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Nova Launcher

Name: Nova Launcher
Rating: 3.3 (1380000 reviews)

Instabridge Sweden AB

3.3

Rating

100,000,000+ Downloads

88500 (8.8.5) Version

Category: Personalization
Price: free
Age Rating: Everyone
Rating: 3.3
Available on: /
Updated on: Jul 6, 2026

Features & Highlights

Customizable Home Screen

Nova Launcher lets you create a truly personalized home screen experience. With options to resize widgets, adjust icon layouts, and select from a variety of themes, you can make your phone feel uniquely yours while maximizing usability and aesthetics.

Gestures and Shortcuts

Navigate your device effortlessly with customizable gestures and shortcuts. Whether it’s swiping, pinching, or double-tapping, you can set up gestures to open apps, settings, or any action you prefer, making your daily interactions smoother and more efficient.

Icon Pack Support

Nova Launcher supports a wide range of icon packs, allowing you to transform the look of your app icons easily. You can choose from countless designs available on the Play Store, ensuring your home screen matches your style and personality perfectly.

Night Mode and Dark Theme

With a built-in night mode and dark theme options, Nova Launcher helps reduce eye strain during nighttime use. You can easily switch between themes to suit your environment, enhancing your experience whether you're browsing late at night or in bright daylight.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Highly customizable interface to suit your style
Fast and smooth performance for seamless navigation
Extensive icon pack support for unique designs
Gestures for quick access to apps and features
Regular updates ensure new features and improvements

Cons

Limited customization options for some users
Can slow down older devices
Lacks built-in gestures compared to competitors
Frequent updates may introduce bugs occasionally

Real Experience Using Nova Launcher

Application Scenarios

Nova Launcher shines in a variety of application scenarios, making it a versatile choice for Android users looking to customize their devices. Whether you’re a productivity enthusiast wanting to streamline your home screen or a gamer seeking quick access to your favorite titles, Nova Launcher provides the flexibility you need. For users who enjoy personalization, the app allows for various themes, icon packs, and widgets, enabling a unique interface tailored to individual tastes. Additionally, the launcher supports gesture controls, allowing users to quickly launch apps or perform specific actions with simple swipes or taps. This functionality is particularly beneficial for those who often multitask or require rapid access to frequently used applications. Moreover, it caters to both casual users who prefer a straightforward layout and tech-savvy individuals who appreciate advanced customization options.

User Experience

The user experience with Nova Launcher is generally seamless and intuitive. Installation is straightforward, and the onboarding process guides new users through the customization features. The interface is clean and well-organized, making navigation easy even for those unfamiliar with launcher apps. Users can easily rearrange icons, create folders, and adjust grid sizes to optimize screen real estate. Transition animations are smooth, adding a touch of flair without compromising performance. The app also boasts impressive speed, with quick loading times and minimal lag, even on older devices. Users have praised the depth of customization options available, allowing them to create a truly personalized experience. However, some might find the extensive features overwhelming initially, but the learning curve is manageable, and numerous online resources and community forums offer assistance.

Pricing

Nova Launcher operates on a freemium model, offering a robust free version with essential features that satisfy many users. For those seeking advanced customization options, Nova Launcher Prime is available for a one-time purchase. The premium version unlocks additional features such as gestures, unread counts, and the ability to hide apps, enhancing the user experience significantly. The pricing is reasonable considering the value it provides, making it an attractive option for users willing to invest in a more personalized launcher experience.

Updates & Support

Nova Launcher is frequently updated, with developers consistently rolling out enhancements and new features based on user feedback. This commitment to improvement ensures that the app stays relevant and functional with the latest Android updates. The support provided is commendable, with an active community forum where users can share tips, report bugs, and seek help. Additionally, the developers maintain a responsive presence on social media and official channels, addressing user concerns promptly. Overall, the combination of regular updates and strong community support makes Nova Launcher a reliable choice for anyone looking to elevate their Android experience.

