Google Experience Launcher - Clear data & cache options disabled - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi all.
I am pretty surprised not to find any comments on that around the internets, so here it goes. I want to restore my stock launcher to its default form, sort of like doing a 'factory reset'.
Previous to Android 4.4, this was possible by simply visiting the Android Launcher app in Settings, and clearing Cache and Data. However, now with the Experience Launcher those options are disabled. Big deal you might say, as one can tidy up their homescreen manually; still, that was the fastest and cleanest way to do it and I am curious why things have changed in the new version.
PS: Another observation - when installing a 3rd party launcher, the Home option is added in Settings > Device to allow users quickly selecting their current launcher. After uninstalling all 3rd party launchers, the option remains there. It's like Developer options; once enabled, you cannot go back.

The Google Experience Launcher is a part of the Google Search app now. That's the data you need to clear, not the Launcher app

Thanks for the clarification.

Related

[Q] Cannot set default launcher (Tried everything)

Every time I add a new launcher (Go Launcher, Launcher Pro, Zeam..)
I cannot set it as default.
I tried all known solutions "Home switcher\home smack" sort of tools. They all say "no default launcher is set".
1. all launchers default settings are clear (settings-->applications-->manage>clear defaults from all launchers)
2. yes, I'm checking the checkbox every freaking time..
3. I'm not willing to replace the ROM
4. I will not delete the stock TWLauncher that arrived in my samsung to leave only one launcher (come on guys, thats a bad idea)
When I set a new launcher, it looks like it saved, but 2 seconds later the default mysteriously gets deleted, like some 3rd party is doing it..
(Samsung Galaxy S, Froyo)
make a copy od settings with titanium backup then
wipe data and try
try with different launchers or reinstall them
What do yo mean "wipe data"? format my entire device?
kenan97 said:
try with different launchers or reinstall them
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Click to collapse
Hi
as I wrote in my original message. This happens with every launcher I install. even if I uninstall LPro and install Go Launcher, it happens there as well.
More information
I think that every time I long-press the home button (the one that brings up the last 6 running tasks) it clears all launcher defaults..

If I install another launcher what happens to my current homepages?

If I install say ADW Launcher on my Samsung Infuse do I lose all the desktop settings, shortcuts, widgets and such from the default homepages?
I'm interested in experiment with ADW Launcher but don't want to lose my default stuff and have to recreate those pages if I decide its not for me...
They will still be there but only in the stock launcher, you will have to set them up again in the new launcher. When you download a new launcher it will clear defaults and when you press the home key it will ask you which launcher to to open with, and give you an option to set one as default,i would not recomend setting one as default untill you got everything setup as you like it. If you ever want to go back to the other launcher after setting a default you would go into menu>settings>applications>manage applications> select current default launcher > clear defaults (this is off memory so dont hold me to the exact command chain)
Tomdg07 said:
If you ever want to go back to the other launcher after setting a default you would go into menu>settings>applications>manage applications> select current default launcher > clear defaults (this is off memory so dont hold me to the exact command chain)
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Or you could download an app like home switcher and select between what launcher u want to use.
diablo009 said:
Or you could download an app like home switcher and select between what launcher u want to use.
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Not familiar with home switcher, does it just make it easier to switch between launchers? I have a few different launchers installed but really only use one. I dont see why one would want to actively use multiple launchers, other than while testing out a new one. Just get a feel for what works/looks best for you, and set it as default.
Good info, thanks, it seems like ADW Launcher is the preferred? (I'm not rooted), if I might ask, why? If its not the preferred or popular choice which one is?
DarienA said:
Good info, thanks, it seems like ADW Launcher is the preferred? (I'm not rooted), if I might ask, why? If its not the preferred or popular choice which one is?
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I'm using Launcher Pro, its all personal preferrence. Theres are dozens of differnet launchers out there, some have different icon packages, some come with differnet widgets, and different customization options such as hiding the taskbar or how the pages turn between home screens. Welcome to the world of Android the choice is yours! Just dive in head first, download as many different launchers as you can find, and start playing around with them untill you find one that you are completley satisfied with

How to replace system apps?

