How to Theme Your Android Device Using Substratum

Android is known for its customization. Over the years, we have shared with you a bunch of launchers, wallpapers, icons, etc. to help you customize your device in a better way. Today, we will go a step ahead and implement themes on the system level.

What is Substratum?

Substratum, a replacement for previously popular Layers, is a theming engine that makes use of Overlay Manager Service (OMS) developed by Sony. As the name suggests, OMS is a client for managing overlays, allowing the users to enable/disable overlays. In the words of the dev behind Layers Manager, Syko Pompos – With the introduction of Substratum, overlays are downloaded, compiled, signed and installed just like third party apps installed to data/app.

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Once installed, they create an idmap file that creates the linkage, and if enabled, tells the system to refresh its resources and load the new ones in. A notification will notify the user that a new theme is able to be used and that the package has been installed.

Which Android Version Is Supported?

Substratum allows you to theme any Android device running on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or above. Yes, it even works on Android Nougat.

What’s Required?

• A rooted device
• Android 6.0 or above
• A ROM with OMS support

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How To Apply Themes?

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1. Go to the play store and install Substratum
2. Search for Substratum Themes on the play store and install the one you like
3. Open Substratum; you’ll see all the installed themes on the main screen
4. Tap on the theme you want to install
5. Now, you’ll see various areas of your phone as well as the apps that can be customized using the selected theme
6. Either select the apps one by one or turn on the toggle at the top to select everything
7. Once selected, tap on the Floating Action Button at the bottom and select Build & Enable from the options
8. Wait till the overlays are applied
9. Once it’s done, tap on the Floating Action Button again and select Enable Selected to save the changes

If you want to undo the work, simply uninstall the theme and perform a reboot (not necessary, though); your phone will be back to its earlier condition.