To switch back to default launcher Android, open Settings > Apps > Default apps > Home app and select the launcher that came with your phone. You do not need to uninstall the current launcher first.
The manufacturer launcher may be called Pixel Launcher, One UI Home, System Launcher, MIUI System Launcher, HyperOS Launcher, ColorOS System Launcher, or another brand-specific name.
Change the Home app
- Open Android Settings.
- Search for Home app or default apps.
- Open the Home app list.
- Select the stock launcher.
- Press Home to confirm it opens.
If Android asks whether to use it once or always, choose Always if you want the change to persist.
Your old stock layout may return as you left it. Widgets may need time to refresh, and a major system update may have changed parts of the layout.
Do not uninstall before switching
Change the default first. This keeps Settings and Home easy to reach if the uninstaller closes the current launcher. After confirming the stock Home works, you can keep the third-party launcher installed, clear its default, or uninstall it.
Keeping it installed preserves its local layout and settings unless Android or a cleanup tool clears its data. If you might return, use the launcher's local backup before uninstalling.
If the stock launcher is missing
Search Settings > Apps > See all apps and include system apps in the filter. Find the manufacturer launcher and check whether it is disabled. Re-enable it if Android allows that action.
Do not download a random APK that claims to be your system launcher. System packages are signed for a specific manufacturer and software build. Installing the wrong package can fail or create a second, unrelated app.
If a work administrator, parental-control service, kiosk mode, or device policy controls Home, the menu may be locked. Contact the person or organization that manages the device rather than trying to bypass the policy.
If there is no Home app menu
Try pressing Home after clearing the current launcher's default:
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Select the current launcher.
- Open Set as default or Open by default.
- Tap Clear defaults if available.
- Press Home and select the stock launcher.
Some manufacturers hide the clear button when the app is the active Home app. In that case, use the system search for launcher, default applications, or Home screen.
Remove optional permissions separately
Changing Home does not always remove permissions you granted to the previous launcher. Review its App info page and turn off any optional Accessibility Service, notification access, location, or other special access you no longer want.
If you plan to uninstall it, Android removes its ordinary app permissions with the package, but special settings are still worth reviewing. Delete any exported local backup manually only if you no longer need it.
What remains after switching
Installed apps and their data stay in place. Android's wallpaper normally remains unless one launcher used its own in-app background. Favorites, hidden apps, local renames, and custom blocks belong to each launcher and do not automatically transfer.
Minimalistic keeps its home design and local tools data in its own storage. Switching away does not claim to uninstall or disable the apps it hid from its drawer.
Before trying another launcher
Read what an Android launcher changes and check permissions, privacy, backup, reboot behavior, and the manual Home-setting path. Test a launcher with Just once first if Android offers that choice.
Returning to the stock launcher is a normal Android setting change, not a failure. A third-party launcher should make that exit clear and should never require you to delete it just to recover your original Home screen.
After the switch, restart once and test Home again. Also open the recent-apps screen and a notification before returning Home. These checks confirm that Android saved the default rather than launching the stock app only for one visit. If the chooser returns, repeat the selection and use Always instead of Just once.