• What is launcher? How to set the default launcher on Android? How to install a theme on Android

    One of the best things available in the operating room Android system, without a doubt, is the ability to control its main functions, using, for example, replacing the stock on-screen keyboard, but also a complete transformation of its interface with the help of alternative shells or, as they are also called, launchers.

    Today at Google Play Market you can find many launchers for our Android smartphones and tablets, and experienced owners of these devices enjoy using them. Today, for those who are encountering applications of this kind for the first time, I want to tell you how you can manage third-party shells installed on your tablet and smartphone, choosing the one that will be your default launcher.

    Once you install the new launcher from the Google Play Store and launch this application, you will notice that when you click on the Home button, a pop-up menu appears asking you to select which launcher you want to use to access the desktop of your tablet or smartphone:

    In the example above, the system offers the opportunity to choose between the stock (branded) Android launcher and the alternative launchers Nova Launcher and Apex.

    In this case, you can choose one of two options: “Only now” or “Always”. Everything is clear here: by clicking “Only now”, you will switch to the launcher you need until the next time you press the “Home” button, and by selecting “Always”, you will install the launcher, which will be used as the main shell of the system.

    But what should you do if, after clicking on the “Always” button, you want to return to the previous launcher?

    Everything is very simple. To do this you need to do the following:

    Go to the main settings menu of your tablet or smartphone, to the “Home Screen” section

    Here you will see a list of launchers installed on your device, from which you can select the application that will act as Android shell by default.

    Simple enough, right?

    By the way, directly from this same list you can remove those launchers that you no longer need. As you probably already understood, to do this, you just need to click on the trash can icon opposite the locher that you would like to permanently remove from your tablet or smartphone.

    This situation is familiar - you buy a phone with new version Android on board. And everything seems to be fine, everything is convenient. But over time you realize that the design of the shell that is on it has become boring.

    It’s especially common to come across a phone owner with this problem (namely, an advanced owner who understands that he’s tired of the shell, not the phone :)). They often complain that the proprietary TouchWiz shell is inconvenient, sometimes lags and does not always look neat. Although it is worth noting that with each new version there are fewer and fewer such people. But the problem exists for all users. In this article I will tell you how to change the launcher (shell) on Android.

    We will divide the article into the following topics:

    1. What kind of launchers are there?
    2. How to install a launcher over the old one
    3. How to change the launcher on Android (completely)
    What types of launchers are there for Android? ADW.Launcher



    The main competitor of Launcher Pro. Has a huge number of settings. It has a taskbar in which you can place applications that are highly needed - they will always be at hand. There is both paid and free paid version launcher. Many people like it because it has a presentable appearance, good functionality and a lot of settings.

    LauncherPro



    It is one of the most stable, flexible and popular launchers. Has a bunch of settings. It is possible to use up to 5 icons at the top or bottom - a kind of taskbar. You can place any shortcuts there, be they actions or applications.
    The launcher is free, but there is also a version that you have to pay for - it includes a set of widgets that make your shell something similar to Sense from.

    In addition to the above launchers, there are many others, popular and not so popular. You can find them by typing the word Launcher into the Play search, for example.

    How to install a launcher over the old one

    Almost all Android devices have some kind of launcher installed by default, usually the manufacturer also adds its own software to it. Only on devices produced by , there is pure Android without launchers. Not everyone likes the installed shell, and it can be easily changed.

    To do this, download the launcher you like from Play, install it and launch it - now press the home button and select it as the default.

    You can cancel at any time installed launcher and go back in time.

    How to completely replace the launcher on Android

    To do this, you will need root access, since you will have to edit system/app. I already wrote how to get root access here on apsoid, check it out if you need to get root.

    You need to download the required launcher in .apk format and upload it to the system/app folder. We give it permissions there, like all applications in the folder. Click on the Home screen button and select the new launcher as default. Reboot the phone.

    Now let's go to system/app and remove Touchwiz or any other launcher from there.
    We also go to data/dalvik cashe and data/data– we remove all traces of the old shell here too.
    Everything is ready. We reboot the device and enjoy the new shell.

