How to theme your Android device using LibreSubstratum

Android is widely preferred by consumers around the world, primarily due to the level of customization it offers. In this regard, themes play a very important role. Previously, we explained how to use Substratum to theme your Android device. While this tool works very well, it has recently been reported that the app has built-in analytics, allowing the app to share user-specific data with developers. Thankfully, there is an alternative: LibreSubstratum. Now that we’ve already explained what LibreSubstratum is and how it differs from the original Substratum app, let’s take a look at how to actually install and use LibreSubstratum on your device.

Install and use LibreSubstratum on your Android device

Note : The following method only works on Android Nougat (7.xx) ROMs that fully support OMS (Overlay Manager Service). Stock ROMs are currently not supported. I tried the following method on a Moto X Play running Android 7.1.2 based AOSP expansion ROM and it worked fine.

• The first step is to install “ LibreSubstratum “ ( free ) from the Play Store just like any other app.
• Well, LibreSubstratum is actually a full interface replacement for the original Substratum app, but it needs to be installed in order to function properly. So, the next step is to install “Substratum Theme Engine Root” ( free ) from the Play Store.
• Before you start installing the theme, go to Settings -> Developer Options and scroll down to the Debugging section . Now enable the toggle next to Force approval of all theme apps .

• Next, install the Substratum theme of your choice from the Play Store. In this guide, we will install the Grayce theme ( free ). Alternatively, you can try out these themes.
• Once the theme is installed on your device, open the LibreSubstratum app . Now tap on the theme you just installed . A list of overlays will appear.

• Select the overlays you want to apply by checking the box next to them . Once that’s done, tap the “+” icon in the bottom right corner and select “Compile, Install, Activate” .

• That’s it. The overlay will now be compiled and installed on your device. Once done, restart your device to see the changes. As you can see in the screenshot below, I chose a pink accent overlay for SystemUI.

See also: How to install themes on Android Oreo without root

Theme your Android device using LibreSubstratum

Although the Substratum app itself is technically open source, it has recently been reported to use certain trackers. Additionally, the original app does not allow you to install themes via third-party sources such as APKs or alternative app stores. So LibreSubstratum serves as a boon. Simple, fast, no bloat, no anti-competitive elements. I’ve been using it for the past few days and I think it’s much better than the original app. But what about you? Which do you prefer? Let us know in the comments section below.