Changing the standard launcher on smartphones Honor is a popular task among users who want to customize the interface to suit their needs. However, the procedure has nuances due to the proprietary shell Magic UI (or EMUI on older models), which limits some settings. In this article, we will look at how to correctly assign any launcher as the main one, avoiding common mistakes, and what to do if the system does not allow you to select a third-party application.

It is important to understand: even after installing a new launcher (for example, Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Action Launcher), the system can automatically return the standard interface after a reboot. This is due to the features of the firmware Honor, where priority is given to native services Huawei/Honor. We will show you how to bypass this limitation in legal ways - without root access and the risk of losing the warranty.

The article is relevant for all modern models Honor (including series Magic, X, Play, Note etc.) based on Android 10–14 with shells Magic UI 4.0–8.0 i EMUI 10–12. If your device is running on an older version of the software, some steps may differ - check the available options in the settings.

Why doesn't Honor allow you to change the default launcher?

The proprietary shell Magic UI (developed on the basis EMUI) is initially optimized for working with native services Huawei/Honor. This means that the system actively resists replacing key interface components, including:

  • 🔄 Automatic launcher reset after updating or rebooting the device.
  • 🚫 Hidden settings to select the default launcher (as opposed to "pure" Android).
  • 🛡️ Protection of system applications, which blocks the disabling of the standard launcher.

In addition, on some models Honor (especially those released after 2020) there is no classic “Default Applications” menu in the settings. Instead, the user is only asked to reset the launcher settings to factory settings, which negates all attempts at customization. It is possible to solve the problem, but this will require a combination of standard and alternative methods.

Another reason for the difficulties is Huawei's security policy, which limits the interaction of third-party applications with system processes. For example, launchers like Nova Launcher cannot get full access to control gestures or the weather widget, since these functions are strictly tied to Huawei Home.

📊 Which launcher do you prefer on Honor?
Standard (Magic UI)
Nova Launcher
Microsoft Launcher
Action Launcher
Other

Preparation: what you need to do before installing a new launcher

Before you start changing the launcher, follow a few mandatory steps. This will help avoid failures and maintain the functionality of the device:

  1. Create a backup copy of your data. Use Settings → System → Backup or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root access). It is especially important to save:
    • 📱 Contacts and messages (via Google Account or Honor Cloud).
    • 🖼️ Wallpaper and screen settings (many launchers reset them upon first launch).
    • 🔧 Widget settings (if you use custom solutions).
  • Check launcher compatibility with your version Magic UIFor example, Nova Launcher Fully supports gestures Android 12+, but may not work correctly on EMUI 10.
  • Disable. battery optimization for the new launcher Go to Settings → Applications → [Launcher name] → Battery and select No restrictions.

    • We also recommend clearing the cache of the standard launcher (Huawei Home or Honor Home) to avoid conflicts. To do this:

    1. Open Settings → Applications.
    2. Find Home (Huawei Home) or similar.
    3. Click Storage → Clear cache.

    ☑️ Preparing to change the launcher

    Done: 0 / 4

    Method 1: Standard default launcher assignment (for Magic UI 4.0–7.0)

    On most devices Honor s Magic UI 4.0–7.0 (and EMUI 10–12), you can try to assign a launcher through the system settings. However, this method does not work on all models - it all depends on the firmware version and regional restrictions.

    Instructions:

    1. Install the selected launcher from Google Play (for example, Nova Launcher).
    2. Launch it manually from the application menu.
    3. Press the button Home (or swipe up if navigation without buttons is used).
    4. In the window that appears, select Always for a new launcher.

    If the selection window is not appears:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Launcher.
    2. Select the installed launcher from the list.

      3. Attention! On some devices Honor (for example, Honor 50 or Magic 4 Pro) the "Launcher" item in the settings may be missing. In this case, go to Method 2.

      What to do if the launcher resets after a reboot?

      If the standard launcher opens again after restarting the device, this means that Magic UI is ignoring your settings. Solution:

      1. Uninstall updates for the Huawei Home application through Settings → Applications.

      2. Disable automatic updating of system applications in Google Play (Settings → Automatic application updates → Only via Wi-Fi or Never).

      3. Use the ADB command to force the launcher assignment (see Method 3).

      Method 2: Forced change of launcher via ADB (for experienced users)

      If the standard method does not work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) - a tool for debugging Android devices. This method requires connecting the smartphone to a computer, but does not violate the warranty and does not require root access.

      What. you will need:

      • 🖥️ A computer with ADB drivers installed.
      • 📱 Enabled USB Debugging on a smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For Developers).
      • 🔌 USB cable (better original).

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and confirm permission to debug.
    2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with platform-tools.
    3. Enter the command to check the connection: 
      adb devices

      Wait for the device serial number to appear.

    4. Run the command to assign the default launcher (replace com.example.launcher with your launcher package, for example com.teslacoilsw.launcher for Nova Launcher): 
      adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.example.launcher
    5. Reboot the device.

    Important: On some Honor models (for example, with Magic UI 6.0+) this command may not work due to blocking system changes. In this case, try an alternative option:

    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.huawei.android.launcher

    This command disables the standard launcher, but may lead to malfunctions of some system functions (for example, weather widgets).

    💡

    To find out. exact launcher package, install the application App Inspector from Google Play. It will show the full name of the package (for example, com.microsoft.launcher for Microsoft Launcher).

    Method 3: Using third-party utilities to change the launcher

    If the ADB method seems complicated, you can use specialized applications that simplify the process. One of the most reliable solutions is Home Switcher (available in Google Play). It allows you to manually select the default launcher, even if system settings block it.

    How to use Home Switcher:

    1. Install the application and run it.
    2. In the list of available launchers, select the one you need (for example, Nova Launcher).
    3. Click Set as default and confirm the action.
    4. Reboot the device.

    Advantages of the method:

    • ✅ Does not require connection to a PC.
    • ✅ Works on most versions Magic UI.
    • ✅ Allows you to quickly switch between launchers.

    Disadvantages:

    • ❌ On some models Honor (for example, Honor 70) the application may not recognize installed launchers.
    • ❌ After updating the firmware, the settings may be reset.

    Attention! Some "optimizers" like Clean Master or DU Speed Booster may conflict with custom launchers, resetting their settings. Remove such applications before setting up.

    Compatibility table of launchers with Honor devices

    Not all launchers work equally well on smartphones Honor due to their features Magic UI. Below is a table of compatibility of popular solutions with different models:

    Launcher Honor Magic 4/5 Honor 70/80 Honor X8/X9 Honor Play 40/50 Notes
    Nova Launcher ✅ Full ✅ Full ✅ Partial (no gesture support) ✅ Full The best choice for customization. On Magic UI 6.0+ requires disabling battery optimization.
    Microsoft Launcher ✅ Full ✅ Full ⚠️ Without support for Huawei widgets ✅ Full Good integration with office services, but slower Nova.
    Action Launcher ✅ Full ✅ Full ❌ Conflicts with system gestures ✅ Full Supports adaptive icons, but may be slow on weaker models.
    Lawnchair ⚠️ No support the ✅ Full ❌ Unstable operation ✅ Full Lightweight, but lacks some functions Magic UI.
    Huawei Home (standard) ✅ Full ✅ Full ✅ Full ✅ Full Maximum integration with services Huawei, but minimal customization.

    If your model is not listed in the table, focus on the version Magic UI:

    • 📱 Magic UI 4.0–5.0: almost all launchers are supported, but there may be problems with gestures.
    • 📱 Magic UI 6.0+: restrictions on changing system applications, it is recommended Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher.

    What to do if the launcher is not installed by default?

    If none of the described methods worked, the problem may lie in:

    1. Manufacturer restrictions: On some models Honor (especially those released for the Chinese market), the launcher is blocked at the level firmware.
    2. Conflict with Huawei services: Applications like Huawei Mobile Services can automatically return to the standard interface.
    3. Android version incompatibilities: Launchers optimized under Android 12+may not work correctly on EMUI 10.

    Alternative solutions:

    • 🔄 Reset launcher settings: Go to Settings → Applications → [Your launcher] → Storage → Clear data and configure it again.
    • 📥 Installation via APK: Some launchers (for example Hyperion Launcher) are not available in Google Play for devices Huawei/Honor. Download APK from the official website.
    • 🔧 Using alternative shells: Applications like Niagara Launcher or Before Launcher do not conflict with Magic UI, since they are not trying to replace the system interface completely.

    Attention! If you use Honor s Magic UI 7.0+ i Android 13/14, you may need to roll back the firmware to an earlier version or wait for the launcher update. Check the compatibility information on the official forums (for example, XDA Developers or 4PDA).

    💡

    On Honor devices with Magic UI 6.0+, the most reliable way to change the launcher is a combination of the ADB command and disabling battery optimization for the selected one. launcher.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the launcher on Honor

    Is it possible to return the standard launcher after installing a third-party one?

    Yes, for this:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Launcher.
    2. Select Huawei Home or Honor Home.
    3. If there is no item, use the ADB command: 
      adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.huawei.android.launcher

    You can also simply remove the third-party launcher - the system will automatically return to the standard one.

    Why is the launcher reset after a firmware update?

    This is due to the policy Magic UI, which resets the settings to default after major updates. To avoid the problem:

    • Before updating, fix the launcher through. ADB.
    • Disable automatic updating of system applications in Google Play.
    • Use Home Switcher to quickly restore settings.
    Can I install the launcher without Google Play?

    Yes, download the APK file launcher from the official website (for example, Nova Launcher) and install it manually, allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).

    Please note: some launchers (for example, Microsoft Launcher) require Google Play Services for full operation. On devices Honor without Google services, functionality may be limited.

    How to find out which launcher is installed by default?

    There are several ways:

    1. Press the button Home —if a window with a choice appears, it means the launcher is not fixed.
    2. Use the ADB command: 
      adb shell dumpsys package home

      The output will indicate the current launcher.

    3. Install the application Current Home Package Name from Google Play.
    Will the Huawei weather widget work in a third-party launcher?

    No, the weather widget Huawei is strictly tied to the standard launcher. Alternatives:

    • Use widgets from Google (if installed Google Play Services).
    • Install third-party widgets (for example, Weather & Clock Widget).
    • Adjust the weather via Yandex.Weather or AccuWeather.

    On some launchers (for example, Nova Launcheryou can integrate widgets Huawei through workarounds, but this requires root access.