    How do I set BIG Launcher as the default launcher?

    When you press the home button after installation, you will be offered to choose from the installed launchers and you can check the "use default" option. When you can"t see this dialogue, you have to clear defaults from your current launcher - press menu button, go to System settings » Applications » Manage applications, find your current launcher, tap it and then tap the "Clear defaults" button. After this, when you press the home button, you can choose the different launcher from the menu.

    What if it doesn't work and I have to choose a launcher after restarting the phone?

    How can I revert back to my old launcher?

    You can reset the default launcher setting in the Preferences. If this doesn't work, press menu button, go to System settings » Applications » Manage applications. Then find the BIG Launcher in the list, tap it and then tap the "Clear defaults" button. After this, when you press the home button, you can choose the different launcher from the menu.

    How do I set up multiple screens?

    You can set up multiple screens in the Preferences menu. You have to link your newly created screens to the existing buttons, otherwise you won"t be able to access them. Or you can turn on the option to swipe between screens in the Preferences menu. Please read the User Manual for more details.

    How do I delete a message / contact / call log item?

    Due to security reasons, deleting is disabled by default. You can enable deleting of the particular items in the corresponding sections of the Preferences. Please read the User Manual for more details.

    How do I set an alarm?

    Click the clock or date. If any alarm is set, the bell icon is displayed next to the clock.

    What is the difference between full version and the free demo version?

    The free demo version of BIG Launcher has these limitations:
    - you can customize only the right column of buttons
    - only 5 additional screens allowed
    - only 5 most recent items in calllog are visible
    - only 5 most recent message threads are visible
    - only 20 SMS can be written and sent
    - password protection of the configuration and the preferences is not possible

    Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/launchery..png 400w, http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/ uploads/2015/12/launchery-300x178.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px">
    On at the moment a lot of people have a device on android platform. This is understandable, because using such gadgets is very convenient, and their functionality is becoming wider over time. But over time, like everything else, the desktop interface can become boring. You can change the wallpaper every day, but over time this becomes not enough. But even this was provided for by the developers. Launchers that Android developers offer us to install come to our aid in this.

    Where to get them

    Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/google-play-logo.png" alt="google play market"width="135" height="148" srcset="" data-srcset="http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/google-play-logo..png 274w" sizes= "(max-width: 135px) 100vw, 135px"> The easiest way is to download from Play Store. Just search for “launcher” and choose what you like. By the way, there is a very large selection there. But there are special sites where you can also download necessary programs. To do this, you will have to download them to your computer and then transfer them to your phone from via USB or Bluetooth, if it is provided on the computer. Or necessary files You can download it directly to your connected phone. Then we find the launcher in the file explorer and install it.

    After installation, press the “Home” button and select a new launcher, indicating that we want to always use it.

    In addition, you can find on the Internet special programs, which will allow you to create a launcher yourself. The range of actions there is quite diverse - from choosing wallpaper to coloring icons. Usually you are provided with a sufficient number of options for icons, widgets and wallpapers, which you combine as you wish, and then install them on your device.

    How to return to the previous desktop design

    Sometimes a situation may arise in which you urgently need to do something, go into some folder, but you have no idea how to do this with the new interface. The situations may be completely different, but the result is the same - you need to return to the usual design of your Android.

    13.07.2015 13.07.2015 from wpandr_adm

    More and more popular among users modern gadgets are becoming launchers for Android. Advanced owners of devices with this operating system are familiar with the feeling when the phone (tablet) is quite satisfied, but home screen, icons, general work I'm already tired of the menu.

    If you have a desire to change something, decide what exactly you are tired of, the device or its shell operating system. Quite a lot of people want to bet on Android Windows shell phone (Launcher 7 or Launcher 8 pro). It should be remembered that colorful animated launchers load the system and reduce the performance of your tablet or phone.

