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Installation
Essentials is distributed as a sideloaded APK (not available on the Play Store). Follow the steps below to install it successfully.
Get the latest release from the GitHub Releases page.
Download the app-release.apk file.
When installing Essentials, you may encounter a blocking warning from Android:
"Install blocked — this app requests sensitive permissions"
This is expected behavior. Essentials uses Accessibility Service and Notification Listener which Android 13+ flags during installation of sideloaded APKs.
Android restricts apps that request high-risk permissions (Accessibility / Notification Listener) from being installed outside the Play Store without extra confirmation. This is a security mechanism — Essentials uses these permissions to power features like notification lighting, button remapping, and screen-off controls.
If you have Advanced Protection enabled on your Pixel (Settings → Security → Advanced Protection), it blocks Play Protect from being disabled. You must turn off Advanced Protection first.
- Open Google Play Store
- Tap your profile icon → Play Protect
- Tap the gear icon → toggle Scan apps with Play Protect off
Transfer the APK to your device and install. Accept any remaining prompts.
After installation, re-enable Play Protect for your security.
Note: You only need to do this once. Updates installed from within the app do not require repeating these steps.
Most features are off by default. Navigate to a feature's settings page in the app to see what permissions it needs, with direct buttons to grant them.
See Permissions-Guide for a full reference of every permission and how to grant it.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Android version | 8.0 (Oreo) or higher |
| Architecture | ARM64 / ARM |
| Target devices | Google Pixel (primary), any Android |
Some features like Screen Refresh Rate, Lock Screen Clock, and Charging Optimization are Pixel-only due to hardware/platform constraints.