Many owners of smartphone brands Tecno i Infinix after turning on the device for the first time are faced with an unusual interface that differs significantly from standard “pure” Android. This is not a random glitch, but a pre-installed software shell called HiOS Launcher. It completely changes the appearance of the desktop, application menu and system settings, adding many functions that are not present in the basic version of the operating system.
Understanding this HiOS what is this applicationis critical for users who want to optimize the performance of their gadget. This shell is based on Android, but puts its own layer of visualization and operating logic on top. In some cases, users perceive it as unnecessary software that slows down the device, while others highly appreciate the advanced customization and energy saving capabilities built right into the launcher.
In this article we will analyze in detail the HiOS architecture, its key features, and also answer the most common questions about whether this launcher can be removed or replace it with a lighter analogue. You will learn how to customize the interface for yourself and whether it is even worth fighting with pre-installed software from the manufacturer.
The essence and origin of the HiOS shell
HiOS is a user interface (UI) developed by Transsion Holdings specifically for its subsidiary brands. It was originally created to adapt Android to the needs of markets in developing countries, where energy efficiency and working with limited RAM are important. Over time, the shell has evolved and is now installed on a wide range of devices, from budget phones to flagship models.
Technically HiOS Launcher is a modified version of the standard Android launcher. It is responsible for drawing icons, widgets, notification bar and navigation gestures. Unlike pure Android, it has its own algorithms for managing memory and background processes. The main feature of HiOS is the deep integration of system utilities directly into the desktop, which allows you to manage the phone without going into deep settings menus.
The developers strive to make the interface as informative as possible. On the desktop you can often find widgets for weather, news and quick access to cleaning tools, which are an integral part of the launcher. This creates a unified ecosystem, but deprives the user of the ability to easily change the visual style without installing third-party apps.
It is worth noting that the shell version is constantly updated. If you bought a phone a couple of years ago, you may have HiOS 7.0 or 8.0, while newer models get HiOS 12 and higher based on the latest versions of Android. The interface and set of functions may vary significantly depending on the firmware version and the specific smartphone model.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and the names of some functions may differ depending on the regional firmware version and the model of your smartphone. Manufacturers often change the location of elements in updates, so check the names of items with the current version of the software on your device.
Key functions and interface capabilities
One of the calling cards of HiOS is the function Smart Panel. This is a sidebar that is called up by swiping from the edge of the screen. It stores frequently used apps, contacts, and tools for taking screenshots or recording your screen. This implementation allows you to quickly switch between tasks without minimizing the current application.
Another important feature is the system App Freeze (Freezing applications). The launcher allows you to temporarily disable background apps that you rarely use but don't want to delete. This frees up RAM and reduces battery consumption. The user can customize the list of frozen applications directly through the desktop settings.
- 🎨 Themes and customization: The built-in theme store allows you to change icons, fonts and wallpapers in a couple of clicks, deeply integrated into the system.
- 🔋 Power management: Launcher widgets give quick access to power saving modes and charge monitoring batteries.
- 🛡️ Security: The shell has built-in tools for hiding applications, password protection and virus scanning.
It is also worth mentioning the function Game Mode. When you launch games, the launcher automatically goes into a special mode, blocking notifications and calls, as well as redistributing processor resources in favor of the game. This ensures smoother gameplay on devices with average specifications.
If you want to maximize battery life, activate the "Ultra Power Saving" mode in HiOS settings, which disables all background processes and leaves only basic communication functions.
The impact of HiOS on performance and battery
The question of how HiOS Launcher affects the speed of a smartphone is one of the most controversial. On the one hand, the abundance of visual effects, animations and background services can put a strain on the processor. On older or budget models with a small amount of RAM (2-3 GB), this can lead to noticeable slowdowns when switching between desktops.
