Introduction

The MIUI launcher that comes pre-installed on Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphones is powerful and flexible. It offers a clean design, multiple customization options, and support for widgets and themes.

However, not every user enjoys the default MIUI look. Some prefer the speed, layout, or extra features of popular third-party launchers such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, or Action Launcher.

If you want to give your Xiaomi device a new look and feel, the good news is that MIUI allows you to change the default launcher easily — and you can always switch back later.

Let’s go through the step-by-step process.

What Is a Launcher in Android?

A launcher is the part of Android that controls your home screen, app drawer, and app icons. It’s the user interface layer you interact with every time you use your phone.

Changing your launcher can completely transform how your phone looks and behaves:

Rearrange icons and widgets,
Change gestures and animations,
Customize themes and app grids,
Boost performance with lightweight options.

In Xiaomi phones, the default launcher is called MIUI Launcher (or System Launcher). But you can replace it anytime with one that better fits your style.

Step 1: Download a New Launcher from Google Play Store

Before you can switch launchers, you need to install a new one.

Open the Google Play Store.
Search for a launcher you’d like to try (for example, Nova Launcher, Niagara Launcher, or Smart Launcher).
Tap Install.
Wait for the installation to finish.

Once the launcher is installed, you’ll be ready to make it your new default.

Step 2: Set the New Launcher as Default in MIUI Settings

After you’ve installed your preferred launcher, MIUI may automatically ask which launcher you want to use next time you press the Home button.

If it doesn’t, you can manually change it by following these steps:

Open Settings on your Xiaomi phone.
Scroll down and tap Apps.
Tap Manage apps.
In the top-right corner, tap the three vertical dots (⋮).
Select Default apps.
Tap Launcher.
You’ll now see a list of all installed launchers.
Select your new launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher).

✅ That’s it! Your Xiaomi phone will immediately switch to the new launcher interface.

Step 3: Customize Your New Launcher

Once the new launcher is active, you’ll likely be greeted with a setup wizard or welcome screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to adjust things like:

App grid layout (e.g., 5x6 icons)
Gestures and navigation controls
Theme and icon pack style
App drawer settings

Most popular launchers also let you import your layout from MIUI Launcher to make the transition smoother.

Step 4: Switching Back to MIUI Launcher (Optional)

If you ever want to return to Xiaomi’s original launcher, you can easily do so:

Open Settings → Apps → Manage apps.
Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the upper-right corner.
Select Default apps → Launcher.
Choose MIUI Launcher (also called System Launcher).

Your phone will instantly revert to the standard MIUI home screen experience.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

If you face problems while changing launchers, here are some quick fixes:

1. The new launcher doesn’t appear in Default Apps list.

➡️ Make sure it’s installed properly from Google Play. Try restarting your phone after installation.

2. The new launcher crashes or lags.

➡️ Some launchers need specific permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → Manage apps → [Launcher Name] → Permissions and enable necessary access.

3. Gestures or navigation buttons stop working.

➡️ On MIUI 13 and newer, gesture navigation sometimes conflicts with third-party launchers. Switch temporarily to Button navigation, or check for launcher updates.

Best Third-Party Launchers for Xiaomi Phones (2025)

Here are a few highly rated launchers that work smoothly with MIUI:

Nova Launcher 8 – Fast, stable, and endlessly customizable.
Microsoft Launcher – Great for productivity and Microsoft ecosystem integration.
Niagara Launcher – Minimalist, lightweight, and battery-friendly.
Smart Launcher 6 – Organized layout with smart categorization.
Poco Launcher – Designed by Xiaomi, simple and clean interface.

Each of these launchers brings a unique look and extra customization to your Xiaomi device.

Can You Use Multiple Launchers on Xiaomi?

Yes. You can install and switch between several launchers as often as you want. However, only one launcher can be active at a time.

When you change it, your phone saves both configurations separately — so you can go back anytime without losing your setup.

Advantages of Changing Your Launcher

Here’s why you might want to switch from MIUI’s default launcher:

🔧 Customization: Total control over home screen and app icons.
⚡ Performance: Lightweight launchers can speed up older phones.
🎨 Aesthetic freedom: Use custom icon packs and wallpapers.
📱 Gesture control: New launchers often support advanced gestures.
🧩 No ads: Many third-party launchers are ad-free compared to MIUI’s stock launcher.

FAQs

1. Is it safe to change the launcher on Xiaomi phones?

Yes, completely safe. MIUI supports third-party launchers, and you can always switch back.

2. Will changing the launcher affect my apps or data?

No, your apps and data remain untouched. Only the home screen interface changes.

3. Why can’t I find “Default apps” in my MIUI settings?

The path may differ slightly between MIUI versions. Try:
Settings → Apps → Manage apps → (⋮ menu) → Default apps → Launcher.

4. Can I uninstall MIUI Launcher after switching?

It’s not recommended — MIUI Launcher is a system app. You can disable it via ADB if necessary, but it’s safer to leave it installed.

Conclusion

Changing the default launcher on your Xiaomi phone is one of the easiest ways to give your device a fresh, personalized look. Whether you prefer the clean feel of Niagara, the power of Nova, or the productivity of Microsoft Launcher, MIUI gives you full control to choose.

And best of all — you can experiment freely, switch back anytime, and customize your Android experience exactly how you like it.

How to Change the Default Launcher on Xiaomi Phones (Step-by-Step Guide)