Full Answer
How to install stock Android on any Android device?
Steps to Install Android 11 on Android Phones
- Extract the downloaded Android 11 GSI zip file and Copy the extracted folder your phone storage. ...
- Turn off your device completely.
- Now boot your device into TWRP Recovery or any other custom recovery that is installed on your phone. ...
- Once your device boots into TWRP Recovery go to Wipe.
Which Android launcher is best for You?
Which Android Launcher is Best for You
- For Beginners and the one that Just Works – Evie Launcher. Evie launcher has consistently remained my go-to recommendation for anyone in search of a new launcher.
- For the Geeks and Customization Freaks – Nova Launcher. ...
- The Sweet Spot – Action Launcher. ...
- The One That Stands Out – Microsoft Launcher. ...
How to restore stock launcher on Android devices [steps]?
- Navigate to Settings
- Tap on the Apps icon
- Choose Manage Apps
- Click on the launcher that you installed (Apex, Nova and ADW are the most commonly used launchers)
- Tap on ADW launcher will take you to the ADW settings with options such as Force Atop, Uninstall in the top and details about storage, Cache and option of clearing ...
What is the best Android phone launcher?
The 10 Best Launchers for Android Device in 2020
- Nova Launcher. Nova Launcher is a versatile, customizable, user-friendly and reliable home screen replacement. ...
- Microsoft Launcher. Microsoft Launcher provides Android users with a modern home screen experience created by seemingly merging their Android phone with their PC.
- POCO Launcher. ...
- Smart Launcher 5. ...
- APUS Launcher. ...
- Evie Launcher. ...
- Action Launcher. ...
See more
What is the best stock Android launcher?
Here are the best Android launchers we've found on the Google Play Store....Even if none of these options appeal, read on because we've found many other choices for the best Android launcher for your phone.Nova Launcher. ... Niagara Launcher. ... Smart Launcher 5. ... AIO Launcher. ... Hyperion Launcher. ... Action Launcher.More items...•
What is the standard Android launcher?
In the case of our example device, the default launcher is the Google Now Launcher.
What is stock Android on my phone?
Stock Android is also called pure Android or "vanilla" Android, which is the most basic version of the Android operating system. It is developed and designed by Google, which runs over the core kernel of Android. It has not changed or redesigned by smartphone manufacturers.
How do I remove stock Android launcher?
Go to Settings > Apps/Applications > scrolll down to the launcher that is the default for your Android device > scroll down and tap on 'Clear defaults'. Defaults are set when you are asked to set a launcher just once or always. Have a great day and let us know if you need any more clarifications!
Which launcher does Samsung use?
All Android devices have a launcher, and One UI Home is Samsung's version of the launcher for its Galaxy line of smartphones. This launcher allows you to open applications and adjust the components of the home screen, such as widgets and themes.
Do I need an Android launcher?
Using launchers can be overwhelming at first, and they aren't necessary to get a good Android experience. Still, it's worth playing around with launchers, because they can add a lot of value and breathe new life into phones with dated software or irritating stock features.
What are disadvantages of stock Android?
Stock Android doesn't even guarantee faster updates....To list a few:Skins are uglier than Stock Android.They add unnecessary bloatware or duplicate apps.They slow down your phone.They are inconsistent with Material Design in apps.They get updated more slowly.They make Android more confusing.They drain battery.
What is the difference between stock Android and normal Android?
Stock Android is how Google wants Android to be. It is nothing but the untouched version (vanilla version) of Android from AOSP. Google installs this directly into their smartphones so that updates can be rolled out to these devices with no delays.
Who uses Android stock?
A few smartphone brands that consistently use pure Android, or near-stock Android, include: HMD Global: Nokia smartphones. Google: Pixel smartphones. Lenovo: Motorola Razr and Motorola One.
What happens if you delete Android launcher?
Deleting it will cause no issue if you have set another launcher as default, but in case you reset your phone in future, nothing is going to show once the device boots after the reset.
What is launcher used for?
Android launcher basics A launcher, also known as a home-screen replacement, is simply an app that modifies the software design and features of your phone's OS without making permanent changes.
How do I go back to the default Android launcher?
Here's how to reset your Android home screen and get your old original Android theme back.On your Android phone, tap Settings for your launcher theme.Tap Select Default Launcher. ... Tap System Launcher.Your phone is now restored to the home screen you first had.
What is the best launcher for Android?
Finding the best Android launcher for your smartphone is a matter of personal taste, but we'd recommend Nova Launcher. It does a good job balancing features with customization, and it's a top choice for anyone looking to to put their personal spin on their phone. Smart Launcher 5 which continues to add features and layouts that impress. Nova Launcher also does a good job balancing features with customization, and it's a top choice for anyone looking to to put their personal spin on their phone.
What is the Microsoft Launcher?
Microsoft rebranded its excellent Arrow Launcher into the Microsoft Launcher, keeping Arrow's compact, context-sensitive app pages and customizable feed, while also working to improve the interplay between your Android phone and Windows PC.
What is Action Launcher Pixel Edition?
