How to install Nova Launcher on Android: a detailed guide with pictures and tips

Nova Launcher is one of the most popular launchers for Android, which allows you to completely change the appearance of your smartphone. With it, you can customize icons, animations, gestures, and even hide unnecessary interface elements. But how to properly install and configure this tool so that it works stably and without errors?

In this article we will analyze all the stages - from downloading to fine-tuning. You will learn how to make Nova Launcher the default launcher, how to transfer data from the standard launcher, and how to avoid common mistakes. The instructions are suitable for all versions Android (from 5.0 to 14), including firmware MIUI, EMUI, One UI i ColorOS.

What is Nova Launcher and why do you need it?

Nova Launcher is an alternative launcher (shell) for Androidthat replaces standard system interface. It offers flexible settings that are not available in the native shells of most manufacturers.

Main advantages:

• 🎨 Full customization of icons, fonts and animations
• 👆 Gesture support (swipe, double tap, hold)
• 📁 Ability to hide unnecessary applications and folders
• 🔄 Backup settings and restore on a new device
• 🚀 Optimized for performance (does not slow down even on weak smartphones)

There are two versions: free (Nova Launcher) and paid (Nova Launcher Prime). The second adds advanced gestures, the ability to lock layout and create folders in the application drawer.

Device requirements and preparation

Before installation, make sure that your smartphone meets the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Android 5.0 Lollipop or newer (all current versions are supported)
• 💾 Free space on the internal storage: ~50 MB for installation + ~100 MB for cache
• 🔧 Permission to install applications from unknown sources (if you download APK not from Google Play)

If you Huawei without services Google, Nova Launcher you can install via AppGallery or manually via APK file. On devices with MIUI (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12), you may need to disable battery optimization for the launcher.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, EMUI 13 on Huawei P50) Nova Launcher may conflict with system gestures. In this case, disable standard gestures in the system settings.

Firmware	Features installation	Possible problems
MIUI (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO)	The "Show on top of other windows" permission is required	Icons may not be displayed correctly without an icon pack
One UI (Samsung)	The installation is standard, but you may need to disable it Samsung Daily	Double Clicking on the screen may conflict with Bixby
ColorOS (Oppo, Realme)	You need to disable "Optimization skills" in the battery settings	Animations may run slower due to system limitations
Stock Android (Pixel, Motorola)	Installation without additional settings	No compatibility problems

Step-by-step guide: how to install Nova Launcher

The installation process depends on where you download the launcher from. We will consider two methods: through Google Play and manually through APK.

Method 1: Installing from Google Play (recommended)

This the simplest and safest method:

1. Open Google Play Market on your device.
2. In the search bar, enter "Nova Launcher" and select the official application from the developer TeslaCoil Software.
3. Click "Install" and wait for the download to complete.
4. After installation, click "Open".

Method 2: Installation via APK (for devices without Google)

If you Huawei without Google Play or another device with limitations:

1. Download the latest version Nova Launcher from the official website novalauncher.com or a trusted source (for example, APKMirror).
2. Before installation, go to Settings → Security → Unknown sources and allow installation from your browser or file manager.
3. Open the downloaded APK file and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. After installation, do not forget to disable permission for unknown sources (for security reasons).

Download APK from the official website|Allow installation from unknown sources|Disable battery optimization for the launcher|Make a backup copy of the current one launcher-->

After installation Nova Launcher will not become the default launcher automatically. To fix this, go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Launcher and select Nova Launcher.

First setup of Nova Launcher after installation

When you first start Nova Launcher you will be prompted to choose an interface style. You can leave the standard settings or immediately start customizing.

Main parameters that should be configured immediately:

• 📱 Desktop grid: change the number of rows and columns (for example, 5×6 for compact arrangement of icons).
• 🎨 Icon style: select an icon pack (can be additionally downloaded from Play Market).
• 🔄 Animations: disable or speed up transitions if you want to improve performance.
• 📂 App drawer: customize sorting (alphabetically, frequency of use, or manually).

