How to change the launcher on Xiaomi: 5 ways with instructions and warnings

Standard launcher MIUI On smartphones, Xiaomi is the first screen you see when you unlock a device, it determines how icons look, how gestures work, and even how folders are organized, but not everyone likes its design or functionality. Fortunately, it can be replaced even without deep technical knowledge - the main thing is to know the nuances. MIUI and the restrictions imposed by the manufacturer.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to change the launcher to Xiaomi, including options for devices without root rights and with them. MIUI 14/15, How to avoid common errors and what to do if the system blocks the installation, and why some methods only work on certain models (e.g. Redmi Note). 12 or POCO F5) How to get around restrictions.

Now, before you start, consider that replacing the launcher is not just a cosmetic change, it can affect performance, gestures, even system stability, so we start with preparation, and then we go to specific instructions.

Why users want to change the launcher to Xiaomi

Standard launcher MIUI The company has been criticized for several key points that make Xiaomi owners look for alternatives:

• 🎨 Limited Customization: You can’t change the size of icons, fonts or animations without third-party tools.
• 📱 Advertising and unnecessary widgets: even in global versions MIUI Sometimes there are promo banners.
• ⚡ Performance: on weaker models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The launcher may be slowing down.
• 🔄 Inconvenient gestures: Many users are used to gestures from Google or Samsung, which are used to the use of the same devices. MIUI work differently.

Also, some features (like App Drawer) are disabled by default or not as they would be on pure Android. Alternative launchers like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion solve these problems by offering:

• 🖼️ Flexible configuration of appearance (themes, icons, transitions).
• 🚀 Optimization for weak devices (e.g, POCO M3).
• 🔧 Extended gestures and hot keys.
• 📁 Full App Drawer with sorting and search.

But there is a downside: some launchers may conflict with Xiaomi’s proprietary features, such as Second Space (second desktop) or Game Turbo.

Preparation of the smartphone before replacing the launcher

Before installing a new launcher, several steps must be taken to avoid problems:

1. Back up your important data. Although replacing the launcher does not result in file loss, some settings (like icon location) will reset.
2. Check the version. MIUI. V MIUI 14/15 The launcher algorithm is different from the older versions (for example, the new version, MIUI 12). You can find the version in the settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
3. Allow installation from unknown sources. Go to Settings → Annexes → Special permits → Install unknown applications and select a browser or file manager.
4. Close your background applications, especially system applications (such as Security or Mi Share) so they don’t block installation.

If you plan to use a launcher with advanced features (like Nova Launcher Prime), consider that some features (like Gesture Controls) may require additional permissions or even root rights. On devices with a locked bootloader (most Xiaomi for Russia and Europe), it is difficult to get a root, so we will focus on methods without it.

Make a data backup|Check the version. MIUI|Permit installation APK|Close the background annexes|Download the launcher from a verified source-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or POCO X5 Pro) after installing a third-party launcher, access to branded gestures may be lost MIUI, Check for the Swift to Left for Split Screen before replacing it.

Method 1: Install a launcher via Google Play (no root)

The easiest and safest method is to download an alternative launcher from Google Play, which is suitable for most Xiaomi devices, including Redmi, POCO Let's look at the process with the example of Nova Launcher:

1. Open Google Play and find an app (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair 2).
2. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
3. After installation, click Open. The system will suggest you make a default launcher — agree.
4. If the offer does not appear, go to Settings → Annexes → By default. → Launcher and select the installed.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Does not require root rights or unlock the bootloader.
• ✅ Automatic updates via Play Market.
• ✅ Minimum risk of conflict with MIUI.

However, there are limitations:

• ❌ Not all launchers support Xiaomi’s branded features, such as Super Wallpapers (dynamic wallpapers).
• ❌ On some models (such as the Redmi Note 11) you may need to turn off battery optimization for the launcher, otherwise it will restart.

If the launcher is unstable after installation, try clearing its cache in Settings → Annexes → [The name of the launcher] → Memory. → Clear the cache.

💡

To bring back the standard launcher MIUI, Go to Settings. → Annexes → By default. → Starter and select System Launcher or MIUI Launcher.

