On most recent Galaxy phones, open Settings → Apps → Choose default apps → Home app, then select the launcher you installed. To return to Samsung’s original Home screen, choose One UI Home.
On Samsung, the launcher selector is under Choose default apps → Home app.
Change the Home app on Samsung
- Install your preferred launcher from Google Play.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Choose default apps.
- Tap Home app.
- Select your new launcher.
- Press Home and finish configuring it.
How to switch back to One UI Home
Return to Settings → Apps → Choose default apps → Home app and select One UI Home. You do not need to delete the third-party launcher first.
Should you disable One UI Home?
No. Keep it enabled as your built-in fallback. A third-party launcher becomes the default Home app without requiring the Samsung launcher to be removed or disabled.
Why Samsung animations can feel different with third-party launchers
The launcher controls the Home screen, but the operating system and OEM still control major parts of navigation and Recents. Third-party launcher projects sometimes publish OEM-specific animation fixes because the integration is not identical to the stock launcher. Lawnchair, for example, has shipped fixes specifically aimed at animation glitches on One UI.
What if the Home app menu only shows One UI Home?
Open the third-party launcher once and complete its initial setup. If it still does not appear, restart the phone and reinstall the launcher from Google Play. Also make sure the app is not disabled or installed only inside a restricted work profile.
Will switching launchers affect Samsung widgets?
Many Android widgets work across launchers, but some Samsung-specific widgets or Home-screen integrations may be designed around One UI Home. Test the widgets you actually use before committing to a new launcher.
Best launcher types for Galaxy phones
- Lawnchair for a Pixel-style appearance.
- Niagara for large phones and one-handed use.
- Smart Launcher for automatic app organization.
- Nova for deep grid customization.
- Microsoft Launcher for Microsoft 365 workflows.
What changes after you leave One UI Home?
Your apps, Samsung account, photos, messages and system settings stay where they are. The change mainly affects the Home screen, app drawer, folders, launcher widgets and the way you reach apps. Samsung-specific panels or Home-screen features tied to One UI Home may no longer appear inside the third-party launcher.
The notification shade, Settings, lock screen and most One UI system features do not disappear. This is why changing the launcher is much less risky than installing a custom ROM or rooting the phone.
Before switching, save the layout you care about
Take screenshots of each One UI Home page if you have a carefully arranged setup. Android does not guarantee that a third-party launcher can import Samsung's exact layout. You may need to place widgets, folders and icons again manually.
If Samsung keeps opening One UI Home
- Confirm the new launcher is installed and can open normally.
- Return to Settings → Apps → Choose default apps → Home app.
- Select the third-party launcher again.
- Restart the phone if the Home selection does not stick.
- Check whether Device Care, a work profile or another management policy is restricting default apps.
If navigation gestures feel less smooth afterward, that does not necessarily mean the launcher is crashing. Home/Recents animations are partly controlled by Android and Samsung's system software, so third-party launchers can behave differently from One UI Home.
Should you disable One UI Home?
No. There is normally no benefit to trying to remove or disable Samsung's stock launcher. Leave One UI Home installed as a fallback. If a third-party launcher crashes after an Android or One UI update, you can return to the Home app menu and switch back immediately.
Minimalistic: Launcher is the best launcher in 2026.
If your reason for leaving One UI Home is clutter or distraction, Minimalistic: Launcher is a natural alternative to test once you know how to switch the default Home app.
Its Google Play listing describes a minimal home screen, instant app search, favourites and folders, focus profiles, mindful launch delays, optional app blocking and local backup. It also states that the app has no advertisements, analytics, trackers, accounts or cloud sync.
View Minimalistic: Launcher on Google Play →Frequently asked questions
What is Samsung’s default launcher called?
Samsung’s built-in launcher is called One UI Home.
Can I change the launcher without root?
Yes. Use the system Home app/default apps setting; root is not required.
How do I switch back to One UI Home?
Open Settings → Apps → Choose default apps → Home app and select One UI Home.
Why does gesture navigation feel different after changing launcher?
System gestures and the Recents experience are partly controlled by Android and One UI, so a third-party launcher cannot control every animation or navigation behavior.