Photoshop, copy the entire image, then create a new file that's exactly 1200x1024. Then just paste the image and use the arrow to drag it around to whatever looks best to you.
- Save the file as a .png
- Get it on to your nook. (SD card transfer, email and download, whatever)
- Open Wallpaper Set & Save
- Point it towards the folder you have your wallpapers in
- Select the wallpaper you want
- Hit apply
Bam. Perfect wallpaper, no stretching, no compression. Looks great! I'll post screens later today if I remember
I used a 1920x1200 wallpaper I had on my PC, cropped it, emailed it to myself, then used Set & Save to place my wallpaper. It's really crisp.
edit: And thanks for the lock screen information! Going to do that tonight; sick of the stock screen

MOD, can we get this stickied? Lots of good info!

[MEGA] So, you've rooted your Nexus 5. Now what?

Hi guys and girls Ok well i've been lurking around on these forums for some time now. Recently I rooted my Nexus 5 and I must say I love it! I'm aiming to make this thread somewhat of a one stop for people who have just rooted or are considering rooting to see what is possible once you root your phone!
Alright so first things first, before you go any further you are going to need:
A rooted Nexus 5!
A fair amount of time.
if you are unsure of how to go about doing this please read through this thread made by the wonderful Chromium_:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507905
OK, so from this point on i'm going to assume you have all the requisites you need so lets get into it shall we
Block adverts while browsing the web.
So i'm pretty sure that most of us have been blocking those frustrating pop ups and banner adverts while browsing the web on our PCs or Macs for years now right? (Yes, I am looking at you Mr. 888 Poker! ) But for some reason this is not possible to do on our phones. Not anymore! With your rooted phone you can install the superb adaway and wave those adverts goodbye!
Adaway is not however available from the playstore. Don't fear though you can get it here!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2190753
NB: If for some reason you are not currently blocking ads on your PC or Mac. I recommend the add on - adblockplus.
https://adblockplus.org
Install custom Lockrings, softkeys and more.
Bored of the standard android lockscreen? Don't want to have to mess around with apps such as widgetlocker which often prove to be quite unstable at times? Now you don't have to!
Check out this thread created by matthew0776
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2514238
With the files included in that thread you can have whatever look you could possibly want! As the thread states however, in order to flash them on your device you will need the application ZipThemer.
ZipThemer is a simple enough application to use and is available from the playstore.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kellinwood.zipthemer
In order to use ZipThemer the steps are as follows:
1) Open the ZipThemer application and press Update Edify, you will find this in the drop down menu which appears when you press the 3 dots in the top corner of the right hand side of the screen.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
2) Once you press Update Edify you should be greeted with this screen:
3) Press 'Browse'
4) Select the firmware file you are currently using. It could be called, for example, pa_hammerhead-4.0-BETA6-20140217.zip
5) Press 'Configure' A message at the bottom of the screen should pop up at this point which says 'success'.
6) Press the back key once. You should end up at this screen:
7) Once at the screen above press '+Theme' You should then be presented with this screen:
8) Press the green back arrow on the screen above and browse to the location of your lockring/sofkey .zip file you downloaded and placed on your device earlier.
9) Press 'Build It!' and make sure you select the option to make a backup/undo so you can always switch back to stock easily or if there is any issues.
10) Boot device into recovery (CWM or TWRP) Select install Zip from SD card and install it! You will find your file in the root of your SD card for easy access.
ZipThemer not working? Don't worry all hope is not lost! The method above works for the vast majority but if you are one of the unfortunate few there is a solution!
Follow the steps above as usual but when you get to step #4 (Browse for firmware file) Select this file:
http://d-h.st/CgG
Instead of whatever firmware file you are currently running on your device.
Again all credit goes to matthew0776 here. I have simply tried to rephrase the instructions he provided in the thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=39572221&postcount=18&nocache=1&z=5376182028558105
