How to change the launcher on Xiaomi: a complete guide to install and configure

Standard. MIUI Launcher on Xiaomi smartphones is not popular with everyone: some want to get rid of advertising in the system, some lack the flexibility of customization, and some just want to try something new. Fortunately, you can replace the launcher with Xiaomi in a few minutes - and this does not require root rights or complex firmware manipulations.

But before you start, it is important to understand: changing the launcher does not remove the MIUI. You just install another app on top of it that will control the desktop, the notification panel, and the app menu, and it's secure, it's reversible, it doesn't affect the warranty. MIUI Or branded widgets, they may not work properly, and in this article, we'll take you through the steps, from choosing an alternative to solving possible problems.

If you've never changed a launcher before, don't worry, it's easier than it looks, it's about following the instructions and not missing important details, and if something goes wrong, you can always get back the standard launcher. MIUI Launcher back up.

Why users want to change the launcher to Xiaomi

The reasons for replacing the standard launcher with Xiaomi are several, and they depend on the user’s needs.

• 🚫 Advertising in MIUI. Even in the latest firmware versions, some interface elements (such as folders or widgets) may display ads. Third-party launchers usually lack this drawback.
• 🎨 Limited customization. MIUI Launcher cannot change the size of icons, fonts or animations as flexibly as in alternative solutions.
• ⚡ Performance: Some users complain about the slowdown of the standard launcher, especially on budget Redmi or low-end models. POCO.
• 📱 Lack of features: Lack of gesture support, responsive icons, or integration with other services (e.g. Google Feed).
• 🔄 The habit of a different interface. If you switched from a Samsung, Pixel or iPhone, the standard one is MIUI may seem uncomfortable.

Interestingly, even among Xiaomi fans, opinions are divided. MIUI Launcher is the perfect solution for the Mi ecosystem, others immediately after buying a phone put Nova Launcher or Hyperion?

It’s important to understand that replacing the launcher won’t solve all the performance problems. If the phone is slowing down due to a lack of RAM or a weak processor, a new launcher can only slightly improve things, in such cases it’s worth considering lighter versions of launchers (for example, Nova Launcher Lite) or optimizing the system in other ways.

Which launcher to choose for Xiaomi: TOP-5 alternatives MIUI

The market for alternative launchers is huge, but not all of them work equally well on Xiaomi, and we selected five proven options based on compatibility, functionality and user feedback.

For most Xiaomi users, the best choice will be Nova Launcher – it is compatible with almost all models (from Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra), has Russian language and does not conflict with system functions.

Microsoft Launcher is suitable for those who are actively using office tools or want to synchronize notifications between the phone and the PC, but remember: some features of the launchers may not work on custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU or LineageOS), in which case it is better to test several options.

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Before installing a new launcher, check its compatibility with your version of Android. For example, Nova Launcher 8 requires Android 11 and higher, and for older smartphones (for example, Redmi 5) Nova Launcher Classic will suit.

Preparation of the phone before changing the launcher

Before installing a new launcher, you need to follow a few simple steps, which will help avoid performance problems or conflicts with the system.

1. Check the version. MIUI Android

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone.
• 📝 Remember the version. MIUI (for example, MIUI 14.0.5) and Android (e.g. Android 13).
• 🔍 Make sure the selected launcher supports your version of the OS.

2. Make room for memory

Launchers take up little space (usually 10–50 MB), but they need at least 500 MB of free space to work properly. → Warehouse.

3. Turn off optimization MIUI launcher

By default. MIUI It can shut down background processes, which will cause the third-party launcher to restart:

1. Install a new launcher (more on that below).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Find the installed launcher (like Nova Launcher) and select Battery → No restrictions.
4. Enable Auto Start and Lock in the background.

4. Make a backup copy.

Although changing the launcher does not delete data, we recommend saving:

• 📁 Wallpaper and themes (if you use customized ones).
• 📋 Location of icons (you can take a picture of the screen).
• ⚙️ Settings MIUI (through settings → Additionally. → Backup).

Verified version. MIUI Android|Released 500+ MBT memory|Battery optimization for launcher disabled|Backup of wallpaper and icons made-->

If you use Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, no additional manipulation is required, POCO F5 Xiaomi 13T) You may need to turn off the protection. MIUI How to do this, we'll talk about it in the next section.

Step-by-step: how to install a new launcher on Xiaomi

Now, to the most important thing, installing and configuring an alternative launcher, the process is the same for most models, but there are nuances for different versions. MIUI.

Step 1 Download the launcher from the official source

Don't install it. APK It can be insecure from unknown sites:

• 📱 Google Play Market (for most launchers).
• 🌐 Official website (for example, Nova Launcher).
• 🛠️ F-Droid (for open source projects like Lawnchair).

Step 2. Install and launch launcher

Once installed, open the application. The system will prompt you to make it the default launcher – click Always or Use (depending on version). MIUI).

Step 3: Set up the default launcher

If there is no automatic offer, do it manually:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → By default.
2. Choose Louncher (or Home).
3. Specify the launcher installed (for example, Nova Launcher).