On the other hand, memory optimization algorithms built into the shell often work more efficiently than standard Android mechanisms. The system aggressively unloads applications from memory that have not been used for a long time. This helps maintain the performance of the interface, even if the user has many tabs open in the browser or heavy games.
| Parameter | Pure Android | HiOS Launcher | Impact on the device |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM consumption during idle | Low | Medium/High | HiOS takes up more memory for its services |
| Background processes | Minimum | Active | Notifications and HiOS widgets work constantly |
| Energy consumption | Optimal | Depends on settings | Without settings, may consume battery faster |
| Customization | Limited | Extended | More features without root access |
To minimize the negative impact on the battery, it is recommended to disable unnecessary animations and widgets. Go to Settings → Desktop and lock screen and disable the effects that you do not use. This is an easy way to reduce the load on the graphics accelerator.
On devices with less than 4 GB of RAM, disabling unnecessary HiOS widgets can increase battery life by 10-15%.
Is it possible to remove or disable HiOS Launcher
Users often wonder: is it possible to completely get rid of this shell? The answer is ambiguous. Since HiOS is a system application, regular removal through settings is not possible. The "Delete" button in the application menu will be inactive. However, there are ways to disable it or replace it with an alternative.
The safest method is to install a third-party launcher from Google Play. Popular options such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launchercan completely cover the HiOS interface. After installing the new launcher, the system will prompt you to select a default application for your desktop. By selecting the new option, you will no longer see HiOS elements.
For more advanced users, there is a method to disable it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and entering special commands. This approach allows you to actually “freeze” the system launcher, freeing up device resources. But you should be extremely careful: incorrect actions can cause the phone to stop responding to presses.
Command to disable HiOS via ADB
To disable, use the command: pm disable-user --user 0 com.transsion.hioslauncher. To enable it back: pm enable com.transsion.hioslauncher. Use only if you are confident in your actions!
⚠️ Attention: Before trying to disable the system launcher, make sure that you have an alternative launcher installed and active. Otherwise, you risk getting a black screen after a reboot and will only be able to restore access to your phone through a hard reset.
Customizing the desktop and navigation gestures
HiOS offers flexible tools for personalizing your space. You can change the desktop grid to make icons larger or smaller to fit more applications on one screen. These settings are accessed by long pressing on an empty area of the desktop.
The gesture system deserves special attention. Modern versions of HiOS have abandoned the classic navigation buttons in favor of swipes. You can configure the sensitivity and logic of gestures in the menu System navigation. Here you can also enable one-handed control, which slides the interface down for easy access with your thumb.
- 📂 Folders and groups: Support for creating folders with a gradient background and smart sorting of applications inside.
- 🔍 Search: Built-in Google search bar or local content right on the home screen.
- 🌙 Dark theme: Global switching of the interface to dark mode to save energy on AMOLED screens.
Don't forget about widgets. In HiOS they often have a unique design that is different from standard Android widgets. For example, a weather widget can show a real-time animation of precipitation. To add a widget, hold your finger on the desktop and select "Widgets" in the bottom menu.
☑️ Optimizing the HiOS interface
Problem solving and frequently asked questions
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the launcher begins to work unstable: icons disappear, the menu does not open, or the phone freezes on the screensaver. This is most often resolved by clearing the application cache. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications, find it in the list HiOS Launcher and click "Clear cache".
If the problem persists, the conflict may be caused by some third-party application or widget. Try booting your phone into safe mode. If the launcher works normally in this mode, then the reason needs to be looked for among recently installed apps.
It is also worth remembering that any deep changes to the system, such as installing custom firmware or removing system components, may void your warranty. If your phone is under warranty, it is better to limit yourself to using third-party launchers without interfering with system files.
Can I return the old interface if I don’t like the new one?
Yes, you can reset the launcher settings to factory settings. To do this, go to the HiOS settings and find the "Reset desktop settings" item. This will return the layout of icons and widgets to the out-of-the-box state, but will not uninstall your applications.
Why does HiOS Launcher consume a lot of battery?
High consumption is often associated with active widgets (weather, news) and constant data synchronization. Disabling live wallpapers and unused widgets will significantly reduce battery consumption.
Is it safe to use third-party launchers on Tecno and Infinix?
Yes, installing launchers from Google Play (Nova, Lawnchair, etc.) is completely safe and does not violate the warranty. They work like regular applications on top of the system.
How to update HiOS to the latest version?
Shell updates come along with Android system updates. Check for updates in the menu Settings → System → Software update.