What a launcher is and why you might change it

A launcher is the app that controls your Android home screen — what you see when you press the home button, how your apps are organized, and what your phone looks like when you unlock it. Android comes with a default launcher (Samsung phones use One UI Launcher, Google Pixel phones use Pixel Launcher), but you can replace it with a different one from the Google Play Store.

People change launchers to get a different look, organize apps differently, or use features the default launcher doesn't have. Some launchers let you customize icon shapes, add widgets more easily, or search your phone faster. The change is reversible — you can switch back to your original launcher anytime.

Key Takeaways

  • read a launcher app from Google Play Store, open it, and tap "Set as default" or "Set as home app" in the launcher's settings.
  • Android will ask you to choose which launcher to use when you press the home button; select the new one and tap "Always" to make it permanent.
  • Popular launchers include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and Niagara Launcher, each with different features and customization options.
  • You can switch back to your original launcher at any time by going to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Home app and selecting the old one.

Step 1: read a launcher from Google Play Store

Open Google Play Store on your phone and search for "launcher" or the name of a specific launcher you want to try. Read the description and reviews to see what features it offers. Tap "Install" to read it.

Some launchers are free with optional paid features; others cost money upfront. Free options include Nova Launcher (free version), Microsoft Launcher, Niagara Launcher, and Lawnchair. You can try a free launcher and uninstall it if you don't like it, so there's no risk in testing one.

Step 2: Open the launcher and set it as default

Once the launcher finishes installing, tap "Open" in Google Play Store, or find the launcher's icon on your home screen and tap it. The launcher will ask permission to access your apps and home screen — tap "Allow" or "Grant" when prompted.

Look for a button that says "Set as default," "Set as home app," or "set up." Tap it. Android will show a popup asking which app you want to use as your home launcher. Select the new launcher from the list and tap "Always" at the bottom of the screen. This makes it your default, so it opens every time you press the home button.

Step 3: Customize your home screen (optional)

Once the launcher is active, you can customize how your home screen looks. Most launchers let you long-press on the home screen to add widgets, change the grid size (how many app icons fit per row), or adjust the icon style. The exact steps depend on which launcher you chose, but most have a settings icon or gear symbol you can tap to see options.

Take time to arrange your apps the way you want them. You can create multiple home screen pages by swiping left, and most launchers let you organize apps into folders by dragging one icon onto another.

How to switch back to your original launcher

If you want to go back to your phone's default launcher, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps (or Default applications, depending on your phone). Tap "Home app" and select your original launcher from the list. Tap it and choose "Always" to make it your default again.

You can also uninstall the new launcher by opening Google Play Store, searching for it, and tapping "Uninstall." When you uninstall a launcher that's set as default, Android will automatically switch back to your original one.

Popular launcher options and what they offer

Nova Launcher is one of the most customizable options. The free version includes gesture controls, icon pack support, and the ability to hide apps. The paid version adds more advanced features like custom shortcuts and backup options.

Microsoft Launcher is free and integrates with Microsoft services like Outlook and OneDrive. It has a feed on the left side of your home screen that shows calendar events, news, and reminders. It's useful if you use Microsoft apps regularly.

Niagara Launcher is designed to be minimal and fast. It shows your apps in a vertical list instead of a grid, which some people find easier to navigate. It's free with a paid version that adds more customization.

Lawnchair is free and open-source, meaning anyone can see and modify its code. It's lightweight and lets you customize almost everything about your home screen, including icon shapes and animations.

What to do if the launcher won't set as default

If tapping "Set as default" doesn't work, try restarting your phone. Sometimes the launcher app needs a moment to fully install before it can become the default.

If the problem continues, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Home app and select the launcher manually from the list. This forces Android to recognize it as an option. If the launcher still doesn't appear in that list, uninstall it and reinstall it from Google Play Store.

Some older Android versions (Android 9 and earlier) use slightly different menu names. Look for Settings > Apps > Default apps or Settings > Applications > Default apps instead. The process is the same — find the home app option and select your launcher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my launcher delete my apps or photos?

No. A launcher only changes how your home screen looks and works. Your apps, photos, files, and all your data stay exactly where they are. If you switch back to your original launcher, everything looks the same as before.

Can I use multiple launchers and switch between them?

Yes. You can install as many launchers as you want. When you press the home button, Android will ask which one you want to use (if you haven't set one as default). You can also go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Home app to switch between them anytime.

Do launchers slow down my phone?

Most launchers have minimal impact on speed. Lightweight options like Lawnchair and Niagara use very little memory. If you notice your phone feels slower after installing a launcher, try a different one or uninstall it and go back to the default.

What's the difference between a launcher and a theme?

A launcher replaces your entire home screen interface. A theme only changes colors, icons, and fonts while keeping the same home screen layout. You can use both at the same time — install a launcher and then explore a theme to it for more customization.

Can I get my original launcher back if I accidentally uninstall it?

Yes. Go to Google Play Store, search for your phone's default launcher by name (for example, "Samsung One UI Launcher" or "Pixel Launcher"), and tap "Install." It will reinstall and you can set it as default again.