For many years, the Android notification bar was a differentiator between the robot's operating system and Apple's, which did not include this bar until quite some time later. We can get a lot out of this bar thanks to additional applications that expand its functions. For example, we can add Shortcuts to other apps in the notification bar.
Sometimes we find ourselves in an application, and we want to go to WhatsApp. But for this, it is necessary to exit the app, go to the main window, find the application icon, and run it. This process, carried out several times a day, can be simplified if we manage to add a shortcut to an application in the notification bar. Today we are going to focus on how create in notifications those shortcuts to applications on smartphones that are not rooted. The only thing necessary will be that they have Android 5.0 or later, to ensure compatibility with current designs and APIs.
The application that we are going to use is called Bar Launcher. Can be installed from Google Play and it's completely free. Once installed, you'll see it in the applications menu, and it will be used to configure shortcuts in the address bar and to modify these shortcut bars later. When you launch the application, all you have to do is click the button. On that appears at the top right. Once this is done, with the "+" icon that appears in the lower right corner, we can add the applications that we want to appear in the notification bar as shortcuts. All the apps installed on the smartphone can be selected. For some users, it will be messaging apps, for others, it will be task apps, or it may simply be settings apps. Either way, having shortcuts in the notification bar can be very useful. not having to always go to the main window when we want to run a specific app.
Bar Launcher could be one of those essential apps, along with Notification Toggle, which we've talked about in the past. In the latter case, it allowed us to create shortcuts to settings to enable or disable Wi-Fi, data connection, volume, GPS, etc.
Add shortcuts with Bar Launcher: detailed settings
In addition to the power on and app selection, it is advisable to adjust two options so that the accesses are visible and persistent When you deploy the panel: go to Settings > Priority and choose Maximum Priority so that the row of icons always appears. In the option Arrow Color You can customize the indicator shadow to blend in with your theme. Long press on any icon to reorder it or delete it, and use add row to add new rows if you work with many apps (ideal for separating work/leisure).
If you accidentally dismiss the notification at any point, return to the app and verify that the service is still active. These notifications work as a service in the foreground to prevent the system from closing them; if your layer doesn't allow "pinning" notifications, maximum priority and active service are usually sufficient.
Native Quick Settings: Custom Tiles Without Root
Another very powerful way is to use apps that add “tiles” to the Quick settings (Quick Settings) respecting the design of your mobile, such as Custom Quick SettingsIts greatest virtue is that imitates the style of your ROM (One UI, MIUI, Pure Android, etc.), so that the icons and colors match the system ones. After installing it, edit the Quick Settings with the pencil button and add a custom mosaic; you can configure it to open an app, a shortcut, an app's own shortcut, a website or even widgets (The latter are usually reserved for the paid version.) The result is integrated, native-like quick access.
If you need more, shortcutter allows you to thoroughly customize the notification panel and create a second side panel Invoked with a swipe gesture, it's ideal for launching tools (flashlight, screen recording, auto-brightness, keep screen awake, stopwatch, quick calendar) and your favorite apps. It's lightweight, no root required and respects the look & feel of the system.
R sort Quick Settings from the editing mode to leave the most used at the top, and there are apps like Shazam or Spotify that add their own toggles. This way you can combine access to apps and system functions in a single gesture.
Useful notification panel tricks and how to get the most out of them
In addition to opening apps faster, the panel allows you to reply directly to messages in many apps, Mark as read without entering, or postpone an alert (choose 15/30/60/120 minutes depending on your tier) if you can't answer it right now. These are shortcuts that reduce jumping between apps and help you stay focused.
If an app bothers you, use the notification channels to mute only certain categories (e.g., promotions yes, transfers no) without losing what's important. Also adjust the importance of each channel to decide whether it makes sound, vibrates or just appears silent. The mode Do not bother adds fine-grained control by system categories and, in many layers, by app channels.
To prevent accidental shutdowns, some notification actions may require unlock the device for security. And if an app runs a prolonged service (music, recording, persistent access), you'll see a notification not ruled out until you finish that task.
In panels with separation between notifications and Quick Settings, certain layers allow you to return to unite them from edit mode (pencil icon). If you don't see the option, the spacing may be specific to your manufacturer and isn't always modifiable.
If your desktop is cluttered, remember how remove a Home screen icon without uninstalling: long press, drag to Remove and release. To uninstall, drag it to uninstall if it appears, or do it from Settings > Applications. This order helps you use the notification bar as launch center efficient, with the essentials just a gesture away.
By combining Bar Launcher for app rows, Custom Quick Settings tiles, and a Shortcutter-powered side panel, you can turn your notification bar and Quick Settings into a personalized dashboard that saves time switching tasks, integrates visually with your phone, and doesn't require root.
