Here's how to change your Android system accent color

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 newer devices running Android 14.

Android 10 requires going into the more advanced Developer Options to change the accent colors of your Android icons to several choices. The process is more straightforward since Android 12, as newer builds require no Developer Options steps. We’ll tell you how to do both.

What Android system accent colors are available?

When you enable this option, you will have eight colors to choose from if you’re running Android 10.

Remember that all these colors have been expanded and changed with Android 12 and Android 13. These are no longer labeled, so we can no longer name them anymore. There are more available colors now, though. There are different hues of blue, green, purple, orange, yellow, and even color combinations.

How to change the system colors on Android 10 and 11

It takes a bit more effort than usual, but here’s how to go into the OS to change the Android 10 or Android 11 system accent color.

How to change the system colors in Android 10 and 11

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Scroll down and select About phone.
3. Tap on the Build number seven times. This action will prompt a message declaring you as an official “Developer.”
4. Return to the main Settings menu.
5. Navigate to the System option. Note that the location may vary depending on your device; some devices place it within the About phone section.

6. Within the System settings, find and select Developer options.
7. Scroll down and locate the Accent color section.
8. You’ll find a variety of styles with different colors. Choose the one you prefer by tapping on it to enable the change in accent color.

Note: These steps were assembled using a ZTE Blade X1 running Android 10. Keep in mind steps might differ depending on your hardware and software.

How to turn off Developer mode

If you’re done changing the color and want to go back to the regular User mode from Developer mode, remember that having Developer mode on won’t harm your device. But, just in case you’re worried about accidentally doing something you’re not familiar with on your phone, it’s a good idea to switch back to User mode.

1. In the Settings app, locate the System option. Note that the location may vary depending on your device; on some devices, it is found within the About phone section.
2. Select Developer options.
3. Toggle the switch off to disable Developer mode. All the options, including the Developer options section, will disappear shortly.

How to change the system colors on Android 12 or higher

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. More colors are available in Android 13 and Android 14.

How to change UI colors in Android 12 or higher

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Go to Wallpaper & style.
3. 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.
4. If you want to pick a specific color, go into Basic colors.
5. Pick your favorite color.
6. Android will change the theme colors after a second or two.

Note: These steps were put together using a Google Pixel 7 running Android 13. Keep in mind steps might differ depending on your hardware and software.

FAQs

Do you need more help changing your Android phone’s look? Look at our list of the best wallpapers from all the most popular phones. You can also take things a step further with a customization app.