To make them easier to understand
Change your boot animation.
Alright so did you know now that you've rooted your phone you can change the boot animation to whatever you like? Well you can! And below i'm going to try my best to explain how.
Ok, now there are a few ways to do this. Personally I like to do things manually however so that's the way i'm going to demonstrate here. If however you don't fancy doing the legwork yourself though (and don't mind paying a small sum) I am aware of a option in the awesome ROM Toolbox pro which does pretty much the same thing. You can get ROM Toolbox pro from the playstore here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummy.liberty.toolboxpro
So, you've decided to stick with me then?! Alright cool, well here is how to do it the good old fashioned way then
You will need:
Root Explorer: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.speedsoftware.rootexplorer
A custom boot animation: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2577081 (Thanks to thor6577)
1) Open Root Explorer and navigate your way to: system/media.
2) Here you will find a file called bootanimation.zip Select this file (press the tick to the right of it) and rename it. To do this press the 3 dots in the top corner of the right hand side of the screen once you have selected it and press 'Rename' You may be greeted with a warning at this stage asking if you wish to change the file system from read-only to read-write the answer is YES.
3) Rename the file to bottanimation.zip1 . This is essentially making a backup
4) Browse to wherever you have saved your new custom boot animation and copy it over to this directory (system/media)
NOTE: Your custom boot animation MUST BE called bootanimation.zip or it will not work.
5) Reboot and enjoy
Change your LCD screen density.
The Nexus 5 has absolutely gorgeous 5" display but in my opinion it does not make the most of it out the box! With a rooted phone however you can change the LCD density of the screen to whatever you like!
In simple terms changing the density effects how large icons and widgets will appear on your screen. This means the lower the density the more you can fit on one screen
Changing the screen density on a rooted phone is an incredibly simple Build.prop tweak. Certain custom ROMs come with this feature already nicely packaged into the ROM for example the ROM I am using AOSB 1.3.1 does.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2615590
But, if your ROM doesn't or you have decided to stay on stock don't worry To change you LCD Density follow the steps below:
1) Open Root Explorer and navigate your way to system.
2) Select build.prop (Press the blue tick)
3) Click on the three dots on the top right of the screen and select 'Open in Text Editor' You may be greeted with a prompt here which 'WARNING' file system read-only, switch to read-write? (I'm paraphrasing) The answer is of course YES.
4) Find the entry ro.sf.LCD_density.
5) Change the number directly after the '=' to what you want the screen density to be. You can go anywhere from 300 - 480 before apps such as the Playstore start to break. Personally I use 340 dpi and I think its perfect, its all personal preference though
6) Press the three bars in the top right corner and select save changes.
7) Reboot your phone and enjoy
For more information on LCD density and discussion please check out this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2517311
mmmm PIE!
PIE is a nice little feature you may have stumbled across browsing these forums. If you haven't already it looks like this:
Pretty cool right?! Well I thought so anyway. Well with your rooted phone now you can have it to Now there are two ways (which I know of) how you can get this. The first way is the simplest by far. Many ROMS come with this nice feature already installed. To find out if yours does just check out the features page. Often you don't even have to do that its actually written in the title of whatever ROM you are using. To check out all the custom ROMs available for the Nexus 5 on XDA check out these two forums:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/development
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/orig-development
Now if your ROM does come with PIE baked into it. Your already all set, just go to your settings page and you will find the options for it in there. However if you are still running stock don't worry you can have PIE too thanks to noname81. To get it visit here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1330150
