How to Google-ify your Android device

We've all had the problem. As Android becomes more widespread, different OEM's (Phone Manufacturers) keep putting different bloatware on-top of the OS. This problem keeps getting worse and worse; even enthusiast brand Oneplus is changing OxygenOS to be less "android-ish". Samsung has always been opposed to stock Android launcher, using TouchWiz and now OneUI. Huawei, on the other hand, are in a slightly tough situation with their ban from the United States.

Android, once  "Together, Not the same" is now edging towards "Roughly related, Not the same".

If you wanted a stock Android phone; The only remaining options are the Google Pixel line and select Android One phones such as those created by Nokia.

Stock?

I define a stock Android experience as Android in the raw form, similar to the AOSP. Great examples are the Google Pixel line, Android One phones or LineageOS.

Why should I care?

Changing phones is lots of effort; Getting used to a new software "skin" is hard and time consuming. If all OEM's used stock Android, it would look lots more cohesive as an OS. OEM's need to stop prioritising looking "different" and begin looking "recognisable".

Launcher

For those who don't know, a launcher is the best method of  home screen customisation that you can download from the Google Play Store. Many are free and there is a plentiful supply of them.

I recommend Lawnchair 2 for its near Stock Android experience along with its plentiful supply of customisability

and I also recommend Nova Launcher for its heavily customisable interface:

psst; if you can't afford a premium launcher, look online for an APK to download it.

I've also heard good things about Evie Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and Xiaomi's Poco Launcher

Icon Packs

Icon packs are very useful for changing, guess what? Icons. By using multiple icon pack with a launcher, you can choose which icon pack to use on an app-by-app basis. Lawnchair also allows use of .png files, should you want to create your own.

I use (in combination):

• Pixel Pie Icon Pack
• Pixel Q Icon pack
• Revolution Icon Pack
• Icons built into my phone
• Some .pngs

Good Lock (Samsung)

Good Lock is a brilliant tool. It gives unrivalled customisability to Samsung devices without root. It is available on the Galaxy Store, Here.

I recommend using Lockstar and Navstar.

In Lockstar, shift the lock screen to look more like this:

In Navstar, Use this tutorial on XDA Developers along with these files to get a near Stock-Android Navbar.

Killing Bixby (Samsung)

Use the APK here with the XDA developers tutorial here to remap the Bixby button to the Google Assistant

Notification Shade

For my notification shade, I use Power Shade. It's ability to customise is unmatched by any other notification shade. I do occasionally have errors, but it works around 90% of the time.

Apps

Set these as default apps:

1. SMS and RCS - Google Messages
2. Phone - Google Dialler/Phone by Google
3. Keyboard - Gboard
4. Photos - Google Photos  (although, I do recommend not deleting your stock photos app)
5. Contacts - Google Contacts
6. Calendar - Google Calendar
7. Camera - Google Camera (Proceed with caution)
8. Ensure you have Google Assistant and Google Lens Installed
9. Wallpaper - This is optional, but I recommend Google Wallpapers

There are more optional ones here

Declutter

Now you've done this, ensure you delete or disable any unnecessary software or apps your OEM has put on your phone.