Step 4: Set up the basic parameters

After the first launch, the launcher will offer a basic setup:

• 🎯 Choose the style of the icons (for example, Adaptive or Round).
• 📱 Set up gestures (such as swipe up to open the app menu).
• 🔍 Turn on or off the search bar on the home screen.

Step 5: Return the standard launcher (if needed)

To get back to MIUI Launcher, re-select it in the default settings (Settings) → Annexes → By default. → Launcher).

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) After installing the launcher, gestures may disappear MIUI. This is normal – just set up similar gestures in the launcher itself (for example, in Nova Launcher this is done in the Gestures and Inputs section).

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If after the launcher change, system gestures (for example, swipe to return back) stopped working, return them in the settings MIUI: Settings → Display. → Additionally. → Full-screen gestures.

Solving problems after the launcher change

Most of the time, the new launcher works without any complaints, but sometimes there are difficulties. Let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.

1.The launcher is constantly restarting

This is due to optimization. MIUI, It's a solution that closes the background:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → [Your launcher] → Battery.
• 📵 Choose Without Limitations.
• 🔄 Turn on Auto Start and turn off Optimization MIUI (if there is such a clause).

2. widgets are not working

Some widgets MIUI (For example, weather or steps may not be displayed in third-party launchers:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📥 Install alternative widgets (e.g. Chronus for weather or weather) KWGT customize).
• 🛠️ In the launcher settings, enable support for widgets MIUI (if there is such a parameter).

3. Wallpaper or icons are missing

If after the change of the launcher, the wallpaper or icons have dropped:

• 🖼️ Manually install the wallpaper again (they will be stored in the memory of the phone).
• 🎨 For icons, use packs from Google Play (such as Whicons or Lines).
• 🔄 In the launcher settings, select Restore default settings (if available).

4. System gestures are not working

If the gestures stopped working MIUI (For example, swipe from the bottom to return to the main screen):

• ⚙️ Return system gestures to Settings → Display. → Full-screen gestures.
• 👆 Set up similar gestures in the launcher itself (e.g. in Nova Launcher: Settings) → Gestures and entrances).

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If after installing the launcher, the phone began to brake, try to turn off animations in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers and turn off window animation and transition animation).

If none of the solutions worked, try resetting the launcher to the factory or reinstall it. MIUI Launcher and check if there are problems with system updates.

Additional settings: how to customize the launcher on Xiaomi

Installing a launcher is just the first step, and you can now customize it to make the desktop really comfortable.

1. Icon settings

Most launchers allow you to change the style of icons:

• 🎨 In Nova Launcher: Long-Tap on the Desktop → Settings → Icon style.
• 📦 Install a pack of icons from Google Play (like Fluid or Delta).
• 🔄 Include Adaptive Icons for Uniformity.

2.Gesturals and hot keys

The side of the launchers support gestures that are not in the MIUI:

• 👆 Double tap to lock the screen.
• 🔍 Swipe down to open a search.
• 📱 Swipe up on the icon for quick action (for example, calling a contact).

3. Themes and wallpaper

Many launchers support dynamic themes:

• 🌓 Nova Launcher can include dark theme on schedule.
• 🖼️ Use Muzei-enabled wallpaper to automatically change backgrounds.
• 🎭 Set themes from KLWP customize.

4. Optimization of productivity

To keep the launcher running smoothly:

• 🧹 Clean the launcher cache once a week (Settings) → Annexes → [Your launcher] → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• ⚡ Turn off unnecessary animations in the launcher settings.
• 📵 Limit the number of widgets on the main screen.

If you want to go further, you can combine the launcher with other customization tools, for example:

• Tasker is for automating activities.
• KWGT — custom-made.
• Edge Gestures – for additional gestures.

Change of launcher to Xiaomi with unlocked bootloader or custom firmware

If your Xiaomi is running custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the launcher installation process may be different.

1.Switch off. MIUI Optimization (for firmware based on the MIUI)

On some custom assemblies MIUI (For example, Xiaomi.EU can interfere with system optimization:

adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1

This command must be executed through ADB (setup instructions here. After you do, restart your phone.

2. Compatible with Android Go or light firmware

On budget models (e.g. Redmi) A1 or POCO C50) With Android Go firmware, some launchers may not work smoothly:

• 📱 Nova Launcher (Light version).
• 🚀 Hyperion Launcher (optimized for weak devices).
• 🛠️ Lawnchair (open code, minimum requirements).

3. Problems with gestures on custom firmware

On firmware like LineageOS or ArrowOS, system gestures can conflict with launcher gestures.

• ⚙️ Turn off system gestures in firmware settings.
• 👆 Set up gestures directly in the launcher.

4. Launcher is not installed due to lack of Google Services

On firmware without GApps (for example, LineageOS without Google), launchers from Google Play will not be installed.

• 📥 Download. APK from the launcher's official website.
• 🛠️ Install MicroG to work with Google services.
• 🔄 Use alternative stores (such as F-Droid or Aurora Store).

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On custom firmware, some launcher features (such as voice search or Google Feed integration) may not work without Google Play Services. Make sure they are installed, or use alternatives (such as Bing Search instead of Google Discover).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the launcher to Xiaomi