Last Friday, Nova Launcher’s last active developer announced his departure from Branch.
Since then, many users have started exploring Smart Launcher and reaching out with questions. If you’re one of them, thank you for choosing us. We know how much Nova meant to you, and our goal is to offer a home that feels both familiar and full of new possibilities.
This post is here to answer some of the most common questions and to share our commitments for the months ahead. We’ll also keep updating this page as new questions come in.
Getting started with Smart Launcher
Q: Can I use swipe up to launch shortcuts on icons?
A: Yes. Long press an icon, tap Gesture, and set the one you prefer.
Q: I can’t see app shortcuts after switching to Smart Launcher.
A: App shortcuts are visible only if Smart Launcher is set as your default home app. Make sure to set it as default.
Q: Can I have a dock in Smart Launcher?
A: Yes, though it’s still experimental. It will be publicly available soon.
For now, you can enable it by unlocking the experimentation menu:
- Long press the version info until a message appears
- Go to Home screen options → Grid properties → Dock
Q: Can I set a page other than the first one as my home?
A: Yes, but you need to enable a new experimental menu.
To do this:
- Unlock the experimentation menu by long-pressing the version info until a message appears.
- Go to Experimental options → Enable New preference menu.
- Now, after long-pressing on any page, you’ll see a pin button that lets you set that page as the default.
Q: Does Smart Launcher use analytics tools?
A: Only Google Firebase, the same service used by most apps on the Play Store.
Q: Is Smart Launcher 7 coming at some point? If I purchase now, will I have to pay again?
A: Smart Launcher 7 has already been announced and will be a free update for everyone. Your current license will be carried over.
Q: Does Smart Launcher collect my app list?
A: No, this is only required if you want to enable the automatic app sorting. In that case, we’ll ask your permission first.
Q: Does Smart Launcher use more resources than Nova?
A: It depends on your setup. Smart Launcher is modular: you can disable most features for a very light experience or enable everything for a richer one.
Also, some built-in features, like widgets or the news page, run directly inside Smart Launcher.
Other launchers require separate apps for the same features (for example, Google Discovery or third-party widgets).
So, even if Smart Launcher appears to use the same amount of memory, the total resource usage on your device could actually be lower.
Q: Does Smart Launcher offer a free trial?
A: Not yet. However, Smart Launcher comes with a 14-day refund policy. During this period, anyone can request a refund by filling out the form at smartlauncher.net/refund
Q: Is Smart Launcher frequently updated?
A: In 2024 we rolled out 51 updates — almost one every week. We’ve already announced version 7, which will be a free update for everyone. You can read more here: It’s time: let’s talk about Smart Launcher 7.
If you want early access to features and beta builds, join our official Telegram update channel: t.me/smartlauncher.
Our commitment
To make this transition smoother, here are some features we’re committed to delivering within the next 12 months:
- Infinite scroll on the home page
- Quick actions for folders
- Access to the search experience from the drawer
- More folder customization options
- Backup import from Nova
This is just the beginning. We’ll keep listening to your feedback and shaping Smart Launcher with you.
We will also keep this post updated as new questions and requests come in.
The best way to report your feedback and suggestions is our Reddit community.
If you prefer Discord and a familiar place, you can also find us at ModMyDevice (the previous official Nova community).
Looking ahead
Transitions are never easy, especially when something as iconic as Nova is involved. Our commitment is to respect that legacy while building something you can rely on every day.
Thank you for choosing Smart Launcher as your next home.