(Image credit: Action Launcher) Action Launcher Pixel Edition was among the first of the big third party launchers to give itself a Pixel-style makeover, combining its extreme customizability with new interface features and styles introduced with the Pixel Launcher.
What is a Lightning Launcher?
Lightning Launcher is an old-school, deeply customizable Android launcher app designed to give you maximum customizability, with the option for gridded or pixel perfect-assigned app icons on the home screen.
What is CPL in Android?
Another excellent launcher stemming from the efforts to bring features of the Pixel Launcher to the Android masses is Customized Pixel Launcher (CPL), a free app building off the Rootless Launcher project.
What is hyperion launcher?
A Pixel-like launcher from the team behind the popular Substratum theming engine, Hyperion Launcher is an extremely customizable Android launcher app that lets you tweak a vast array of settings.
How much is Nova Launcher Prime?
If you want the most powerful features, turn to Nova Launcher Prime, a $4.99 version that offers more than the free download. 2.
What is stock Android?
Stock Android, also known by some as vanilla or pure Android, is the most basic version of the OS designed and developed by Google. It’s an unmodified version of Android, meaning device manufacturers have installed it as is.
What are the advantages of stock Android?
Advantages of stock Android. The biggest advantage of stock Android is fast updates. Smartphones running it are among the first to get upgraded to the latest versions of OS, while owners of Samsung, LG, and other smartphones typically have to wait for quite some time to get an update.
What is the most popular Android phone?
Pixel XL and Pixel 2 XL. The most popular stock Android smartphones are those made by Google. These include the Pixel , the Pixel 2 , and the Pixel 3 handsets as well as older Nexus devices. HMD Global, which launched smartphones using the Nokia brand starting in early 2017, also uses stock Android.
What is the purest Android version?
The purest version of Android is colloquially known as AOSP, which references the Android Open-Source Project. This version of the operating system is its “default” state, with no Google apps, no customizations, and no extra features. Generally, all versions of Android are based on this release.
How to go to Android settings?
Head to Android Settings by tapping the gear icon in the notification shade or the Settings app in the app drawer.
Why does Android take up more space?
Also, the OS itself takes up more room due to the many bells and whistles that were added to it by the manufacturer . In other words, stock Android typically takes up less space on your device compared to modified versions of the OS.
Why is there no update for Android?
If there is no update available but you are on an older version of Android, it might be that your phone is too old for new updates. It’s also possible that the newest update just isn’t available yet for your phone. Check with your phone’s manufacturer for more information.
What is Action Launcher?
Action Launcher has long been a favorite Android launcher of our readers. It comes with a stock Android feel. However, there are some extra features over top that add some uniqueness. Quicktheme lets you customize the colors of your UI based on your wallpaper. Shutters lets you check out an app’s widget without actually setting one on the home screen. It even has theming and customization elements to make your phone feel more like Android Oreo. There is also icon pack support, frequent updates, and a lot more. There’s a lot to like about this one. Even the app drawer is configurable.
What is rootless launcher?
Rootless Launcher is a decent, stock Android style launcher from 2018. It’s actually a fairly basic experience. You get a stock Android look and feel with some additional customization elements to complete the look. Some of the features include icon pack support, adaptive icon pack support, an icon shape selector, themes based on your wallpaper, and you can change the location of the search bar. You can also get Google Feed working on this launcher, but like most it requires an extra plug-in download and installation. The website with the instructions for that are in the Google Play description. This is right up there with Hyperion and Lawnchair as a great option for stock Android fans.
Is Total Launcher good?
Total Launcher isn’t the most popular launcher on the list. However, it’s still quite good. It boasts a very high level of customization along with various themes and some other features. However, it also comes with a steeper learning curve than most. Those who stick around and learn what they’re doing are treated something truly special. On the other hand, those who just want something simple that works right may want to try out something like CPL, Rootless Launcher, Hyperion Launcher, or one of the other options.
Is there a Google Pixel launcher?
We would list the Google Pixel Launcher. However, it’s only available for Pixel devices. Also, those looking for something neat can try out Win-X Launcher ( Google Play ). It’s kind of like an emulator of a Windows PC and it’s something entirely different.
Is Apex Launcher a stock Android app?
Apex Launcher has been around for a very long time and remains one of the most iconic Android launcher apps ever. Like Action Launcher, it aims to give a stock Android look and feel with a few extra features thrown in for good measure.
Is there a launcher for Microsoft?
Microsoft Launcher isn’t a new launcher. The app used to be Arrow Launcher. Microsoft re-branded the app in mid-2017. The app features integration with many Microsoft services, including their calendar, email, to-do list app, and direct integration with Microsoft PCs. It also has customization features and gesture controls. This one returned to beta after the rebrand. Thus, there are likely some bugs for now. However, it’s something different and especially useful for those who want better integration with their Windows PC. Microsoft is rebuilding this app from the ground up and you can try it out here if you would like. That new version will likely replace this version on this list in the future when it’s officially released.