Method 2: Installation APK-hand-file

If the launcher is not available in Google Play (such as Hyperion Launcher or beta), it can be installed via Google Play. APK-This method is suitable for experienced users, because it requires caution:

1. Download. APK from the official developer's website (for example, Hyperion or Nova). Do not use third-party sources - the risk of viruses!
2. Transfer the file to your smartphone (for example, via Telegram or Google Drive).
3. Open the file through any file manager (e.g. Files by Google or Mi File Manager).
4. Confirm the installation and follow the instructions (similar to method 1).

Warnings for APK installation:

• 🛡️ Before installing, check the hash of the file (if provided by the developer) on sites like VirusTotal.
• 🔄 Some launchers (like Lawnchair) require manual upgrades – automatic updates through the Play Market won’t work.
• 📵 Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (for example, Mi 11 Ultra) can block the installation APK Because of the security policy, in which case you're going to have to use it. ADB (see method 4).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI EU (European firmware) when installing a launcher through APK This app was built for an older version of Android, which can be ignored if the file is downloaded from an official source.

Method 3: Use ADB to unlock the launcher (advanced)

On some Xiaomi devices (especially with the MIUI 14+) The system blocks the launcher's change, even if it's installed. ADB, It allows third-party launchers by default, and it doesn't require root rights, but it needs debugging and a computer.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install it ADB-drivers (e.g. via Mi) PC Suite) and open the command line in the adb.exe folder.
4. Enter the command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.home/.launcher.Launcher Then, adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.home
5. Reboot the device. Now, if you press the Home button, the system will suggest you select a launcher.

This method works on most devices, including Xiaomi. 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12 and POCO F4/F5. But there are nuances:

• 🔌 After disabling com.miui.home, some system features (such as Quick Ball or Floating Windows) may stop working.
• 🔄 To return a standard launcher, run the command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.home
• 📱 On Xiaomi with a locked bootloader (most official firmware), this method is safe, but on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) it can cause crashes.

Method 4: Replace the launcher with Magisk (for rooted devices)

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, you can replace the launcher at the system level, which gives you more customization options, but also higher risks, suitable for users who are already familiar with firmware and modifications.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Magisk Manager and check the root rights status.
2. Download the module to replace the launcher, for example, MIUI Launcher Mod or Universal Launcher Patcher XDA Developers.
3. Install the module through Magisk (Module section) → Install it from the vault).
4. Reboot the device. The new launcher will be system.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔧 Full control of the launcher, including system settings.
• 🎯 Ability to use modified versions MIUI Launcher with additional functions.
• 📱 It works even on devices with MIUI China, where standard methods are blocked.

Risks:

• ⚠️ Incorrectly installed module can cause bootloop (locking on the boot).
• ⚠️ After updating MIUI The module can fly and the launcher will reset.
• ⚠️ On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) Magisk may conflict with HyperOS (new shell from Xiaomi).

⚠️ Note: Before installing the module through Magisk, make a full backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox. On dynamic partition devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Recovery through backup may be difficult.

Method 5: Alternative shells (HyperOS, custom firmware)

If you don’t like the scoring, not just the scoring, but MIUI In general, you can consider a complete firmware replacement. Xiaomi is gradually moving to a new shell HyperOS, which offers a different approach to the interface.

How it works:

• 📲 HyperOS: the new shell from Xiaomi, which comes to replace MIUI. It has another launcher with improved animations and support. AI-Currently available only for some models (e.g. Xiaomi 14).
• 🔄 Custom firmware: for example, Pixel Experience offers a "clean" Android with a launcher Pixel Launcher.

The process of installing HyperOS or custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and a wait of 7-14 days).
2. Install TWRP or another custom recaveri.
3. Sweep through the firmware recovers (for HyperOS, use official packages from the Xiaomi website).

Warnings:

• 🔐 Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device.
• 📵 Certain functions (e.g, IR Blaster or NFC) They may not work properly on custom firmware.
• 📡 HyperOS does not support all Xiaomi models yet (check the official website for the list of compatible devices).

💡

Custom firmware is the most radical way to change the launcher, but it is only suitable for advanced users. For most tasks, 1-3 methods will suffice.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing the launcher with Xiaomi, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📋 Launcher compatibility with your version of Android (for example, Lawnchair 2 does not support Android 12 on some devices).
• 🔧 Availability of updates for MIUI — Sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions.
• 🛠️ Logs of errors through ADB Logcat (for experienced users).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions