Android Launchers - change and customise your phone
Android Launchers do still have their purpose though. Choose the right one, and you can use all manner of tweaks. From creating completely custom widgets that look and act the way you want, to changing the size and style of app icons.
The Best Android launcher
Before choosing a launcher, it's worth considering what you want from your Android phone. If you have a device from a Chinese manufacturer like Oppo or Xiaomi - or a heavily skinned device like one of Samsung’s - and you just want a more stock Android-like experience, the best launcher to download is probably the Nova launcher.
- Nova launcher
The Nova launcher brings a visual experience which is much more like the stock/standard Android look and feel. As well as offering a look and feel which, by default, feels a lot like the Pixel, it also lets control every element of your phone’s software experience.
Download an Android launcher
The first step to installing a new launcher is exactly the same as downloading an app. Simply head to the Play Store and search for the launcher by name "Nova Luncher"
Once you've found Nova Luncher you want to download and you've installed it, the next step is setting it up. Most Android launchers have a setup guide included to help you get started quickly, so simply tap on the launcher's app icon, which should have appeared on your home screen or in your app tray.
When you tap the app icon - depending which phone you're using - you may see a popup message saying something like "X launcher is currently set as your default, go to settings to try [new launcher name]". Once you've confirmed you want to try it, your home screen look should completely change.
What Android launchers are there ?
There are a number of decent launchers for Android, each of them offering something a little different to the rest.
- Nova Launcher
- Microsoft Launcher
- Niagara Launcher
- Pixel Edition