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Get Lollipop-Style Status Bar Icons on Android Jelly Bean or KitKat

Jan 23, 2015 04:36 PM
Samsung smartphone displaying time and weather information.

Android Lollipop promises tons of new features and functionality when it comes to a device near you, but as we wait, it's almost painful to see the screenshots and demo videos from Nexus devices and how downright pretty the new operating system looks.

If you're still stuck with Android 4.3 or 4.4 for now, take solace in the fact that unlike 5.0, these versions are still compatible with the Xposed Framework. To help tide you over, developer Igor Bocharov has come up with a new module that will allow you to theme your device's status bar icons in the new Lollipop style, and he even threw in a few other themes for good measure.

Requirements

Enable Beta Modules in Xposed

Bocharov's new module is still in its beta testing phases, but it works like a charm nonetheless. You'll have to enable an option in the Xposed Installer app to install it, though, so head to the settings menu. From here, tap the Versions to be shown entry, then set it to "Beta."

Xposed Installer app interface showing framework, modules, download, settings, logs, and about sections.
Get Lollipop-Style Status Bar Icons on Android Jelly Bean or KitKat
Settings menu with options for software versions: Stable, Beta, and Experimental.
Xposed Installer app interface showing framework, modules, download, settings, logs, and about sections.
Get Lollipop-Style Status Bar Icons on Android Jelly Bean or KitKat
Settings menu with options for software versions: Stable, Beta, and Experimental.

Install Flat Style Bar Indicators

Next, head back out to the Xposed Installer's main menu, then go to the "Download" section. From here, search Flat Style Bar Indicators and tap the top result.

Flat style bar indicators on a mobile interface with text instructions.
Get Lollipop-Style Status Bar Icons on Android Jelly Bean or KitKat
Flat style bar indicators on a mobile interface with text instructions.
Get Lollipop-Style Status Bar Icons on Android Jelly Bean or KitKat

From here, swipe over to the Versions tab, then hit the "Download" button next to the most recent entry.

Get Lollipop-Style Status Bar Icons on Android Jelly Bean or KitKat
App update changelog with version numbers and release notes.
Get Lollipop-Style Status Bar Icons on Android Jelly Bean or KitKat
App update changelog with version numbers and release notes.

After a few seconds, Android's installer interface should come right up. Tap "Install" on this screen.

Installation prompt for an application with Google Play access notification.
App installation status screen with a checkbox indicating "Flat Style Bar Indicators" is installed.
Installation prompt for an application with Google Play access notification.
App installation status screen with a checkbox indicating "Flat Style Bar Indicators" is installed.

When that's finished, you'll get a notification from Xposed. Tap the "Activate and reboot" button on this notification to get the new module up and running.

Notification panel indicating "Location module is not set."
Notification panel showing a message about a module not working.
Notification panel indicating "Location module is not set."
Notification panel showing a message about a module not working.

Customize Your Status Bar Icons

When you get back up, go ahead and open Flat Style Bar Icons from your app drawer. The module is capable of theming three different status bar icons—Wi-Fi, Battery, and Data. Select one to begin.

Mobile app interface showing network indicators for Data and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Wi-Fi indicator screen on a smartphone showing connectivity status and signal strength.
Mobile app interface showing network indicators for Data and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Wi-Fi indicator screen on a smartphone showing connectivity status and signal strength.

The module is capable of pinning your icons to the left side of the status bar. If you don't want this, deselect the "Show on left side" option.

Wi-Fi indicator interface on a smartphone.
Wi-Fi signal strength indicator with network details.
Wi-Fi indicator interface on a smartphone.
Wi-Fi signal strength indicator with network details.

Next, select an icon style. There are four free options to choose from with the Lollipop style being first, and several more themes can be unlocked with an in-app purchase of $0.99.

Wi-Fi connection strength indicator showing three filled icons.
Get Lollipop-Style Status Bar Icons on Android Jelly Bean or KitKat
Wi-Fi connection strength indicator showing three filled icons.
Get Lollipop-Style Status Bar Icons on Android Jelly Bean or KitKat

After that, a menu will appear beneath the selected icon. Use the "Parameters" section to adjust the width and height of your icon, then use the "Parts Parameters" section to adjust the increments or steps within your icon.

Wi-Fi signal strength indicator on a mobile device screen.
Wi-Fi indicator and network status screen on a mobile device.
Wi-Fi signal strength indicator on a mobile device screen.
Wi-Fi indicator and network status screen on a mobile device.

After that, repeat this same process for the other two status bar icons, and you'll be all set. Which icon theme did you go with? Let us know in the comment section below, or drop us a line on Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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