How to Replace the Default Launcher on Your Android Device Using ADB

Introduction

If you are looking to replace the default launcher (Launcher.apk) on your Android device and want to do so via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), this guide will walk you through the steps to remove the default launcher and replace it with a new one. While there are alternative methods to change the launcher (like downloading a new one from the Google Play Store), replacing the launcher in the /system/app folder using ADB can provide better performance, as it avoids the extra bloat or slowdowns some third-party launchers may cause.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

ADB Installed: You need to have ADB set up on your computer. If you haven’t installed it yet, download the Android SDK Platform Tools from the official website.
Root Access: To make changes to the /system/app directory, your device must be rooted. Make sure you have root access before proceeding.
USB Debugging Enabled: Go to “Settings” > “About phone” and tap “Build number” 7 times to unlock developer options. Then, enable “USB debugging” in “Settings” > “Developer options.”
A Launcher APK: Download the APK of the launcher you want to use as a replacement. Make sure it is compatible with your Android version.

Steps to Replace the Default Launcher

Step 1: Connect Your Device to Your Computer

Ensure that your Android device is connected to your computer via USB. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer, then type the following command to ensure your device is recognized:

adb devices

You should see your device listed with a serial number. If your device does not show up, check your USB cable, ensure USB debugging is enabled, and make sure the necessary drivers are installed.

Step 2: Gain Root Access Using ADB

Once your device is connected, open the terminal or command prompt and type the following command to gain root access:

adb root

This will restart the ADB daemon with root privileges. If your device is not rooted, you will need to root it before proceeding further.

Step 3: Backup the Current Launcher (Optional but Recommended)

Before making any changes, it’s always a good idea to back up the current launcher in case something goes wrong. To do this, use the following command to copy the default launcher APK to your computer:

adb pull /system/app/Launcher.apk /path/to/backup/

This command copies the launcher APK from your device to the specified path on your computer.

Step 4: Remove the Default Launcher

Now that you have root access, you can remove the default launcher. Type the following command to delete the original launcher APK from the /system/app directory:

adb shell rm /system/app/Launcher.apk

This command will remove the system-installed launcher from the device. Be careful when using the `rm` command, as it will permanently delete the file.

Step 5: Push Your New Launcher APK to the System Folder

Next, you need to push your custom launcher APK to the /system/app folder. Use the following command to do so:

adb push /path/to/your/launcher.apk /system/app/

Replace “/path/to/your/launcher.apk” with the actual path where you’ve saved the APK file on your computer. This will copy the new launcher APK to the system folder.

Step 6: Set the Correct Permissions for the New Launcher

Once the APK is pushed to the /system/app folder, you need to set the correct permissions so that Android can execute the file. Use the following command to adjust the permissions:

adb shell chmod 644 /system/app/launcher.apk

This command will ensure the launcher file has the correct read and write permissions.

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Step 7: Reboot Your Device

After pushing the new launcher APK and setting the permissions, restart your device for the changes to take effect:

adb reboot

Your device will now reboot with the new launcher in place.

Important Considerations

Rooting Your Device: Rooting your device can void the warranty and may cause issues with future updates. Proceed with caution and ensure you have a complete backup before making any changes.
Launcher Compatibility: Make sure the launcher you want to install is compatible with your device’s Android version. Some launchers may not function properly on older or heavily modified versions of Android.
System Stability: Replacing system apps can lead to system instability or other issues. Always test the new launcher thoroughly before making permanent changes.
Reverting Changes: If something goes wrong or you want to return to the default launcher, you can always restore the original APK from your backup by using the command:
```
adb push /path/to/backup/Launcher.apk /system/app/
```

Conclusion

Replacing the default launcher on your Android device using ADB provides you with more control over your device’s performance and appearance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can remove the default launcher and install a custom one directly into the system folder. Just be sure to root your device, back up important data, and proceed carefully to avoid causing system issues.