Changing the standard shell is one of the most effective ways to personalize the interface of a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone. The built-in MIUI system or the new HyperOS offers many features, but its appearance and the logic of the menu are not popular with all users. Often owners are annoyed by the restrictions on the number of widgets, the specific style of icons or navigation, which seems less convenient than on pure Android.
Fortunately, the Android operating system is inherently open, making it easy to swap the standard launcher for any alternative from Google Play.You can turn your device into a device that visually resembles the Pixel, or customize it to your unique productivity needs.The installation process is simple and does not require the rights of the Root superuser, making the procedure safe for beginners.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the step-by-step algorithm, look at the best alternative shells, and look at the nuances of working in the Xiaomi ecosystem. Particular attention should be paid to permissions, since a brand’s security system can block third-party applications until manually set up, a critical point that is often overlooked.
Why Change the Standard MIUI and HyperOS Launcher
The main reason users are choosing to change the interface is to customize. Themes' standard themes often change only icons and wallpapers, leaving menu structure and notification curtains unchanged. Third-party launchers allow users to change the desktop grid beyond recognition, add gestures and change the behavior of the dock panel.
The second important aspect is performance: shells like MIUI can be heavyweight, especially on budget models with little RAM, and lightweight alternatives consume less CPU resources, which has a positive effect on battery life and system response speed when switching between applications.
- 🚀 Speed: Optimized third-party shell code often runs faster than standard shell code.
- 🎨 Design flexibility: The ability to change absolutely every element of the interface, from fonts to swipe animation.
- 🔒 Privacy: Some users prefer open source launchers that don't collect telemetry.
However, it is worth noting that switching to a third-party solution may deprive you of some native features. For example, proprietary Xiaomi widgets or specific control gestures may not work correctly or require additional settings, so before installing it, it is important to weigh the pros and cons.
⚠️ Warning: After installing a new launcher, the system may periodically suggest returning default settings.This is normal Android security behavior, just ignore notifications or select No».
Top.-5 The best launchers for Xiaomi smartphones
Choosing the right shell is a matter of taste, but there are market leaders who have proven themselves to be stable and functional. The Nova Launcher is traditionally the number one. It's the "gold standard" of customization that allows you to customize literally every pixel of the screen, and it's perfect for those who like to dig into the settings.
For those who like minimalism and style, the Pixel is a great fit for Lawnchair. This open source project replicates the Android stock interface, providing smoothness and lightness. It's not overloaded with unnecessary features, making it a great choice for entry-level devices.
Also worth looking at is the Smart Launcher 6, which automatically sorts apps into categories, and Microsoft Launcher, which integrates perfectly with the Windows ecosystem. For gamers and those who love futuristic design, Niagara Launcher has been created, offering a unique vertical list of apps.
- 🏆 Nova Launcher: Maximum flexibility and a huge number of plugins.
- 🌿 Lawnchair: Google’s clean style and openness.
- 🧠 Smart Launcher: Smart Sorting and Responsive Interface.
Each of these options has its own strengths. If you want to have a deep tuning of animations and gestures, go for Nova. If the simplicity and aesthetics of stock Android — Lawnchair — are important, it's important to try a few, because the experience of using the interface is subjective.
Step-by-step: how to install and activate the launcher
The process of installing a third-party shell on Xiaomi and Redmi is slightly different from other brands due to the aggressive security policy of MIUI. First you need to download the selected application from the Google Play Market or a reliable source like F-Droid.
The system will require special permissions to work properly. You need to go to your phone's settings, find the Apps section, and select Application Management. From the menu on the right (three dots), select Other Permissions or Special Permissions, and then find Display on top of other apps.
☑️ Checklist for launcher activation
In the list that opens, find your new launcher and turn on the switch. Without this step, the interface may not start or work with errors. Then the system will prompt you to choose the application for the home screen when you first unlock or after you reboot. Select "Always" or "Constantly" to make the new interface the main one.
⚠️ Note: Some versions of HyperOS may have different paths. Look for settings in the Security menu» → «Permits» → «Display on top of other apps" if you can't find the item in the general settings.
Once activated, the old interface will disappear, and you will see the desktop of the new program. Now you can start fine-tuning widgets, icons and docking panels to your preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment with parameters, since most launchers allow you to do a full reset in one click.
Setting up access rights and resolving conflicts
One of the most common problems when changing the launcher to Xiaomi is the conflict with system optimization. Aggressive energy saving can kill the process of a third-party launcher, causing a return to the standard interface or freeze.
Find the "Applications" item in the settings» → «Permits» → «In the list, find your new launcher and activate it. This will allow the shell to boot with the system and run in the background without restrictions.
In some cases, you may need to disable the MIUI Optimization option in the developer menu, although in the latest versions of HyperOS this item is hidden or removed. If you find that the navigation gestures (swips from the bottom) are not working correctly, try switching to button navigation in the screen settings.
- 🔋 Energy saving: Set a “No Limits” mode for the launcher.
- 🔄 Autostart: Be sure to turn on the appropriate menu.
- 🛡️ Blockers: Don't add launcher to 'Closed Apps' list mistakenly.
What to do if the launcher flies out when booting?
Comparison of popular launchers: Characteristics table
To make it easier for you to make your choice, we have prepared a comparison table of key characteristics that will help you quickly assess the functionality of market leaders and choose a tool that suits your smartphone use style.
| Launcher | Difficulty setting up | Impact on the battery | Support for plugins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Tall. | Average. | Huge. |
| Lawnchair | Low. | Low. | Limited. |
| Smart Launcher 6 | Medium | Low. | Medium |
| Niagara | Minimum | Minimum | Absent. |
As you can see from the table, Nova Launcher provides maximum control, but it takes time to learn. Lawnchair and Niagara are focused on those who want to install and forget, having a finished result without unnecessary movements.
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For most Xiaomi users, the optimal balance between functionality and simplicity is Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, as they are best adapted to different resolutions of Redmi and POCO screens.
Return to factory interface settings
If you didn't like the experiment with the new interface or you encountered critical errors, it's very easy to get it back to you, you don't have to refashion your phone or reset it to factory settings, you just have to delete the launcher app or change the priority in the system.
Go to Settings and find the Apps section. Go to the Application Management menu and find the third-party launcher installed in the list. Click Remove. The system will automatically switch to the standard MIUI or HyperOS shell.
Alternatively, you don't delete the application, you just change priority. In the same Application Management menu, click three dots in the corner of the screen and select the Desktop or Home screen, select System Launcher.
- 🗑️ Removal: Complete removal of the application returns the standard view.
- ⚙️ Change of priority: Allows you to leave the application, but not use it.
- 🔄 Reset: Clearing the launcher data will return its settings to the original.
After returning to the drain interface, it is recommended to restart the device to clear the cache and restore all system widgets, which ensures the stable operation of the phone in normal mode.