I want to replace default launcher with LauncherPro, browser with Opera Mobile, etc., Do I just re-name the app (like browser.apk), and replace?
It would probably be better to just change the defaults so that the system will use LP and Opera.
Settings >applications >manage applications > clear the defaults for browser and twlauncher
Next time you press home it will ask for your preferred launcher. The next browser action will ask for your choice of browser.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
Bear55 said:
It would probably be better to just change the defaults so that the system will use LP and Opera.
Settings >applications >manage applications > clear the defaults for browser and twlauncher
Next time you press home it will ask for your preferred launcher. The next browser action will ask for your choice of browser.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
For LauncherPro, this is fine, but for the browser, it doesn't ever want to work correctly, for different activities (like clicking links within apps, or doing a google search) it will ask me randomly which one to use.
I have another question, where are 3rd party apps (every app that's not a system app) stored?
Ty.
Haloman800 said:
For LauncherPro, this is fine, but for the browser, it doesn't ever want to work correctly, for different activities (like clicking links within apps, or doing a google search) it will ask me randomly which one to use.
I have another question, where are 3rd party apps (every app that's not a system app) stored?
Ty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
/data/app in root explorer
blazing through on my 4G Droid Charge
I use the ADW Launcher as it has so many configurations. How many icons you want up or across, the main icons at the bottom of the page etc..
can i replace system apps by 3rd party?
No. You can not just overwrite system apps with third party ones. The second post explains the best way to take care of your request.
I think GO Launcher EX is the best out there. I've tried ADW and Launcher Pro and GO Launcher is the fastest, most stable one of the three. No homescreen hang/withdraw(unless the launcher crashes and restarts, which rarely happens but even when it does it's only for about 2-3 seconds)
Anyways, i wouldn't replace system apps unless it's to update(Like Swype. You sometimes need to uninstall it before you can install the updated version)
hi all, i like go sms but the program is very quick if i always to use it. if sometime i use it, the program is very slow to start.
so, what way is the solution, if i copy the apk file to the system/app/ so can it start to faster
blarrick said:
I think GO Launcher EX is the best out there. I've tried ADW and Launcher Pro and GO Launcher is the fastest, most stable one of the three. No homescreen hang/withdraw(unless the launcher crashes and restarts, which rarely happens but even when it does it's only for about 2-3 seconds)
Anyways, i wouldn't replace system apps unless it's to update(Like Swype. You sometimes need to uninstall it before you can install the updated version)
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Cool may give that a try I was gonna re do my phone anyhow.
Personally, when I replace a system app, just install whatever replacement app you want to use and the I use Titanium Backup to freeze the system app. You shouldn't get any pop-ups asking which app to use for an action, because there will only be one choice since the system app has been frozen.
i can't freeze any system apps by titanium backup.

[Q] Why does my launcher only work the way I want it when I reset app preferences?

What I want my launcher (Home Screen App) to do is the same Surelock does, what I mean by this is I want to activate the launcher imediately once I get in the app I want to be prompted for a launcher.
I can already do it, however after I set the android launcher allways, when I get in the app again I can't make it into a launcher.
I can only make it into a launcher again if I reset app preferences on the tablet's settings...
You want to be able to choose between two or more launchers every time you "go home"?
What you have now is a situation where a launcher stays in memory and is the default after having chosen it once?
I think you will have to manually edit memory handling for that either on the app side or by modifying the android memory settings.
Android generally tries to keep the launcher in memory or cached by default I think.
Perhaps, but this is pure speculation, toy can use the developer settings for this.
There is an option in that menu for killing apps immediately after closing them, and one for max allowed background apps.
You could see if one of those (both at once is not needed) do the trick, be warned though, that'll essentially end multitasking.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Thanks, what I want is...
Hr Kristian said:
You want to be able to choose between two or more launchers every time you "go home"?
Perhaps, but this is pure speculation, toy can use the developer settings for this.
There is an option in that menu for killing apps immediately after closing them, and one for max allowed background apps.
You could see if one of those (both at once is not needed) do the trick, be warned though, that'll essentially end multitasking.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Hey, thank you for your reply, what I want to be able to do is what Surelock does, which is everytime I click on my custom launcher application I get prompted to choose a default launcher, and as soon as I do it the changes take effect immediately. Meaning I enter HOME mode instantly, so when I press the home key the home is already my custom HOME app. and The back key won't work either.
This is exactly what I need to do...
What happens now is that on the first time I run the application I get the same result as in the surelock application which is what I want. And if I restart the tablet I restar on my own launcher which is also perfect, however...
if I exit my own launcher (which I've made possible by pressing a button) when I choose to use android launcher as allways, I imediately move to the android launcher which is also what I want.
The problem is when I go to the application to repeat the same process, it will still ask me which launcher I want to choose but when I choose mine, the changes don't take effect.
The changes will only take effect if I reset app preferences in the tablet's settings...
And I want to be able to repeat the process as many times as I want without having to reset the app preferences...
Right, now I get it.
You will have to write two (near identical) scripts that 1: clears the launcher default or directly changes it to the other (better) 2: starts the other launcher.
I don't know how to do that, but Claystone Launcher apparently has the function so it's perfectly doable.
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3rd party launchers - recents tab

