The launcher controls the Home Screen, app drawer, folders, widgets, and what appears when you press or swipe Home. Installing a new launcher does not always make it the default until Android is told which one to use.
These steps apply to Samsung, Pixel, Motorola, and other Android phones with at least one third-party launcher installed.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if Android keeps asking which launcher to use, or if you installed a launcher such as Nova or Microsoft Launcher but the phone still opens the original Home Screen.
Set a New Launcher as Default
- Press Home or swipe home after installing the launcher.
- If Android asks which launcher to use, tap the one you want.
- Choose Always instead of Just once.
- If no prompt appears, open Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- Tap Home app, Home screen, or similar.
- Select the launcher you want.
Switch Back to the Original Launcher
- Open Settings > Apps > Default apps > Home app.
- Choose the built-in launcher, such as One UI Home on Samsung or Pixel Launcher on Pixel.
- Return Home and confirm the original layout appears.
You do not need to uninstall the other launcher. It can remain installed but inactive until selected again.
Launcher Notes
Stop the Repeated Prompt
The prompt appears when no default launcher is set, often because Just once was selected. Pick a Home app explicitly to stop it.
Layouts Are Launcher-Specific
Installed apps and wallpaper remain, but icon placement, folders, and widgets are usually stored by each launcher separately. Switching launchers can require rebuilding the layout.
Uninstalling a Launcher
You can uninstall a third-party launcher like any app as long as it is not the current default. Android may ask you to pick a replacement first.
Sources
- Google Help: Set default apps on Android
- Samsung Support: Change or reset your Home Screen launcher
- Google Play Help: Install and manage apps on Android