Nova Launcher users are seeing bugs as new owners take over

Recent updates to the popular Android launcher Nova Launcher have coincided with a change in ownership and the introduction of groundwork for advertising, but have also triggered a wave of user complaints regarding critical bugs and crashes. The issues, reported by users on Reddit, range from complete app failures during setup to the unexplained disappearance of app icons.

Ownership Transition and Advertising Plans

Nova Launcher, which was once thought to potentially shut down in September 2025, was sold this month by Branch Metrics to the Swedish company Instabridge. Instabridge has indicated plans to introduce advertisements within the free version of the launcher, while assuring users that those who have purchased Nova Prime will not be subjected to ads. This transition, however, has not been smooth.

Technical Issues Emerge

The latest build of Nova Launcher, version 8.2.8, began rolling out to both beta testers and general users on Saturday, January 24. Shortly after release, Reddit users began reporting significant problems. Some users experience immediate crashes upon launching the app, receiving a “Nova Launcher keeps stopping” message. Others are finding that their home screen app icons vanish after switching between apps or unlocking their devices.

Did You Know? Nova Launcher was initially acquired by Branch Metrics in 2022 before being sold to Instabridge this month.

Troubleshooting steps such as reinstalling the app and re-enabling it have proven ineffective for many. As a temporary workaround, users have suggested downloading and installing an older version of Nova Launcher via an APK file, or disabling automatic updates in the Google Play Store.

Widespread Impact and Potential Next Steps

The reported issues appear to affect a range of Android devices, including phones from Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and OnePlus. While not all users are experiencing these problems, the bugs seem to be particularly prevalent during the initial app setup process.

Expert Insight: The timing of these technical issues alongside a new ownership structure and advertising plans could erode user trust in Nova Launcher. Successfully addressing these bugs and maintaining a positive user experience will be critical for Instabridge as they navigate this transition.

Instabridge has stated its intention to be “responsible owners,” but the rocky start raises questions about the future development and stability of the launcher. It is possible that Instabridge will prioritize bug fixes in subsequent updates, or that the issues stem from unforeseen compatibility problems with certain devices or Android versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What versions of Nova Launcher are affected?

Users are reporting issues with the latest build, version 8.2.8, which is rolling out to both beta and stable release channels.

What are the reported problems?

Users are experiencing crashes during app setup and the disappearance of app icons from their home screens.

Is there a workaround for these issues?

Users suggest downloading an older version of Nova Launcher via APK or disabling automatic updates in the Google Play Store.

How will you adjust your Android launcher usage in light of these developments?