noname81's app couldn't be simpler to use either, simply download the latest build and place it somewhere easily accessible on your device, for example, Download. Then browse for it using whatever file manager you like (there's loads on the Playstore) however personally I like ES File manager the most if you just cant make your mind up. Its free and you can get it here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop
Once you've found it click on the apk and hit install.
NOTE: YOU MUST ALLOW INSTALLATION OF APPS FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES.
To do this:
1) Go to settings.
2) Scroll down to 'Personal' and press on 'Security'.
3) Scroll down to 'Device Administration'
4) Press the check box located to the right of the entry 'unknown sources'.
AppBar (Xposed Framework)
Ok, well the options really are somewhat limitless with this so i'm not going to go through all of them. Instead i'm just going to focus on one of my personal favorites, The AppBar. If you are wondering what AppBar is, it's a little feature which looks like this:
AppBar is not permanently on show like the picture above however. It simply slides into frame when you touch a certain area of the screen which you can personally set up to your liking (much like PIE above).
Ok, so i'm going to put in a slight warning here, in terms of actually installing the app, this one is slightly more work than the others I have mentioned. It's still nothing to challenging though, I promise!
To get AppBar. The first thing you are going to need to do is install the Xposed Framework. You can get it here:
http://repo.xposed.info/module/de.robv.android.xposed.installer
1) Once, you've installed the apk above you should be greeted with this screen (if you are not, navigate your way to it):
2) Once at the screen above, press Install/Update and let it do its thing.
3) Reboot phone.
4) Once you've rebooted, go back into the Xposed installer and press the tab on the top left of the screen.
5) Select 'Download' from the drop down menu which appears. You should be landed at this screen:
6) Scroll down until you find XBlast Tools and install the correct version for whatever version of android you are running.
7) Press on the entry and hit download.
8) Once it's finished you will get a notification which says something along the lines of 'Xposed module is not active yet'
9) Open your notification bar and press on the notification.
10) You will end up at this screen:
11) Press the check box to the right of XBlast Tools [1.8.0]
12) Reboot.
Once you've rebooted you should see a new icon in your app draw called XBlast Tools, open it.
1) Scroll down to the entry AppBar .
2) Enable it using the slider.
3) To set up what you want in you appbar content go to 'Setup Appbar content'
4) You will be taken to this screen:
5) Drag and drop apps into the bar on the left
6) You can adjust the trigger position, height, width and transparency using the sliders on the first screen.
Note: Thanks to femblack (Riyajudeen Mohamed yousuf) for XBlast tools if you which to support him you can buy XBlast tools from the Playstore here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ind.fem.black.xposed.mods
Flash a custom kernel.
NOTE: You must have a custom recovery installed (Dont have one? Check the top of this thread )
Ok, well there are quite a few reasons why to install a custom kernel. In short (very short) You can install a custom Kernel for one of these 3 reasons.
1) To improve battery life. (Undervolting)
2) To improve performance. (Overclocking)
3) Fancy features such as double tab screen to wake device (My personal favorite). Swipe across screen to sleep device etc etc.
Installing a custom kernel is actually remarkably easy especially thanks to the developers who have included AROMA installers. All you have to do is put the zip file on your SDcard boot into recovery and follow the on screen instructions.
For the purpose of this post i'm going to point you towards the ElementalX as it is the Kernel I am currently running and I have had no issues with it personally. it is also incredibly easy to set up and seems like it would serve as a good starting point for newcomers. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2519607 (Thanks to flar2)
Please note that this is far from the only option when it comes to kernels its just the easiest in my opinion. if you want to see more kernels for the Nexus 5 and decide for yourself have a browse around this forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/orig-development
IMPORTANT: When flashing any custom kernel you must be sure you have the right build for whatever base you are running. Some ROMs are CM based others are AOSP based and so on. ALWAYS CHECK FIRST.
Thats it for now everyone! Hope this thread is of some use. Plan to add information on HALO and MultiWindow when possible as well as a few other things.