To open settings Nova Launcher, do long press on an empty space on the desktop and select "Settings" (gear icon).

How to make Nova Launcher the default launcher

If after installation Nova Launcher does not become the main launcher, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings Android.
2. Go to section Applications → Default Applications (on some firmware the path may differ: System → Advanced → Default Launcher).
3. Click on the line "Launcher" or "Home".
4. Select from the list Nova Launcher.

On devices Samsung s One UI may need to be additionally disabled Samsung Daily (swipe left on the main screen) in the launcher settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmwares (for example, ColorOS 13) after changing widgets may be reset by default in the launcher. Take screenshots of their location in advance or write down the settings.

If, after selecting Nova Launcher as the default launcher, the system still opens the standard interface, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the device.
• 🗑️ Clear cache Nova Launcher in the application settings.
• 📱 Set Nova Launcher as the default launcher again.

Setting up gestures and additional functions

One of the main features Nova Launcher is support gestures. With their help, you can quickly open applications, folders or perform actions without unnecessary touches.

To configure gestures:

1. Open settings Nova Launcher (long press on the desktop → "Settings").
2. Go to section Gestures and inputs.
3. Select an action (for example, "Double tap" or "Swipe up").
4. Assign a command to it: launch an application, open a folder, search in Google etc.

In version Nova Launcher Prime extended gestures are available, for example:

• 👆 Swipe down on the application icon to open widgets.
• 🔄 Double swipe up to launch Google Assistant.
• 📁 Hold the icon to open the action menu.

How to set up the "Shake device" gesture

This gesture is only available in Nova Launcher PrimeTo activate it, go to. in Settings → Gestures and inputs → Shake and select an action (for example, open Google Keep for quick notes). Please note that the gesture only works when the screen is unlocked.

Also in Nova Launcher you can configure:

• 🔍 Search: integration with Google, Sesame or other search service.
• 📊 Backup: saving settings to the cloud or to a device.
• 🔋 Battery optimization: turning off the launcher background to save battery.

Solving common problems

Even with such a stable launcher, how Nova Launchersometimes errors occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The launcher is slow or freezes	Too many animations or widgets	Disable animations in Settings → Animations or reduce the number of widgets
Icons do not change after installing an icon pack	Conflict with the theme or launcher cache	Clear the cache Nova Launcher and restart the device
Gestures do not work	Conflict with system gestures (for example, on Xiaomi)	Disable system gestures in Android settings or use other combinations in Nova Launcher
The launcher is reset after updating	Incompatibility with the new version	Make a backup copy of your settings before updating or roll back to the previous one version

If Nova Launcher suddenly starts to behave unstable, try:

1. Clear cache and application data in Settings → Applications → Nova Launcher.
2. Restart device.
3. Install an older version of the launcher (if the problem appeared after the update).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 14 and newer, some functions Nova Launcher (for example, changing the size of icons) may require additional permissions. Log in. in Settings → Accessibility → Nova Launcher and enable all the necessary options.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Can I install Nova Launcher on Android Go?

Yes, but with reservations. Nova Launcher officially supports Android Go, however, on devices with 1-2 GB of RAM, it is recommended to disable animations and use minimalistic themes.

How to transfer Nova Launcher settings to a new one. phone?

Make a backup copy to Settings → Backup copy/restore. The file is saved to internal memory or the cloud. On the new device, install Nova Launcher, import the backup file and apply the settings.

Why does Nova Launcher not show notifications on icons?

This function depends on the firmware. On Stock Android and One UI badge notifications work out of the box, but on MIUI or ColorOS you may need to install an add-on Nova TeslaUnread from Play Market.

Is it possible to hide the search bar in Nova Launcher?

Yes, hold down the empty space. desktop → "Settings" → Dock → disable "Show line search". You can also replace it with a weather or calendar widget.

How to return the standard launcher after Nova Launcher?

Go to Android Settings → Applications → Default applications → Launcher and select the system launcher (for example, Lawnchair, One UI Home or Pixel Launcher).