[Q] What can I do with my Nexus 5 without rooting?

[streether]

Hi all -

So I'm just about to get my brand new N5 32gb black from Google Play (can't wait!) but I'm not sure how to use it to its full potential. I already read the beginner's guide on here, but I was wondering what I can do without rooting? I've been using an iPhone 4S for the last 2 years and had an HTC Legend before then that I did nothing with so I have no idea. I'm a bit of a noob so please be patient! I know you can download themes from Google Play but what's the deal with that? What's the difference between those and what you get when rooting? I really like how Google Now is front and centre, but can I install a new theme and still keep it so easily accessible? Like, how much can I customise how everything fits together? And how does that change if I decide to root?

Thanks a lot!

EDIT: Sorry, just realised this should go in the Q&A forum but don't know how to move it?

 

[Hammer_Of_The_Gods]

EDIT: Sorry, just realised this should go in the Q&A forum but don't know how to move it?

Hi and welcome

At the top right of your post you have a report button (small triangle with exclamation mark), click and ask to move your thread.

Done for you

For the rest, at the beginning I would say to get used to your new nexus 5. Mostly if you want to "customize" your phone the root will be necessary at some point. With a custom launcher (Nova, Apex for example) you can change the look of the icones on homescreen/app drawer, change the number of homescreens, change the number of rows/columns but if you want more (full theme) you'll need root (Xposed Framework with Xposed modules for example that allows almost 100% customization for example, custom roms, etc...).

Root allows access at the files system (in short) so you can modify a bunch of things..., without root about theming you'll be limited.

To read:

[HOW-TO] The Nexus 5 All-In-One Beginner's Guide.

[GUIDE] Nexus 5 - How to Unlock Bootloader, Install Custom Recovery and Root.

It depends of what you want exactly...

 

[streether]

Hi and welcome

At the top right of your post you have a report button (small triangle with exclamation mark), click and ask to move your thread.

Done for you

For the rest, at the beginning I would say to get used to your new nexus 5. Mostly if you want to "customize" your phone the root will be necessary at some point. With a custom launcher (Nova, Apex for example) you can change the look of the icones on homescreen/app drawer, change the number of homescreens, change the number of rows/columns but if you want more (full theme) you'll need root (Xposed Framework with Xposed modules for example that allows almost 100% customization for example, custom roms, etc...).

Root allows access at the files system (in short) so you can modify a bunch of things..., without root about theming you'll be limited.

To read:

[HOW-TO] The Nexus 5 All-In-One Beginner's Guide.

[GUIDE] Nexus 5 - How to Unlock Bootloader, Install Custom Recovery and Root.

It depends of what you want exactly...

Thanks a lot, that's really useful. So basically all the themes/launchers on the Play Store are Google approved replacements that have various features (some of which being design features) to go on top of what I already have? So, will Google Now still be there when I swipe to the left or does it erase all that? Also, how do I change back to my original/a new launcher?
Then if I root, I can add unapproved launchers that have more customisability than what Google usually approves?

 

[Pirateghost]

Thanks a lot, that's really useful. So basically all the themes/launchers on the Play Store are Google approved replacements that have various features (some of which being design features) to go on top of what I already have? So, will Google Now still be there when I swipe to the left or does it erase all that? Also, how do I change back to my original/a new launcher?
Then if I root, I can add unapproved launchers that have more customisability than what Google usually approves?

You don't need to root to install any launcher.

Swipe to the left Google now will not work if you are not on the stock launcher. The swipe home button up does though.

Once you have a second (or more) launcher installed, an option shows up in your system settings, that let's you select which launcher you want to use by default. You don't lose the stock launcher by installing a different one.

Sent from my Nexus 5

 

[bjoostema]

welcome!

Thanks a lot, that's really useful. So basically all the themes/launchers on the Play Store are Google approved replacements that have various features (some of which being design features) to go on top of what I already have? So, will Google Now still be there when I swipe to the left or does it erase all that? Also, how do I change back to my original/a new launcher?
Then if I root, I can add unapproved launchers that have more customisability than what Google usually approves?

Welcome bud! The swipe-left-for-google-now feature is only on the stock nexus 5 launcher or google experience launcher(GEL), as it is sometimes referred to. It won't erase the launcher if you install a new one, it essentially just freezes the launcher you aren't using. In order to go from the stock launcher to others, just go to setting and there is a tab labeled "home." click on it and you will have the option of whichever launcher you want to run at the moment. I'm huge into tinkering with my device for customization and I've tried multiple ROMs and the rootbox option as well as simple play store options for customization...but honestly I'm now back on stock, unrooted. to me, this phone is absolutely perfect as is. There are a ton of options, even third party apps like lux auto brightness that allow you to personalize the aut brightness on your device. Pretty much anything you would "need" can be accomplished without root, though root allows for much better system customization. Again man, welcome. if there is anything I can help you with, just lemme know or PM me if you have any questions.

Brandon

 

[fleen]

You can start searching for your favorite keyboard like swype or swiftkey. you don't need root to change that.
There are some nice emulators in the play store I think apple store doesn't allow emulators so there something you can do play games lol.
Now I don't know if this needs root but you can try this for some themes.

 

[bblzd]

Don't you mean what can you do with root?

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[supitsronnie]

Hi all -

So I'm just about to get my brand new N5 32gb black from Google Play (can't wait!) but I'm not sure how to use it to its full potential. I already read the beginner's guide on here, but I was wondering what I can do without rooting? I've been using an iPhone 4S for the last 2 years and had an HTC Legend before then that I did nothing with so I have no idea. I'm a bit of a noob so please be patient! I know you can download themes from Google Play but what's the deal with that? What's the difference between those and what you get when rooting? I really like how Google Now is front and centre, but can I install a new theme and still keep it so easily accessible? Like, how much can I customise how everything fits together? And how does that change if I decide to root?

