It’s Time to Uninstall Nova Launcher
For a great many Android enthusiasts over the last decade, Nova Launcher wasn't just an app, it was the first thing they installed on a new phone. For years, it was the undisputed gold standard: faster than stock, infinitely customizable, and protective of user privacy.
Sadly, the Android landscape is shifting and the Nova Launcher that we loved is effectively gone. Following a turbulent few years of corporate acquisitions and a complete turnover of its original development team, the app has transformed from a passionate community tool into a vehicle for data collection and advertising.
It is difficult to leave behind a tool you have spent years configuring, but the reality is clear: it is time to move on. Here is a look at how Nova fell from grace and the best alternatives to replace it on your home screen today.
From Passion Project to Ad-Tech Asset
The decline of Nova Launcher didn't happen overnight; it was a slow burn that accelerated rapidly in the last few years.
For over a decade, Nova was developed by Kevin Barry and TeslaCoil Software. The turning point occurred in July 2022, when the app was acquired by Branch Metrics, a data analytics and mobile linking firm. While users were assured nothing would change, the acquisition by a data company signaled a shift in priorities.
The situation deteriorated in late 2024 with massive layoffs at Branch that gutted the original Nova team. By late 2025, original creator Kevin Barry had exited the project entirely.
The final nail in the coffin came on January 20, 2026, when it was announced that Instabridge, a Swedish company known for ad-supported Wi-Fi and connectivity apps, had purchased Nova Launcher. The app passed from a data company to a company whose primary business model is advertising. Instabridge wasted little time in trying to monetize its new asset. The latest versions of Nova Launcher have introduced changes that go against everything the original app stood for.
The Visible Changes: Ads on Your Home Screen Citing the need for a "sustainable business model," the new owners have begun injecting advertisements directly into the user interface. This shift is most apparent in the "Sponsored" Search feature, where the app drawer search bar now includes "suggested" results that are essentially paid advertisements disguised as app shortcuts. Furthermore, users on the free version are reporting traditional banner ads appearing within the settings menus, cluttering what used to be a clean, utility-focused space. They say Nova Prime users shouldn’t see any ads.
The Invisible Changes: Bloated Telemetry Even more concerning than visible ads is what is happening under the hood. Security researchers and the community have confirmed that recent updates have significantly bloated the app's code with tracking software. The app now integrates trackers from Facebook Ads (Meta) and Google AdMob, which are tools specifically designed to track user behavior to serve targeted ads. Additionally, Nova now requests access to your Android Advertising ID to build a profile of your interests based on your usage. Your home screen is the most intimate part of your phone, and it should not be a data farm for advertising networks.
The Best Alternatives: Where to Go Now
Moving launchers feels like moving houses. It takes effort to set everything up again. However, the peace of mind is worth it. Here are the best current alternatives, categorized by how you use your phone.
The "Close to Home" Choices
If you want the classic Android grid layout with deep customization similar to what Nova offered in its prime, start here.
Lawnchair: Widely considered the best open-source alternative. It provides the clean aesthetics of the Pixel Launcher but adds the "power user" controls you crave, such as custom icon packs, variable grids, and gesture support. It is fast, private, and free.
Smart Launcher 6: If you want a launcher that does the organizing for you, this is excellent. It automatically sorts your app drawer into categories (Games, Media, Communication). Its "double-tap icon" feature is a fantastic replacement for Nova’s swipe actions.
Hyperion Launcher: Hyperion is almost a spiritual successor to the "old" Nova. It strikes a perfect balance between speed and feature density, giving you deep control over animations and colors without corporate tracking.
The Minimalist Reset
If you are tired of cluttered icons and want a home screen that helps you focus, try these "Niagara-style" launchers.
Niagara Launcher: The king of vertical launchers. It replaces the grid with a clean, alphabetical list on the right side of the screen designed for easy one-handed use. It is incredibly sleek and modern.
Kvaesitso: A unique, open-source, search-focused launcher. Instead of browsing for apps, you just start typing to launch them. It features a great tagging system to organize workflows rather than just app categories.
Olauncher: For the extreme minimalist. This launcher removes all icons, leaving only text on your home screen. It forces intentionality in how you use your phone, which is great for digital wellbeing.
The Foldable Specialists
If you are using a Galaxy Z Fold or Pixel Fold, you need a launcher that handles two screens correctly.
Octopi Launcher: Built specifically for foldables. Its best feature is the ability to set completely independent layouts for the outer cover screen and the inner large screen.
Smart Launcher 6 (Foldable Mode): Smart Launcher is excellent on standard phones, but its foldable support is top-tier, allowing you to span widgets across the internal screen easily.