How to Change Launcher in Xiaomi HyperOS: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

 Xiaomi’s HyperOS, the evolution of MIUI, brings smoother performance, enhanced customization, and new personalization options. But even with all its improvements, not every user enjoys the default system launcher. Some prefer alternatives like Nova Launcher, Smart Launcher, or Niagara Launcher, which offer extra flexibility and design control.

If you’re wondering how to change the default launcher in Xiaomi HyperOS, this guide walks you through everything — from installation to setting it as your primary home app — safely and easily.

🔍 What Is a Launcher and Why Change It?

A launcher is the user interface that controls your home screen, app grid, icons, and gestures. It determines how you navigate between apps and how your phone feels visually and functionally.

HyperOS comes with Xiaomi’s own System Launcher, which is fast and packed with features like app drawers, widgets, and layout options. However, users who want deeper customization, faster animations, or minimalist designs often switch to a third-party launcher.

Benefits of changing your launcher include:

• Personalized themes and icon packs

• Unique gesture controls and shortcuts

• Better performance and transition animations

• Custom grid and layout management

• Improved productivity and workflow

🧰 Step 1: Download a New Launcher from Google Play Store

To begin, you’ll need to install your preferred launcher app from the Google Play Store. Some of the most popular and reliable options include:

• Nova Launcher – Offers deep customization and smooth performance

• Microsoft Launcher – Integrates well with Microsoft apps and productivity tools

• Niagara Launcher – Minimalist design with smart app access

• Smart Launcher 6 – Lightweight, modern, and adaptive

• POCO Launcher – Developed by Xiaomi, but works great on any device

How to do it:

1. Open the Google Play Store.

2. Type the launcher name (e.g., “Nova Launcher”) in the search bar.

3. Tap Install and wait for the installation to finish.

Once installed, do not open the launcher yet — we’ll set it as default in the next step.

⚙️ Step 2: Change the Default Launcher in Xiaomi HyperOS

Unlike earlier MIUI versions, HyperOS offers a slightly refined settings layout. Here’s how to safely switch your default launcher:

1. Go to Settings on your Xiaomi phone.

2. Scroll down and tap Apps.

3. Select Manage Apps.

4. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the upper-right corner.

5. Choose Default Apps.

6. Tap Home App (Launcher).

7. From the list, select your newly installed launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).

After selecting it, your screen might briefly refresh — and voilà, your new launcher will be active.

🧩 Step 3: Customize Your New Launcher

Now that your launcher is active, it’s time to make it truly yours. Most third-party launchers come with powerful customization menus, allowing you to change the look and behavior of almost every element.

Common customization options include:

• Home Screen Grid – Adjust how many icons appear per row or column.

• Icon Pack – Download icon packs from Google Play to match your theme.

• Gestures – Assign actions like double-tap to lock, swipe up for search, etc.

• App Drawer Style – Choose between vertical scrolling or horizontal pages.

• Transition Effects – Smooth animations when switching between screens.

• Dock and Search Bar – Customize the bottom section of your home screen.

Experiment with these settings until you find your perfect balance between performance and design.

🔄 Step 4: Revert to the Default Xiaomi Launcher (Optional)

If you ever wish to go back to the original HyperOS launcher, it’s just as easy:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Manage Apps.

2. Tap the three-dot menu.

3. Choose Default Apps → Home App.

4. Select System Launcher (or MIUI Home on some devices).

Your device will instantly switch back to the familiar Xiaomi interface.

This flexibility ensures that you can always experiment with new launchers without worrying about losing your original setup.

🚀 Troubleshooting: Common Issues When Changing Launchers in HyperOS

Sometimes, users face small glitches when switching to a new launcher. Here’s how to fix the most common ones:

1. Launcher keeps resetting to default

This usually happens after a system update or if battery optimization kills the launcher process.
✅ Solution: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Saver, find your new launcher, and disable optimization for it.

2. App icons missing or overlapping

This occurs if grid settings don’t match between launchers.
✅ Solution: Open your launcher’s settings and adjust the grid layout (e.g., 5x6 or 4x5).

3. Gestures not working

HyperOS’s system gestures might conflict with some third-party launchers.
✅ Solution: Go to Settings → Home Screen → System Navigation and switch to Button Navigation, or check if your launcher supports gesture mode.

4. Animations lag or stutter

If animations feel choppy, try disabling animation scaling:
✅ Solution: Enable Developer Options, then set “Window Animation Scale” and “Transition Animation Scale” to 0.5x or off.

🧠 Pro Tips for the Best Launcher Experience on HyperOS

• Keep both System Launcher and your chosen launcher updated to avoid compatibility issues.

• Use lightweight icon packs to minimize RAM usage.

• Backup your launcher settings so you can easily restore your layout after updates.

• Disable unused animations in Developer Options to boost performance.

• If you use gestures like “Swipe up for search,” ensure you’ve allowed proper permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions.