How to put a launcher in the style of Xiaomi on any Android smartphone: the full guide

Corporate interface MIUI Xiaomi has long been a benchmark for many Android users — its minimalist design, smooth animations and easy navigation appeal to even device owners from other brands. But what if you want a similar experience on a Samsung, Realme or even Google Pixel? The solution is simple: install a launcher that mimics the style of Xiaomi.

In this article, we will not only discuss how to choose the best launcher under the MIUI, But how to set it up properly, from replacing icons to fine-tuning gestures and animations, you'll learn what alternatives exist (including official and third-party solutions), how to avoid common installation errors, and even how to restore a standard launcher if something goes wrong. And for owners of Xiaomi, we will give instructions on how to return the “native” launcher after experiments with custom shells.

Important: Some features (e.g. global search or smart app sorting) may not work as consistently on unofficial launchers as on the original. MIUI. We will mark such moments separately so that you can weigh all the pros and cons before installing.

Why Xiaomi launcher is so popular: key chips MIUI

Interface. MIUI It stands out from other Android shells due to several unique features that users often try to reproduce on other devices:

• 🎨 Themes and personalization: the ability to change icons, fonts, notification styles and even system sounds through the built-in theme store.
• 👆 Gestures and navigation: swipe up to open the app menu, double tap to lock the screen, gesture "clamp and pull" to change the size of the widget.
• 🔍 Global search: instant search not only by apps, but also by contacts, messages, system settings (similar to Spotlight on iOS).
• 📂 Application categories: Automatic grouping of icons into folders (e.g., “Social Networks”, “Games”) without manual sorting.
• 🔄 Transition animations: smooth effects when opening / closing applications that visually “smooth” interaction with the system.

However, not all of these features are available in third-party launchers, such as only the official launcher. MIUI Supports full integration with Xiaomi services (Mi Account, Mi Cloud, Mi Home), as well as some system gestures (for example, swipe on the edge of the screen for quick returns.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with shells One UI (Samsung or ColorOS (Oppo/Realme) Some launcher gestures may conflict with system gestures, such as swiping up from the bottom of the screen can open the app menu and notification bar at the same time.

Top.-5 Launchers in the style of Xiaomi: comparison and features

Not all launchers are equally good at copying. MIUI. We tested dozens of options and selected the best ones, taking into account stability, themes support and compatibility with the latest versions of Android.

For most users, Lawnchair 2 is the best choice – it is free, regularly updated and supports icon packs in the style of the best. MIUI. If you want the most similarity to the original, try the unofficial port of Xiaomi Launcher, but be prepared for possible bugs (for example, an error "Launcher3 Stopped with Android 13+).

Step-by-step: how to install Xiaomi launcher on any Android

The installation process depends on the type of launcher. We'll look at two scenarios: installing an official launcher. MIUI Launcher on Xiaomi devices (if removed) and installing a third-party launcher on any Android device.

Scenario 1: Restoration of native launcher on Xiaomi

If you have removed the standard launcher (for example, you have installed a Nova Launcher), you can return it via Settings. → Annexes → Application management:

1. Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find Launcher (or com.miui.home) in the list.
3. Click Enable (if disabled) or Reset settings.
4. Reset the device.

If the launcher has been completely removed (for example, through the ADB), Download it. APK from an official source (e.g. APKMirror) and install manually. MIUI (for example MIUI 14 It's a launcher version. 4.25.0.3475-06241716).

Script 2: Installation of a third-party launcher on-Xiaomi device

For installation, for example, Lawnchair 2:

Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources)|

Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Security)|

Backup your current launcher settings (if you use them) Nova/Action)|

Charge your phone at least 30% (in case of failure)-->

1. Download. APK launcher (for example, from lawnchair.app).
2. Install the file by confirming permissions.
3. After installation, click Home and select a new launcher as your primary.
4. Start setting: Choose the style of the icons (MIUI-You can download it in Miui Icons).

⚠️ Note: On Huawei devices (without Google services), some launchers may not work properly due to the lack of Google Play Services. In this case, try Hyperion Launcher - it supports alternative services.

Set up the launcher under MIUI: icons, gestures, themes

Set up a launcher is half the job, so it's really like a launcher. MIUI, need to tune in:

1. Replacement of icons with MIUI-style

Download the icon pack (for example, MIUI 14 Icons or Xiaomi EU Icons from Google Play:

1. Open the launcher settings (clip the empty space on the home screen) → Settings).
2. Choose the Icon Style → Icon pack and apply the downloaded set.
3. For individual applications, you can set custom icons: press the icon → Change.

2. Customization of gestures

V MIUI popular:

• 👉 Swipe up: Open the application menu (enable Settings) → Gestures → Home screen).
• 👉 Double touch: screen lock (requires permissions).
• 👉 Clamp and Pull: Resize widget (not working on all launchers).

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To make sure that the swipe up gesture does not conflict with the Android navigation bar, turn it off in Settings. → System system → Gestures → System navigation and select "Full screen gestures".

3. Themes and wallpaper

For a full immersion in style MIUI:

• 🎨 Download wallpaper from the official Xiaomi theme store (available without registration).
• 🔧 In the launcher settings, enable background blur and transition animations (if supported).
• 📱 Use for widgets MIUI Clock or MIUI Weather (available on Google Play).

Example of setting up Lawnchair 2 under MIUI 14:

1. Install the icon pack "MIUI 14 Icons"


Include in the settings:




- 5×6 grid (like in MIUI)




- Hiding icon names




- Animation "Scale" when opening applications




3. Add the "MIUI Clock" widget to the home screen




4. Install "Super Wallpapers" (dynamic)

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after installation is correct, the launcher may not work properly, and here are the typical errors and ways to correct them:

If the launcher does not start at all, check:

• 📌 Compatible with your version of Android (some launchers don't run Android 14)+).
• 📌 Special Opportunities (without them, gestures will not work).
• 📌 Conflict with other launchers (remove or disable the rest).

How to return a standard launcher after experiments

If you have decided to refuse MIUI-The style, return the standard launcher is just:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Find the installed launcher (such as Lawnchair) and click Disable or Delete.
3. Press the Home button and the system will prompt you to select the default launcher. Select the standard one (e.g. One). UI Home for Samsung).
4. If the standard launcher does not appear on the list, restart the device.

On Xiaomi devices to return to the original launcher:

1. Remove the third-party launcher.


2. execute the command in ADB:




adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.home




3. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (for example, custom LineageOS) standard launcher MIUI It may not recover even after reinstalling, and you'll need to reflash the device with the official firmware on Fastboot.

Alternative ways to get MIUI-launcher

If the launcher seems too radical, you can reproduce the individual elements. MIUI via other instruments:

• 🎨 Icons: Install icon pack MIUI and apply it through a standard launcher (works in Nova Launcher, Action Launcher).
• 📱 Download dynamic wallpapers from Google Play.
• ⚙️ Settings: Use the Hex Installer app to apply MIUI-themes for any Android.
• 🔔 Replace system sounds with system sounds MIUI-Melodies (can be downloaded here).

For advanced users, there is another way – installation. MIUI-squirrel-Xiaomi device ROM (For example, Xiaomi.eu for POCO F1 or Redmi Note 7). However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and may result in loss of warranty.

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If you only need the look of the exterior MIUI, Not its functionality, it is enough to install the icon pack. + A full launcher is only required for gestures and system chips like global search.

FAQ: Frequent questions about launchers in the style of Xiaomi