More to come!
[RESERVED

Quite nice thread for newcomers, and it might, as it grows, be a go-to for those of us who have been rooted for ages in case we forgot about some of the stuff we can do/achieve with root
One question though, why not use the features included in Rom Toolsbox Pro, since you're already using it. I has a root explorer, if you swipe once to the left in the main menu, you'll get to a Build.prop editor and one more swipe will bring you to the Boot Animations "switcher". Think about it

Nice thread, changing dpi is the first thing i do when i root, but I don't think its appropriate to call that "changing the screen resolution" , we are simply changing dpi, not resolution.

I like where this thread is going, thanks for your time just adding my support. I'm rooted. Flashed Faux Kernel but still stock. I'm still waiting for AOKP or Paranoid put out their hand even more.
Used to run carbon on my n4. But I'm just neat picky about by clock position, battery icon, toggles *torch, extended boot menu and Navbar. My main reasons I used custom ROMs.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Gormsen said:
Quite nice thread for newcomers, and it might, as it grows, be a go-to for those of us who have been rooted for ages in case we forgot about some of the stuff we can do/achieve with root
One question though, why not use the features included in Rom Toolsbox Pro, since you're already using it. I has a root explorer, if you swipe once to the left in the main menu, you'll get to a Build.prop editor and one more swipe will bring you to the Boot Animations "switcher". Think about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly there is no real reason not to this, I just learnt how to do it the old fashioned way first and old habits and all that. Also the above method can be done for free using any root explorer whereas for ROM toolbox you have to pay. Also i've found that using ROM toolboxes boot animations are quite often not scaled to fit the screen properly!
Dakura said:
Nice thread, changing dpi is the first thing i do when i root, but I don't think its appropriate to call that "changing the screen resolution" , we are simply changing dpi, not resolution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankyou, and yes you are correct, fixed it

Michael-1993 said:
Honestly there is no real reason not to this, I just learnt how to do it the old fashioned way first and old habits and all that. Also the above method can be done for free using any root explorer whereas for ROM toolbox you have to pay. Also i've found that using ROM toolboxes boot animations are quite often not scaled to fit the screen properly!
Thankyou, and yes you are correct, fixed it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also a fan of doing things manually, so no arguing there
My though was that, when being a noob at all of this, there's a lot to handle, a lot of words and a lot of tools to use. Rom Toolbox gathers a lot of options in a single app, and might simplify things for the slow learning newcomer.
You could also teach him to set his kernel using scripts, but using an app like Trickster og System Tuner simplifies things, a lot!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Gormsen said:
I'm also a fan of doing things manually, so no arguing there
My though was that, when being a noob at all of this, there's a lot to handle, a lot of words and a lot of tools to use. Rom Toolbox gathers a lot of options in a single app, and might simplify things for the slow learning newcomer.
You could also teach him to set his kernel using scripts, but using an app like Trickster og System Tuner simplifies things, a lot!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a great idea! Ill add it as soon as I get time
And yeah, you're right it is a lot to take in at first I suppose, I am trying my best to make the thread as simple as possible though I promise! i'm also planning on adding how to backup applications and accounts as well as how to dual boot multiple ROMS at some point. But yeah ROM Toolbox really is a a great tool. I may add a section dedicated just to the main features on that as well

Michael-1993 said:
That's a great idea! Ill add it as soon as I get time
And yeah, you're right it is a lot to take in at first I suppose, I am trying my best to make the thread as simple as possible though I promise! i'm also planning on adding how to backup applications and accounts as well as how to dual boot multiple ROMS at some point. But yeah ROM Toolbox really is a a great tool. I may add a section dedicated just to the main features on that as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you're doing a great job so, the OP has really grown a lot in just a couple of days.
A couple of suggestions:
1. You might wanna consider making an index, since this thread is going to grow a lot and it might end up being hard to get an overview.
2. How about a dedicated Xposed section since the possibilities with this are almost endless?
I know all of this takes time, so just get to it as you see fit. Keep up the good work
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Hey Thanks for such informative thread, I subscribed to your thread and look forward to learn more.
I am interested in changing the DPI of my phone especially to the level that is on Samsung Note 2. This is purely because of the game 8 ball pool from Miniclip as the game looks different on Note 2 and different on N5. Do you have any idea what is the DPI of Note 2 v/s our phone.
Thanks.

kailashnj said:
Hey Thanks for such informative thread, I subscribed to your thread and look forward to learn more.
I am interested in changing the DPI of my phone especially to the level that is on Samsung Note 2. This is purely because of the game 8 ball pool from Miniclip as the game looks different on Note 2 and different on N5. Do you have any idea what is the DPI of Note 2 v/s our phone.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah well the Note 2's DPI is set at 320 by default, but the general consensus seems to be 240 DPI looks sharpest on that phone. Bare in mind the Note 2 has a 5.5" screen though which is somewhat larger than the Nexus 5 so it may not work quite so well for you, give it ago though! Would be cool to see what you think, like I said i struggle to tolerate anything lower than 340 myself but its all personal prefrence
Thanks to joyo22 for the information. Thread is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2243799