    Android 4 and later versions, unlike other operating systems, are pleasant because they allow you to change everything about yourself. The device can be completely customized. At the moment, the following launchers for Android can be distinguished:

    • GO launcher EX;
    • ADW.Launcher;
    • Launcher Pro;
    • Aero Launcher;
    • One Launcher;
    • Launcher 7;
    • Cheetah Launcher.

    Let's look at each of them in more detail.

    Launchers for older versions of Android

    • GO launcher EX

    This launcher is popular among owners of old Android versions. It is notable for the fact that it contains a huge number of settings that replace standard phone widgets. Latest versions GO EX is similar in design Samsung smartphones, just don’t load the system. Very often owners Samsung phones change their shell to GO EX, since the latter freezes less and responds faster. GO launcher is currently the oldest of those presented in the Play Market.

    • ADW.Launcher

    This is a launcher that combines excellent functionality and neat appearance. Many users consider it as the main rival to Launcher Pro. A special feature of the launcher is the presence of a taxbar where you can put your most frequently used applications. He also has a large number settings, which attracts users who are sensitive to personalization. In the Play Market you can download both paid and free version. The launcher is suitable for Android versions no older than 2-3.

    • LauncherPro

    The most stable and flexible launcher available on the Play Store. He rightfully won the title " Best launcher for Android" for tablet. The developers have put a colossal amount of settings into it, something like a taskbar in which you can put any shortcut or action. There is one more advantage: it fits all devices on Android based 2 and younger.

    There is also a paid version of this launcher, which adds some widgets that make it similar to Sense for HTC.

    What to install on new Android devices?

    • Aero Launcher

    The launcher is entirely in Russian, yet it is very lightweight and does not load the system. Since it appeared on the market recently, it still has advertising built into it. It is unobtrusive, so it will not interfere with the daily use of a device with such a shell. The launcher contains tips for users to help quickly set up the phone, programs and applications on it. Many are attracted by the selection of live wallpapers built into the shell itself. They are of decent quality and have a simple soundtrack that plays out as you interact with the desktop. The best launcher for lovers of catchy and bright skins. Suitable for operating systems Android 2 and higher.

    • One Launcher

    A nice launcher for Android 4 and below, well made. Supports changing backgrounds, loading themes, and selecting different motion animations. It is very clean and, despite great functionality, incredibly laconic.

    • Launcher 7

    Launcher for fans Windows Phone. It completely copies the shell of phones with version 7 of this operating system. This launcher has little functionality, but is pleasing to the eye. The only advantage it has is the ability to build a palette on the main screen. The downside is the lack of Russian localization. But for Microsoft fans, this will be enough. Suitable for devices running Android 2 and higher.

    • Cheetah Launcher

    The new launcher for Android 2.1 and higher is very cute and captivating with its bright design. Just like Launcher 7, it does not have a good localization in Russian, but all this can be forgiven for its speed, useful widgets and really high-quality design. It is made in 2D style, which saves the productivity of the smartphone. This is a lightweight launcher that changes only the external part of the system, all internal settings will remain the same.

    How to install Launcher?

    There are two installation options. You can install the selected launcher on top of the existing one. Initially, every Android device comes with a factory launcher. Depending on who assembled the device, your launcher is clean or filled with some additional software from the manufacturer. This looks especially strange when the phone is from China or Korea. Pure Android Only available on devices manufactured by Google itself.

    Having chosen the launcher of your dreams, download it from Google Play. Install and launch, then press the exit button to the main screen. With this method, you do not completely replace the launcher, but only block it. You can always return to the original settings.

    The second way is to completely replace the launcher on your phone. To do this, you will have to edit the system/app folder. To do this, you need root rights. Each model of Android tablet and phone requires rooting differently, so you'll have to find detailed instructions exactly for your device.

    Be sure to download the launcher in .apk format from trusted sites and transfer it to system folder system/app. Give it the same permissions as all other applications in this folder. Now you need to press the button to return to the main screen, select the new launcher as default and restart the phone. After reboot, return to the system/app folder and delete the file with the previous launcher. You will have to clean up traces of the remote shell in the data/dalvik cashe and data/data folders. Reboot your device again.

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