Essentials App Unlocks Advanced Android Features
A toolbox for Android power users with 30+ mods and tweaks.
1Introduction to Essentials
Essentials is a toolbox designed for Android power users, offering over 30 mods and tweaks. These include button remapping, app freezing, Google Maps battery saving modes, sound and haptics customization, wallpaper and widget adjustments, status bar icon customization, edge lighting, flashlight pulsing, notification management, Always-On Display, and more. Most features require Android 8 or newer.
2Advanced Features
Some advanced features in Essentials require shell providers like Shizuku or even root access. However, the majority of features most users will want to enable have no requirements beyond the minimum Android version. Essentials is not available on the Google Play Store and must be sideloaded from its official GitHub Repository.
3Sideloading Process
Google has changed the way apps are sideloaded, so it's important to understand the new process before proceeding. Users will need to change some permissions depending on the feature they want to use. For example, changing lock screen shortcuts requires enabling it in Accessibility Services.
4Permissions and Settings
To use Essentials, users must enable restricted settings through the Settings Apps menu. Without this feature enabled, Essentials will be limited by Android's permissions system. The app is straightforward to use: open it, search for the desired feature, and enable it. Users will encounter numerous permission requests, which are necessary for the app's functionality.
5App Lock Feature
One standout feature in Essentials is App Lock, which requires authentication for specific apps. This is particularly useful for keeping private apps secure. To use App Lock, users must grant Essentials permission for Accessibility features. Once enabled, users can select which apps require authentication via fingerprint, face, or password/PIN.
6Notification Customization
Essentials allows users to enable notification lighting, flashlight pulse, notification snoozing, and snooze system notifications. Notification lighting can be customized for specific apps, ensuring users never miss important messages or calls, even in silent mode. Flashlight pulses notify users of messages regardless of the phone's screen orientation.
7Shizuku Integration
For certain advanced features, Essentials requires Shizuku, an open-source Android tool that lets third-party apps use system-level APIs and ADB privileges without full root access. Shizuku requires enabling wireless debugging to start the service. Detailed instructions are provided once Shizuku is installed from the Play Store.
8Enhanced Device Control
Essentials offers Android users considerably more control over their devices, providing options not found in any other tool. Despite the barrage of permission requests, the enhanced functionality makes it a valuable addition for power users seeking to customize their Android experience beyond the standard Settings app.
Original article: Latest news — Essentials App Unlocks Advanced Android Features