DPI changes

So I am hoping I am not the only one that thanks the stock navigation bar is way too big. On my Oneplus One I had it set pretty small, but it made the phone look better, just didn't make everything look so big.
My question is has anyone changed the DPI on the G4, and if so, what did you use to do that?
I am rooted and have flashed xTreme v1.0.
Thanks.

vng10 said:
So I am hoping I am not the only one that thanks the stock navigation bar is way too big. On my Oneplus One I had it set pretty small, but it made the phone look better, just didn't make everything look so big.
My question is has anyone changed the DPI on the G4, and if so, what did you use to do that?
I am rooted and have flashed xTreme v1.0.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just need an app like build.prop editor, ES File Explorer,or Root Explorer to find and edit text within the build.prop file. It is in the "system" folder. Once you've accessed the build.prop look for ro.sf.lcd_density and change the value from 640 to whatever you like and restart the phone. I've heard that if you go below 540 the camera app and some other apps will not work properly. I set mine to 560. Also, if you have a quickcircle case, that quickcircle app will no longer be aligned correctly as it's set for 640 dpi. Once we get xposed running or if you have a rom that allow for per-app dpi settings, you would be able to easily fix this issue.
Hopefully this helps.

willmayah said:
You just need an app like build.prop editor, ES File Explorer,or Root Explorer to find and edit text within the build.prop file. It is in the "system" folder. Once you've accessed the build.prop look for ro.sf.lcd_density and change the value from 640 to whatever you like and restart the phone. I've heard that if you go below 540 the camera app and some other apps will not work properly. I set mine to 560. Also, if you have a quickcircle case, that quickcircle app will no longer be aligned correctly as it's set for 640 dpi. Once we get xposed running or if you have a rom that allow for per-app dpi settings, you would be able to easily fix this issue.
Hopefully this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have any bootloop issues?

vng10 said:
Did you have any bootloop issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't. Never had any boot loop issues throughout the whole rooting process. I have an ATT H810 model however. Just lurking on the T-Mobile page to see what development comes out now that you all have unlocked bootloader.

willmayah said:
I didn't. Never had any boot loop issues throughout the whole rooting process. I have an ATT H810 model however. Just lurking on the T-Mobile page to see what development comes out now that you all have unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. THanks. Yeah I tried editing the build.prop and when it rebooted, it was optimizing 32 apps and when it was finishing up, it would reboot. So I am on my backup. Ill see if there are any other options or fixes to this. I just hate how big everything looks at the default.

I used an app someone in one of the G4 threads mentioned called DPI Density changer. I lowered it to 550 seems pretty good to me.

If you're unhappy with the NavBar, you can give Swipe Navigation [Root] a try. It's GREAT on the G4, the Nexus 6 and other onScreen Nav based devices. I have it set with the NavBar completely hidden and it has an outstanding swipe gesture setup to replace the NavBar buttons. It's made every app take full advantage of the display without any loss due to the NavBar sucking up some space.

Build Prop Editor on the play store works flawlessly. The DPI option is conveniently located in the side menu too. Running 540 with no issues, though the circle case will still be misaligned.

vng10 said:
Okay. THanks. Yeah I tried editing the build.prop and when it rebooted, it was optimizing 32 apps and when it was finishing up, it would reboot. So I am on my backup. Ill see if there are any other options or fixes to this. I just hate how big everything looks at the default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Build prop created boot loop for me too I switched to kernel audiutor from play store and no more boot loops. Changed dpi to 530 with no issues.
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

Dpi density changer worked for me. Nav bar is still a little big for me at 540 but its manageable. Thanks for all the help!
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

LCD / DPI Scaling Stock ROM Rooted?

I can't get the toolkit from the other thread to recognize my device worth crap. Rooted/TWRP'd, Xposed all working fine going the manual way. I would really like to scale things down on this large beautiful screen to gain more content space though. Anyone have any ideas?

purplepenguin said:
I can't get the toolkit from the other thread to recognize my device worth crap. Rooted/TWRP'd, Xposed all working fine going the manual way. I would really like to scale things down on this large beautiful screen to gain more content space though. Anyone have any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always edit the DPI in build.prop but that will likely cause scaling issues. It does with the OnePlus 3. I imagine it would be the same with the 3T. If you want to just look for ro.sf.lcd_density. I'm pretty sure stock is set to 480, just set it to something lower like 400. There is also the per app DPI changer for xposed. You would have to set each app manually but you could set the ones that didn't work properly back to the stock setting.
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs

Build.prop is the best method. Make sure to create a backup before editing though.

