@Tourma

1. I think some may, especially ones on F-Droid. The one I use (Nova Launcher) does not.

2. You can swap back and forth, and I did a lot initially, but generally I think the idea is for a custom launcher to replace the vanilla one.

3. Again I think it depends on the launcher, but the one I use works fine on my Pixel 8, which runs vanilla Android.

4. I don't think so unless it requires root.

5. Sure!

@Tourma 1. None of the launchers, even on F-Droid require root. Some gain more features with root.

3. No, they are just like any other app.

4. Absolutely not.

@Tourma many launchers on the play store as well, they're legit as any other apps

@Tourma
I have an old android, you can install multiple launchers and the circle button will give you a "open with" if you don't set (or unset) the default launcher.

@Tourma Your home launcher is just an app. Android lets you pick which app to use as your home launcher. You can change it freely without consequence.

@Tourma Here is a list with nice launchers and other great apps on Fdroid sorted by categories:

https://codeberg.org/Psyhackological/AAA#f-droid

@Tourma You may install as many launcher apps as you like (for testing).
You are able to swap back and forth.
There are even some launcher that allow you to activate other icon packs (i.e. icon packs created by @mondstern or @donno )

Then try the launchers out and finally select your favourite one under settings > default apps as start app. and uninstall those you no longer want to use.

#Android #Fdroid #Launcher

@Tourma A launcher is essentially another app that just acts differently.

1. No, there is no need for that. However, this may affect device navigation controls - for example, on Samsung's OneUI interface (a skin on top of Android), you cannot use gestures with a custom launcher app, unless you root your phone. Other brands like Google Pixel may allow you to do so, albeit there may be some small differences when it comes to the app opening/closing animations, just minor things that you may not care about.

2. No, it's a separate app. The stock launcher is still there, and can still be switched back to from Settings > Default apps > Home app (or Launcher)

3. Not really, no. Configurations between the home screen of your stock launcher and the custom launcher(s) that you use should be separate, so there shouldn't be any issues there.

4. Absolutely not.