Digital Wellbeing may be the reason your third-party launcher doesn’t stick
For years, personalization on Android has been aided by thebest Android launchers, such asNova Launcher,Lawnchair, andAction Launcher. Although their visual design and functionality vary, you can set all of these Android launchers as your default, replacing your device’s stock launcher. It’s usually smooth sailing thereafter, but several people have complained that their devices are reverting the default launcher choice, making it a pain to get to their home screen, where a recent update to the Digital Wellbeing app appears to be the culprit.
As you can imagine, it can be rather annoying if your default launcher selection refuses to stick. Those using Microsoft Launcher and the ever-popular Nova Launcher, among others, have complained that they must choose their default launcher at least once daily when navigating to the home screen. Most complainants claim the launcher choiceresets at midnight, but others have stated their devices ask to choose a default launcherevery timethey try returning to the home screen. This issue seems to affect devices with OEM Android skins and custom ROMs running Android 10 and Android 11.
It would also appear that theissue persistsdespite several restarts or even after reinstalling the launcher, and changes to the custom launcher’s battery optimization settings or the accessibility settings don’t help. Our usual suspects, such as app updates, Android updates, and security patches aren’t to blame. One redditor using Nova Launcher says they successfully fixed the issue bydisabling the Digital Wellbeing appon their device. Another user clearly saw the issueresurfacewhen toying with any of their Digital Wellbeing settings.
Digital Wellbeing usually operates in the background on Pixel Phones, offering useful features such as bedtime mode, focus mode, Do Not Disturb, andFlip to Shhh. Unfortunately, the app seems to be behind a persistent and annoying problem that Google hasn’t acknowledged yet. On Discord, Nova launcher customer support manager Cliff Wade said theissue isn’t exclusive to Nova Launcher, and the team isn’t sure how to fix it, corroborating the theory that a recent Digital Wellbeing update is wreaking havoc.
A lasting solution for Android personalization enthusiasts reliant on Digital Wellbeing features is undoubtedly the need of the hour. Disabling Digital Wellbeing seems to be the only viable solution for the time being. So if you feel the app is the likely culprit and are in need of a fix, you can always try visiting Digital Wellbeing’s Play Store listing and uninstalling its updates, then clear its cache from the app info screen and restart your phone.
UPDATE: 2022/09/20 12:32 EST BY STEPHEN SCHENCK
Google informs us that the issue with Digital Wellbeing and alternate launchers has now been resolved.
Thanks: Mishaal
The note-taking app I should have used all along
Broader branding hints at wider paid-tier ambitions
New tablets coming September 4
Check your order status!
A great choice for those looking for value
Pixel downsides never change
