How to change the launcher to Xiaomi: the full guide

Modern smartphones of the Xiaomi brand come with a proprietary shell MIUI or its successor HyperOS, which has a specific appearance and logic. Many users are not satisfied with the standard organization of the desktop, the lack of app curtains or intrusive advertising in the system folders.

The process of replacing the standard interface on Android devices with a shell MIUI has its own nuances, different from the “pure” Android. The battery protection and optimization system can aggressively unload third-party processes from memory, which leads to a reset or return to the native interface. However, knowing the right sequence of actions, you can consistently use any launcher you like, whether it is Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchair.

In this guide, we will go through all the steps in detail, from installing an application to configuring the system permissions that ensure the new interface works, you will learn how to bypass the limitations of the system and make using a smartphone really comfortable, turning the lock screen and desktop into a personalized space.

Why Change the Standard MIUI and HyperOS Launcher

Xiaomi’s standard interface is highly customized, but it also has a number of limitations that are noticeable to power users, often criticized for lack of full app curtain (App Drawer) on global firmware versions or the specific behavior of widgets. Third-party launchers allow you to introduce familiar navigation, change icons and animations, and add features that are not available in the runoff.

In addition to visual changes, replacing the launcher can have a positive impact on the performance of the device. Heavy graphics effects MIUI sometimes consume unnecessary processor resources, especially on the budget models of Redmi and POCO. Lightweight alternatives such as Niagara Launcher or KISS Launcher can significantly speed up the response of the system.

Here are the main reasons why users decide to change the interface:

• 📱 The desire to get an app curtain by analogy with Pixel or Samsung One UI.
• 🎨 The need for deeper personalization of icons, fonts and desktop grid.
• 🚀 The need to reduce the consumption of RAM and increase autonomy.
• 🔒 Requirements for confidentiality and lack of built-in advertising in system elements.

⚠️ Note: After installing a new launcher, some system gestures MIUI (For example, swipe to open the widget menu may not work correctly or require additional settings in the special features section.

It's important to understand that you can't completely abandon the system launcher without root rights, because it's part of the system process, but we can make third-party applications a priority for displaying the desktop and task menu.

Choosing the Right Alternative for Your Smartphone

The Android market offers hundreds of replacement options, but not all of them are equally good friends with MIUI optimization. Some launchers may conflict with system gestures or display notifications incorrectly. The choice depends on whether you want maximum speed, beauty or functionality.

One of the most popular solutions is Nova Launcher, which is the “gold standard” of customization, which allows you to change literally every pixel of the interface. It is stable, rarely flies out and has excellent compatibility with most themes. For those who prefer minimalism, Square Home, which mimics the Windows Phone tile interface, is great.

Comparison of popular launchers for Xiaomi devices:

If you appreciate the aesthetics of Google materials, then Lawnchair is the perfect choice, providing an experience close to the Pixel Launcher, but with the ability to install plugins. For gamers and users who love animation, it is worth looking at Smart Launcher, which automatically sorts applications into categories.

Installation and initial configuration of the application

The process of installing a third-party launcher on Xiaomi is no different than installing any other application from the Google Play Market. Find the selected application in the search, click “Install” and wait for the download to be completed. However, immediately after installation, the system will not switch automatically – this must be done manually through the settings.

The first run can be accompanied by requests for various permissions. Launcher will need access to contacts, storage and, critically, display rights on top of other applications. Without this, you will not be able to see the desktop on top of the system windows or lock screen.

The sequence of actions for activation:

• 📥 Download and install the selected launcher from the Play Market.
• 🏠 Click the Home button (circle or swipe below) to trigger the default app selection.
• ✅ In the window that appears, select a new launcher and click “Always).
• ⚙️ If the window does not appear, go to Settings. → Desktop.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of HyperOS may have a default launcher selection option hidden, so you can use System Settings and search for the word launcher or home».

Once activated, you'll see a new interface. Now it's time to adjust the grid, size the icons and add widgets. Don't rush to remove the standard MIUI shortcuts right away -- you'd better make sure the new interface works consistently for hours of active use.

Configure system permissions and exceptions MIUI

The most critical part of the process, without which the new interface won't work stably: Xiaomi's aggressive energy-saving system aims to "kill" any background process that isn't system-friendly. Unless you set up exceptions, 10-15 minutes after the screen is turned on, the phone will return to the standard MIUI launcher.

The first thing you need to do is find the installed application in the list of all the programs. Press the launcher icon on your desktop or find it in the application manager, then click on the "i" or "About the application" icon. Here we need to change a few parameters.

Necessary actions for stable work:

• 🔋 In the section "Saving charge" select No restrictions.
• 🚀 Find the Auto Start option and activate the switch.
• 🔒 Enable the option “Display on top of other apps».
• 🧹 In the multitasking menu (swipe and hold) click on the lock to fix the process in memory.

Way to verify permits:


Settings → Applications → All Applications → [Your Louncher] → Other Permissions

You should also go to Advanced Settings → Access to Special Features (or just “Special Features”) and check if the system blocks the new interface, and in some cases, it helps to turn on the “Simplified Mode” option and then return to normal mode, which resets the launcher selection cache.

Solving problems with gestures and lock screen

Using gesture navigation in MIUI along with a third-party launcher can lead to conflicts, for example, a swipe from the bottom to access the desktop may not open a new launcher, but may cause a system menu or not respond at all, this is due to how the shell processes touchscreen events.

To solve gesture problems, you often need to change your sensitivity settings or animation speed. Nova Launcher, for example, has a separate Gestures and Input section where you can reassign swipes. Make sure that the Home action is assigned to your launcher.

The lock screen is another painful issue: Xiaomi's standard launcher is responsible for the watch and notification widget on the locked screen. Third-party apps can't completely replace this security layer without deep interference with the system. So the clocks and notifications on the locked screen will remain "miovish," which is normal behavior.

If the gestures are not working properly, try the following:

1. Switch to button navigation (Settings → Desktop → Navigation System).
2. Check if the launcher is stable with the buttons.
3. If so, the problem is in the MIUI gesture conflict, so try upgrading to the latest version or changing it.

⚠️ Note: On Android 13 and higher (HyperOS), the system can force the launcher selection to reset after each security update.Be prepared to re-select the default app.

Some users note that disabling animations in the “For Developers” menu (Windows Animation Scale, Transitions) makes the work of a third-party launcher more smooth and responsive, hiding micro-latency.

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Tip: Use Google widgets ("Assistant", "Weather", "Calendar") instead of MIUI widgets for better compatibility with third-party launchers.

Return to the standard interface and restore settings

If the experiment with the new interface failed, or you just decided to go back to the beginning, it's pretty easy. You don't have to delete the installed application, you just need to change the priority in the system settings, and it will return the usual look to the desktop and the application menu.

To return to the standard launcher, go to Settings → Desktop. At the top of the list will be the default launcher (or System Launcher). Click on it and select System Launcher. The interface will change instantly.

In case the new launcher caused system failures and you can not get into the menu:

• Try running the Security app by voice or through search.
• Use it. ADB-command to reset preferences if you have access to the PC.
• In safe mode (clamping the shutdown button), third-party launchers do not work, which will allow you to safely remove the problematic application.

ADB command to reset the launcher (PC required):


adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

Removing the third-party launcher is done in the standard way: press the icon and select “Delete” or find the application in the settings and click “Delete”. All your settings inside the launcher (iconpaks, grids) will be lost if you do not make a backup (backup) inside the application itself.

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The stability of a third-party launcher on Xiaomi depends 90% on the correct energy saving settings and permissions, not on the application itself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)