WinterBoard
Free ThemeAbout WinterBoard
*NOTE*: WinterBoard requires you to have "root" access on your device. You also must install Cydia Substrate *before* installing WinterBoard.
WinterBoard is a "theme engine" that allows you to use the numerous themes you may find in the Google Play Store on your device without having to install custom ROMs or use custom launchers. It allows you to use almost any launcher icon theme with your stock launcher and supports "Theme Chooser" themes without CyanogenMod.
This is accomplished using a modification to the software on your device managed using Substrate, a code modification platform. You will therefore also have to install Substrate to use WinterBoard. You can find Substrate in the Google Play Store; if you attempt to use WinterBoard without Substrate, you will be directed to install Substrate.
Users may recognize the name WinterBoard: we distribute a similar program for Apple's iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Available to users via Cydia, the alternative to the App Store for users of "jailbroken" devices, WinterBoard is used by tens of million users worldwide, supporting well over ten thousand known themes of varying complexity.
Artists who want to make themes compatible with WinterBoard do not do anything special: the goal of WinterBoard is to support themes designed for most other theme systems. In specific, you can use themes designed for ADW Launcher, GO Launcher Ex, Launcher Pro, dxTop, and the T-Mobile/CyanogenMod Theme Chooser platform.
Please note, however, that WinterBoard is still under development: while the core features of these themes will likely work, many others might not. The priority for launcher themes has been "icon packs". It is a goal of WinterBoard to support as many features of these themes as possible, so users should check back later for updates.
Within WinterBoard, users will see a list of themes that they have installed on their system. To activate themes, click the entry to mark them with a check. Yes, you can turn on multiple themes ;P. Themes override each other based on their order in the list: to move them around you drag them up and down using the handles on the right.
When using Theme Chooser themes, please understand that these are often tailored to the specific version of the firmware you are running, and that even finding a theme for the "equivalent" version of CyanogenMod to what you have installed might not have everything aligned for the theme: things may look awkward or simply be missing.
The expectation is that, like on iOS, people will eventually start building themes optimized specifically for the stock software that can be used with WinterBoard. The result is that, just as you find themes currently that claim compatibility with certain versions of CyanogenMod, themes might claim support for "Android 4.2 w/ TouchWiz".
(WinterBoard requests the ACCESS_SUPERUSER permission, but only uses it to restart the system to apply your new themes. It does not physically modify any of the stock software stored on your device: all modifications are made dynamically via Substrate, so uninstalling WinterBoard is guaranteed to remove all traces of its installation.)
If, while using WinterBoard, you run into any problems (such as it crashes on boot, preventing your device from starting), please remember that Substrate has a safety feature built into it: you can hold your device's volume up button to temporarily disable Substrate so that WinterBoard is not loaded, and then your device boots correctly.
The launcher icon pack and Theme Chooser theme that are used in the screenshots are both available from the Play Store. The former is free, while the latter costs money (sorry, not my product; I will attempt to find another theme that works well together for the example screenshots in the future, but my goal right now is to get this released ;P).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samanthaconner.tinywhite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flow.theme.flow
WinterBoard is a "theme engine" that allows you to use the numerous themes you may find in the Google Play Store on your device without having to install custom ROMs or use custom launchers. It allows you to use almost any launcher icon theme with your stock launcher and supports "Theme Chooser" themes without CyanogenMod.
This is accomplished using a modification to the software on your device managed using Substrate, a code modification platform. You will therefore also have to install Substrate to use WinterBoard. You can find Substrate in the Google Play Store; if you attempt to use WinterBoard without Substrate, you will be directed to install Substrate.
Users may recognize the name WinterBoard: we distribute a similar program for Apple's iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Available to users via Cydia, the alternative to the App Store for users of "jailbroken" devices, WinterBoard is used by tens of million users worldwide, supporting well over ten thousand known themes of varying complexity.
