How to install a third-party launcher by default on Xiaomi smartphones

Xiaomi’s interchangeable launcher is one of the fastest ways to transform a smartphone’s interface without root rights or complex manipulations. However, many users face the problem: after installing an alternative launcher (Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, Apex, etc.), the system continues to use the standard MIUI Launcher by default. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to change the launcher on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices – from basic settings to ADB commands for advanced users.

The peculiarity of MIUI firmware (especially versions 12-14) is its aggressive policy towards third-party launchers. Even if you choose an alternative launcher in the settings, the system can automatically return the standard one after restarting or updating. We tested all methods on current models — from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra — and collected only working solutions. Importantly, some methods require debugging via USB or additional rights, so start configuring only after backing up the data.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the default launcher change?

MIUI was originally designed with a focus on interface uniformity and integration with Xiaomi services. The removable launcher breaks this concept, so the manufacturer implements restrictions:

• 🔄 Automatic reset: After restarting or updating the system MIUI Can return a standard launcher, ignoring user choice.
• 🚫 Blocking in settings: On some models (for example, POCO F5) Default Louncher is hidden or unavailable.
• 🛡️ Protection against “unstable” applications: MIUI considers third-party launchers potentially hazardous to performance.
• 📱 Restrictions for Chinese firmware: on devices with global firmware (Global) ROM) Less problems than in China (China) ROM).

In addition, MIUI 13/14 has added Memory Extension, which conflicts with some launchers. If the device starts to slow down after changing the launcher, try turning this option off in Settings → Additional → Expansion of memory.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Changing the launcher can cause system applications to crash (such as Mi Pay or Mi Home). → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Method 1: Standard change of launcher through settings

The simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14 (except Chinese firmware) is suitable for launchers from Google Play, such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.

Instructions:

1. Install an alternative launcher from Google Play (or manually via APK).
2. Open the launcher app (like Nova Launcher) and the system will prompt you to make it the main one – click Always or Use by default.
3. If the automatic window does not appear, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
5. Slip on the item Louncher and select the desired application from the list.

If after these actions the launcher still resets, try to disable the optimization of the battery for it:

• 🔋 Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Optimizing the battery.
• 🔍 Find your launcher in the list and select Without Limits.
• 🔄 Reset the device.

Install an alternative launcher from Google Play|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Check for the presence of the "Luncher" item in the default settings|Reboot the device after changes-->

Method 2: Using ADB to Forced Change the Launcher

If the standard method doesn’t work, you’ll need to use USB debugging (ADB), which is suitable for advanced users and requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification appears You became a developer!
2. Activate USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on the USB Debugging Switch.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.

ADB Tools

Command line.

Terminal

ADB

adb devices

The serial number of your device should appear.

com.example.launcher

com.teslacoilsw.launcher

Nova Launcher

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.example.launcher

After you execute the command, restart the device. If the launcher resets again, try turning off automatic MIUI optimization:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They can disrupt the stability of the system if entered incorrectly. Before experimenting, back up the data through Settings. → System system → Backup.

Standard. MIUI Launcher|Nova Launcher|Microsoft Launcher|Lawnchair|Other-->

Method 3: Disabling system applications (for power users)

If MIUI Launcher keeps coming back, you can try disabling it via settings or ADB. This method is risky - if you do not act correctly, you may need to reset your settings.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find MIUI Launcher (or System Launcher) in the list.
3. Press Disable (if the button is active). On some firmwares, this item may be blocked.
4. If you don't have a shutdown, use ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.home

After disabling the system launcher, select an alternative through the default settings (see Method 1).

Comparison of popular launchers for Xiaomi

Not all alternative launchers work equally well on MIUI, and we tested the top solutions and made a table with their features:

On devices with MIUI 14 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), Nova Launcher and Hyperion work best – they are optimized for new chipsets and support adaptive screen refresh rates (up to 120 Hz).

Solving problems: Launcher resets after reboot

A frequent complaint of Xiaomi users is the return of the standard launcher after a reboot or update.

• 🔄 Automatic optimization MIUI: Turn off Auto-Optimization in Settings → Battery → Battery optimization.Add launcher to memory cleanup exceptions.
• 📱 Update MIUI: After the system update, the launcher is reset. Select it again in the default settings. If the problem repeats, use it. ADB-command (see Method 2).
• 🔒 Security lock: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Try changing region to India or Global in Settings → Additionally. → Region.

If none of the methods worked, try installing the launcher as a system application through Magisk (requires root).

1. Install Magisk and App Systemizer module.
2. Convert the launcher into a system application.
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Installing system applications via Magisk may disrupt Google Pay and other services that depend on SafetyNet. Check compatibility with the SafetyNet Test app before doing so.

💡

If the launcher is slowing down after a shift, try turning off animation in the developer settings (Settings → For developers → The scale of the animation window → No animations). This will speed up the interface by 15-20%.

Alternative methods: custom firmware and root

If all methods are exhausted and the launcher is still not saved, the radical solution remains to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which is only suitable for advanced users and requires unlocking the bootloader.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🔓 Full freedom in choosing a launcher without resetting.
• 🚀 Higher productivity (no background processes) MIUI).
• 📱 Support for the latest Android versions (even on older devices).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty if the device is new).
• 🔧 Risk of "bricking" with incorrect installation.
• 📵 Possible camera or sensor issues (more patches required).

Instructions for installing custom firmware:

After installing custom firmware, the launcher is selected by default in the standard way (via Android settings), without the limitations of MIUI.

💡

Custom firmware is the last resort, but it is guaranteed to solve the problem of resetting the launcher. However, before installing, make sure that your model (Redmi/POCO/Xiaomi) has a stable build with support for all functions (NFC, camera, sensors).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the launcher to Xiaomi