Oxygen OS guide: Everything you need to know

OnePlus is known for its great smartphone hardware, but it also has a great reputation for software. Although things will change a bit in terms of software in 2021, Oxygen OS is still one of the most respected Android skins out there.

See also: A history of every OnePlus phone so far

In this article, we’re going to give you everything you need to know about the OnePlus Android skin. If you are thinking about getting into the OnePlus ecosystem, this is essential read. Even if you’re already a OnePlus fan, there may be some information here that you can use!

Publisher’s Note: This article will be updated starting August 2021. We’ll be adding / removing content as soon as OnePlus releases more information about Oxygen OS.

When Oxygen OS first came out, it was a breath of fresh air – a play on words that OnePlus clearly played. In 2015, a lot of Android skins were bloated and ugly. However, OnePlus’s skin was simple and sophisticated, which led to it becoming a hit.

Over the years, OnePlus has added more features to the skin, which in turn has reduced its simple nature a bit. However, if you want an Android skin that retains the overall feel of Stock Android while offering plenty of features for power users, this is a great option.

See also: What is android

The success of Oxygen OS is an important factor in the company’s brand loyalty. Many OnePlus fans refuse to buy from other companies, not because of the hardware, but because they don’t want to give up Oxygen OS.

From 2021, OnePlus will change its Android skin in big steps. In the future, the core code of Oxygen OS will be integrated into the code of Oppos Color OS (Oppo is a sister brand of OnePlus under the banner of BBK Electronics). On the one hand, this integration should lead to faster, more stable and longer-lasting updates. On the other hand, at some point in the future, it could change the way Oxygen OS looks, feels, and works.

The latest version of Oxygen OS

Unlike some other companies – like Samsung and its One UI – OnePlus pushes different variations of Oxygen OS across its various phones. Therefore, the version number of the operating system on the OnePlus 9 will be slightly different from that on the OnePlus 8, which is also different from that of the OnePlus Nord 2.

However, all of these variants fall under the same core version, which is Oxygen OS 11. The numbers that appear after your version number are only relevant to your specific phone line, but the number 11 should be the first number you see.

OnePlus’ software versions are now the same as the Android version they are tied to. For example, OOS 11 is based on Android 11. The version of Oxygen OS that we’ll see later in 2021 is based on Android 12, so it is called OOS 12. It is not possible to reconcile versions, e.g. OS 11 on an Android 10 phone, for example.

See the next section for steps to check your version number.

How to check your version and for updates using Oxygen OS

If you don’t know what version of Oxygen OS is on your OnePlus device, this is an easy one to check. Here are the steps:

1. Go to Android settings by finding the shortcut in your app drawer or notification bar.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the list and tap the Via phone Section.
3. By doing Via phone You will see your section Build number, this is your version of Oxygen OS.

If you’re using an older version of Oxygen OS, chances are that an update is waiting for you. You can check for software updates using the following steps:

1. Go to Android settings by finding the shortcut in your app drawer or notification bar.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the list and find that system Section.
3. Within system, find and tap System update at the end of the list.
4. Oxygen OS will let you know if you are using the latest version. If not, you will be given instructions on how to download and install an update.

If your software is up to date but you don’t have the latest version of Oxygen OS, it means your phone hasn’t received the update yet. It is also possible that your phone is too old to receive new updates.

A brief history of Oxygen OS

In 2014, OnePlus launched its first smartphone, the OnePlus One. The One was a unique device in that it came with a commercialized version of a community-created Android port called the CyanogenMod. The commercial version was called Cyanogen OS. The fact that the One’s operating system was directly tied to Android tinkerers and enthusiasts was a big part of the phone’s initial hype.

However, the people who run Cyanogen Inc. have made a huge mess of the company. When the company collapsed, OnePlus needed a new Android skin – and quickly. This is how Oxygen OS was born.

See also: Oxygen OS vs. One UI

The first version of the software hit the market in 2015 and was essentially stock Android with only minor changes. This makes sense once you understand how quickly OnePlus created the skin. With each new version, OnePlus added more functions and visual optimizations. By 2017, the company had found its advancement, and Oxygen OS received rave reviews and convinced consumers to give OnePlus phones a shot.

It is noteworthy that OnePlus used to have a skin only for its home country China, which was called Hydrogen OS. In 2021, OnePlus brought Color OS – Oppos Android skin – to its phones in China. Shortly afterwards, the company announced that it would merge the core code of Color OS with Oxygen OS. This is part of the two companies’ larger ambitions to integrate more closely in order to strengthen their market position. This will likely cause the two skins to become increasingly similar over time.

What Oxygen OS looks like

Here is a gallery of screenshots that should give you an idea of ​​what to expect from Oxygen OS.

Every Android skin out there puts its own stamp on the software. Here are five things Oxygen OS can do that most other skins can’t.

Zen mode

In our technological age, putting the phone down can be difficult. That’s why there is Zen mode. This mode is exclusive to OnePlus phones. It essentially locks you out of your phone for a period of time. Even a reboot won’t stop it. The result is that you will not be able to use your phone at all (except for making emergency calls and taking photos) until it exits Zen mode. This is something OnePlus fans have really embraced and is a big selling point for Oxygen OS.

Insight AOD

OnePlus was very late in bringing an always-on display (AOD) to its phones. However, when it finally dropped an AOD into Oxygen OS, it did a great job launching numerous AOD formats. One of the custom AODs that you can choose is called Insight. It shows a timeline of your unlocks right on the screen at all times. This should make you aware of how often you use your phone and potentially discourage you from checking Instagram again. But don’t worry: if you don’t want to know how often to unlock your phone, there are plenty of other AOD options out there.

Improved dark mode

At this point, pretty much every Android skin has a dark mode. However, OnePlus has an advanced dark mode that dynamically changes contrast and readjusts hues for easy reading. You can also set the dark mode to start at sunset or at any time of your choosing.

Dynamic background images

Changing your phone’s wallpaper is always fun. But what if it changes automatically during the day? Oxygen OS lets you add a lot of variety to your phone with dynamically changing wallpapers. At certain points during the day, your wallpaper will change to something new. You never know what you are going to get.

Custom font

Most Android skins allow you to change the system font. This can make your phone look and feel very different, while also making the pages easier to read. However, Oxygen OS offers a custom font made by OnePlus called OnePlus Sans. As expected, the font is kept very simple, with straight lines and a resemblance to the famous Helvetica. But don’t worry: If you don’t like OnePlus Sans, you can stick to the standard Android font.

More information that may be of interest to you

That’s all you need to know about OnePlus’s Oxygen OS! Make sure to bookmark this page as we will update it if OnePlus changes the Android skin.