Nova Launcher FAQ
Nova Launcher 8(Stable)
Will my Nova 8 backup work if I decide to go back to Nova 7.0.58?
We recommend that you only use Nova 7 backups on Nova 7 and Nova 8 backups on Nova 8. This is due to the fact that there are some pretty big changes between Nova 7 and Nova 8 and this helps prevent any serious issues with your setup by not mixing backups from the two versions.
Home Screen and Widgets
Can you integrate Google Now/Discover into Nova Launcher's home screen like on Pixel Launcher?
Yes. The Google Discover page found in Pixel Launcher can easily be recreated in Nova Launcher with our companion tool. This requires a separate installation via sideloading, as the app isn't available in the Google Play Store.
Before installing the Nova Google Companion App, you'll need to be running Android 5.0 or above, as well as Nova Launcher 5.3 or above. The Infinite Scroll feature found in Nova Settings -> Home screen -> Scroll must also be disabled.
Keep in mind that Google Discover is owned and maintained by Google, so Nova is unable to provide any sort of custom options within Discover.
Can I have different wallpaper on each page of my home screen?
No, this isn't currently possible in Nova Launcher.
Can I set different wallpapers for my home screen and lock screen?
As long as your phone is running Android 7.0 or above, you can set different home and lock screen wallpapers when setting your wallpaper.
Can I create folders on the home screen?
Yes. Drag one icon on top of another to create a folder on the home screen. Alternatively, you can drag folders directly out of the app drawer. You might need to ensure you have the Nova Settings -> Home Screen -> Advanced -> Overlap When Placing disabled.
I just updated my device and now I have a floating Nova Launcher icon on every screen.
Disable the shortcut for Nova in your phone's accessibility settings. Make sure you don't disable the accessibility service itself though or else things like locking the screen and notification badges likely won't work.
How do I change the color of the text(app labels) on the home screen?
Nova Settings -> Style(icon at the bottom right) -> Home Screen -> Text. Within this section, there are numerous different options that you can change to get various colors of labels that you might want or need.
Notification Badges
Can I set certain apps to use Dynamic Badges while others use Numeric Badges?
No. It's not currently possible to use two different badge types in tandem.
How do I enable Dynamic Badges, Notification Dots or Numeric Dots?
These are only available in Nova Prime, but once you've purchased it you can find Notification Badge options in Nova Settings -> Notification Badges.
Navigation
Can I change the on-screen navigation buttons?
You can only change the navigation buttons from system settings if your system supports it. This isn't something 3rd party launchers such as Nova Launcher have control over.
Does Nova Launcher support system gesture navigation?
This isn't up to Nova Launcher, or any 3rd party launcher, but up to the system. If your system does not allow you to enable gesture navigation when using a 3rd party launcher, unfortunately there is nothing Nova Launcher can do about that. Most Android 11 or newer devices do allow using gesture navigation with 3rd party launchers, however sometimes there are bugs or behavior differences between gesture navigation when using their launcher versus another one. Unfortunately this is not something Nova Launcher, or any 3rd party launcher, can change, it is dependent on the system, Google and your device manufacturer.
App Drawer
How can I get the app drawer button back?
The button to open the app drawer can be replaced a couple of different ways.
First, long-press on the home screen and then swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access "Widgets." Then Nova Actions -> App Drawer. This will add an app drawer button to the home screen which you can then place in the dock.
Alternatively, you can head into Nova Settings -> App Drawer -> Open App Drawer -> Icon.
Can I sort the drawer icons?
Apps and folders are sorted alphabetically in the drawer. There is not an option for manual sort at this time.
Can I set separate wallpapers in the app drawer and home screen?
Unfortunately, that's not possible at this time.
Can I hide apps in Nova Launcher's drawer?
There's an option to hide apps in Nova Settings -> App drawer -> Hide apps.
You can also long press an app icon in the app drawer and click the icon that looks like an eye.
Keep in mind, however, that this is meant to be an organizational tool and not a way to globally hide apps. Any hidden apps will still show up on the home screen and in search. If you want to completely hide an app, you'll need to use a third-party tool as this isn't something Nova Launcher can do.
Can I create folders in the app drawer?
Yes. Head to Nova Settings -> App drawer -> Drawer groups -> Folders to create new ones.
