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How to Add More Soft Key Styles to Your LG G3 (No Root Required)

Aug 12, 2014 11:16 PM

Icons for image editing options on an LG device, featuring a bamboo icon.

Unlike other Android devices with soft keys, the LG G3 actually comes stocked with a few different styles, as well as the ability to adjust the button layout and combination. But while the customization options are great, the styles you can switch between don't add much flair or personality to your device.

Today, I'll be showing you how to add various soft key styles that you can easily switch between on your non-rooted LG G3. These custom soft keys are not available on the Google Play Store, so before we get started, make sure to enable "Unknown sources" first.

Choosing a Style

Pick any of the various styles displayed below, or choose one from slewi's or AyDee's XDA thread, where you'll find a ton of other options to suit your tastes.

Icons representing various applications and functions on a digital interface.

[http://www.kontaktlencsebolt.hu/softkey/Bamboo_Softkey.apk Bamboo: Click here to download this style.]

[https://www.dropbox.com/s/y2osuwcrwmo3e45/Flex_Home_Softkeys.apk?dl=1 Flex Home: Click here to download this style.]

Mobile app icons on a purple background.

[http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2871448&d=1406398180 Android L: Click here to download this style.]

How to Add More Soft Key Styles to Your LG G3 (No Root Required)

[http://www.kontaktlencsebolt.hu/softkey/COD_Softkey.apk Call Of Duty: Click here to download this style.]

[http://www.kontaktlencsebolt.hu/softkey/Carbon_2_Softkey.apk Carbon 2: Click here to download this style.]

[http://www.kontaktlencsebolt.hu/softkey/Bamboo_Softkey.apk Bamboo: Click here to download this style.]

[https://www.dropbox.com/s/y2osuwcrwmo3e45/Flex_Home_Softkeys.apk?dl=1 Flex Home: Click here to download this style.]

[http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2871448&d=1406398180 Android L: Click here to download this style.]

[http://www.kontaktlencsebolt.hu/softkey/COD_Softkey.apk Call Of Duty: Click here to download this style.]

[http://www.kontaktlencsebolt.hu/softkey/Carbon_2_Softkey.apk Carbon 2: Click here to download this style.]

These are some of my personal favorites, but again, the threads linked above come packed with other styles and colors, and you can download and install as many of them as you'd like.

Installing Your Soft Keys

Download the APK(s) straight to your device, install it, then tap Done.

Application installation prompt for "SystemUI Theme Carbon" without special access.

Applying Your Soft Keys

As mentioned, the great thing about the G3 is that all the styles you install are stored under the settings. Navigate to Settings -> Display -> Home touch buttons, then disable Transparent background.

This will ensure that the soft keys are applied to the home screen and not just in applications. Next, enter Color and choose your style.

Settings screen for customizing home touch button options on a mobile device.

Icon selection screen with various app icons and styles for Android interfaces.

It's a simple process, and switching between various styles is extremely easy once they're installed. Don't be satisfied with just one look, change your keys whenever you feel like it, and let us know what you think in the comments below.

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.