[Q] Default Launcher won't stay default - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting
First of all I have a Sprint Epic Touch 4G AKA Samsung Galaxy 2 S and not rooted, but I think this is an Android problem after 4 days of trying to find a solution.
I keep getting prompt to select which launcher(launcher or twlauncher) when I press the home button. I would select set as default and then select twlauncher. This would work fine and I could do what I want and the home button acts normally. BUT if I long press the home button to bring up task manager and a list of recent apps, it would break the default setting on twlauncher. I could go to setting and manage app and see that the default on twlauncher is now cleared even though I did not manually clear it. I tried checking set as default and then select launcher. It too won't stick AFTER I long press the home button.
Long story short, I downloaded several launchers from the market and none of them will stay set as default IF I long press the home button. It breaks the default every time and ask me to select the launcher to use when I press the home button. Now this would be great if I could just delete all the other launcher and have only one but I can't delete the stock launcher or twlauncher.
Here are the related threads that are just on XDA alone:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=844975
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=733874&highlight=default+launcher+keeps+resetting
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=838633&highlight=default+launcher+keeps+resetting
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=733874
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=907973&highlight=default+launcher+keeps+resetting
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=955029&highlight=default+launcher+keeps+resetting
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=951833&
highlight=default+launcher+keeps+resetting
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=932197&highlight=default+launcher+keeps+resetting
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=971784&highlight=default+launcher+keeps+resetting
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=972858&highlight=default+launcher+keeps+resetting
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sho...light=default+launcher+keeps+resetting&page=2
So the first time this happen, I was driving down the road using telenav when I see the prompt to select which launcher(something that I've never seen after using the phone for 2 weeks). Did some research elsewhere and found no solutions so here is what I have done in chronological order:
1. Start task manager and kill all active app and clear memory from RAM
2. Clear defaults from manage application....twlauncher
3. Click home button, click set as default and then launcher instead of twlauncher- still does not stick after long press home button.
4. Manage application...twlauncher CLEAR DATA (sure enough my neatly organized homepage and apps folder was reset to stock).
5. Pull battery
6. Cycle power on and off.
7. Gave up after 24 hours and factory reset the phone.
8. Went on my merry way and reinstall apps and customizing home page and apps pages and so on.
9. In hindsight, I should have long press home button every time I installed a new app to see which one will break the default.
10. Phone works fine for 24 hours and then it mysteriously acts up again. It ask me to choose which launcher again.
11. Went back to googling and tried the following which did not work:
a. clear media hub data and default
b. installed Sprint "clean" ID and then later deleting it.
c. installed go launcher and see if it will stick
d. installed launcher pro
e. installed home switcher
f. I don't have Qik or some child lock apps
g. search XDA and found about 15 threads and tried everything in those thread short of using Titanium to freeze one launcher.
Any update on a working solution? Right now I just won't long press the home button to bring up task manager or recent apps and everything will work just fine. Minor annoyance but I guess I can live with it until the ICS update.
its because the task manager is part of TWlauncher and will break the default launcher selection when you use it
Sent from my I897 using xda premium
b-eock said:
its because the task manager is part of TWlauncher and will break the default launcher selection when you use iy
Sent from my I897 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it won't break the default launcher on my wife's stock Samsung epic 4 G touch. I could long press the home button and it won't ask me to choose which launcher when I press the home button.
Fixed Default Laucher Problem.
So I decide to finally root the phone and install Calk's Rom 2.0. Everything was working great but finally, long press the home button breaks the default launcher again. There was only two launchers installed by default. Launcher Pro and TWLauncher. I wiped Dalvik Cache but the problem resurfaced after a few long press.
I launched ES File Explorer, enable root access, show hidden files, navigate to system/app and rename LauncherPro.apk to LauncherPro.bak. That fixed the problem and I rebooted just to make sure. Since there is only one launcher available now, I can't break the default launcher anymore no matter how many time I long press the home button.
Have you tried uninstalling the original home app???
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
b-eock said:
Have you tried uninstalling the original home app???
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by "original home app"? Home switcher, launcher, twlauncher?
I did not find the option to uninstall LauncherPro in Calk 2.0 ROM and no option to freeze it using appextractor either. But renaming the extension to .bak did the trick. I like twlauncher better than launcherpro anyway.
No need to flash new rom or do a factory reset
Rooted Galaxy S4 i337 ATT
I had the same problem and did a factory reset that temporarily solved the problem but that is definitely not the solution.
The problem is the third party software that could be any app (for me was"Photoid Pro")
The Solution: When it happen for the first time (you must reboot after each App installation and if you are prompted to select a Launcher) immediately delete the app you just installed and reboot again, I am sure you will be back to your default launcher.
If already have the problem you should install "Launcher Switcher" from "google play" open and if you see anything beside your launchers Delete them and that would set you back to default launcher.
Install One App at a time so you know the culprit.
usit said:
Rooted Galaxy S4 i337 ATT
If already have the problem you should install "Launcher Switcher" from "google play" open and if you see anything beside your launchers Delete them and that would set you back to default launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really worked!!! OMG!! Thank you so much!! I was going crazy trying to find a solution!!! haha haha
usit said:
Rooted Galaxy S4 i337 ATT
I had the same problem and did a factory reset that temporarily solved the problem but that is definitely not the solution.
The problem is the third party software that could be any app (for me was"Photoid Pro")
The Solution: When it happen for the first time (you must reboot after each App installation and if you are prompted to select a Launcher) immediately delete the app you just installed and reboot again, I am sure you will be back to your default launcher.
If already have the problem you should install "Launcher Switcher" from "google play" open and if you see anything beside your launchers Delete them and that would set you back to default launcher.
Install One App at a time so you know the culprit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You saved me too man ! Thanks a lot !
usit said:
Rooted Galaxy S4 i337 ATT
I had the same problem and did a factory reset that temporarily solved the problem but that is definitely not the solution.
The problem is the third party software that could be any app (for me was"Photoid Pro")
The Solution: When it happen for the first time (you must reboot after each App installation and if you are prompted to select a Launcher) immediately delete the app you just installed and reboot again, I am sure you will be back to your default launcher.
If already have the problem you should install "Launcher Switcher" from "google play" open and if you see anything beside your launchers Delete them and that would set you back to default launcher.
Install One App at a time so you know the culprit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, dude!! I was about to wipe my phone. A photo app I have been using for years was causing it. Oddly enough it updated last night and this begun.
usit said:
Rooted Galaxy S4 i337 ATT
I had the same problem and did a factory reset that temporarily solved the problem but that is definitely not the solution.
The problem is the third party software that could be any app (for me was"Photoid Pro")
The Solution: When it happen for the first time (you must reboot after each App installation and if you are prompted to select a Launcher) immediately delete the app you just installed and reboot again, I am sure you will be back to your default launcher.
If already have the problem you should install "Launcher Switcher" from "google play" open and if you see anything beside your launchers Delete them and that would set you back to default launcher.
Install One App at a time so you know the culprit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, you are amazing, had that same problem for quite some time now, went thru a lot and nothig until I hit this, problem solved so easily, too bad Launcher Switcher it's not in development any more. Thanks again dude!!!
Related
[Q] Default Action preference storage
Hi, I'm experiencing problems with my Home Launcher. Each time I press the Home button, i'm asked to choose between the available launchers, even if I tick the checkbox, whatever launcher I choose. I've tried to reboot, to wipe dalvik, to delete launcher before re installing it, nothing worked... Could any tell me where and how the Default Action parameter is stored, so I could try to find a workaround please?
Default is store at the apps you set as default in application. Accidentally sent from my Google Nexus S using XDA Premium
Thanks. Them it seems odd to me, as neither HTC, Android or Go Launcher Ex launchers are actually able to keep this setting...
[Q] Question about Launchers
Has anyone had a problem after you download a new launcher and it installs it will give you the option to start it or use the stock. But if you do not start it and hit the home button it will Disappear and not give it as an option by hitting the home button after that. Its on my app list but i have no way to restart it. Any Ideas? Never had this problem on my HTC inspire..
Mosius said: Has anyone had a problem after you download a new launcher and it installs it will give you the option to start it or use the stock. But if you do not start it and hit the home button it will Disappear and not give it as an option by hitting the home button after that. Its on my app list but i have no way to restart it. Any Ideas? Never had this problem on my HTC inspire.. Click to expand... Click to collapse Never had that problem, but do switch between launchers all the time by using Home Switcher. Free in Android Market
Try resetting the defaults for all the launcher apps. (Launcher, Go Launcher, ADW Launcher, etc). This way, the next time you hit home, it will ask you again what launcher you want to use.
[Q] [FIXED] DirectDial Shortcut Not Working for Go/Apex Launcher?
Keep getting a 'Unable to access application, please restart Go launcher', when I tap on a Direct Dial Shortcut on my home screen. This happens for both Go and Apex launchers. TW works ok. Weird thing was, it used to work when I got the phone. Anyone with similar problems?
I've been using Apex free for two days but not had an issue yet. Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
I have been using NOVA launcher and have the same issue. When I hit the direct dial widget I get a small message saying "app is not installed". If I clear defaults for the phone app then i get a choice between phone and skype, then hitting phone from there works. But that is definitely not a solution.
varun124 said: I have been using NOVA launcher and have the same issue. When I hit the direct dial widget I get a small message saying "app is not installed". If I clear defaults for the phone app then i get a choice between phone and skype, then hitting phone from there works. But that is definitely not a solution. Click to expand... Click to collapse Yup, installed Viber and the choice menu pops up. If I select a default, I get back the same error message.