1. Smart Launcher 5 – Best Android Launcher Overall
Smart Launcher 5 is one of the current favorites among Android users. It features a pretty clean and straightforward interface that puts all the items you need to interact with more often at the bottom so you can access them quickly and perform day-to-day tasks efficiently.
2. Nova Launcher – Best Feature-Packed Launcher
Nova Launcher is a name synonymous with Android customization. It’s one of those launchers that offers you complete control over the appearance and behavior of various UI elements so you can personalize them to your style. Considering its high compatibility, Nova Launcher is the best Android launcher app to use if you’re into custom icon packs.
3. Lawnchair 2 – Best Stock Launcher Experience
Lawnchair 2 is another popular Android launcher with generous customization options. It’s based on Launcher3 from AOSP and includes most of the features of Pixel Launcher with better customization support to help you personalize different home screen elements, such as app icons, widgets, themes, search, etc.
4. Action Launcher – Best Customizable Android Launcher
Action Launcher is one of the highly customizable Android launchers on this list. It includes all the basic Android launcher features, from gestures to the drawer, home screen, or dock customization. In addition, it adds plenty of additional features on top to help you personalize your Android device at a granular level.
5. Niagara Launcher – Best Lightweight Android Launcher
Niagara Launcher is another lightweight and minimalist launcher for Android. This minimal design is the biggest highlight of the launcher as it makes different elements on the home screen easily accessible with one hand.
6. Pixel Launcher – Best Minimalist Launcher
Pixel Launcher is the simplest of Android launchers on the Play Store. It mimics the appearance and functionality of the default launcher found on Pixel smartphones.
7. Microsoft Launcher – Best Productivity Launcher
Microsoft Launcher is a productivity-focused Android launcher that puts all your calendar events, to-dos, and notes on the home screen, so you always have things on your schedule right in front of you.
Niagara Launcher
The Niagara Launcher arrived out of beta on the Play Store in early 2021, finding a good bit of success over the last year. Niagara is a minimalist launcher that offers quality ergonomics, thanks to its app list that scrolls vertically, line by line, allowing you to control your device one-handed with ease.
Microsoft Launcher
Even though we're talking about Android launchers here, the Microsoft Launcher actually offers a surprisingly quality experience. All of the expected features are here, including custom icons, custom wallpapers, and a dark theme.
AIO Launcher
If you're looking for something totally different from a typical app launcher, AIO should be your first stop in today's roundup. Instead of showing off flashy icons, this launcher displays your pertinent info, like how much RAM you're using, where your last calls came from, along with a list of your most-used apps.
Nova Launcher Prime
Nova Launcher has been a mainstay on the Play Store since its release in 2012. Ten years later, it's still one of the top choices anytime someone asks for a launcher recommendation. It offers a relatively standard Android launcher layout, with a basic app drawer and a multitude of home screens.
POCO Launcher 2.0
Xiaomi's POCO Launcher describes itself as a fast and lightweight browser, and I have to say I agree. It feels pretty lightweight, though its main claim to fame is the intuitive app drawer that offers genres at the top for easy category selection.
Action Launcher: Pixel Edition
Action Launcher has been around since 2013, and while it may not be the newest launcher on this list, it's still managed to prove itself over those years. From the outset, it looks like any customizable third-party launcher, but it also offers an optional pull-out widget drawer as well as a secondary pull-out app drawer for your most-used apps.
Apex Launcher Pro
Back in the day, it felt like Apex and Nova had a quiet rivalry in the launcher space, with both of these apps serving as prominent go-to's for years and years, often updated back to back. Just like Nova, Apex is still going strong, and that's thanks to its dedicated dev and the fact that the launcher is incredibly customizable.
Can Android phones be customized?
Due to Android’s immense flexibility, phone manufacturers can easily customize it in order to provide a unique experience with special features to its users. Likewise, if you buy phones from brands like Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei, or Realme, you’ll get Android molded into different skins such as OneUI, EMUI, ColorOS, and more.
Can you make your phone look like stock Android?
So these were some of the methods using which you can make your phone look and feel like one with stock Android. However, to have a real stock experience, you either need to install a custom ROM or get a new phone that runs on stock out of the box. Anyways, which feature of vanilla Android do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below. Also, feel free to reach us in case of any doubts or queries.
Can you hide apps on your launcher?
Needless to say, you can also hide all other useless apps from your app drawer in your launcher settings. Most third-party launchers such as Nova offer the feature to hide apps you don’t want to see on your apps screen.
What is a Launcher?
Generally speaking, a Launcher is an app that makes up the backbone of your app experience. It performs a number of basic functions; a Launcher is an app that:
What is the default launcher for Android?
For the purposes of this post, we’ll be using Google’s excellent Google Now Launcher (of which Derrick did a mighty fine write-up ), because it’s the default Launcher for any stock Android device.
What are widgets on Android?
Widgets: Widgets are a feature of Android that other OS’s really don’t have; a they are graphical representations of shortcuts to data that apps wish to display to you. For instance, the score of a game you’re following, or your bank account balance for quick reference. So. Many. Widgets.
What is app dock?
App Dock: Your four favorite apps, plus access to the App Drawer. Displays on all homescreens.
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