The smartphone interface is the first thing we see after unlocking the device, and its convenience depends on the speed of work throughout the day. Xiaomi’s standard MIUI or HyperOS shell offers many features, but not everyone likes its appearance or the logic of the arrangement of elements. Sometimes standard widgets look too bulky and icons seem outdated, which encourages owners to look for ways to personalize their gadget.
Fortunately, the Android operating system that runs Redmi and Poco phones provides a lot of customization options. Changing the home screen, or launcher, allows you to completely transform the look of the device, making it unique and more functional. In this guide, we will discuss how to safely replace the standard interface, what alternatives are available, and how to avoid typical navigation problems.
The replacement process does not require root rights or complex technical manipulations, but it requires careful adjustment of system parameters. A properly selected launcher can even speed up the performance of an old smartphone if the standard shell has become too heavy for the processor.
The concept of a launcher and why to change it
The launcher is a system application that is responsible for displaying the desktop, app menu, search bar and widgets. It controls how you see the contact list, how folders open and how transitions between screens are animated. Xiaomi smartphones use the proprietary launcher MIUI Launcher (or HyperOS Launcher), which is deeply integrated into the system but has design limitations.
Many users are looking to replace it to get a pure Android, similar to what the Google Pixel offers, or to install a futuristic interface with many animations. Third-party launchers often work faster, consume less RAM and offer more flexible configuration of the grid of icons.
⚠️ Note: Installing a third-party launcher may lead to conflicts with system navigation gestures. In some cases, the Home or Back buttons may stop responding correctly if you do not perform the correct setup after installation.
Changing the home screen isn't just a cosmetic procedure, it's a change in the logic of interacting with the device. You can choose a minimalist interface for concentration or a rich screen for maximum control over notifications. The choice depends solely on your personal preferences and smartphone usage habits.
Preparation for the installation of a new interface
Before you start downloading and installing new apps, make sure your device is ready for changes. First of all, check for free space in memory, as some advanced launchers can take up a significant amount of space, especially if you plan to download additional packages of icons and themes. It is also recommended to back up important data, although the process of installing the launcher rarely leads to loss of information.
An important step is to update the system to the latest available version. Xiaomi developers are constantly making changes to the security structure, and older versions of MIUI may block the installation of third-party interfaces or work incorrectly with new versions of launchers from Google Play. Go to the settings and check for updates.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Also, you should determine the source of the download in advance. The most secure option is the official Google Play Store, where all software is tested for viruses. APK-Files from unverified sources can lead to the device being infected with malware that can intercept password entry.
Search and installation of an alternative launcher
Choosing a launcher is a creative process, as there are dozens of quality solutions on the market, some of the most popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, Lawnchair and Smart Launcher. Each of them has its own unique features: Nova is famous for its flexibility of settings, Microsoft is famous for integrating with Windows services, and Lawnchair is the most similar to pure Android.
To install, open an app store and type the name of the selected launcher into the search box. Once you find the application, click "Install." The download process usually takes a few seconds depending on the speed of your Internet connection. After installation, take your time to launch the application - the system must first recognize the new component.
Below is a table of popular launchers and their key features that will help you decide on the choice:
| The name of the launcher | Main feature | Difficulty setting up | Resource consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Maximum flexibility and customization | Tall. | Average. |
| Microsoft Launcher | Integration with the Microsoft ecosystem | Low. | High. |
| Lawnchair | Pixel Style and Open Code | Medium | Low. |
| Smart Launcher 6 | Automatic sorting of applications | Low. | Average. |
After installing the first third-party launcher, the system may suggest selecting the default app to work with the main screen. If this does not happen automatically, you will have to do it manually through the settings, which will be discussed in the next section.
Activation and default setting
The most critical thing is to get Xiaomi to use the new interface instead of the standard one. Immediately after installation, launch the launcher app. The system window will appear on the screen asking which app to use for the home screen. Select the launcher installed and click the "Always" button to confirm the choice.
If the window doesn't appear or you accidentally choose the wrong app, you need to change the settings manually. Go to the Settings menu, then find the Apps section and select Application Management. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select the Default Apps.
In the list that opens, look for Desktop (or Launcher). Click on it and select your new launcher from the list. The system will warn you that changing the launcher may affect some functions — agree with that. After that, click the Home button on the navigation bar or swipe from the bottom up to see the changes.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI When a third-party launcher is first activated, the widgets may disappear or gestures may stop working. If this happens, try restarting the device without removing the application.
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If widgets are missing after the launcher change, try removing the standard weather or watch widget and adding them again through the new launcher menu.
Now that the new interface is active, it is recommended to take the time to set it up initially: resize the grid, select your preferred font, and adjust transition animations to maximize smoothness.
Solving navigation and gesture problems
One of the most common problems when changing the home screen to Xiaomi is a conflict with system gestures. In Full Screen mode, a swipe from the bottom up to return to the desktop may not work or work with a delay, as the new launcher intercepts control, in which case the system may suggest switching to the classic three navigation buttons.
To fix the situation, try resetting the launcher. Go to Settings → Applications → All apps, find your new launcher, select Memory and click Clear (or Reset). After that, reset it as the main one. In some cases, switching between navigation modes helps: first turn on Buttons, activate the launcher, and then return Full Screen.
What to do if the phone freezes after the launcher change?
Also, it is worth considering that some MIUI features, such as Second Space or Child Mode, may not be properly displayed in third-party shells, and in such cases it is better to temporarily return to the standard launcher to work with these features.
Return to the standard MIUI interface
If you don't like the experiment with the new interface or you encounter critical errors, you can always go back to the factory launcher. You don't have to delete the third-party application, just change the default settings as described earlier. Select System Launcher as your desktop.
After returning to the standard interface, it is recommended to clear the third-party launcher's cache so that it does not consume resources in the background. Go to the application settings, find the launcher installed and click Clear the cache. If you no longer plan to use it, the application can be completely removed.
In the rare cases where a standard launcher stops starting (a black screen instead of a desktop), you can try running it through the task manager or command line if USB debugging is connected. However, most often a simple device reboot helps, which resets temporary errors of the miuihome process.
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Returning to the factory launcher settings solves 90% of the problems with the unstable operation of the interface on Xiaomi.