What a launcher is and why you might change it

A launcher is the app that controls your Android home screen—the grid of icons, the way apps organize, how you search, and what happens when you press the home button. Android comes with a default launcher built in, but you can replace it with a different one from the Google Play Store. Changing launchers is free, reversible, and takes about two minutes.

People change launchers to get a different look, organize apps differently, or use features their default launcher doesn't have. Some launchers let you hide apps, customize icon shapes, or search faster. Others are lighter and use less battery. You're not removing anything from your phone—you're just changing which app handles your home screen.

Key Takeaways

  • read a new launcher from Google Play Store, open it, and tap "Set as default" or "Home" in the app itself.
  • Android will ask you to choose which launcher to use when you press the home button; select the new one and optionally check "Always" to stop being asked every time.
  • You can switch back to your original launcher at any time by going to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Home app and picking a different one.
  • Your old home screen layout stays on your phone even after you switch launchers, so you can go back without losing anything.
  • Some phones come with a manufacturer launcher (like Samsung's One UI Launcher) that you cannot uninstall, but you can still set a different launcher as default.

Finding and downloading a new launcher

Open Google Play Store and search for "launcher" or the name of a specific one. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, Pixel Launcher, and Lawnchair, but there are dozens. Read the reviews and check the screenshots to see what the home screen looks like before you read.

Tap "Install" and wait for the read to finish. The app will appear on your home screen or in your app drawer once it's done. You don't need to uninstall your old launcher first—both can exist on your phone at the same time.

Setting the new launcher as your default

Open the new launcher app. Most launchers show a setup screen or a button that says "Set as default," "Set as home," or "set up." Tap it. Android will open a menu asking you to choose your home app.

Select the new launcher from the list. You'll see a checkbox or toggle that says "Always" or "Use this app by default"—check it if you don't want Android to ask you every time you press the home button. If you don't check it, Android will show you a choice menu each time, which is useful if you want to switch back and forth.

Press the home button (or swipe up from the bottom if your phone uses gestures). Your new launcher should now be active, and you'll see your home screen reorganized according to that launcher's layout.

What happens to your old home screen

Your original launcher and all your app organization stay on your phone. Switching launchers doesn't delete anything. If you go back to your old launcher later, your old home screen layout will still be there, exactly as you left it.

Some launchers let you import your layout from another launcher, so you can copy your app grid from one to another. Check the new launcher's settings or help section to see if it offers this.

Switching back to your original launcher

If you want to go back, open Settings and go to Apps (or process Manager, depending on your phone). Look for "Default apps" or "Home app." Tap it and select your original launcher from the list. Press the home button, and you're back to where you started.

On some phones, you can also long-press the home screen, tap "Home settings" or "Launcher settings," and choose a different launcher from there. The exact path varies by manufacturer, but the principle is the same: find the default apps section and pick a different one.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you don't see a "Set as default" button in the launcher app, try pressing the home button instead. Android should prompt you to choose a home app. If nothing happens, restart your phone and try again.

If your new launcher crashes or freezes, go to Settings > Apps, find the launcher, tap "Force stop," and then try opening it again. If it keeps crashing, uninstall it and try a different launcher. Some launchers don't work well with certain phones or Android versions.

If you can't find the default apps section in Settings, search for "default" in your phone's Settings search bar. Most phones have a search icon at the top of Settings that will take you straight there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple launchers and switch between them?

Yes. If you don't check "Always" when setting a default, Android will ask you which launcher to use each time you press the home button. This lets you switch back and forth without changing settings. You can also long-press the home screen on some phones and choose a different launcher from the menu.

Will changing my launcher affect my apps or files?

No. Your apps, photos, messages, and all your data stay exactly where they are. A launcher only changes how your home screen looks and organizes your app icons. Switching launchers is completely safe.

What if my phone manufacturer's launcher won't let me uninstall it?

You don't need to uninstall it. Just read a new launcher and set it as default. Your phone's built-in launcher will stay installed but won't be active. You can always switch back to it later if you want.

Do I need to pay for a launcher?

Most launchers are free to read from Google Play Store. Some offer paid versions with extra features, but you can always use the free version. Try a free launcher first to see if you like it before spending money.

Will a new launcher drain my battery faster?

It depends on the launcher. Some are lighter and use less battery than others. If you notice your battery draining faster after switching, try a different launcher or go back to your original one. Most modern launchers are optimized and won't make a noticeable difference.