Android Launcher Mode

Android Launcher Mode

Thriva can work as your child’s home screen replacement, providing stronger enforcement of device modes and a more seamless experience.

What is Launcher Mode?

On Android, a “launcher” is the app that appears when you press the home button. By default, this is your device manufacturer’s launcher (like Samsung One UI, Pixel Launcher, etc.).

When Thriva is set as the default launcher, it replaces your child’s home screen entirely. This means:

• Pressing the home button opens Thriva instead of the regular home screen
• The device boots directly to Thriva
• Your child experiences Thriva as their primary interface

Two Ways to Use Thriva

Option 1: Regular App (Not as Launcher)

Thriva is installed like any other app. Your child can:

• Open Thriva from the app drawer
• Use the regular home screen normally
• Access Thriva features when they choose to

Best for: Families wanting a lighter touch, older teens, or devices shared with adults.

Option 2: Default Launcher (Recommended)

Thriva replaces the home screen entirely. Your child:

• Sees Thriva every time they press home
• Boots directly to Thriva’s interface
• Has a consistent, managed experience

Best for: Younger children, dedicated child devices, stronger mode enforcement.

Experience Comparison

Feature	Regular App	Launcher Mode
Home button	Opens system home	Opens Thriva
Device boot	System launcher	Thriva home screen
Mode enforcement	Good	Strongest
Access to system launcher	Yes	No
Child can switch launchers	N/A	Only with PIN

What Your Child Sees

In Free Time (Launcher Mode)

Your child gets a full-featured home screen with:

• Home tab - Widgets and personalized greeting
• Apps tab - Grid of available apps
• Schedule tab - Today’s tasks and schedule
• Chat tab - AI Assistant for help
• Stats tab - Mode status and achievements

They can browse apps, complete tasks, and use the device freely within any rules you’ve set.

In Focused Mode (Launcher Mode)

The experience becomes more structured:

• Only approved apps appear in the app grid
• Dashboard shows tasks and learning content
• System navigation is limited
• Child stays focused on productive activities

In Quiet Time

The device shows a “rest” screen regardless of launcher setting. The device is unavailable until the scheduled time ends or you change the mode.

Setting Thriva as Default Launcher

1. Open Android Settings

   Go to your device’s Settings app (not Thriva settings).

2. Navigate to Default Apps

   The path varies by device:

   • Most devices: Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Home App
   • Samsung: Settings > Apps > Choose Default Apps > Home App
   • Older Android: Settings > Apps & Notifications > Default Apps > Home App

3. Select Thriva

   You’ll see a list of available launchers. Tap “Thriva” to set it as the default.

4. Press Home to Confirm

   Press your home button. You should now see Thriva’s home screen.

Can't find it?

Search for “default” or “home app” in your Settings search bar. The location varies between Android versions and device manufacturers.

Returning to the System Launcher

If you need to switch back to the original launcher:

1. Open Thriva Settings

   Tap the settings icon in Thriva and enter your parent PIN.

2. Go to Android Settings

   From Thriva settings, there’s an option to open Android system settings.

3. Change Default Launcher

   Navigate to Default Apps > Home App and select your original launcher.

Children Cannot Switch

Changing the default launcher requires access to Android Settings, which is protected by your Thriva PIN. Your child cannot switch launchers without your permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use launcher mode?

No, it’s optional. Thriva works well as a regular app too. Launcher mode provides stronger enforcement but isn’t required.

Will launcher mode affect other users on the device?

Android launcher settings are per-user. If your device has multiple user profiles, each user can have their own launcher setting.

What if my child needs to access an app not in Thriva?

You can add any app to their allowed apps list from the Parent Portal. The app will then appear in their Thriva app grid.

Can my child uninstall Thriva while it’s the launcher?

Uninstalling the default launcher requires going through Android Settings, which is protected by your Thriva PIN.

Does launcher mode use more battery?

No significant difference. Thriva is designed to be efficient as a launcher.

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