Faz1980 said: I've been using Apex free for two days but not had an issue yet. Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium Click to expand... Click to collapse Is your phone rooted by any chance?
No, not yet. Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
I have the same problem with the direct dial widget for all of the 3rd party launchers. I wonder if it's a permission thing on the Samsung that was not implemented correctly. I had no such issues with 3rd party launchers on my HTC One-X.
Hit on the bulls eye! I have googled same problem and came directly into this subject. I also have a Galaxy S III and use Apex Launcher instead of memory eating monster Samsung TW; I also install Touch Pal contacts and dialer since Samsung has not been able come with a decent T9 dialer for ages. Anyhow, the problem is direct call shortcuts do not work on my device neither. As for detailed information, I use Omega v4.0. Also note that, I have recently used Apex Launcher on my Galaxy S II with I9100XWLPG (4.0.3) and did not have this problem. I hope someone comes with a solution, it's annoying. Regards.
In Nova Launcher it is already fixed. I switched until Apex is fixed too.
Any solution to this? GoLauncher still creating problems.
Fixed! Its Fixed In Go Launcher! Sent them an email on Tuesday, fixed today. Pretty efficient.
most definitely not fixed! Direct Dial still not working in Apex launcher. Issue reported to them well over a week ago and have received the odd useless email response from them. Not at all impressed with their "customer service"
unfurled said: Its Fixed In Go Launcher! Sent them an email on Tuesday, fixed today. Pretty efficient. Click to expand... Click to collapse I got my SIII about a month ago, and direct dial never worked on Launcher Pro. Did you have to reinstall or something?
Hi, I've a GS III i9300 with Go Launcher and my direct dial refused to work. Finally, I've managed to make it work :victory: My exact problem was : I managed to have a direct dial icon on the desktop, and it turned "green" when I clicked on it (everything's normal so far), so it should have worked, but nothing happened, the screen stayed on the desktop like this. I'm pretty sure the problem can be different for each configuration. Here are few steps you could follow to have a better idea of your problem. 1/ Be sure that the problem comes from the launcher you have. To know that, it's very easy, just install a home switcher, like Home Switcher from the market (Link here). 2/ Then go to your apps, click on Home Switcher then launch the default TouchWiz launcher (if you still have it, or another launcher you may have installed) 3/ Now your are in another launcher, so try to add a direct dial icon on the desktop (The usual way is to make a long press somewhere, then you choose apps & widget, then you search a bit between the widgets you get, then long press on direct dial (or speed dial), you place it somewhere, then you select a contact from your list) 4/ Try this direct dial icon. When I tried, it worked directly, so I knew the problem was somewhere around my Go Launcher. If it's still not working for you, the problem isn't -probably- coming from your launcher ! (Now, you probably have to search somewhere else, like on your rom/kernel...) 5/ If it's working for you, I think it's good news. Now you can probably go back to your launcher (Go Launcher in my case) and try some things. Like configuration/parameters --> more --> applications manager --> download --> search for "Go Launcher EX" (or your launcher) Here you can try to "Clear Defaults", "Clear Cache" & "Clear Data". (Caution : Clearing the data should revert the application back to it's state as it was when you first installed it) Then reboot your phone and check if it's working. 6/ If it's not. The problem can be another app you've installed that's messing up your Go Launcher. In my case, I've installed a great app, X Privacy (The Xda topic about it here) that allowed me to feed any app installed with empty/anonymous data. In this app, you can set & restrain exactly which part of the phone you've turned anonymous (accounts, call, contacts...) for which app. I had restrain everything for Go Launcher, that's why direct dial wasn't working anymore. I just had to uncheck the part "call (phone, sms, mms)" concerning Go Launcher in X Privacy and now it's working like a charm. 7/ If you don't have X Privacy installed, the problem maybe comes from another app. I suggest that you uninstall one by one the apps you suspect to mess up your phone, and keep trying. If you've a custom rom, you may seek help on the dedicated topic. Good luck !
Found the solution..! Whoever's havin' the direct-dial widget problem- I had the same problem & after a lot of head-scratchin' & tinkerin', it occured to me- Go to Settings>Developer Options & see if the option "Do Not Keep Activities" is checked. If it is, uncheck it. You're good to go..!
Direct Dial App Not Installed Error - Fixed This is an old thread but decided to answer it here for others searching. I found it on a thread overseas. Go to Settings/Apps/ scroll to and select your launcher Apk. Select the "Permissions" section and see whats not allowed and it will answer your questions. Enable Contacts, Phone at least. I enabled all of mine.
georgiapi said: Direct Dial App Not Installed Error - Fixed This is an old thread but decided to answer it here for others searching. I found it on a thread overseas. Go to Settings/Apps/ scroll to and select your launcher Apk. Select the "Permissions" section and see whats not allowed and it will answer your questions. Enable Contacts, Phone at least. I enabled all of mine. Click to expand... Click to collapse This worked for me in AIO Launcher. Needed to give phone permission. Many thanks.
