5 launchers for UI customisations to make the most of your Android smartphone

These five launchers can fully transform the look and feel of your Android smartphones.

Niagara launcher on Galaxy S23 Ultra (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Listen to this article

00:00

1x 1.5x 1.8x

A smartphone is a highly customisable device. And, what makes it a personalised tool of communication is its operating system. When it comes to customisations, Android devices stand out with their ease of access and open platform that allows users to tinker with the phone to their liking. Perhaps, this is why a Samsung Galaxy smartphone will look radically different from a OnePlus device, despite being powered by Android.

If you are planning to customise your Android phone without rooting or installing custom ROMs, then you can consider installing a custom launcher. Here are the top five launchers that you can install on your Android phone to customise the look and user interface to your liking:

Also read | Advantages and disadvantages of rooting your Android smartphone

Nova Launcher

Nova launcher (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Nova is a prominent player in the world of third-party Android launchers. It offers a range of features, from customisable dark mode to changing icon shapes, which are not typically found in most Android launchers. While a free version is available, there is also a paid version of Nova Launcher with additional customisation features.

Story continues below this ad

Microsoft Launcher

Microsoft launcher (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

If you’re tired of the typical Android UI, Microsoft Launcher is worth considering. Its feature set includes Bing-powered auto wallpaper shuffle and the ability to select favourite apps to further customise the appearance of your Android smartphone. Microsoft Launcher is available for free on the Google Play Store.

How to get rid of Android customizations on any phone without root

Phone 15 Launcher

iOS launcher (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

The Phone 15 Launcher by SaS developer is one of the most popular iOS-style launchers on the Google Play Store, with over 100 million downloads. This Android launcher transforms your phone into an iPhone and offers an assistive touch menu, providing a complete iPhone experience even on budget Android phones.

Niagara Launcher

Niagara launcher (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

If you appreciate a minimalistic UI, you’ll like the Niagara Launcher, which reimagines the smartphone home screen. This launcher highlights only your favourite apps, reducing distractions and helping you cut down on smartphone screen time.

Story continues below this ad

Big Launcher

Big launcher (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

If you’re setting up a smartphone for an elderly user, we recommend downloading and installing Big Launcher. This launcher simplifies the smartphone screen by highlighting core features like calls, messages, camera, and gallery, making it less cluttered and more user-friendly.

Loading Taboola...

Nagaon, Dhubri, Himanta’s bid to arm people, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Himanta bid to arm people in Assam vulnerable areas, Assam vulnerable areas, Indian express news, current affairs

Himanta’s bid to arm people off to slow start: 266 applications, none accepted

India2 hr ago

Assam government's portal for indigenous citizens to seek arms licenses has received 266 applications. Most applications are from Muslim-majority districts, but 28 have been rejected and none have been accepted. Eligibility criteria include being an indigenous citizen, 21 years old, and residing in a vulnerable area. The government aims to protect those in sensitive areas, not arm young people.

View all shorts

Live Blog