Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their flexible MIUI system and the new HyperOS, but the standard interface may seem too overloaded or simply boring to some users. Often device owners want to radically change the appearance of the system by adding new widgets, icon animations or a completely different navigation logic.
The process of replacing the standard shell does not require deep knowledge of programming or obtaining superuser rights (root). Just download the appropriate application from the official Google Play store or GetApps and perform a few simple adjustments in the system menu. This allows you to turn your Xiaomi Redmi or Poco into a unique device that visually resembles pure Android or interfaces from Samsung.
It's important to understand that replacing a launcher affects how you interact with your smartphone every day, changing the search bar, how you open apps, even the behavior of swipes. Before you start installing, you should weigh the pros and cons, and also choose a really high-quality product that will not waste battery power.
Why Change the Standard Launcher to Xiaomi
The standard MIUI shell has features that not everyone likes, such as the lack of a separate Google search button on the desktop or the specific sorting of applications in the menu, and the installation of an alternative launcher solves these problems by giving the user full control over the visual component.
In addition, third-party developers often implement features that Xiaomi only implements in newer versions of firmware or does not implement at all.This can be advanced customization of icons, gestures for quick application launch or integration with a smart home. For owners of budget Xiaomi models, a light launcher can even speed up the interface a little.
⚠️ Note: Some system functions MIUI, These are weather widgets, or specific shell gestures, that may stop working properly after installing a third-party launcher.
Many users are switching to custom desktops for aesthetics. The themes in Xiaomi's official theme store are good, but they often only change icons and wallpaper, leaving the menu structure the same. A third-party launcher changes the very logic of the system, offering new ways to organize space.
Choosing a suitable replacement for MIUI and HyperOS
The Android personalization app market is huge, and it can be hard to pick one thing, with light launchers for older devices and heavy, graphical solutions for flagships, and you should consider the app’s in-store ranking and the date of the last update.
One of the most popular options is Nova Launcher, which is the “gold standard” of customization that works consistently on most Xiaomi devices, and allows you to customize literally every pixel of the screen, from grid size to animations of folding applications.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher is the best choice for those who like fine-tuning each interface element and high performance.
- 🎨 Lawnchair is a great option for fans of pure Pixel-style Android, completely free and open source.
- 📱 Microsoft Launcher is ideal for those who use the Windows ecosystem and want to synchronize notes and tasks between PC and phone.
- 🌌 Niagara Launcher is a minimalist interface that changes the usual look of the desktop to a vertical tape to focus on the main one.
For gaming smartphones in the Black Shark or Poco Phone series, performance-focused launchers that minimize resource consumption in the background are often recommended. It is important not to choose apps with questionable reputations, as they can collect data about your activities.
Widget support is also important when choosing. Standard Android widgets can be displayed differently in different shells. Widget compatibility is a key factor for comfortable use of a new desktop.
The process of installing a new desktop
Installing a third-party launcher starts with a standard boot procedure from the app store. After downloading, the application must be launched and undergo the initial setup, which usually takes no more than a minute.
However, unlike other brands, Xiaomi’s system has built-in protection that doesn’t allow you to switch to the new interface right away.You’ll have to manually assign a new app to the default app through system security settings.
Once installed, the new launcher icon will appear in the app menu. Click on it. The MIUI/HyperOS system will immediately issue a pop-up warning of a change of launcher, which is a standard security measure.
In the window that appears, you need to select the option "Change" or "Change" if you do not, the system will continue to use the standard desktop, sometimes you need to confirm the action within a few seconds, otherwise the window will close.
⚠️ Warning: If after installing a new launcher, widgets are missing or gestures stop working, try clearing the cache of the new application in the Apps menu" → "All applications" → [Your launcher] → "Clear the data".
On some firmware versions, the path to switch may be different. Often hidden in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots in the corner → Default apps. In newer versions of HyperOS, the path can be simplified to Settings → Desktop.
Configure access rights and permissions in MIUI
Xiaomi’s security system is notoriously strict, requiring certain permissions that are not automatically issued to the new desktop to function properly, without which notifications, widgets, or search might not work.
The first thing you need to do is allow the launcher to display on top of other applications, and without that right, you might find yourself in a situation where when you unlock the screen for a split second, you get a standard interface before a new one boots up.
It's also worth checking your autorun settings. By default, MIUI aggressively unloads apps from memory. To keep your new desktop from crashing and resetting, add it to autorun.
Way to check: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Your Louncher] → Permits → Other permitsIn the Other Permissions menu, make sure that the "Out-Open", "Display on top of other applications" and "Access to use" items are included.
Another important thing is access to storage, and the launcher needs to read the data about the installed applications to display their icons, and if you accidentally block access to files, instead of icons, there will be empty squares.
Comparison of popular launchers for Xiaomi
To help you make your choice, we have compiled a comparison table of the main characteristics of popular launchers, which will help you understand which one will best suit your tasks, whether it is games, work or minimalism.
| Launcher | Difficulty setting up | RAM consumption | Best for you. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Tall. | Average. | Total customization |
| Lawnchair | Low. | Low. | Lovers of pure Android |
| Microsoft Launcher | Medium | High. | Integration with Windows |
| Niagara | Minimum | Very low. | Minimalism and speed |
| Smart Launcher 6 | Automatic. | Average. | Automatic sorting |
As you can see from the table, there are options for every need. If you want simplicity, go with Niagara or Lawnchair. If you're an enthusiast who wants to customize the transparency of every folder and the font of every notification, then Nova Launcher is second to none.
It is worth noting that the consumption of RAM (RAM) is indicated approximately. On older Xiaomi models with 3-4 GB of memory, heavy launchers may work less stable than on flagships with 8-12 GB.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Installation and removal of launchers is a secure process that doesn't affect personal data, contacts or photos. You can always go back to the standard interface.
Return to the standard interface Xiaomi
If you don't like a new desktop or it doesn't work properly, it can be easily removed, but to keep the system from hanging around trying to run a remote application, you first need to return the standard launcher.
Go to your phone's settings and find the Desktop or Default Apps section. Select System Launcher or Launcher system from the list, and then the interface will immediately return to the familiar MIUI.
Only after switching can you delete an unnecessary application. If you try to remove the launcher without returning the system license, the phone may begin to cyclically restart or show a black screen when unlocked.
⚠️ Note: When you remove the third-party launcher, all folders, widgets and settings you created on the desktop will be lost. The standard interface will be restored as it was before the first installation of third-party software.
In the rare cases where the phone is stuck on a black screen after removing the launcher, you can try to go to Safe Mode. To do this, when you turn on the phone, press the volume button. In Safe Mode, third-party launchers do not start, which will allow you to safely remove the problematic application.
It is also worth remembering that HyperOS system updates can reset launcher settings. After a major firmware update, it is recommended to re-check the designated application by default.