Originally posted here
I'm going to straight up admit that, while EMUI does add a ton of useful tweaks and improvements to Android, not everything in it is to everybody's taste, particularly if you are a big stock Android fan.
In this guide (which was written based on Honor 7 software version B320 but probably works well on most Huawei / Honor devices), I'll take you through ways to make your device feel more like stock. Feedback is welcomed and I'll be updating this document frequently with additional info and improvements.
I am going to walk through the process from a freshly reset device, but you can of course pick out just the bits you want!
Launcher
After going through the setup wizard on your device and configuring your Play Store account, one of the first things you will likely want to do is replace the standard EMUI launcher. It's particularly non-stock feeling due to it's lack of app drawer. This is nice and easy, because the standard Android launcher is available from the Play Store.
The process
From the Play Store, ensure all currently installed apps are up to date (particularly 'Google').
From the Play Store, install 'Google Now Launcher'.
In the Settings app, select the 'Apps' option, press the Advanced button and select 'Default app settings'. In this screen you can specify the standard Launcher. Choose 'Google App'.
Press the home key and you're done, you should now have the standard launcher!
Further tips
On pre-Marshmallow devices, you may notice that third party launchers (including Google's) don't correctly make the top and bottom bars transparent. Sadly this includes my favourite launcher, Action Launcher 3. Another alternative, Nova Launcher, does have this feature however.
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"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Icon themes
As you can see in the above images, even with a custom launcher installed, many icons (such as the Play Store) are 'customised'. These backgrounds are applied using a theme. The default Honor 7 theme is called 'Spectrum', but I've made a special version, 'Spectrum Pure' that removes these icon customisations.
The process
From this post on MoDaCo, download the 'Spectrum Pure' .hwt theme file.
Copy the .hwt file to /sdcard/HWThemes on your device (you can use the built in 'Files' app for this if needed).
Launch the 'Themes' app, select the 'Mine' tab, select 'Spectrum Pure' and press 'Apply'.
When you go back to the homescreen, your customisations should be gone! Note that some launchers need to be restarted to pick up the change, so if in doubt, reboot your device.
Third party apps
A number of third party apps are installed out of the box, thinks like '50+ free games, 'Bubble Bash', 'Dragon Mania', and Puzzle Pets. You can get rid of these if you prefer.
The process
In the 'Settings' app, select the 'Apps' option.
Select the app you would like to disable in the list and press the 'Uninstall' button.
Further tips
The Facebook and Twitter apps can be removed in the same way if you don't want to use them.
Additional Honor apps
As well as third party apps, a number of additional apps are included by Honor that have no stock Android equivalent. You can remove, in the same way as above:
Backup
Compass
Honor Club
Mirror
Smart Controller (if you remove this though, you will need to install a different app to enable IR functionality)
Vmall
WPS Office
The process
In the 'Settings' app, select the 'Apps' option.
Select the app you would like to disable in the list and press the 'Uninstall' button.
Disabling un-uninstallable apps
The above apps are all easily uninstalled, but there are also other apps that while you can't uninstall them, you can disable them. The apps you might want to disable are:
Email (if for example you are using the Gmail app instead)
HiCare
Magnifier
Notepad
Weather
The process
In the 'Settings' app, select the 'Apps' option.
Select the app you would like to disable in the list and press the 'Disable' button (this will be greyed out for system apps).
Keyboards
Out of the box the Honor 7 includes a Huawei customised version of Swype and 'Android Keyboard (AOSP)', which is a basic build of the stock Android keyboard. If you are not using Swype and you want to use the stock Keyboard, you should use the Play Store version rather than the provided build to ensure you get updated.
The process
From the Play Store, install 'Google Keyboard'.
Launch Google Keyboard and complete the setup wizard (this is important!).
In the 'Settings' app, select the 'Apps' option.
Select the 'Menu' button and the 'Show System' option.
Select 'Android Keyboard (AOSP)' and press 'Disable'.
Select 'Huawei Swype' and press 'Disable'.
Calendar
Honor have replaced the stock Calendar app with their own, however Google Calendar can be installed from the Play Store. The Honor Calendar app is not un-installable or disableable, however using adb access from a computer, there is another solution.
The process
From the Play Store, install 'Google Calendar'.
On your device, enable USB debugging by tapping on the 'Build Number' in 'Settings' -> 'About' multiple times, then from the newly visible development menu, clicking the 'USB Debugging' checkbox.
On your computer, from a command prompt / terminal, run the command 'adb shell' - accept the security prompt on your device.
Run the command 'pm hide com.android.calendar'.
You should now have only one Calendar app in your launcher, as shown below (before / after shot!).
Clock
Just as with the Calendar app above, the stock Android clock application can be downloaded and the Honor equivalent disabled using ADB.
The process
From the Play Store, install 'Google Clock'.
If you haven't already done so, on your device, enable USB debugging by tapping on the 'Build Number' in 'Settings' -> 'About' multiple times, then from the newly visible development menu, clicking the 'USB Debugging' checkbox.
On your computer, from a command prompt / terminal, run the command 'adb shell' - accept the security prompt on your device if required.
Run the command 'pm hide com.android.deskclock'.
You should now have only one Clock app in your launcher.
Messaging
If you are not a fan of the Honor Messaging app, you can download and install the Google version and, once again, remove the Honor version.
The process
From the Play Store, install 'Google Messenger'.
Launch the app and set it as your preferred handler for text messages.
If you haven't already done so, on your device, enable USB debugging by tapping on the 'Build Number' in 'Settings' -> 'About' multiple times, then from the newly visible development menu, clicking the 'USB Debugging' checkbox.
On your computer, from a command prompt / terminal, run the command 'adb shell' - accept the security prompt on your device if required.
Run the command 'pm hide com.android.mms'.
You should now have only one Messaging app in your launcher.
Files, Music, Recorder, Videos
Stock Android doesn't have a Files app per se, nor music, recorder or video apps. These can be removed using the same method as above.
The process
If you haven't already done so, on your device, enable USB debugging by tapping on the 'Build Number' in 'Settings' -> 'About' multiple times, then from the newly visible development menu, clicking the 'USB Debugging' checkbox.
On your computer, from a command prompt / terminal, run the command 'adb shell' - accept the security prompt on your device if required.
To remove 'Files': Run the command 'pm hide com.huawei.hidisk'.
To remove 'Music': Run the command 'pm hide com.android.mediacenter'.
To remove 'Recorder': Run the command 'pm hide com.android.soundrecorder'.
To remove 'Videos': Run the command 'pm hide com.huawei.hwvplayer'.
These applications should now have disappeared from your launcher.
Screen Lock and Torch
The Screen Lock and Torch shortcuts are currently parts of packages that can't be disabled without ill effects - these need to be removed via a custom ROM.
FM Radio
This can be removed using the 'pm hide' process, but this will remove all FM Radio functionality (there is currently no stock Android equivalent app).
Calculator
The stock Android calculator currently isn't available from the Play Store - I will post the APK here in due course.
Contacts / Dialler
The Contacts / Dialler cannot be changed to the stock Android versions at this time.
Notification pulldown / Settings app / Stock app icons / Lockscreen
The notification pulldown colours, settings app colours and icons, stock app icons and lockscreen can be modified using a custom theme. I am working on a 'Stock Android' EMUI theme that I will post here in due course. Stay tuned.
Great guide!
If you nova launcher prime, you can hide the apps without using prime
Truedialer can be used instead if normal contacts and call, but it will still use the same interface when in call
Use the material theme available in the theme part of the forum to change the look of system UI and settings, it I almost like marshmallow and lollipop(the icons)
Excellent work Paul, great guide thanks for your efforts, I may try it as you make it simple for us.
Cheers
Many Thanks Paul. On Icon Themes, may I point out that there are 2 small issues.
1. The google maps icon has its right top edges cut out
2. Folders don't have any boundaries
Would you be able to help please. I am on PLK-UL00-C675B330, the final Marshmallow version
Thanks,
Many Thanks Paul. On Icon Themes, may I point out that there are 2 small issues.
1. The google maps icon has its right top edges cut out
2. Folders don't have any boundaries
Would you be able to help please. I am on PLK-UL00-C675B330, the final Marshmallow version
Thanks,
Hi ! Thank you for this guide.
I just had one problem : the icons. I downloaded the theme and applied it on Theme App. But there's still this white background around every icon.
I'm on B320. Do you have any suggestion ?
AmitJordy said:
Many Thanks Paul. On Icon Themes, may I point out that there are 2 small issues.
1. The google maps icon has its right top edges cut out
2. Folders don't have any boundaries
Would you be able to help please. I am on PLK-UL00-C675B330, the final Marshmallow version
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New version online shortly!
P
Sideness said:
Hi ! Thank you for this guide.
I just had one problem : the icons. I downloaded the theme and applied it on Theme App. But there's still this white background around every icon.
I'm on B320. Do you have any suggestion ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're using a non stock launcher, you'll need to clear data on it to pick up the new icons.
P
paulobrien said:
If you're using a non stock launcher, you'll need to clear data on it to pick up the new icons.
P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your quick answer.
I just wiped Google Now Launcher and Huawei Launcher cache and data, uninstalled Google Now Launcher, rebooted phone, re-applied theme (icons are okay on stock launcher) and installed Google Now Launcher again. It still doesn't work.
Which is weird is that it works on some icons.
Here's a screenshot : http://i.imgur.com/mkNpvgS.jpg
That is weird. Which ROM version?
P
I'm on B320.
Strange. Maybe try the r4 theme release I just uploaded.
Odd though.
P
Sent from my SM-G928F using Tapatalk
Sideness said:
Thank you for your quick answer.
I just wiped Google Now Launcher and Huawei Launcher cache and data, uninstalled Google Now Launcher, rebooted phone, re-applied theme (icons are okay on stock launcher) and installed Google Now Launcher again. It still doesn't work.
Which is weird is that it works on some icons.
Here's a screenshot : http://i.imgur.com/mkNpvgS.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any news on this? Had the same problem on B320 - after updating to B330 same bug is still there.
EDIT:// Clearing launcher data of Google App (Not Google Now Launcher itself) fixes the problem!
path: Settings -> Apps -> Google App -> Storage -> Manage Space -> CLEAR LAUNCHER DATA (middle option)
hello all,
is there any chance how to tweek my honor without xposed and root and make sms, calling and **** like this transparent or dark themed? I really hate those bright colors and i dont have clue, why is dark theme still problem in our century... I am on b320 and last custom dark (unfinished) theme was for emui 3.
Thanks for reply
Thread for all those who are asking "How to get Pixel Features on any smartphone?" on DEVELOPMENT THREADS.
These are the features you can get on your phone if you follow this guide,
For 7.0/7.1 users,
1. Pixel Launcher, Icons.
2. Pixel NavBar. (Using Substratum)
3. Google Assistant.
1. The Pixel Look.
Opt for Nova Launcher Beta from APKMIRROR
--> Apply Pixel Icon pack to Nova Launcher
Change Nova Launcher settings as follows,
Desktop
-- Search bar style -> Select the pixel style search bar
-- Page Indicator -> None
App & Widget Drawers
-- Drawer app grid 5x5
-- Card Background -> Off
-- Swipe to Open -> On
-- Scroll Accent Color -> Teal
Dock
-- Dock Background
-- Shape -> Rectangle
-- Color -> White
-- Transparency -> 85%
-- Draw behind navigation bar -> On
2. Pixel NavBar.
-->Install Substratum from Play Store,
N Navbar from Play Store.
-->From Substratum, apply N Navbar theme as Circle, reboot, done!
You can even install Pixel UI from Play Store to get Pixel Settings UI.
3. Google Assistant (Only 7.0/7.1)
-->Download Velvet.apk.
-->Add this lines at the end of build.prop (Keep a backup.)
ro.product.model=Pixel XL
ro.opa.eligible_device=true
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-->Install it manually on your /system/priv-app/Velvet directory using ES Explorer(Root).
-->Update Google app from Play Store.
-->Clear data of the app and reboot. Then open Google App and bang, you have the assistant!
Add NIGHT MODE using this app.
Thanks to respective sources.
And please don't post anything about Pixel launcher, Icons or anything about customization on ROM Threads.
Attaching Nova Launcher Settings Backup here. Put in /storage/emulated/0/data/com.teslacoilsw.launcher/backup directory and restore from Nova-Settings.
I had to make this thread for all those
Since I cant install s8 weather due to package error, but I still wanna use s8 look, and default weather application, is there any app or something that I can use to open samsung s7 stock weather app (when I click zooper widget)? When I choose click event in zooper app, there is no option to system default weather app, so is there any app which can help in this?
Kimmy96 said:
Since I cant install s8 weather due to package error, but I still wanna use s8 look, and default weather application, is there any app or something that I can use to open samsung s7 stock weather app (when I click zooper widget)? When I choose click event in zooper app, there is no option to system default weather app, so is there any app which can help in this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i remember rightly its because the weather app does not appear in the app draw....
Unfortunately in the S7 Weather Settings there is no option to show the app in the app drawer..
