this post was submitted on 27 Feb 2025
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Privacy

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Hello πŸ‘‹

Disclaimer I would switch to try grapheneos if I could currently my phone from Verizon apparently can not have it's bootloader unlocked so...

I am looking for launcher suggestions that are maybe less intrusive if that's possible. I mostly just want to get rid of the Google search at the bottom and the 'at a glance' at the top of the home page I can't figure it out.

Edit: forgot my phone model 'Pixel 8 Pro'

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

After trying out many different app launchers on f-droid Kvaesito is what I found to be the best. Kvaesito is very good and is what I use it allows you to swipe down and eminently start searching for apps.

My biggest problem with it (and it's a big one) is ocasionally it will just freeze and stop working until I lock the phone and turn it on again. (maybe you won't have this problem just try it out)

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 day ago

Will do. Many people talk about launcher freezing thanks

[–] [email protected] 26 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Switching the launcher will almost do ZERO for your privacy. Just to let you know.

Anyhow, you could check out the "F-Droid" App Store, which is populated with the most privacy respecting open source apps out there. It also has some launchers.

Or you could at least check apps on Exodus for trackers.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 days ago

I figured it wouldn't do much or anything for privacy but figured it would be worth an ask. Thanks

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 day ago

Kvaesito is awesome.

[–] [email protected] 25 points 2 days ago (3 children)
[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Came here to recommend this. Cheers! 🍻

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I wish it had folders in the app drawer

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Yeah, it lacks a lot of features. Feeds don’t work either.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Not a fan of feeds and I don't need them but I get its annoying for some people. I can't find a good launcher with folders, up to date and with some customization

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Most foss launchers I’ve tried are terrible. LawnChair is the only one that stood out the most.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I used https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/com.saggitt.omega before realizing it's 2 years old. The only one I've found with folders

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

You mean folders as in sections?

  • Games
  • Social
  • Productivity

Something like that?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago

Folders in the app drawer or app list (depends on how you call it)

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago

I will try lawnshair first to see how I like thanks πŸ‘ looks good

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago

I’ve been happily using mLauncher. It’s about as minimal as they come. I’ve got zero on my screens. https://github.com/DroidWorksStudio/mLauncher

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (2 children)

There is a 3rd party launcher issue on Pixels that will some times freeze the UI. It has to do with the use of the recents menu. It has been the bane of my existence on my pixel 6 for 18 months. Didn't used to do it. It could be easily fixed by Google but they won't.

See this comment

https://lemmy.world/comment/12418890

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 day ago (1 children)

As a counterpoint, I've been using Lawnchair on my Pixel 4, 6, and 8, on stock, LineageOS, and GrapheneOS, and never had this happen to me.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago

Same, with their current 14 beta.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

This happens on my Pixel as well. I forget which launcher I use but I keep the icon on my homescreen so I can just hold it to get the app info and force stop it.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

I set up a tasker intent that launches the pixel launcher then my kills it after 1 second followed by a restart of total launcher. This works well Got it as a quick settings tile. I use total launcher but it does it with lawn chair as well. Factory reset didn't help.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 2 days ago
[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 days ago

If you want something completely different check out the KISS launcher or Kvaesito.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 days ago

I know It's not FOSS but I love Niagara Launcher maybe give it a shot and if you want to you can just cut off it's internet access

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

I use Discreet Launcher on the same phone

https://vincent-falzon.com/

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago

Yes, there are many options.

I saved a thread a while back when I was looking for a new launcher too.

https://sh.itjust.works/post/23446121

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago

If you want something minimalistic, you can try mine: Mere Launcher