If you own a Xiaomi smartphone and are tired of the standard interface MIUI Launcher, this is for you, and replacing the system launcher with an alternative is a popular solution among users who want more flexibility, speed or just fresh design, but the process is not as obvious as it seems: Xiaomi is actively blocking the possibility of changing the default launcher, especially in the latest versions MIUI 14/15 hyperos.
In this guide, we will look at all the ways to replace, from simply turning off through settings to installing third-party launchers with circumvention of restrictions, and learn what alternatives exist, how to avoid installation errors, and what to do if the system persists in returning standard soap. The material is relevant for all models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO 2018–2026 release, including Xiaomi 14 flagships and budget Redmi Note 13.
What is Xiaomi’s soap and why do they want to replace it?
MIUI Launcher is a system application responsible for the desktop, app menus and transitions between screens on Xiaomi smartphones.It is called “soap” because of the characteristic blurring effect of page scrolling and specific design. Despite regular updates, many users complain about the fact that the system is not a “soap:
- 🐢 Brakes and lags – especially on budget models with 4-6 GB of RAM;
- 🎨 Imposed design – lack of flexible customization of icons, fonts and animations;
- 📦 Advertising and unnecessary services – even in firmware without advertising, the launcher can load unnecessary elements;
- 🔄 Automatic reset - after updates MIUI frequently returns a standard launcher.
Alternative launchers (such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Niagara Launcher) address these issues by offering:
- ⚡ Smooth work even on weak devices;
- 🖌️ Deep customization – from gestures to adaptive icons;
- 🚫 Lack of advertising and unnecessary background processes;
- 🔓 Compatible with Google Play themes and third-party widgets.
⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 13 Xiaomi actively blocks the default launcher change through system settings. This is done for "stability of work", but in practice complicates customization.
Preparation for replacement: what to do before installing a new launcher
Before you change the launcher, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid crashes, data loss or automatic return to the standard interface.
1. Create a backup copy of:
- 📱 Save the list of installed applications (can be done through Settings) → Annexes → All applications → ⋮ → Exports of the list);
- 🖼️ Export wallpaper and desktop settings (if the launcher supports backup);
- ☁️ Sync contacts, notes and data with Mi Account or Google.
2. Check the compatibility:
| Xiaomi model | Support for alternative launchers | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi K60, POCO F5 | Yeah, but it requires a shutdown. MIUI Launcher | HyperOS should be used on the ADB-team |
| Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5 | Yes, no restrictions. | Can be replaced through the settings |
| Xiaomi 11/12, Redmi 10 | Yeah, but it's possible lags. | Recommended Nova Launcher Prime |
| Older models (until 2020) | Yeah, no problem. | Support even heavy launchers |
3. Unlock the installation from unknown sources:
Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → ⚙️ Settings → Install unknown applications and allow installation APK for your browser or file manager.
Make a backup of data |
Verification of model compatibility|
Permit installation APK source|
Charge your phone at least 50% |
Disable battery optimization for launcher-->
Method 1: Replace the launcher through settings (for MIUI up to 12.5)
On the old versions. MIUI (Up to 12.5 inclusive), you can replace the launcher directly in the system settings. This method is the easiest, but it does not work on all devices.
Step-by-step:
- Install an alternative launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find it on the list. MIUI Launcher (or "Luncher") and tap it.
- Choose Disable (if the button is active) or Remove Updates.
- Press OK in the warning of possible failures.
- Return to the home screen and select the new launcher as standard (the system will prompt you to do this automatically).
If the Disable button is inactive or absent, proceed to the next method.
⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 with) MIUI (13) disabling the system launcher may result in loss of navigation gesture functionality. ADB.
Method 2: Use of the ADB shutdown MIUI Launcher (for launcher) MIUI 13+ hyperos)
Starting with MIUI 13 and in HyperOS, Xiaomi blocked the ability to disable the system launcher through the interface. ADB-The method requires connecting the phone to a computer, but it works on all modern models.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux;
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original);
- 📦 Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot;
- 🔧 Included debugging by USB phone-on.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI; Tap the version number 7 times until the notification “You became a developer” appears".
- Turn on the debugging. USB: Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers; Activate the Debugging Switch by USB; Confirm the permission in the window that appears.
adb devices(The name of your device should appear)
adb shell pm hide com.miui.home(This will disable the system launcher)
Google Play
If, after the reboot, MIUI Launcher is activated again, repeat the command adb shell pm hide com.miui.home.
💡
If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers via the Mi Flash Tool or using an adb kill-server before connecting.
Method 3: Install an alternative launcher without shutting down MIUI Launcher
If the previous methods didn't work or seem too complicated, you can install a third-party launcher in parallel with the system one. MIUI Launcher, and the alternative will have to run manually.
How it works:
- Download and install any launcher from Google Play (we recommend Nova Launcher or Lawnchair 2).
- Open the app and customize it for yourself (wallpaper, icons, gestures).
- Create a launcher shortcut on your desktop or in the notification bar: Long-click on your desktop → Widgets → Find your launcher widget; or use apps like QuickShortcutMaker to create a shortcut.
If you need to quickly switch between launchers, use the “Swipe up with retention” gesture (configured in Android gestures).
This method does not require root rights or ADB, It's less convenient, but it's 100% secure, and it doesn't affect system files.
How to get it back MIUI Launcher back up?
Best alternatives MIUI Launcher in 2026
The launcher you choose depends on your needs: someone needs maximum performance, someone needs unique design, and we tested the top solutions and compiled a rating.
| Launcher | Advantages | Deficiencies | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | ⚡ Fast, ⚙️ Maximum customization, 🔒 No advertising. | 💰 Paid for Premium-Fichi | 🏆 Best for experienced users |
| Lawnchair 2 | 🆓 Free, 🎨 Support for Pixel Themes, 🔄 Frequent updates | 🐛 Sometimes widget bugs | 🥈 Optimal balance |
| Niagara Launcher | 📱 Minimalist design, ⚡ Light (3 MB), 🔒 No tracking. | ❌ No support for adaptive icons | 🥉 For lovers of minimalism |
| Microsoft Launcher | ☁️ Integration with Windows, 📅 Calendar on screen | 📊 Data collection (linkage to Microsoft) | 💼 To work with the PC |
| Smart Launcher 6 | 🧠 Automatic sorting of applications, 🎨 Themes for all tastes | 💰 Paid for the full version | 🎨 For lovers of automatic organization |
Elective council:
- 🔋 For weak phones (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) — Niagara or Lawnchair;
- 🎮 For gamers – Nova Launcher (guest support and concealment of the navigation bar);
- 🖥️ To work - Microsoft Launcher (synchronization with PC);
- 👨🎨 Smart Launcher 6 (maximum themes and animations).
💡
If performance is important to you, opt for launchers with minimal RAM consumption (up to 100MB), Nova Launcher and Lawnchair are optimized better than others.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you replace the launcher, you're going to see some common mistakes, and we've collected some of the most common ones and ways to fix them.
1.After the reboot, it returns MIUI Launcher
Reason: The system automatically resets the default settings.
Decision:
- Use it. ADB-Adb shell pm hide com.miui.home after each reboot;
- Or install the SetEdit app (requires root) and manually change the standard launcher.
2.The navigation gestures stopped working
Reason: Disconnection MIUI Launcher breaks system gestures.
Decision:
- Include Android gestures in Settings → System system → Gestures → System navigation;
- Or use a launcher with support for custom gestures (for example, Nova Launcher).
3. Launcher brakes or flies off
Reason: Conflict with optimization MIUI or lack of RAM.
Decision:
- Disable Battery Optimization for Launcher in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Battery;
- Clear the launcher cache in the application settings;
- Try the lightweight version (e.g. Nova Launcher instead of Smart Launcher).
4. The widgets or wallpaper are gone
Reason: New launcher does not support widgets MIUI.
Decision:
- Use widgets from Google Play (for example, KWGT custom-widget);
- Install alternative wallpapers via WallpapersCraft or Backdrops.
⚠️ Note: If after the launcher change, the system notifications about calls and SMS, Check the permissions for the new launcher in Settings → Annexes → Permits, sometimes. MIUI Blocks notification access for third-party applications.