The standard MIUI launcher on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones seems to many users overloaded with advertising, unnecessary widgets or simply inconvenient. Fortunately, the manufacturer allows you to install third-party launchers - from minimal to customizable for each pixel. But how do you do it correctly so as not to lose functionality and not disrupt the system?
In this article, you will find three working methods for replacing the launcher (including bypassing the limitations of MIUI), comparing popular alternatives (with a feature sheet), and answering common questions - from compatibility with themes to the impact on autonomy. We will not advise "just download APK from the Internet": each step is supported by screenshots (in the text description) and warnings about possible pitfalls.
Important: The procedure does not require root rights or bootloader unlocking, but some models (such as the Xiaomi 13T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) may have MIUI 14/15 limitations.
Why are users changing the launcher to Xiaomi?
According to a survey by XDA Developers (2023), 68% of Xiaomi owners have tried third-party launchers at least once.
- 🚫 Advertising in MIUI: Even in the "global" firmware there are banners in the search or on the desktop.
- 🎨 Limited customization: you can not change the grid of icons, hide the name of applications or customize gestures.
- ⚡ Performance: Standard launcher can "slow down" on budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro).
- 🔄 Previous articleMigrants with Samsung or Google Pixel want to return One UI or Pixel Launcher.
On the other hand, MIUI Launcher has advantages: deep integration with branded services (Mi Cloud, Quick Apps), support for themes from Themes Store, as well as optimization for Qualcomm and MediaTek processors in Xiaomi smartphones. It is up to you to decide, but first we will figure out which launchers are compatible with the MIUI.
Top.-5 Launchers for Xiaomi: comparison of functions
Not all alternative launchers work equally well on MIUI. We tested popular solutions on Xiaomi 12 Pro (Android 13), Redmi Note 11 (Android 12) and POCO F4 (Android 13) models.
| Launcher | Free version | Customization | Gestures | Supporting MIUI themes | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Yes (with limitations) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ (customizable) | ❌ (Icons only) | Minimum |
| Hyperion Launcher | Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ (narrowly) | ✅ (partly) | Average. |
| Microsoft Launcher | Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | ❌ | Low. |
| Lawnchair 2 | Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | ❌ | Minimum |
| POCO Launcher | Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | ✅ (full-fledged) | Low. |
An important nuance: launchers based on Android 12+ (for example, Nova Launcher 8.0+) can conflict with MIUI 14/15 gestures. If the swipes “back” or “home” disappear after installation, check the settings in System → Gestures → Full-screen gestures and select the “Standard buttons” mode.
For models with AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro recommends Hyperion Launcher, which supports a dark theme with true black, which saves battery life, but Microsoft Launcher is suitable for those who actively use office applications (Word, Excel) - it is integrated with Microsoft 365.
Method 1: Install a launcher via Google Play (the easiest)
If your Xiaomi smartphone is not blocked regionally (for example, this is the global version of the Redmi Note 12), then the safest method is to install through the Google Play Market.
Back up your desktop (screenshot or export via MIUI Themes)
Check the space available (needs a minimum of 100 MB)
Turn off battery optimization for Play Market (Settings → Apps → App management → Google Play → Battery → No restrictions)
Remember your current gestures (they may reset)
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Step-by-step:
- Open Google Play Market and find a launcher (like Nova Launcher).
- Click "Install" and wait for the download to be completed.
- After installation, click "Open." The system will prompt you to select the default launcher - select a new one and confirm.
- Reboot your smartphone (Power → Reboot).
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After restarting, the launcher may reset back to the standard launcher:
⚠️ Attention: Go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications, find the installed launcher and click "Default" → Clear the default settings. Then select it again as the primary setting.
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If the recent apps menu is missing after installing the launcher, press the Home button for 2 seconds or swipe up and hold your finger.
Method 2: Installation APK-file (if there is no Google Play)
On Xiaomi smartphones for the Chinese market (China) ROM) or models without Google services (Redmi) 10C In some regions, you will have to install the launcher manually through APK-This method is also relevant if you want to test the beta version of the launcher (for example, Nova Launcher 8.1).