If you're rooted I recommend Le DPI Changer from the Play Store. Make sure you tick the "Use Shell WM for setting DPI". I have mine set to 400 and love it. There are also adb commands to achieve this without root but not sure if they'll work on the 1+3t

I use Easy DPI Changer from playstore and it works perfect...

are you guys not seeing the user interface glitches that I'm seeing?

kramer987 said:
are you guys not seeing the user interface glitches that I'm seeing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am seeing some glitches like quick settings mis alignment...

thesm4rt1 said:
If you're rooted I recommend Le DPI Changer from the Play Store. Make sure you tick the "Use Shell WM for setting DPI". I have mine set to 400 and love it. There are also adb commands to achieve this without root but not sure if they'll work on the 1+3t
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Le DPI Changer failed on all normal settings minus the Build.Prop edit option. Confirmed that build.prop does work though!!! But same issue for me with the quick settings on OOS being misaligned, a bit shifted left. It's actually quite a bit left at 400DPI.
Any fix to this?

yep also getting the left shift. long press power you'll see the power off and reboot icons are messed up too. but that's about all I see. small price to pay. i don't mind it

Texdroider from play store ..??..

purplepenguin said:
Le DPI Changer failed on all normal settings minus the Build.Prop edit option. Confirmed that build.prop does work though!!! But same issue for me with the quick settings on OOS being misaligned, a bit shifted left. It's actually quite a bit left at 400DPI.
Any fix to this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked for me with "Use Shell WM for setting DPI" toggled but yes, shifts the quicksettings to the left here as well. Android N-ify Xposed module doesn't change the quicksettings either so I assume they've done something to add the quick toggles..
cultofluna said:
Texdroider from play store ..??..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Texxdroider didn't work for me on the OnePLus 3t (worked on every other previous phone though).

kramer987 said:
yep also getting the left shift. long press power you'll see the power off and reboot icons are messed up too. but that's about all I see. small price to pay. i don't mind it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Power and reboot look fine for me at 400 DPI. Quick settings still on the left. Any fix?
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

I don't want my things to shift ?
Gonna hold off and just have everything smaller but desktop still painful lol

purplepenguin said:
Le DPI Changer failed on all normal settings minus the Build.Prop edit option. Confirmed that build.prop does work though!!! But same issue for me with the quick settings on OOS being misaligned, a bit shifted left. It's actually quite a bit left at 400DPI.
Any fix to this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would have to deodex the OPSystemUI.apk. Decompile it and modify it. Someone did it for the OP3. I can't remember if it was on XDA or the OnePlus community though.
Edit: That's what I meant when I mentioned scaling issues.
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs

Moto Z2 Force Must-Do's

Moto Z2 Force Must-Do's
1) Install a glass screen protector
Immediately. Unless you like scratches on your screen, install a tempered glass screen protector the first minute you take the phone out of the box. Scratches will appear magically on the stock screen within the first day unless you do this. I suggest a screen protector that is tempered, no thicker than .4 mm, and has a quality oleophobic coating. Cheaper no-name screen protectors have an oleophobic coating that will wear off in a month, have really high reflections, and adhesion glue that doesn't stick evenly.
2) Speed up animations
-Open settings > About phone > tap "Build number" 7 times
-Settings > Developer options > scroll down and change all 3 animation speeds to .5x
3) Change DPI
Just below the animations speed adjustment in developer options is the ability to manually adjust the DPI. I find that even the "small" stock setting isn't right.
-Settings > Developer options > scroll down and change "Smallest width" to 460
4) Disable wireless charging notification
I love the Motorola phones, but the wireless charging notification is beyond frustrating. If you set the phone on a wireless charger you get an animation that shows you are now charging, followed by another animation that tells you how much juice is left in your main battery and your battery pack (if you have one). Looks cool, but locks the phone up for like 10 seconds. If you set it on the charger and then realize you needed to quickly send another text or unlock the phone, you have to wait until all that animation is done first. This has no effect on the phones ability to charge.
Settings > Apps > 3 dots in the top right > Show system > scroll down to "Inductive charger" and select it > click Disable
5) Disable bloat
This one will be up to you with what you want to disable. A lot of the stuff on this phone that is preinstalled can actually be uninstalled, which is good. The rest you have to just "disable". I would recommend you immediately disable the Lookout Security app as it is a trash app which hogs a ton of resources. The rest is up to you. To disable apps it's the same procedure as disabling the wireless charging notification:
Settings > Apps > choose the apps you would like to disable

