Here's how to change your Android system accent color

Publish date: 2022-02-03

The release of Android 10 in 2019 included, among other things, a system-wide dark mode theme for the first time in the operating system’s history. However, that’s not all. You could also change the Android system accent color for the first time. This feature is still available and ready to use, even with some newer devices.

While it does require going into the more advanced Developer Options, you can change the accent colors of your Android icons to several choices. Here’s how to change the Android system accent color on your smartphone. Android 12 makes it easier to change the colors without using Developer Options. We’ll tell you how to do both.

Read more: The best Android 10 features | The best Android 11 features | The best Android 12 features

QUICK ANSWER

Android system accent colors can be changed by going to Settings > Wallpaper & style > Basic colors and picking your favorite color. You can also go to Wallpaper colors to let Android pick the colors based on your wallpaper.

JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

What Android system accent colors are available?

You will have eight colors to choose from when you enable this option. They are:

Keep in mind all these colors have been removed with the release of Android 12. You now get to pick between blue, green, purple, and orange.

Also: 13 tips and tricks to speed up Android devices

How to alter the colors on older devices

Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

It takes a bit more effort than usual, but here’s how to go into the OS to change the Android 10 system accent color.

  • First, tap on the Settings icon on your phone.
  • Then, scroll down and tap on the About phone selection.
  • After that, you have to tap on the build number seven times. That should display a message stating you are now officially a “Developer.”
  • Go back to the main Settings menu once again.
  • Then, tap on the System selection.
  • Then, tap on the Advanced option on the menu.
  • After that, tap on the Developer options selection
  • Then, scroll down and tap on the Accent color part of the menu.
  • You should see a selection of several styles, using different colors, to pick from. Tap on the one you want to enable to change the accent color.

    • Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

    Android 12 brought a whole design facelift to the mobile operating system. One of the many changes includes the ability to change the user interface colors without going into Developer Options. We also have much fewer options in terms of colors, though. These include blue, green, purple, and orange — all in pastel shades.

    Here’s how to change UI colors in Android 12:

  • Open the Settings.
  • Go to Wallpaper & style.
  • You have two main options. You can let Android pick the system colors based on the wallpaper. To do this, go to Wallpaper colors and choose the selection Android made for you.
  • If you want to pick a specific color, go into Basic colors.
  • Pick your favorite color.
  • Android will change the theme colors after a second or two.

    • Note: These steps were put together using a Pixel 4a with 5G running Android 12. Keep in mind steps might differ depending on your hardware and software.

    More: Android 12 review

    FAQs

    Can I change other system colors, such as icons, texts, and more?

    You can usually alter the way the UI looks, and some manufacturers offer more freedom than others. In fact, stock Android 12 has the Themed icons option in the Wallpaper & style section, which is in beta, but seems to work very well with Google apps. Regardless, you can always opt for a third-party launcher. These offer much more freedom in customizing the way everything looks.

    How do I get the phone back to its original look?

    You can just follow the same steps to change the Android UI’s color to its default one. If you’re using Android 12, just go into Settings > Wallpapers & style, and select blue.

    Should I use the Dark theme?

    You probably noticed this setting on the Wallpapers & style page. The Dark theme turns the general colors of the Android UI black or gray. This is easier on the eyes and usually offers more comfort for those who will be staring at their screens a lot, especially in the dark. Did you ever get blinded by a white screen? The Dark theme helps avoid that.

    Comments

    ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7orrDq6ainJGqwam70aKrsmaTpLpwr8eapaCdXajGtMDEpmSam5Oau7V5wqijqKpdlrulvs6im2ZpYGJ%2BcX6Uam1sZw%3D%3D