How To Make Total Launcher The Default Launcher

Setting Total Launcher as the system default is the first step to building a custom Android layout. Mobile devices ship with a stock manufacturer interface that must be changed before third-party launcher features and shortcuts can work properly. Assigning permanent home app permissions ensures that system gestures function correctly, prevents the device from reverting to the old layout, and maintains workspace stability. This guide covers the steps needed to find the default app settings on a device, assign Total Launcher as the primary desktop, and fix common manufacturer toggle issues.

Every Android phone and tablet comes with a stock home app pre-installed by the manufacturer. This setting must be changed to Total Launcher before you can use its advanced layout options and custom gesture shortcuts.

While the exact steps vary depending on your device brand (such as Samsung, Google, or Motorola) and your Android version, the general setup is the same:

1. Open the device Settings.
2. Tap Apps (or Apps & Notifications).
3. Select Default Apps.
4. Tap Home App (sometimes called Default Launcher).
5. Select Total Launcher from the list.
   • *Troubleshooting Note:* Some devices require a quick toggle to save the setting. If Total Launcher does not stay active, select the phone's original launcher first, then immediately re-select Total Launcher to force the system to register the change.
6. Press the home button or back out of the settings screen.

The screen will now permanently display Total Launcher—either loading the clean default layout or restoring the most recent backup profile.