How to make the launcher the main one on Android: 3 proven methods

Changing the standard launcher on Android is one of the easiest ways to radically change the appearance of your smartphone without root access or complex manipulations. However, many users encounter a problem: after installing a new launcher (Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, Action Launcher etc.), the system continues to open the native interface when pressing the button Home. In this article, we will look at why this happens and how assign a third-party launcher as the main one on any device - from Samsung Galaxy to Xiaomi Redmi.

It is important to understand that the process depends on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell. For example, on “pure” Android 13+ the algorithm differs from that used in MIUI 14 or One UI 5.1. We will look at universal methods, as well as nuances for popular brands. If you have already tried to change the launcher through the settings and nothing worked, do not rush to delete the application: most likely, the problem lies in incorrect sequence of actions or manufacturer restrictions.

Why Android does not save the selected launcher

The main reason why the system “forgets” your choice - priority conflict between the shell and the installed software. Smartphone manufacturers (especially Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) often block the ability to completely replace the standard launcher in order to preserve the corporate design. Here are the key factors:

• 🔄 Automatic recovery: some shells (for example, MIUI) reset the launcher settings after a reboot or update.
• 🛡️ Manufacturer restrictions: on devices Huawei s EMUI or Oppo s ColorOS you may need to disable "Application Protection".
• 📱 Android version: starting from Android 10, Google has tightened the rules for default launchers by adding additional confirmations.
• 🔧 Cache errors: Corrupted application data may prevent settings from being saved.

Another common one error - users click Home immediately after selecting the launcher, without waiting for the process to complete. As a result, the system does not have time to apply the changes. If you encounter such a problem, try restart the device after changing the launcher - this often helps.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android Go (for example, Nokia 1.4 or Samsung Galaxy A03 Core) some launchers may be unstable due to limited resources. Before installation, check compatibility in Google Play.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings

This method works on most devices with Android 8.0 and newer, but may differ depending on the shell. The instructions are suitable for "pure" Android (Pixel, Motorola), as well as for Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI and other popular firmware.

1. Install the selected launcher from Google Play (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).

2. Open the launcher application from the menu. The system will offer to make it default - click Always or Use as default.

3. If the window does not appear, go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Launcher (on some devices the path may be different, for example, Settings → Home).

4. Select the installed launcher from the list and confirm your choice.

On devices Xiaomi the path may look like this: Settings → All applications → Gear icon (Manage applications) → Default launcher. If the desired item is not there, try method 2 or 3.

Install the launcher from the official source (Google Play/F-Droid)

Close all background applications (especially optimizers)

Disable the power saving mode for the launcher

Reboot your device before setting up-->

Manufacturer	Path to launcher settings	Features
Google Pixel	Settings → Applications → Default Launcher	Instant application without reboot
Samsung	Settings → Applications → Default selection → Home	You may need to disable Samsung Daily
Xiaomi	Settings → All applications → Management → Launcher	After selection, you need to click Done in the upper corner
Huawei	Settings → Applications → Launcher → Default	You need to disable "Protection" applications"

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Realme and Oppo s ColorOS after updating to Android 13 the standard method may not work. In this case, use ADB command (method 3) or contact branded support forums.

Method 2: Resetting application preferences

If the launcher is not saved as the main one or disappears after a reboot, resetting application settings to default will help. This method does not delete. data, but returns all “defaults” to factory settings.

1. Open Settings → Applications.

2. Click on the three dots in the upper corner (or Additional) and select Resetting application preferences.

3. Confirm the action. The system will warn that this may affect other applications (for example, browser or SMS).

4. After resetting, open the installed launcher again - the system will offer to make it the main one.

This method is especially effective for devices Lenovo, Asus and some models Meizu, where the standard launcher settings may conflict with system services. If after resetting the problem persists, check whether antivirus or optimizer (for example, Clean Master or 360 Security) the work of the new launcher.

What to do if the reset did not help?

If after resetting the preferences the launcher is still not saved, try:

1. Delete the cache and data of the standard launcher (for example, One UI Home for Samsung).

2. Disable the standard launcher via Settings → Applications → Disable (not always possible).

3. Use the ADB command (method 3) for forced assignment.

Method 3: Forced assignment via ADB (for experienced)

If the previous methods did not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a tool for debugging, which allows you to manually set the default launcher. This method requires a connection to a computer, but is guaranteed to work even on locked shells.

You will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with ADB drivers installed.
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the smartphone (Settings → About phone → Number assembly — press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and confirm permission to debugging.

2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.

3. Enter the command to test the connection:

   adb devices

   Wait for the device serial number to appear.

4. Find out the package name of your launcher (for example, for Nova Launcher this com.teslacoilsw.launcherCan be found in Google Play or through the command:

   adb shell pm list packages | grep launcher

5. Run the command to set the default launcher:

   adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.teslacoilsw.launcher/com.teslacoilsw.launcher.NovaLauncher

   Replace com.teslacoilsw.launcher to the name of your package.

If after executing the command the launcher is not used, reboot the device while holding down the power button (forced reboot). This will clear the system services cache.