I'm currently on Android 10 and reluctantly sticking with the pixel launcher. When I use Lawnchair or Nova I get the the recents tab as sort of an overlay over the homescreen. This happens a few times a day and the only thing I can do to get rid of it is to reboot. This is wicked annoying. Has anyone experienced this and/or know if there's a fix?
guitarsmurf2501 said:
I'm currently on Android 10 and reluctantly sticking with the pixel launcher. When I use Lawnchair or Nova I get the the recents tab as sort of an overlay over the homescreen. This happens a few times a day and the only thing I can do to get rid of it is to reboot. This is wicked annoying. Has anyone experienced this and/or know if there's a fix?
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I've not experienced this ? although I am using Lawnchair with QuickSwitch on a LC build that supports Q as a recents provider, but I've had no real issues regarding the weird recents overlay stuff.
Sent from my Google Pixel 3a XL using XDA Labs
I also experience this with Nova launcher. I am really missing the clear all button. I am guessing some compatibility issue with the pixel launcher. I typically freeze or delete the stock launcher, however when I froze it I lost the ability to open the recent tab at all.
Im using Evie launcher. Its simple, but does what I want for my Pixel 3A.
Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk
lancasterv3 said:
I also experience this with Nova launcher. I am really missing the clear all button. I am guessing some compatibility issue with the pixel launcher. I typically freeze or delete the stock launcher, however when I froze it I lost the ability to open the recent tab at all.
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The clear all button only shows when using a launcher that is the recents provider.
Sent from my Google Pixel 3a XL using XDA Labs
guitarsmurf2501 said:
I'm currently on Android 10 and .... [w]hen I use ... Nova [Launcher] I get the the recents tab as sort of an overlay over the homescreen. ...
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I don't use gesture navigation, rather I prefer the old-style three-button system navigation (System settings -> System -> Gestures -> System navigation -> 3-button navigation). I'm not sure this suggestion will help you but it was offered to me through the Discord support site:
After a reboot go into Nova Launcher's settings and scroll near the bottom. Click on "Set Default Launcher". The normal Android prompt asks if you want to "Use Nova Launcher as Home". Tap "Always". It will appear as if the Nova Launcher Settings window is re-drawn. Back out of Nova's settings.
Now when you tap on the square recents button you'll see your recent application list in a manner which is similar to Android 9. Even though you told Android 10 to always use Nova Launcher, after each reboot you'll need to follow this process to get the three-button navigation to work in Nova Launcher the way it traditionally has. So this isn't really a fix but a circumvention for how Android 10 and third-party launcher software work together.
wpscully said:
I don't use gesture navigation, rather I prefer the old-style three-button system navigation (System settings -> System -> Gestures -> System navigation -> 3-button navigation). I'm not sure this suggestion will help you but it was offered to me through the Discord support site:
After a reboot go into Nova Launcher's settings and scroll near the bottom. Click on "Set Default Launcher". The normal Android prompt asks if you want to "Use Nova Launcher as Home". Tap "Always". It will appear as if the Nova Launcher Settings window is re-drawn. Back out of Nova's settings.
Now when you tap on the square recents button you'll see your recent application list in a manner which is similar to Android 9. Even though you told Android 10 to always use Nova Launcher, after each reboot you'll need to follow this process to get the three-button navigation to work in Nova Launcher the way it traditionally has. So this isn't really a fix but a circumvention for how Android 10 and third-party launcher software work together.
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Thanks I'll try that. So far it seems to work. I used to just go into settings and pick there default home there. Fingers crossed!
The Clear all works with nova launcher when using 2 button navigation but not 3 button.
I sent an email to Nova about this and this is on Googles side according to them. They sent this back
Hello,
You can read Google's official statement and our statement about the issues you and anyone else using Android 10 is experiencing. Please take note that Google admits to this being broken on their end of things and that a fix will be coming in a future update to Android.
We understand that this statement was made 2 months during a beta of Android 10. However, as is stated in the below URL, this issue will remain broken even after Android 10 is released in its final form, which was September 3rd, 2019. What this means is that Google knew well ahead of time that they had no plans to fix this until much later so it's still a relative issue today.
Google's statement: https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2019/07/android-q-beta-5-update.html
Our statement: https://help.teslacoilapps.com/faq/gesture-navigation
What this means is that Nova, nor any other 3rd party launcher, can fix or change this in any way at this time. This issue is 100% on Google's end and Google is the only ones who can fix this issue. Their entire statement is below. Please note that the statement was from some time in July 2019, but it still pertains today and will continue to pertain until Google includes a fix for it in an upcoming release of Android 10.
PLEASE READ OUR SIGNATURE BELOW
If you didn't do so this time, please always use Nova Settings -> Contact Support to contact us as this provides us with a ton of useful information that can and will help us help you quicker and better. When doing so, please make sure the supportdetails.txt file remains attached to your email.
Answers to your questions are often found in the FAQ's so please read them prior to sending an email to possibly find your answer without having to wait for a response: https://help.teslacoilapps.com/faq You can also always access the FAQ's via Nova Settings -> FAQ's.
Yeah, looks like I'm stuck with the Pixel Launcher, which is not too bad really.
I knew Android 10 gestures don't work with 3rd party launcher, but now recents is buggy as well... Almost as if they tied the recents in with the launcher.
Don't want to sound like I'm ranting, but... My Huawei had these gestures since Android Pie (EMUI 9) and it worked properly from day one. Just saying...
I'll have to wait.

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