I have my width to 480 because some apps at that point give a tablet UI which looks a lot better. Like Now for Reddit.
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

Tidbits said:
I have my width to 480 because some apps at that point give a tablet UI which looks a lot better. Like Now for Reddit.
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm at 590. 600 will force tablet mode, but I don't really like it. After having a z3 compact for years I got used to using a smaller dpi to fit more onto a comparatively smaller screen. I really appreciate that I don't have to have root/xposed/small apps, or edit the buildprop to change dpi.
Also, I personally went with an illumiaqua shield over the typical tempered glass. I prefer the feel of plastic skins like this, skinomi or zagg back in the day.

seh6183 said:
2) Speed up animations
-Open settings > About phone > tap "Build number" 7 times
-Settings > Developer options > scroll down and change all 3 animation speeds to .5x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing it to .5x is actually slowing down animations. What is your reasoning for this?

xamindar said:
Changing it to .5x is actually slowing down animations. What is your reasoning for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100 x .5 = 50

No... The lower the number the faster the animation.

XE-Cherokee said:
No... The lower the number the faster the animation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, gotcha.

So, now that we've got Root and a working TWRP, what's everyone doing for cleanup and tweaks?
Motorola doesn't add much in the way of garbage, but there are a few apps I might drop like Moto Update.
Maybe an audio mod and theming for additions.

Viper4Android FX! I'm using it now
---------- Post added at 06:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:04 AM ----------
I'm also using Substratum. If you delete the OEM folder (make sure to make a backup just in case you ever need it again), most of the themes work with little to no error.

sabrdawg said:
Viper4Android FX! I'm using it now
---------- Post added at 06:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:04 AM ----------
I'm also using Substratum. If you delete the OEM folder (make sure to make a backup just in case you ever need it again), most of the themes work with little to no error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The whole folder?

vibraniumdroid said:
The whole folder?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes

sabrdawg said:
Viper4Android FX! I'm using it now
---------- Post added at 06:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:04 AM ----------
I'm also using Substratum. If you delete the OEM folder (make sure to make a backup just in case you ever need it again), most of the themes work with little to no error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So wait you just deleted the entire system/OEM folder, including all the apps? Or are you deleting the OEM folder in the susbtratum folder?

/oem I think you'll see 6 items delete them all

sabrdawg said:
Yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks it worked

joemossjr said:
/oem I think you'll see 6 items delete them all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I need to be rooted for this? for Susbtratum to work? (not a newbie here just not familiar with Susbtratum).

TMobile or Sprint?

joemossjr said:
/oem I think you'll see 6 items delete them all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm unable to make any changes to that folder. Magisk says I'm rooted, all my other apps work (TB, Substratum, Root Explorer, etc) on T-Mobile but it's not letting me even edit anything in this OEM folder when though it SAYS r/w. Any suggestions?

Yup. Magisk doesn't allow you access to oem. You have to use super su.

I used TWRP to delete the /OEM folder and substratum still gives me issues with trying g to apply Pitch Black or Swift Black themes. Anyone know a working dark or black substratum theme for now?

LGtMgG2t said:
I used TWRP to delete the /OEM folder and substratum still gives me issues with trying g to apply Pitch Black or Swift Black themes. Anyone know a working dark or black substratum theme for now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any of those 3 work. I'm using one now.