Installing a launcher is one of the easiest ways to customize an Android phone. But are they safe? Here's what you need to know about launchers.
Third-party Android launchers are one of the most exciting parts of using an Android device. They provide a colorful and intuitive way of using your phone as well as an escape from your smartphone's default look and feel.
But it's not just about appearance, launchers can radically change your all-around Android experience. From making navigation much easier to giving you access to very useful day-to-day features, there are a lot of things third-party launchers have to offer.
However, despite all the good they have to offer, using third-party launchers sometimes comes at a price. So is it safe to use third-party launchers on your Android phone?
Security and Privacy Concerns
An app developer can choose to be malicious if they want and there's very little your Android OS can do to stop it. Gallery apps can steal your private pictures and keyboard apps can steal your passwords and credit card information.
Keyboard apps can get your passwords because they have permission to monitor everything you type. Similarly, your gallery app has permission to access all your media files. Unfortunately, the risk of having your pictures or password stolen pales in comparison to the risk associated with using a malicious third-party launcher.
Because of the nature of Android launchers, they can have permission to take wide-reaching actions that can compromise all your phone data. By utilizing a series of add-ons that you'll typically be asked to download, launchers have permission to do just about anything on your device.
They can access your files, read your SMS, make calls, and access your notifications, including those from your social media conversations. This problem could even be more serious if you're using less secure, older versions of Android.
But that's not all. A lot of third-party launchers typically rope users into downloading potentially intrusive add-ons like keyboard and notification panels. While this might not seem suspicious at first, add-ons like keyboards can give launchers even much deeper access to your personal information.
So what's the way out? Should you stop using third-party launchers?
Third-Party Launchers You Can Trust
Some good open-source launchers to consider include Kiss Launcher, Zen Launcher, Olauncher, and Emerald Launcher. With an open-source launcher, it is very hard for a developer to slip malicious actions into a launcher app without being flagged by other developers.
Similarly, launchers like Microsoft Launcher, Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and Smart Launcher are from reputable vendors that are generally considered safe. If you're a minimalist, we've previously put together some selected minimalist android launchers you can try out.
Be Cautious of Third-Party Android Launchers
With the level of access they typically have on your smartphone, falling victim to malicious launchers can be very devastating. While you'll find a lot of free launchers that offer enticing features, it's very important to stick with those you can trust.
Avoid launchers that look like a hasty clone of any popular premium launcher and pay extra attention to the developer that makes them. Take some time to check out the "Developer contact" section of the launcher's play store page and avoid launchers that are not on the Play Store as much as possible.