How to change the launcher on Android in the settings

Changing the standard interface is one of the simplest and most effective ways to personalize your mobile device. Users often search for information how to change the launcher on Android in the settingsto get new features, improve visual style, or improve system performance. The standard shell from the manufacturer does not always satisfy the needs of advanced users, so installing a third-party solution becomes an urgent task.

The process of replacing desktop management software does not require availability root access and is completed in a few minutes. However, depending on the operating system version and smartphone model, the path to the required parameters may differ. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages: from downloading the file to forcing activation of the new interface through the system menu.

Some manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, Huawei or Samsung, may limit the ability to change the default desktop, complicating the process for beginners. We will look at methods for bypassing these limitations and answer common questions that arise when setting up a custom shell for the first time.

Preparing the device and choosing a suitable launcher

Before proceeding with technical manipulations, you need to select a suitable application. The store Google Play presents hundreds of options: from minimalistic solutions to powerful all-in-one tools with thousands of settings. The choice depends on your goals: do you want to speed up your old smartphone or just change icons and animations.

Pay attention to the system requirements of the selected application. Heavy shells with 3D effects and widgets can significantly load RAM the processor. If you have a budget device, it is better to pay attention to lightweight options that consume a minimum of resources in the background.

For successful installation, make sure that there is enough free space on the device. Although the applications themselves are lightweight, the cache and data can take up significant space over time. It is recommended to clear unnecessary files before starting the process.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher —the gold standard of customization, the perfect balance between functionality and speed.
• 🎨 Lawnchair —an excellent choice for those who love the pure Android style (Pixel style) and open code.
• ⚡ Microsoft Launcher —powerful integration with the Windows ecosystem and a convenient ribbon news.
• 🛡️ Smart Launcher —automatic sorting of applications and an intuitive interface for beginners.

⚠️ Attention: Avoid downloading launchers from dubious sources outside the official store. Modified versions may contain malicious code that intercepts data input or displays intrusive advertising.

Installing an application from Google Play or an APK file

The standard and most secure way is to use the official application store. Find the selected launcher through the search, click the “Install” button and wait until the download completes. The system will automatically request the necessary permissions, which will need to be confirmed.

In some cases, for example, when installing beta versions or regional modifications, installation via APK filemay be required. To do this, you need to allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings of your browser or file manager.

After installation, do not rush to open the application. First, make sure that the process was completed correctly and the system sees the new component. In rare cases, on devices with strict restrictions (for example, some firmware Huawei EMUI), additional settings of access rights may be required.

Activation of the new interface through the system menu

The most important stage is for the system, which application should be responsible for displaying the desktop. After the first launch, the new launcher usually offers to become the main one. If this does not happen, or you accidentally clicked “Cancel,” you need to change the settings manually.

The algorithm of actions may vary depending on the version of Android. In most cases, the path lies through the applications section. You need to find the item responsible for default applications and change the value for the “Desktop” or “Home Screen” category.

Let's consider a universal method for pure Android and shells close to it. Go to settings, find the “Applications” or “Applications and notifications” section. Next, go to advanced settings or find the “Default applications” item.

Settings → Applications → Default applications → Home screen → Select a new launcher

On devices Samsung One UI the path may look different. Here you often need to go to the settings of the application itself or use a search in the phone settings by entering the request “Home Screen”. The system will show a list of available options where you need to select the previously installed launcher.

Manufacturer / Shell	Path in settings	Features
Pure Android (Pixel, Motorola)	Applications → Default applications → Home screen	Standard and clear interface.
Samsung (One UI)	Settings → Chapter. screen → Select an application	May require confirmation through your account.
Xiaomi (MIUI / HyperOS)	Applications → Management → Default → Launcher	Advertising appears frequently when changing.
Huawei (EMUI)	Applications → Default → Home screen	Sometimes blocks third-party solutions.

Features of changing the launcher on Xiaomi and Huawei

Owners Smartphones from Chinese giants often face additional complications. Developers MIUI and EMUI intentionally complicate the process of changing the interface in order to keep the user in their ecosystem. When you try to change settings, the system may issue security warnings.

