It’s 2025, and the Pixel Launcher nonetheless can’t do these 6 basic items

Because the proprietor of the Android cellular working system, it is solely pure that Google has constructed out its personal native launcher expertise. Generally known as the Pixel Launcher, this piece of software program sits atop the OS and gives entry to basic person interface parts like the house display screen and the app drawer.

With the Pixel Launcher, it is clear that Google’s intention is to offer a clear and easy interface that will get out of the best way and that does not bombard the person with muddle. Not like many third-party OEM Android skins or launcher replacement apps, the Pixel Launcher would not provide a lot in the best way of customization instruments. I can admire Google’s strategy of balancing simplicity and adaptability, however I do really feel that the corporate’s launcher is in want of only a few extra dwelling display screen settings with the intention to attain its full potential.

Listed here are six lacking parts inside Google’s Pixel Launcher that I might like to see carried out in a future software program replace, with the intention to obtain characteristic parity with a lot of the competitors within the Android house.

1

Third-party icon packs do not work

Contemplating the varied ecosystem of Android icon packs, Pixel’s lack of help is a missed alternative

The Google Play Retailer is crammed to the brim with high-quality icon packs from third-party builders. These icon alternative apps are available in all sizes and styles, permitting you to effortlessly swap up the aesthetic of your Android’s dwelling display screen. Most launchers combine flawlessly with icon packs, as do some skins from {hardware} makers. Others, like Samsung, have elected to implement their very own customized theming engines relatively than supporting base-level icon packs.

I might like to see Google faucet into the present icon pack ecosystem with the Pixel Launcher, which might probably carry icon packs additional into the mainstream (and maybe compel Apple to help icon theming on the iPhone). Because it at the moment stands, you’ll be able to solely apply an underbaked tinted icon design on Pixel telephones, with the choice to vary icon shapes probably coming someday down the street.

Associated

Here’s how the Pixel launcher turns me into a productivity pro

You will have all of the instruments it’s essential to flip your telephone from one thing that distracts you into one thing that works for you.

2

At a Look and Google Search are necessary

I ought to be capable to strip again my dwelling display screen to the necessities if I so need

One in every of my largest contentions with the out-of-box Pixel software program expertise is the shortcoming to take away Google’s At a Look and Search widgets from the primary dwelling display screen web page. I’ve no drawback with these being right here by default, however I ought to have the choice to toggle them off if I really feel inclined to take action. When you can flip At a Look off, it would not truly take away the widget — the date stays completely affixed to the highest of the display screen, taking over house for no motive.

Associated

This is how I hide apps I don’t want on my Samsung Galaxy’s home screen

When you have apps in your Samsung Galaxy telephone that you really want out of sight, a pair steps is all it takes to rid them from view.

3

Apps cannot be simply hidden from view

Why do I’ve to fiddle with the cumbersome Personal House characteristic?

The power to shortly cover put in apps from view throughout the dwelling display screen and app drawer interfaces is a staple throughout most Android launchers. Not so with the Pixel: there is no technique to natively obscure an app with out leaping via hoops. Google does provide a Personal House characteristic that sits throughout the app drawer and that hides apps behind a lock, however it creates a second occasion of every app, and setting it up requires the person to dig deep throughout the system’s settings app. Against this, on a Samsung Galaxy telephone I can cover apps through the devoted dwelling display screen settings menu, and on an iPhone it solely requires a fast lengthy press to disclose the operate.

Associated

I got so frustrated with these 5 Windows 11 problems I decided to fix them myself

For all of Home windows 11’s strengths, the decades-old OS is held again by some head scratching quirks – here is how I rectify them when organising a PC.

4

Apps cannot be pinned to the app drawer

I might love the choice to pin apps and folders to the highest of the principle apps checklist

Up to now, I’d’ve thought-about the flexibility to pin apps and folders to the highest of the app drawer to be a superfluous choice at greatest, however I’ve just lately grow to be a significant fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy technique to place apps for fast entry with out taking over house on the house display screen, the app drawer suits the invoice completely. On Nothing OS, for instance, I’ve pinned Google Authenticator, Discover Hub, the Play Retailer, and Important House to the highest of my drawer — all are apps that I take advantage of semi-frequently, however not sufficient to justify incomes a slot instantly on my dwelling display screen.

Associated

5 small but irritating iOS issues I wish were fixed already

Apple’s iOS has come a great distance over time, however there are nonetheless some smaller quirks that hassle me, even in 2025.

5

The house display screen format cannot be locked

A small-but-useful setting that is sorely lacking from the Pixel expertise

A easy high quality of life addition discovered throughout most Android units, the flexibility to lock or freeze your house display screen format is completely absent from the Pixel dwelling expertise. If you happen to’re like me and generally unintentionally muck up your format of apps and widgets with out realizing it, locking every little thing in place provides simply sufficient friction for peace of thoughts. This setting might be particularly helpful if handing a tool to a younger baby, preserving each facet of the house display screen precisely as organized.

Associated

Pixel 10 series set to debut next month

Google has introduced its subsequent Made by Google occasion for August 20, the place its anticipated to point out off the Pixel 10 sequence.

6

House display screen administration is missing

Dragging and arranging apps on a Pixel telephone is an train in frustration

Surprisingly, the Pixel Launcher is missing within the app and residential display screen administration departments. Dragging apps is a one-at-a-time course of, and shifting a great deal of apps shortly turns into a tedious course of. It is also not attainable to rearrange current dwelling display screen pages, view pages in a birds’ eye view, or set a selected dwelling display screen because the default first web page. In Google’s quest to make Android approachable, I really feel the corporate has overcorrected on this one. Even Apple provides the flexibility to control dwelling display screen pages and to maneuver a number of apps on the identical time, and my HTC Wildfire S from 2011 might do the identical factor, too.

Associated

5 unconventional Android launchers that will make your phone as unique as you are

Android launchers are devoted dwelling display screen replacements apps – listed below are 5 unconventional choices that may breathe new life into any outdated Droid.