If you have updated to the Android 5.0 Lollipop Touchwiz firmware on your Samsung Galaxy Note 3, then it is a great idea to enable three dots menu so it becomes easier for you to access the menu. Many things have changed since Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of virtual software buttons. Previously, all Android devices had hardware buttons but with the release of ICS, almost all manufacturers moved to on-screen software buttons which consist of three keys: home, back and recent apps.
Also Read: Android 5.0 Lollipop Boot Animation For Galaxy Note 3
The virtual navigation bar is a great thing because a smartphone no longer needs to have hardware buttons which can stop working after a while. However, one important thing was removed with the introduction of software buttons and it is the menu key.
Since the navigation bar consists only from the buttons mentioned above, there is no space for a menu button. This led to the creation of three dots menu. As the name says, it is a button with three dots which launches the settings menu for the app you are currently using. Or if you are on the launcher, it will open the launcher settings.
Even Samsung, one of the few Android manufacturers that has stuck with hardware buttons, replaced the menu key with the recent apps button. Samsung has done this with its latest devices including the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4.
However, older devices like the Galaxy Note 3 have the menu button. In most cases, the three dots menu is a lot more usable and better to use because it is easier to press a button on the screen than trying to move your finger all the way down and try to reach the menu button. Especially on the Galaxy Note 3 which has a huge screen.
With the release of Android 5.0 Lollipop Touchwiz firmware for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, enabling the three dots menu has become easier. A senior member over at XDA has made it possible to easily enable three dots menu on the Galaxy Note 3 using the “TreDots” mod.
Before you continue with the guide below, here’s how to install Lollipop Touchwiz firmware on Galaxy Note 3 if you haven’t already:
Enable three dots menu on Galaxy Note 3 with Lollipop firmware
Required files
- Generic.kl file: link
- N9005 framework: tredots_new.zip
- Modded phone app: Clock_Phone.zip
Installing the mod
- Download all the files on the links above and move them to your phone.
- Using a root file explorer like ES File Explorer, go to /system/usr/keylayout and move the generic.kl file there.
- Turn off your phone and boot into recovery. To do so, press the volume up, home and power buttons at the same time.
- Wipe cache.
- Flash the framework as well as the modded phone app.
Reboot your phone and go to the app drawer of the launcher, open a system app or the settings menu and you will see the three dots menu. Simple as that. Also, check out the thread for any news or changes.