Security & Privacy Review

Nova Launcher prioritizes user security and privacy, ensuring a safe customization experience for Android devices. The app does not collect personal data or sensitive information, which is a significant advantage for privacy-conscious users. Nova Launcher operates primarily on the device's local storage, minimizing data transmission to external servers. When it comes to permissions, Nova Launcher requires access to essential features such as storage for themes and icons, as well as the ability to modify system settings for optimal performance. Users can customize these permissions based on their comfort level, allowing for a tailored experience without compromising security. Additionally, the app does not display intrusive ads or engage in data mining practices, further enhancing its appeal to those who value their digital footprint. Regular updates also ensure that any potential security vulnerabilities are promptly addressed, maintaining the integrity of user data. Overall, Nova Launcher provides a reliable and secure environment for users looking to personalize their Android experience while safeguarding their privacy.

Get Installation Details

Google Play

App Store

User Reviews

Sean Fitzgerald

2026/07/07

ads ruined this
Zoey Hunt

2026/07/07

Super easy to set up, my phone interface feels reborn. edit: now autoplaying video adds make me angry
Warren

2026/07/07

Giant temu ad in my app drawer that blasts audio every time I open the search. I have been using Nova forever across many phones for a decade but not anymore.
Hunter Lee Avakian

2026/07/07

ads everywhere what a waste of a good app
Chad Victor

2026/07/07

Started showing ads so I ditched it for lawnchair.

Dracapella Deetz

2024/08/30

Sad Since the latest update I've had nothing but problems. My screen freezes at least twice a day, my apps freeze, I have to restart the phone to try to solve it (which doesn't really help). I loved this launcher and have had the Prime version for years! Now I think I'm going to have to look for another one as it's failing me. 😥 New review Aug 2024 They finally updated it! It works again but sadly it STILL freezes! I really hoped they'd have sorted this issue by now! Come on guys!
Joshua Thomas

2026/02/27

Ads are one thing, but the bugs are something else. Like I get wanting to charge for a useful product. But coincidentally right after that there have been bugs galore. The screen freezing on app launch or coming out of sleep, Nova randomly crashing, and now the app drawer is a mess. Apps don't sort anymore and the ads are a pain. Like why would I pay to remove ads when the quality has taken a nose dive. Sadly after at least 5 years having this app, it's time to say goodbye. Good riddence.
Anne Mitchell

2026/02/15

why would you do this to yourself? How would you think that putting a massive ad in the app drawer would be a good idea? On top of that, I had the paid version, and now it's suddenly missing. y'all destroyed your reputation, and made tons of people who have used your apps for years uninstall. I can't even remember how long I've been using Nova launcher. I'm fairly certain since I've had a smart phone. Good luck coming back from this. Enjoy the short burst of ad revenue while your app dies.
Stephen Jensen

2026/02/15

They added ads to app drawer. I have used this for a decade. I understand they may need more money, but I can't have ads on my phone itself. I get enough within the apps I used. Gonna have to find something else. I might be willing to pay for the prime version if it's a one time fee, but I've heard that they still get ads...
Caroline Grace

2025/04/16

Have been using this launcher forever now but recently it started freezing up entirely multiple times a day, making it to where I need to force close the app or restart my phone to get it working again. I've tried emailing their support and haven't gotten any response back yet after several days. If this isn't solved soon I'm going to find a different launcher to use.

Review Source: Google Play store public user reviews.

FAQ

Does Nova Launcher collect my personal data?

Nova Launcher is designed with user privacy in mind and does not collect personal data unless explicitly permitted by the user, such as for specific features or settings.

Does Nova Launcher offer a free trial or free version?

Yes, Nova Launcher offers a free version with many features, while Nova Launcher Prime is a paid version that unlocks additional functionalities.

Does Nova Launcher require an internet connection?

Nova Launcher does not require a constant internet connection for its core features, but some functionalities, such as downloading themes or icon packs, may need internet access.

How can I contact support or send feedback for Nova Launcher?

Users can contact Nova Launcher support or send feedback through the app's settings, or by visiting the Nova Launcher website and accessing the support section for additional assistance.

How do I manage or cancel my Nova Launcher subscription?

Since Nova Launcher does not operate on a subscription basis for its Prime version, users can simply choose to uninstall the app if they no longer wish to use it, or they can disable the premium features.