Nova Launcher

Microsoft Launcher

Action Launcher

Lawnchair

Other (write in the comments)-->

Solving problems on specific devices

Some manufacturers make their own adjustments to the process of changing the launcher. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands:

Samsung (One UI)

On devices Galaxy S22, A53 and other devices One UI 5.1+ the service may interfere. To disable it: Samsung Daily. To disable it:

1. Hold your finger on the main screen → tap on Settings (gear).
2. Disable Samsung Daily at the bottom of the screen.
3. Reboot the device and select the launcher again.

Xiaomi (MIUI)

On Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and other s MIUI 14 you may need:

• 🔧 Disable MIUI Optimization in the battery settings for launcher.
• 🔄 Run Cleaning in Security App (tab Acceleration).
• 📱 Install the launcher as system application via Settings → Accessibility → Special access → Installing packages (requires developer rights).

Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS)

On Huawei P50, Mate 40 Pro and others with EMUI 12+ or HarmonyOS:

1. Open Settings → Security → Protection applications.
2. Find your launcher in the list and disable protection.
3. Go to Settings → Applications → Launcher → Software default and select the one you need.

What to do if the launcher is not saved after a reboot

If you have successfully designated the launcher as the main one, but after a reboot or update the system returns to the standard interface, the problem lies in one of three factors:

1. Automatic system recovery. Some shells (for example, ColorOS on Oppo Reno8) reset the launcher settings when restarted. disable Auto recovery in the developer settings (Settings → System → For developers → Application recovery).

2. Battery optimization. Android can "freeze" the launcher to save battery. Add it to the exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery optimization → All applications → Find launcher → No restrictions.

3. Conflict with system services. On some devices (for example Sony Xperia), the standard launcher is integrated into system processes. Solution: disable it via ADB:

   adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.sonyericsson.home

   (replace com.sonyericsson.home with your standard package launcher).

If the problem persists, check whether application for blocking ads or changing system ones. settings (for example, AdGuard or Tasker) are installed on the device. Such apps may interfere with the operation of launchers.

How to return the standard launcher

If you want to roll back to native interface, do the following:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Default applications → Launcher.

2. Select a standard launcher (for example, One UI Home for Samsung or Launcher3 for pure Android).

3. If the desired item is not there, reset application preferences (see Method 2).

4. To completely remove a third-party launcher, go to Settings → Applications → Find the launcher → Delete.

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi), the standard launcher may be disabled. To return it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Management applications.
2. Find the system launcher (for example, MIUI Launcher).
3. Press Enableif the button is active.

If after removing a third-party launcher, the system prompts you to select each time press Home, reset preferences (see Method 2) or restart the device.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the change launcher

Can I install the launcher without Google Play?

Yes, you can download the APK file of the launcher from the official website of the developer (for example, Nova Launcher) or through alternative stores like APKMirror. installation:

• 🔓 Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
• 🛡️ Check the file hash (for example, via VirusTotal) to avoid malicious Software.

Please note that when installing via APK automatic updates will not work you will have to track new versions manually.

Why does the launcher slow down or crash?

Reasons may be different:

• 📉 Lack of RAM: close background applications or install a “light” version of the launcher (for example, Nova Launcher Lite).
• 🗑️ Filled storage: launchers cache data - free up 1-2 GB of memory.
• 🔄 Conflict with the shell: on ColorOS or FuntouchOS try disabling animations in the developer settings.
• 🐞 Error in the app itself: check the reviews in Google Play — perhaps the problem is widespread, and you need to wait for an update.

If the launcher crashes when opening a specific application, try clear cache this application or disable "display in split screen" for it (on some shells this causes conflicts).

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

Yes, root is not required to change the launcher on 99% of devices. All methods described in the article work without superuser rights. However, there is. nuances:

• ⚙️ Without root you will not be able delete the system launcher (only disable).
• 🔧 Some launcher functions (for example, changing system application icons) may require root.
• 📱 On devices with a locked bootloader (for example, Samsung Knox), some of the launcher's capabilities will be limited.

If you need advanced settings (for example, changing the screen DPI or hiding system icons), consider the option with Magisk and module Lawnchair or Nova Launcher with patches.

How to transfer launcher settings to a new phone?

Most launchers support backup, for example, in Nova Launcher:

1. Open the launcher settings (hold your finger on the main screen → Nova Settings).
2. Go to Backup and Import.
3. Tap Create a backup copy and save the file to Google Drive or to local storage.
4. On the new phone, install the same launcher, import settings from the file.

For Action Launcher or Microsoft Launcher the process is similar. If the launcher does not support backup, you can manually:

• 📁 Copy the settings folder (usually located in /Android/data/[package launcher]).
• 🔄 Use Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup.

Will the launcher work after updating Android?

It depends on the manufacturer's policy and the version of the launcher:

• ✅ Clean Android (Pixel, Motorola): usually no problem, but you may need to reselect the default launcher.
• ⚠️ Samsung/One UI: after major updates (for example, from One UI 5.0 to 6.0), the launcher may reset. from Method 1.
• ❌ Huawei/EMUI: after updating to a new version of the shell (for example, from EMUI 12 to 13), the launcher may no longer be saved. In this case, only the ADB command will help (see Method 3).

To minimize risks, before updating:

1. Create a backup copy of your launcher settings (if supported).
2. Remember or take a photo of the current settings (icon placement, widgets, etc.).
3. Check on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA-Developers) to see if there are any compatibility problems after the update.