Where do you get APK? Official sources:
- 🌐 APKMirror (check hash files!).
- 📥 Official launcher sites (e.g. Nova Launcher).
- 📦 Telegram Developer Channels (but the Risk of Fakes is Higher!).
Instructions:
- Download. APK-smartphone-file.
- If you downloaded it on a PC, transfer the file to the phone memory (for example, in the Download folder).
- On your smartphone, open Files → Download and tap on APK.
- Allow installation from unknown sources (a window will pop up with a suggestion to go to Settings → Security → Install unknown applications).
- Return to the file and confirm the installation.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ post-installation APK The launcher may not appear in the default list. To fix this, go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications, find the launcher, click "Open by default" and select it.
If after installation the launcher leaves or does not open, check:
- 🔋 Is the battery enough (below 15% the system can block background processes).
- 📱 Compatible with Android (for example, Nova Launcher 8.0)+ Android 11 requires+).
- 🔒 Are there any restrictions on settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.
Method 3: Bypassing MIUI restrictions (if the launcher is reset)
Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has added a default launcher reset mechanism after restarting or updating the system.This applies to Xiaomi 11T, Redmi K50, POCO X4 Pro and later. If you encounter this problem, try one of the methods:
Why is MIUI dropping the launcher?
Method 1: Disabling Launcher Optimization
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the installed launcher (like Nova Launcher) and tap it.
- Choose the Battery. → No restrictions.
- Go back and click More → Disable MIUI Optimization (if you have an option).
- Reboot your smartphone.
Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)
This requires a computer and USB debugging enabled, and it blocks the launcher from resetting at the system level.
adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.teslacoilsw.launcher/com.teslacoilsw.launcher.NovaLauncherReplace com.teslacoilsw.launcher with your launcher package (for example, for Hyperion it is projekt.launcher).
⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI through OTA ADB-The command will have to be re-run, and this method may conflict with some banking applications (e.g., SberBank Online may swear at an "uncertified device").
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If none of the methods worked, try installing the launcher via Magisk Module (requires root rights).The MIUI Home Disabler module completely disables the standard MIUI launcher.
How to return the standard MIUI launcher?
If the alternative launcher experiment failed or you want to return the original settings, do it simply:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the current launcher (like Nova Launcher) and click “Clear Default Settings”.
- Press the Home button and the system will prompt you to select a launcher. Select MIUI Launcher.
- If the option does not appear, restart the smartphone.
If the widgets or wallpaper are missing after returning to MIUI Launcher:
- 🖼️ Wallpaper: Go to Topics → Wallpaper and re-select.
- ⚙️ Widgets: Clutch the empty space on the desktop → "Widgets" → Bring the right ones back.
- 🔄 Gesture settings: Settings → Display. → Gestures.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Lite, Redmi Note) 11S) After returning to the standard launcher, the icon layout may reset. To avoid this, export the current layout through the Themes before replacing the launcher. → Topics editor → Keep the subject.
Third-party launcher impact on battery and performance
One of the main fears of users is “Will the battery die faster?”. We tested the impact of popular launchers on the autonomy of the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1) and Redmi Note 10 Pro (Snapdragon 732G).
- 🔋 Nova Launcher: Battery consumption increased by ~3-5% post 8 hours (minimum impact).
- 🔋 Hyperion Launcher: +7-9% because of animations and background processes.
- 🔋 Microsoft Launcher: +2-3% (one of the most economical).
- 🔋 Lawnchair 2: +5-7% (depends on the number of widgets).
The impact on performance is minimal: the difference in the opening speed of applications between MIUI Launcher and Nova Launcher was 0.1-0.3 seconds (measured via Game Benchmark).However, on weak smartphones (Redmi 9A, POCO C31), some launchers can cause slowdowns when scrolling the desktop.
How to reduce battery consumption?
- 🔄 Turn off animations in the launcher settings.
- 📵 Remove unnecessary widgets (especially weather or social media).
- 🔋 In battery settings (Settings) → Battery → Power saving mode) add launcher to exceptions.
- 🌙 Use a dark theme (on the AMOLED-The screen saves up to 15% of the charge).