With Nova Launcher, this started happening for me after a recent android system update. None of the above solutions worked. All my direct dial icons were previously created by going into the contacts app, selecting the contact, and adding to the home screen. I was able to get it working, by long pressing the nova background - widgets - contacts - direct dial. So, just adding it this way, somehow fixes it.
[Q] Any Home manager which change launcher AND make it default at the same time?
Every home manager I have used, changes the launcher, but every time I press the hardware button it always gets me to the default launcher. Is there any way every time I change launcher it goes default automaticly? Thanks ,
I'm running CM9 & I use GoEx, so I have Trebuchet (default launcher) frozen with Ti. That works for me.
I want to change betwin two full working launchers.. (including the hardware button every time..) I already can do it but have to: 1. Run home manager, 2. Select the launcher, 3. Make it default. Cant I do all this just by pressing a shorcut?... Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
sosimple said: I want to change betwin two full working launchers.. (including the hardware button every time..) I already can do it but have to: 1. Run home manager, 2. Select the launcher, 3. Make it default. Cant I do all this just by pressing a shorcut?... Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium Click to expand... Click to collapse If I understand correctly, you want to be able to press the home button and get to choose from your launchers? Then go to Settings > Applications, select the currently default launcher and press 'clear defaults'.
fekken said: If I understand correctly, you want to be able to press the home button and get to choose from your launchers? Then go to Settings > Applications, select the currently default launcher and press 'clear defaults'. Click to expand... Click to collapse No perhaps , because my English are not that good.. What you write is what I don't want and already happening.. Let's say I have now Apex. Default launcher is Apex. Ok? I select Nova. But when I press the hardware button it goes back in Apex... I want when I press the hardware button to stay in Nova and goes to first page of Nova. So every time I choose a launcher I want to automaticly set it default.. Isn't this possible? With just one click of a shortcut. I already can do it but every time I change launcher, I have to set it default every time.. Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
sosimple said: No perhaps , because my English are not that good.. What you write is what I don't want and already happening.. Let's say I have now Apex. Default launcher is Apex. Ok? I select Nova. But when I press the hardware button it goes back in Apex... I want when I press the hardware button to stay in Nova and goes to first page of Nova. So every time I choose a launcher I want to automaticly set it default.. Isn't this possible? With just one click of a shortcut. I already can do it but every time I change launcher, I have to set it default every time.. Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium Click to expand... Click to collapse Let me frame this for you in a simpler way For Example you have APEX launcher as ur default. Go to Settings and then go to Apps/Applications.In that list select APEX Launcher.Scroll down and there you will see an option as "Clear Defaults".Click that.After doing so whenever you will press the home screen button it will ask for the launcher you want to use. Hope that helps
"Close All" Button doesn't return to proper launcher
I have a Verizon Galaxy S4 on Lollipop, Specs: SCH-1525 Android 5.0.1 Baseband Version 1545VRUGOC1 Rooted I'm having a problem with the "Close All" button found in the recent apps (Hold down Home button). After I use it, it displays the Touchwiz launcher rather than Nova or Apex. I tried both to get it working. Since trying a few things: Cleared Cache Partition in Recovery, Cleared Cache of the Apps I thought would be conflicting (Touchwiz App and Home Settings App) I've had no success. Now, the "Close All" button blacks out my screen until I hit the home button, in which it goes to actual selected launcher. I've created a video to show what it is doing now: Can't post video until I've posted more, SORRY! I appreciate it you are able to help. I know this isn't a big thing, but it's enough to be annoying. Thanks!
it is making a black screen because it closes the launcher. Since you are rooted you could reinstall the launcher as a system app which wont be closed by the Close All button
Matthew M. said: it is making a black screen because it closes the launcher. Since you are rooted you could reinstall the launcher as a system app which wont be closed by the Close All button Click to expand... Click to collapse Okay, made Nova a system app, still same problem . Now it's going to my Touchwiz App Drawer, not even the home page.... It's really confusing me.. Now I'm determined. I had another thought, what if it isn't an app or app killing, rather an error on the "app" that runs the multitasking window. I'm going to Google it right now, to see if I can find it and if I can clear it's cache. Thoughts?
iamspoticus said: Okay, made Nova a system app, still same problem . Now it's going to my Touchwiz App Drawer, not even the home page.... It's really confusing me.. Now I'm determined. I had another thought, what if it isn't an app or app killing, rather an error on the "app" that runs the multitasking window. I'm going to Google it right now, to see if I can find it and if I can clear it's cache. Thoughts? Click to expand... Click to collapse Yeah, no luck Googling it.
Yea I have the same problem but usually goes to dialer