On devices Xiaomi when you change the launcher, a window with a countdown timer (usually 10 seconds) often appears, which requires confirmation of the action. This is done to protect against accidental changes or malware. You just need to wait until the countdown ends and press the confirm button.

Devices Huawei may not display a third-party launcher in the list of available launchers at all if it is not certified by the manufacturer. In such cases, clearing the data from the standard launcher helps. Go to the application settings, find “Desktop” (or Huawei Home), click “Storage” and select “Reset” or “Clear data”.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting the default launcher data will delete your widgets and icon layout on your home desktop. Make sure you have a backup of your important settings or are ready to set everything up again.

What to do if the select button is grayed out?

If the Home Screen item in the Default Applications menu is grayed out, try temporarily disabling the default launcher in the list of all applications. If the system does not allow you to disable it, use ADB commands to force a change, but this requires connecting to a PC.

Setting up gestures and navigation in the new interface

After successfully activating the new launcher, it is important to set up navigation. Modern versions of Android use gesture controls, which may conflict with the gestures of the launcher itself. For example, a swipe up to open the application menu may overlap with a swipe to return to the home screen.

In the settings of most advanced launchers, such as Nova Launcher, there is a separate section “Gestures and input”. Here you can assign actions to double tap, swipe right or left, and long press. This allows you to significantly speed up your work with your smartphone.

It is recommended to disable the transition animation between desktops in the system settings if you experience stuttering. In the launcher itself, you can also adjust the speed of the scrolling animation and the zoom effect. Experiment with these settings to find the balance between smoothness and responsiveness.

Don't forget to customize your desktop grid. Increasing the number of cells allows you to place more icons, but makes them smaller. For devices with a screen smaller than 6 inches, a 4x5 or 5x5 grid is considered optimal. On large screens you can use 6x6 or more.

Returning to the standard launcher and eliminating errors

Sometimes the new interface may be unstable, cause crashes, or simply not be liked by the user. In this case, you need to know how to return everything back. The process is reversible and usually takes less than a minute.

To return the default launcher, go to the default application settings in the same way you changed them before. In the “Desktop” list, select the “System launcher” option or the name of your manufacturer’s shell (for example, One UI Home).

If the phone freezes after installation and you cannot get into the settings, try a forced reboot (usually by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds). When loading, the system itself may prompt you to select a launcher if the previous one caused a critical error.

B In extreme cases, when the device boots, but the interface does not work, you can remove the problematic application through safe mode. To enter safe mode, you usually need to hold the shutdown button on the screen until the corresponding prompt appears.

• 🔄 Go to Settings → Applications → Software default to return the old version.
• 🗑️ Complete removal of a third-party launcher will return control to the system application automatically.
• 🛡️ Use safe mode if the phone freezes immediately after turning on.

⚠️ Attention: Smartphone manufacturer interfaces are constantly being updated. be called differently or be moved to other sections. If you do not find the item you need, use the search inside the phone settings.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does changing the launcher affect the battery life?

Yes, it can. animation, weather widgets and constant updating of the news feed consume more energy. Lightweight options (for example, Niagara or KISS) can even save battery compared to overloaded standard shells.

Is it possible to install two launchers at the same time?

You can install as many as you like, but only one can be active at one time. The system allows you to switch between them at any time through the “Default Applications” settings, but they cannot work in parallel on the same screen.

Will my icons and widgets disappear after the change?

Standard application icons will remain in place, since they are part of the installed apps. However, widgets and shortcuts placed on the desktop will most likely disappear or be reset, since each launcher stores its own configuration of the arrangement of elements.

Is it safe to use launchers with superuser rights?

Using functions that require root access (for example, changing system fonts or icons at the level) system), carries risks. An error in the modification can lead to a “bootlap” (cyclic reboot). Use such functions only if you understand the consequences.

Why does the “Home” button work strangely after installation?

This is a common problem on older devices or when there is a conflict in navigation gestures. Try disabling the “Intercept home button” option in the settings of the new launcher. on the contrary, turn it on to transfer control to the application.