Thanks a lot!

EDIT: Sorry, just realised this should go in the Q&A forum but don't know how to move it?

You can install something called a launcher from the Play store, such as Nova or Apex. These are home screen replacements. These will give you more customization, by allowing you to change your home screen grid, and/or apply icon packs. However, by installing another launcher, you will lose the "OK Google" and swipe to the right for Google now features. The choice is up to you.

For themes, you need to be rooted. These are themes that change your phones look, all around. I'll be honest, I wouldn't root for this. The android themes available aren't fantastic. If you want to theme, you can find tutorials on rooting, unlocking the bootloader, and flashing ROMs here at XDA or YouTube even. If you are new to this, I would recommend CyanogenMod11. It is pretty close to stock, stable, and gives you a few extra features as well as a theme chooser which lets you apply themes from the play store.

Without rooting, you can install widgets of your choice, install replacement apps such as browsers or keyboards, and install launchers.

If you decide to modify your device by rooting, flashing a ROM, or unlocking the bootloader, take caution and be sure to follow the guides exactly as written.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[r0cky0790]

I remember feeling like the op waiting for my device. All my days revolved around the Nexus 5 as if I actually owned one, up until the day I actually got it. #AniticipationKills


"Cataclysm + ElementalX + Dalvik/Bionic Patches + Exposed + Gravity Box & Candy shop Mods + Jishnu's Camera Mod/LG G2 Camera Port + Latest GPU Drivers + -75 UV Across The Board + 4 OC Cores @ 2.226 GHz + TWRP" My Nexus Is The ?,┌П┐[◣_◢]┌П┐!

 

[streether]

Thanks so much for all the support, guys. Nice to be part of such a friendly forum. I see what you're saying about the stock Google launcher - is there any way to keep it and change the look of icons etc.? Or is it one or the other? Also, what's the difference between a launcher and a theme?
Someone mentioned Cyanogen Mod 11 if I decided to root - what exactly is that, and what is the difference between choosing that and another one?

Thank you all again, much appreciated!

 

[Hammer_Of_The_Gods]

Hello,

You can keep the stock launcher and change the look of the icons with "Unicon" (Play Store) but you need root and Xposed Framework.

Maybe Desktop Visualizer (Play Store) could do this also with the stock launcher (without root?).

A launcher can modify your homescreens/app drawer mainly, a theme can change the look of the whole system.

Cyanogen Mod is a custom rom: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2584004. For example you have Theme Chooser in this rom so you can apply some themes made especially for (take a look on Play Store for CM theme) .

After, why choose this rom or another... take a look in the devs forum, read the features list, changelog and feedback to see what rom will suits your needs.

For now keep your stock rom, root if you want, play a bit with the apps mentionned above to change the look of your stock launcher or try an alternate launcher. Then if it's not enough for your needs think about a custom rom.

But before, read closely the different guides and take your time

 

[pepdavies]

I would unlock the boot loader before you even boot it up. All your data will get wiped when you unlock it. And we all know you will

Sent from my Nexus 5

 

[streether]

I would unlock the boot loader before you even boot it up. All your data will get wiped when you unlock it. And we all know you will

Sent from my Nexus 5

What's unlocking the boot loader? And buy unlocking, do you mean rooting?

 

[Aerowinder]

What's unlocking the boot loader? And buy unlocking, do you mean rooting?

Read the first reply to your thread. The answers are there.

 

[dethrat]

What's unlocking the boot loader? And buy unlocking, do you mean rooting?

Unlocking boot loader is completely different to rooting thou usually done at the same time.

Root = administrative privileges to the whole operating system.

Unlocking boot loader = ability to flash other ROMs e.g cyanogenmod, omnirom and paranoid android.

There's plenty more than that they're just some popular ones.

Custom ROMs = complete replacement operating system usually based on android but not always look at Ubuntu or Firefox os

You know you could just look up one of the many noob guides. I don't think us telling you this is much good until you experience and learn.

Just reminds me how much Apple babysits everyone.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

 

[r0cky0790]

Whatever you decide to do make sure you read everything. From many many days of experience, rushing any process dealing with root/flashing can screw your phone up pretty quickly. Usually there are resolutions to most screw up's but that besides the case. Not trying to scare you but just trying to encourage you to keep asking questions with the addition of reading before making any modifications to your device. Welcome to the root world!?


"Cataclysm + ElementalX [Tap2Wake Enabled] + Dalvik/Bionic Patches + Exposed + Gravity Box & Candy shop Mods + DPI 440 + Apex Launcher w/ Morena Icons + Jishnu's Camera Mod/LG G2 Camera Port + Latest GPU Drivers + -75 UV Across The Board + 4 OC Cores @ 2.226 GHz + TWRP" My Nexus Is The ?,┌П┐[◣_◢]┌П┐!

 

[RootTheMachine]

Thanks a lot, that's really useful. So basically all the themes/launchers on the Play Store are Google approved replacements that have various features (some of which being design features) to go on top of what I already have? So, will Google Now still be there when I swipe to the left or does it erase all that? Also, how do I change back to my original/a new launcher?
Then if I root, I can add unapproved launchers that have more customisability than what Google usually approves?

FYI... Google doesn't really "approve" of things... You're free to do what you want.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[wideasleep1]

FYI... Google doesn't really "approve" of things... You're free to do what you want.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Correct, but Google designed this device for deliberate tinkering...that is its purpose. There are better options for vanilla phones for the masses.

 

[streether]

Thanks everyone!

Will definitely do some further reading but this has cleared up some big question marks. Off to pick up my N5 from the depot!