Artists who want to make themes compatible with WinterBoard do not do anything special: the goal of WinterBoard is to support themes designed for most other theme systems. In specific, you can use themes designed for ADW Launcher, GO Launcher Ex, Launcher Pro, dxTop, and the T-Mobile/CyanogenMod Theme Chooser platform.
Please note, however, that WinterBoard is still under development: while the core features of these themes will likely work, many others might not. The priority for launcher themes has been "icon packs". It is a goal of WinterBoard to support as many features of these themes as possible, so users should check back later for updates.
Within WinterBoard, users will see a list of themes that they have installed on their system. To activate themes, click the entry to mark them with a check. Yes, you can turn on multiple themes ;P. Themes override each other based on their order in the list: to move them around you drag them up and down using the handles on the right.
When using Theme Chooser themes, please understand that these are often tailored to the specific version of the firmware you are running, and that even finding a theme for the "equivalent" version of CyanogenMod to what you have installed might not have everything aligned for the theme: things may look awkward or simply be missing.
The expectation is that, like on iOS, people will eventually start building themes optimized specifically for the stock software that can be used with WinterBoard. The result is that, just as you find themes currently that claim compatibility with certain versions of CyanogenMod, themes might claim support for "Android 4.2 w/ TouchWiz".
(WinterBoard requests the ACCESS_SUPERUSER permission, but only uses it to restart the system to apply your new themes. It does not physically modify any of the stock software stored on your device: all modifications are made dynamically via Substrate, so uninstalling WinterBoard is guaranteed to remove all traces of its installation.)
If, while using WinterBoard, you run into any problems (such as it crashes on boot, preventing your device from starting), please remember that Substrate has a safety feature built into it: you can hold your device's volume up button to temporarily disable Substrate so that WinterBoard is not loaded, and then your device boots correctly.
The launcher icon pack and Theme Chooser theme that are used in the screenshots are both available from the Play Store. The former is free, while the latter costs money (sorry, not my product; I will attempt to find another theme that works well together for the example screenshots in the future, but my goal right now is to get this released ;P).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samanthaconner.tinywhite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flow.theme.flow
All Application Badges
Free
downl.
downl.
Android
2.3+
2.3+
Theme /
Wallpap.
Wallpap.
Theme History & Updates
What's Changed
In WinterBoard 0.9.3921, I detect if WinterBoard and Substrate are both installed, but that somehow WinterBoard does not have the required permission to use Substrate. I did not realize that downloading WinterBoard and Substrate from the Play Store would have a check-and-the-egg problem with defining and activating the security permission. I will look into a better solution to this going forward. In the mean time, 0.9.3921 detects this and asks the user to uninstall and reinstall WinterBoard :(.
In WinterBoard 0.9.3921, I detect if WinterBoard and Substrate are both installed, but that somehow WinterBoard does not have the required permission to use Substrate. I did not realize that downloading WinterBoard and Substrate from the Play Store would have a check-and-the-egg problem with defining and activating the security permission. I will look into a better solution to this going forward. In the mean time, 0.9.3921 detects this and asks the user to uninstall and reinstall WinterBoard :(.
What are users saying about WinterBoard
J
by J####:
by J####:
work perfect for me but theres one thing ive noticed everytime ive change theme only the clock color in the status bar doesnt change,,,,,
C
by C####:
by C####:
Problem is you have to use themes that are winterboard compatible only. Several themes claim to be winterboard compatible but they are not, and if you use them its a boot loop or springboard crash. The only way to fix it is to completely remove substrate and winterboard and the themes and reinstall winterboard and substrate. If you get stuck in a loop, you have to hard reset and then hold volume up after it starts rebooting. Just like on an Apple device, except you press volume up after it starts.
C
by C####:
by C####:
I have had no problems with this app. Works fine as far as T Mobile themes goes. Ive had no problems with icon packs. Galaxy Note II running Paranoid Android.
