Lawnchair review
A customizable Android home app with search, backup, and optional root-based Recents integration.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Lawnchair is a free, open-source home app for Android, based on Launcher3 and aimed at people who want more control over their home screen. It brings Pixel Launcher features together with Material 3 Expressive theming, which follows wallpaper and system colors, plus customization for icon packs, fonts, and colors. Global search can surface apps, contacts, and web results from the home screen, making Lawnchair a fit for users who want their launcher to serve as more than a static app grid.
The feature set extends into layout management and system integration. Lawnchair can back up and restore launcher settings, home-screen layout, and app-drawer setup. From Lawnchair 15 Beta 3 onward, it can also import selected home-screen settings from Nova Launcher backups. At a Glance widget support works with Smartspacer integration. QuickSwitch adds Android Recents integration on Android 15–16, but requires root access; that makes it an option for technically comfortable users rather than a straightforward feature for every device. The project also lists grid customization, gesture controls, app search, and advanced icon customization.
Lawnchair is distributed through project channels, and features may differ between Play Store and other builds. Its development builds may bring performance trade-offs or additional issues, so users who prioritize a settled release should pay attention to the build channel they choose. Lawnchair 16 is in development. Choose Lawnchair if open-source status, Material-themed customization, search, and backup matter more than a uniform experience across builds. It is a weaker fit for someone who needs QuickSwitch without root or wants to avoid development-build uncertainty.
Lawnchair pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Material 3 Expressive theming follows wallpaper and system colors
- Searches apps, contacts, and web results from the home screen
- Backs up and restores launcher settings and home-screen layouts
- Where it doesn't
- QuickSwitch Recents integration requires root access
- Feature availability may differ between Play Store and other builds
- Development builds may involve performance trade-offs or additional issues
Lawnchair fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update