How to Change the Default Launcher on Xiaomi MIUI/HyperOS Phones

How to Change the Default Launcher on Xiaomi MIUI Phones in the UK

Reality check: default launcher works, but isn’t for everyone

For many UK Xiaomi users, the default MIUI launcher is functional. It comes packed with customisation options, gesture controls, and integration with system features like widgets and themes. In practice, though, not everyone is satisfied. Some find the interface cluttered, others dislike the stock icon styles, and some simply prefer the performance and flexibility of third-party launchers.

This is where people usually get it wrong. Many think changing the default launcher is complicated or risky. The reality is very different — MIUI allows swapping the default launcher at any time, and you can always revert without major side effects.

Why you might want a different launcher

Third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, or Smart Launcher often offer:

  • Highly customisable home screens
  • Improved gesture support
  • Better icon packs and theming
  • Faster app drawer access
  • More control over animations and transitions

Even in the UK, where network conditions and MIUI updates can sometimes slow down system animations, switching to a lighter, third-party launcher can feel snappier.

Yet, switching launchers doesn’t disable MIUI features. You can still access the theme store, widget settings, and other customisation options, even after making a third-party launcher your default.

Step-by-step: changing the default launcher

Before starting, make sure you’ve downloaded and installed your preferred launcher from Google Play. MIUI will usually prompt you to set a default when you first open the new launcher, but you can always make the change manually if you skip that step.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Settings in MIUI.
  2. Tap Apps.
  3. Select Manage Apps.
  4. In the top-right corner, tap the three-dot menu icon.
  5. Choose Default Apps from the dropdown.
  6. Select the Launcher category.
  7. Pick the launcher you want to use as your default.

And that’s it. Your Xiaomi device now runs your chosen launcher by default. You can explore its customisation options immediately and benefit from features like faster home screen transitions, gesture controls, and personalised app drawer layouts.

Returning to the MIUI default launcher

If at any time you decide to revert to MIUI’s default launcher, the process is just as straightforward:

  1. Open Settings → Apps → Manage Apps.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Default Apps → Launcher.
  4. Choose the original MIUI launcher.

Unlike some Android skins, MIUI does not restrict you from switching back and forth. There’s no loss of personalisation, and your home screens remain largely intact unless you explicitly remove them. This makes it easy for UK users to experiment with third-party launchers without fear of breaking the system.

Things to watch for in the UK context

While the launcher swap is simple, there are some local nuances:

  • Network-related app loading: Heavy launchers that frequently fetch online content (like widgets or suggested apps) may be slightly slower on networks like Three during evening congestion.
  • MIUI updates: System updates may reset certain default app preferences, including the launcher. After a major update, it’s worth double-checking which launcher is active.
  • Device-specific behaviour: Budget and mid-range Xiaomi devices in the UK may show small hiccups in home screen animations after changing the launcher. Higher-end devices like the latest Xiaomi 13 or 13 Pro generally handle third-party launchers flawlessly.

Understanding these behaviours is important. Switching launchers is rarely risky, but recognising when MIUI might override certain preferences saves frustration.

Benefits of changing your default launcher

Switching away from the MIUI default launcher gives several advantages:

  • More customisation: change icon shapes, grid layouts, gestures, and themes.
  • Better performance on older Xiaomi devices: lighter launchers reduce RAM usage and improve responsiveness.
  • Improved workflow: access apps faster with app drawer shortcuts and swipe gestures.
  • Flexibility: the ability to switch back to MIUI anytime means experimentation is safe.

Common mistakes when changing launchers

Even with MIUI’s straightforward options, UK users sometimes trip over these pitfalls:

  • Not selecting the new launcher as default immediately after installation. MIUI may continue to launch the stock launcher otherwise.
  • Expecting the third-party launcher to replicate every MIUI customisation. Features like system widgets or themes may appear differently.
  • Assuming performance improvements are instant. On some devices, the new launcher may need to “settle” after first launch, especially if it imports old home screen layouts.

Verdict

Changing the default launcher on Xiaomi phones is safe, reversible, and often improves usability. UK users benefit from the flexibility to choose the interface that suits their habits and network conditions.

For those who dislike MIUI’s default launcher, switching to a third-party option like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher delivers customisation, smoother animations, and a personalised home screen. And if you ever decide MIUI works better, reverting is just as easy.

So the stance is clear: don’t feel locked in. Experiment, optimise, and enjoy the interface that works best for your UK Xiaomi device.

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