C
by C####:
by C####:
LG optimus g stock and rooted, everything installed correct, tried crimson cobalt and all themes in this apps screenshot and none work except the small white icons but it only changed icons in the quick access bubbles on lockscreen. Really want this to work (stock Rom with cm themes would be awesome)
C
by C####:
by C####:
I know it was just released so I definitely wouldn't rate one star. But if anyone is using a Droid X on MIUI 2.3 then you shouldn't use this yet. It made my phone freeze and want me to wait or force close system and made me loose signal completely. At least Substrate can be disabled while booting.
S
by S####:
by S####:
I've been using this app on my stock rooted Nexus 4. Even though the status bar and apps attributes don't yet apply, this app helps me enjoy the stability of stock Rom with different skins.
J
by J####:
by J####:
Works great on my rooted note II customization is def there. Works a heck of a lot better on a theme based ROM. What I do is go to theme launcher choose say go ogle bean then go to winter board and choose cobalt red......the combination and play of the to is amazing Theme chooser then winterboard for better use!!!
Y
by Y####:
by Y####:
So the app itself works fine (exactly as advertised) on my Nexus 4. Problem is that it broke my messaging app - the stock Google one. Running stock Jelly Bean 4.2.2 just rooted, nothing weird. Really want this to work - please try to fix it, this app has so much promise!
C
by C####:
by C####:
3 stars for support but I couldn't get tiny white icons or flow to work. Did the restart zygote thing and I'm on stock jellybean rooted Sgh-T989 (GS2 T-Mobile) please support me, I love Cydia on iOS and I can't believe you started on android!
U
by U####:
by U####:
Installed Cydia and Winterboard fine, installed a CM10 theme to test, applied it in Winterboard and bit the Zygote button but... Phone restarted fine and booted yet no theme was applied, to test I simply went to system settings and all was stock.
F
by F####:
by F####:
As one of the millions who used Cydia to keep my iPhones from becoming too boring, I had high hopes for Winterboard and the Cydia substrate. Unfortunately my stock rooted Note 2 is getting no satisfaction at all. I'll keep hoping for future improvements that'll let me use Theme Chooser CM themes.
C
by C####:
by C####:
When it works for my Nexus 4. It's weird. It will theme every once in a while, but 80% of the time, themes don't take. Still, great to see it on Android!
C
by C####:
by C####:
I've missed this so much since I left iOS 2 years ago. I tried using CyanogenMod but I missed stock for my phone...only reason this isn't a 5 is because it isn't open source like it is on the iOS and i really want the source to improve how the app its self looks. Also releasing the source (or getting developers from xda) would increase the bug fixing rate by a LOT. Hopefully you do release the source. Also people look at when this was released before complaining about bugs...this app just came out (and is barely alpha IMO) So this isn't going to work 100%. My guess is it will take a few weeks/months to get it working on most phones.
C
by C####:
by C####:
so glad to see Winterboard here on Android! I really missed this from my old iPhone 4s! Great job and looking forward to the themes that will be coming just like on modmyi!
C
by C####:
by C####:
look forward to it being fixed, that zygote error followed all guidelines and still same. Great to have Saurik on side finally!!
U
by U####:
by U####:
I need a theme for my Xperia p. Now I cant see the themes. Please update :D
C
by C####:
by C####:
It says that i dnt have any compatible themes installed....is this ok so far? Using cm10.1 on galaxy note 1
N
by N####:
by N####:
Problem is you have to use themes that are winterboard compatible only. Several themes claim to be winterboard compatible but they are not, and if you use them its a boot loop or springboard crash. The only way to fix it is to completely remove substrate and winterboard and the themes and reinstall winterboard and substrate. If you get stuck in a loop, you have to hard reset and then hold volume up after it starts rebooting. Just like on an Apple device, except you press volume up after it starts.