Can I add a blur effect to the app drawer or folders?
It is not currently an option or planned at this time.
How do I change the color of the text(app labels) in the app drawer?
Nova Settings -> Style(icon at the bottom right) -> App Drawer -> Text. Within this section, there are numerous different options that you can change to get various colors of labels that you might want or need.
Nova Prime
Is Nova Launcher Prime a one-time fee?
Nova Launcher Prime is available as a yearly subscription or a lifetime purchase via the Nova Prime app. Your Prime access is tied to your Google account and will work on any Android device signed in with the same account.
Do I need to have Nova Launcher and Nova Prime installed to get Prime features?
If you purchased the lifetime option, yes. The Nova Prime app is an unlocker for all the features in Nova Launcher. Prime features won't be available if the Prime app isn't installed. If you subscribed to the yearly plan, Prime features are unlocked directly within Nova Launcher.
I want a refund for Nova Prime. How can I get one?
Please use Nova Settings -> Contact Support or send an email directly to support@novalauncher.com with the subject "I'd like to request a refund." Include your proof of purchase and we'll assist you.
Does Nova Launcher have ads?
The free version of Nova Launcher includes ads to support ongoing development. Nova Launcher Prime is completely ad-free. If you'd like an ad-free experience, upgrading to Prime is the best option.
I use a device that doesn't have Google Play Services. Can I still use Nova Prime?
Please contact us via Nova Settings -> Contact Support or email support@novalauncher.com with your proof of purchase and we can help set up a direct license for you.
General
Does Nova support double-tapping to turn on/off the screen?
If your device supports turning the display off by double tapping, you can double tap the notification bar at the top of the screen to execute this feature. Alternatively, can you set a custom gesture to do the same thing in Nova Settings -> Gestures & inputs. Please Note: Double tapping of the notification bar isn't supported by most device OEM's and is more of a custom ROM feature.
Due to API restrictions, we're not able to turn the screen on with a double tap in Nova Settings. This is a per-device feature only.
How do I enable/disable the Labs section in Nova Launcher?
Nova 7: Open up Nova Settings and long press the volume up to disable Labs and long press volume down to enable Labs.
Nova 8: Open up Nova Settings -> About and long press the Nova Launcher icon at the top of the screen to enable or disable Labs.
Can I make a feature request?
Yes. In Nova Settings, scroll down to "Contact Support" to send a feature request. All requests are handled internally and not posted publicly.
Note: Just because a feature is often requested doesn't necessarily guarantee its inclusion in Nova Launcher.
How can I send a crash report to the support team?
There are two ways of doing this, though the first method highlighted below is preferred.
First, enable Developer Mode on your phone, then enable USB debugging and Bug Report Shortcut. If you're not sure how to do that, head here for full instructions (Note: the process may vary slightly depending on which version of Android you're phone is running). With that set up, hold the power button and select "Take a Bug Report" the next time your phone crashes.
Can I help beta test Nova?
You certainly can! To become a beta tester just opt-in to the beta channel. Please note, there are times that Nova beta versions will be available, but they won't be in the Play Store. If you wish to stay updated on releases prior to the Play Store, we recommend you follow: Nova Launcher Beta
How can I translate Nova Launcher into other languages?
All Nova translations are handled at Crowdin Translations. All translations are included in the next major release of Nova Launcher, assuming everything is complete and correct.
Does Nova Launcher collect any personal data?
Nova collects crash reporting and analytics. You can read our full Privacy Policy here.
I'm having issues with the recent apps screen on my device. It's lagging, not showing content, not swiping between apps correctly, not allowing me to pin an app from within the recent apps screen or other possible issues.
Nova, nor and other 3rd party launcher, has any access to the recent apps screen in any way. That's all up to your device OEM and Android and the recent apps screen is tied to the stock launcher of your device. You will experience these issues in all 3rd party launchers, not your stock launcher and not just specifically Nova. You will need to contact your device OEM directly with any issues regarding the recent apps screen.
How can I directly contact support?
You can get in touch through Nova Settings -> Contact Support or sending an email directly to(support@novalauncher.com). We ask that you only use the direct email method if you can't get into Nova Settings itself to use the Contact Support method. If you're having a specific issue, using the Contact support button in the app will provide us with detailed information that will help.