The launcher is not just icons and wallpaper on the screen of your smartphone. It central element of the interfacethat determines how you interact with the device: from gestures and animations to organizing applications and widgets. Many users do not even suspect that the standard launcher from Samsung, Xiaomi or Google can be replaced with an alternative one - with a unique design, advanced functions or optimization for specific tasks.

Changing the default launcher is a procedure that takes less than a minute, but opens access to hundreds of customizations. For example, you can install minimalistic Nova Launcher to improve performance, Microsoft Launcher to integrate with Windows, or Apex Launcher to fine-tune gestures. However, not everyone knows how to correctly set a new launcher as the system default, especially on devices with shells like One UI or MIUI, where the settings are hidden deeper.

In this article we will examine 5 proven methods change the default launcher - from the standard Android menu to manual methods for advanced users. You will also learn how to avoid common mistakes (for example, when the system “forgets” your choice after a reboot) and which launchers are best suited for weak smartphones.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (especially from Huawei and Honor), manufacturers block the ability change the default launcher through standard settings. In this case, workarounds will be required - they are described in the about section advanced methods.

Why change the default launcher?

Standard launchers from manufacturers are often overloaded with unnecessary functions, advertising, or are simply inconvenient. Here are the key reasons to install an alternative:

  • 🚀 Performance: Light launchers like Lawnchair or Rootless Launcher consume less RAM and battery, which is critical for budget smartphones.
  • 🎨 Design: Ability to customize icons, fonts, transition animations and even icon shapes (for example, in Nova Launcher Prime).
  • 🤖 Functionality: Additional gestures (for example, swipe up to search), hidden folders, adaptive icons or integration with Google Discover.
  • 🔒 Privacy: Some launchers (for example, OLauncher) do not collect user data, unlike branded shells.

For example, on Samsung Galaxy s One UI the standard launcher cannot be customized for a minimalistic style, and on Xiaomi s MIUI many complain about aggressive advertising in the search bar. Alternative solutions solve these problems.

💡 Interesting fact: on Pixel from Google default launcher (Pixel Launcher) does not support third party navigation gestures. Installation Nova Launcher allows you to bypass this limitation.

📊 Which launcher are you using now?
Standard from the manufacturer
Nova Launcher
Microsoft Launcher
Another third-party
I don’t know what it is

Preparation: choosing and installing a launcher

Before changing the default launcher, you need to install it here selection criteria for different tasks:

Task Recommended launcher Features
Maximum performance Lawnchair 2, Rootless Launcher Minimum RAM consumption, no animations
Customization Nova Launcher Prime, Apex Launcher Customizing icons, gestures, hiding applications
Integration with Windows Microsoft Launcher Synchronization with PC, access to files OneDrive
Minimalism OLauncher, Before Launcher No widgets, only icons and search

You can install the launcher from Google Play:

  1. Open Play Market.
  2. Enter the name of the launcher in the search (for example, Nova Launcher).
  3. Click Install and wait for the download to complete.

⚠️ Attention: Some launchers (for example Nova Launcher Prime) require a purchase to unlock all functions. Free versions usually have restrictions on gesture settings or quantity. tabs.

Download an alternative launcher from the Play Store|

Check compatibility with the Android version|

Close all background applications|

Make a backup copy current settings (if necessary)|-->

Method 1: Standard Android menu (the simplest)

This is a universal method that works on most devices with clean Android (for example, Pixel, Nokia, Motorola) and many customized shells. Instructions:

  1. After installing the new launcher, press the button Home (or swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).
  2. The system will prompt you to select the default launcher to open. A window will appear with the inscription Open with.
  3. Select the desired launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) and check the box Always (or Use by default).
  4. Click OK.

If the selection window does not appear, go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Launcher and select the desired option manually.

🔧 Note for Samsung: On devices with One UI the path may be different: Settings → Lock screen and home screen → Home screen.

💡

If after changing the launcher the search engine disappeared line Google, install the widget Google Search manually: long press on the desktop → Widgets → find the widget Google and drag it to the screen.

Method 2: Changing the launcher on devices with customized skins

Manufacturers like Xiaomi, Huawei or Oppo often hide the launcher settings or block their changes. Here's how to get around it. restrictions:

Xiaomi (MIUI)

  • Go to Settings → Home screen.
  • Select Default launcher and specify the desired option.
  • If the item is not there, install the launcher, then click Home and select it in the window that appears.

Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS)

On new versions EMUI (10+) changing the launcher is blocked. Bypass. path:

  1. Install the launcher via APK (for example, from the website APKMirror).
  2. Launch it manually from the applications menu.
  3. Use ADB to force the default assignment (instructions in the section for advanced).

Samsung (One UI)

On Galaxy s One UI 5.0+:

  1. Go to Settings → Lock screen and home screen.
  2. Tap Home screen and select the desired launcher.
  3. If the option is not displayed, restart the device and try again.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Huawei and Honor after After resetting the settings, the launcher returns to standard by default. To avoid this, use ADB-commands (see the next section).

Why can’t you change the launcher on Huawei?

The manufacturer blocks this function due to security policy and promoting its own ecosystem HarmonyOS. Alternative launchers may work, but will not be assigned as system defaults without manual intervention.

Method 3: Advanced methods (ADB, Root, Tasker)

If the standard methods do not work, you will have to use developer tools. These methods are suitable for experienced ones. users.

Method 1: Assignment via ADB

Allows you to force the default launcher without the system interface.

  1. Enable USB debugging in Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → Developer settings → USB debugging.
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.novaluncher/.NovaLauncher

    (replace com.novaluncher with your launcher package).

  3. Reboot the device.

Method 2: Automation via Tasker

If the system resets the launcher after reboot, configure Tasker:

  1. Create a task with an action Launch App and specify your launcher.
  2. Add a trigger Device Boot.
  3. Save and activate the profile.

⚠️ Attention: Usage ADB and Root-rights may lead to loss of warranty or unstable operation of the device. Before experiments, make a backup copy of your data.

💡

The ADB command to change the launcher works even on locked devices (for example, Huawei), but requires a connection to a PC and debugging enabled.

Common problems and their solutions

When changing the launcher, errors may occur. Here's how to fix them:

  • ❌ The launcher resets after a reboot:

    Cause: The system does not save the settings. Solution: Use ADB-command (see above) or Tasker.

  • ❌ There is no “Launcher” item in the settings:

    Cause: The manufacturer has hidden the option. Solution: Try assigning a launcher through the selection window when pressed Home or use ADB.

  • ❌ The launcher slows down or crashes:

    Cause: Conflict with the manufacturer's shell. Solution: Clear the launcher cache in Settings → Applications or reinstall it.

  • ❌ Application icons are not updated:

    Cause: The icon cache is out of date. Solution: In the launcher settings, find the option Update icons or restart the device.

🔧 Tip for Xiaomi: If after changing the launcher the notification panel disappears, install the widget QuickStep (included Nova Launcher) or use the swipe down gesture from the top edge of the screen.

Optimizing the new launcher: 7 tips

Installing the launcher is half the battle. To make it work quickly and conveniently, configure it:

  1. Disable unnecessary animations:

    In the launcher settings (Nova, Apex) find the section Animations and select No animations to speed up work.

  2. Customize gestures:

    For example, in Nova Launcher you can assign a swipe up to open Google Assistant or double tap to lock the screen.

  3. Hide unnecessary applications:

    There is usually an option in the launcher application menu Hide applications - useful for removing duplicates or system utilities.

  4. Use adaptive icons:

    Enable the option in the settings so that all icons have the same shape (does not work on all launchers).

Important: On weak smartphones (for example, with 2 GB of RAM), disable background animation and widgets - this will reduce the load on the system by 15–20%.

💡

To return the standard launcher, go to Settings → Applications → Default applications and select the system option (for example, One UI Home for Samsung).

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to change the launcher on Android without root access?

Yes, in 90% of cases rights root are not required. It is enough to use the standard settings menu or ADB-commands. Root is needed only for deep customization of system files.

Why did the launcher reset after updating Android?

This is the standard behavior of the system - after major updates (for example, with Android 12 on 13) some settings are reset to default. Re-assign the launcher through settings or ADB.

How to find the name of the launcher package for the ADB command?

Install the application App Inspector from Play Market, open it and find your launcher in the list. The name of the package will be in the format com.developer.name.

Will the new launcher consume more battery?

Depends on the launcher. Light variants (Lawnchair) consume less energy than standard shells (MIUI, One UI). Check the consumption in Settings → Battery → Battery usage.

Is it possible to install an iOS-style launcher on Android?

Yes, for example, Launcher iOS 16 or XOS Launcher imitate the interface iPhone. However, they are often overloaded with advertising and can be slow.