N
by N####:
by N####:
but i installed subtrate,also patched so whiteboard work , i also downloaded a cm10 theme to test whiteboard, but after i moved the theme to the begning of the lisy enable it, then do a restart, no changss take effect, this all done a lg optimus g
N
by N####:
by N####:
None of the themes I've tried work correctly. Tried on 3 devices, gb, ics and, jellybean pretty much same results on all. When I apply themes it works for a while then statusbar icons go back and forth between stock Nd theme.
Q
by Q####:
by Q####:
Maybe because I have TouchWiz. I switched to next launcher and the theme that I selected applied itself. I installed the substrate like I did with my Apple devices and I installed winterboard then reinstalled it and it's activated. It finds my themes but it does not turn any of them on unless you do it in any launcher but TouchWiz.. I know it has been a long time but this should be updated for the driodOSes. And to deal with the touchwiz issue
Q
by Q####:
by Q####:
It worked for my kindle, but on my nexus 7 the themes aren't being applied (I'm using a go launcher theme on an apex theme) please fix
K
by K####:
by K####:
On the iPhone it is working but as I already read here, and experiencing it my self, it is not working on my Galaxy Note 2! If you could give it an update to make it work I give more stars.
Q
by Q####:
by Q####:
This is another fail be jay freeman and I wish he would just stick to I phones as he no good as making apps for droid as they don't work or do anything but sit there taking up space I'm glad I didn't have to pay for this I would want a refund if I had to pay its crap n don't work.
Q
by Q####:
by Q####:
so glad to see Winterboard here on Android! I really missed this from my old iPhone 4s! Great job and looking forward to the themes that will be coming just like on modmyi!
K
by K####:
by K####:
I need a theme for my Xperia p. Now I cant see the themes. Please update :D
K
by K####:
by K####:
This is another fail be jay freeman and I wish he would just stick to I phones as he no good as making apps for droid as they don't work or do anything but sit there taking up space I'm glad I didn't have to pay for this I would want a refund if I had to pay its crap n don't work.
N
by N####:
by N####:
Everything works fine on galaxy note 2 but when I apply a theme nothing changes. Need some improvements and more explanations. Waiting for cydia store on android. Keep going.
U
by U####:
by U####:
so glad to see Winterboard here on Android! I really missed this from my old iPhone 4s! Great job and looking forward to the themes that will be coming just like on modmyi!
U
by U####:
by U####:
Installed it on my Nexus 4 and Transformer Tab. Works flawlessly with the CM themes I've tried so far. This is a great addition to the android theme. Specially for the devices without custom roms
I
by I####:
by I####:
Does not work on CM 10.1 SGS2 E4GT possibly due to CM launcher that is built in.
U
by U####:
by U####:
Not working on s4 in the right way just change icons when I hold home button not in home screen
U
by U####:
by U####:
Not wotking on my Ace 2 i already install the cydia substrate and winterboard and i also reboot in cydia subs. after i finish to install but no thing will change. pls. fix it.
U
by U####:
by U####:
I like the concept of the app... But dont know how to activate the theme.... Please help me....
U
by U####:
by U####:
I tried to put the touchwiz theme but it don't work :(
U
by U####:
by U####:
None of the themes I've tried work correctly. Tried on 3 devices, gb, ics and, jellybean pretty much same results on all. When I apply themes it works for a while then statusbar icons go back and forth between stock Nd theme.
U
by U####:
by U####:
Can't wait for a cydia store on android. I tried to have them, but they don't change. Please fix this, can't wait for the update!
U
by U####:
by U####:
So, uh, yeah, the app doesn't n actually do anything....
X
by X####:
by X####:
Doesn't work with all themes but works with very few launcher themes. GO Launcher themes DON'T work for me! Usually causes crashes to stock home launcher when set a GO launcher theme, resulting in me having to pull my battery out and restart the phone due to crashing of home launcher. THIS PROJECT SEEMS DEAD!?
by L####:
Glad you're coming over to the better side, even more glad you're developing for us now lmao great job saurik, keep it up man, fan from 2009 here. Loved the work you did for iOS but I defected to android in 2010. Hope to see this live up to its legacy