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Attention, Android power users: This app unlocks 30+ features you won’t find in Settings
Is Android Settings not delivering enough power? The Essentials app features 30+ mods and tweaks - but you won't find it in the Play Store
Most Android owners know of the Settings app, which gives them all the power Google assumes they need. Then there’s the Developer Options feature that can be enabled to give users even more power.
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If that’s not enough, there’s now Essentials, a power-user’s toolbox that includes 30+ mods and tweaks for things like button remapping, app freezing, Google Maps battery saving modes, sound and haptics, wallpaper, widgets, status bar icon customization, edge lighting, flashlight pulsing, notification management, Always-On Display, and more.
The only requirement for most Essentials features is Android 8 or newer. There are a handful of advanced features that require shell providers like Shizuku or even root access, but the majority of features most users will want to enable have no requirements beyond the minimum.
Essentials isn’t found on the Google Play Store. Instead, Essentials must be sideloaded from the APK available on its official GitHub Repository. Keep in mind that Google has changed the way apps are sideloaded.
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Make sure you understand the new sideloading process before you proceed. You’ll also need to change some permissions, depending on the feature you want to use. For example, to change lock screen shortcuts, you have to enable it in Accessibility Services.
As well, you have to enable restricted settings, which is done with Settings > Apps > See all X apps > Essentials. On that page, tap the three-dot menu and then tap “Allow restricted settings.”
Without that feature enabled, Essentials will be hamstrung by Android’s permissions system.