The option is there in the S8 weather Settings though which kinda sucks for you in this situation since you can't install the s8 weather app.
i just found a way to make it possbile though bare with me a sec
---------- Post added at 01:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:01 PM ----------
Steps:
*Do you use Nova Launcher? If YES skip step 1...*
1. Download Quick Shortcut Maker
2. Add your zooper widget on the homescreen
3. In the widget settings select "widget on tap action"
4. Swipe left to "shortcuts" tab and select "activities"
5. Scroll down to "Weather Forcast" and select it
6. Select the bottom weather forcast activity "com.samsung.android.weather.app.weatherbaseactivity"
7. Tap Create
Done Your widget will now open the default weather app when selected.
*If you have Nova Launcher no need to download quick shortcut maker*
EasyAndroidPro said:
[/COLOR]
If i remember rightly its because the weather app does not appear in the app draw....
Unfortunately in the S7 Weather Settings there is no option to show the app in the app drawer..
The option is there in the S8 weather Settings though which kinda sucks for you in this situation since you can't install the s8 weather app.
i just found a way to make it possbile though bare with me a sec
---------- Post added at 01:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:01 PM ----------
Steps:
*Do you use Nova Launcher? If YES skip step 1...*
1. Download Quick Shortcut Maker
2. Add your zooper widget on the homescreen
3. In the widget settings select "widget on tap action"
4. Swipe left to "shortcuts" tab and select "activities"
5. Scroll down to "Weather Forcast" and select it
6. Select the bottom weather forcast activity "com.samsung.android.weather.app.weathgerbaseactivity"
7. Tap Create
Done Your widget will now open the default weather app when selected.
*If you have Nova Launcher no need to download quick shortcut maker*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh my god dude thats something so awesome! This works perfectly! I dont need no more s8 weather because of this. =) Best thing of today.
EDIT: donated 3 dollars.
Kimmy96 said:
Oh my god dude thats something so awesome! This works perfectly! I dont need no more s8 weather because of this. =) Best thing of today.
EDIT: donated 3 dollars.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem buddy, Really glad to help :good:
Thanks so much for the donation !
Thank you for the help again. However I managed to install s8 system weather and all other apps which I previously got famous package error. I dont know what happened last night but yesterday I still got that error. Now its gone and im all happier now.
Kimmy96 said:
Thank you for the help again. However I managed to install s8 system weather and all other apps which I previously got famous package error. I dont know what happened last night but yesterday I still got that error. Now its gone and im all happier now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats! hope my method will still serve you in the future, you can link to any other activity with it so you can make a widget for anything if you just want to play around and test what activities are possible you can browse in the app itself and select a service and select "try" it will load that service... if you like the service it loads repeat the steps for weather just select the new service you want instead
Sample :
if you use Twitter you could use the same methods to create your own personalised widget that automatically opens twitter at the post a tweet page or facebook to go straight to posting etc
EasyAndroidPro said:
[/COLOR]
Steps:
*Do you use Nova Launcher? If YES skip step 1...*
1. Download Quick Shortcut Maker
2. Add your zooper widget on the homescreen
3. In the widget settings select "widget on tap action"
4. Swipe left to "shortcuts" tab and select "activities"
5. Scroll down to "Weather Forcast" and select it
6. Select the bottom weather forcast activity "com.samsung.android.weather.app.weathgerbaseactivity"
7. Tap Create
Done Your widget will now open the default weather app when selected.
*If you have Nova Launcher no need to download quick shortcut maker*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG!!! This works perfectly, thank you so muchh
RafaelRivero16 said:
OMG!!! This works perfectly, thank you so muchh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to help
EasyAndroidPro said:
[/COLOR]
If i remember rightly its because the weather app does not appear in the app draw....
Unfortunately in the S7 Weather Settings there is no option to show the app in the app drawer..
The option is there in the S8 weather Settings though which kinda sucks for you in this situation since you can't install the s8 weather app.
i just found a way to make it possbile though bare with me a sec
---------- Post added at 01:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:01 PM ----------
Steps:
*Do you use Nova Launcher? If YES skip step 1...*
1. Download Quick Shortcut Maker
2. Add your zooper widget on the homescreen
3. In the widget settings select "widget on tap action"
4. Swipe left to "shortcuts" tab and select "activities"
5. Scroll down to "Weather Forcast" and select it
6. Select the bottom weather forcast activity "com.samsung.android.weather.app.weathgerbaseactivity"
7. Tap Create
Done Your widget will now open the default weather app when selected.
*If you have Nova Launcher no need to download quick shortcut maker*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I confirmed that this same method works in KWGT also. When choosing the tap action, choose "Shortcut" and then choose the Nova Activities at the top of the list and find the Weather Forecast as described above.