Users of the popular Nova Launcher on Android devices have experienced significant disruptions due to a bug that causes the app drawer search feature to crash. Reports indicate that the issue predominantly affects users running Android 16, particularly following the rollout of the 8.1.5 update. This flaw has left many users contemplating a switch to alternative launchers, but a straightforward solution has emerged.
The crashing issue has been characterized by users reporting that the launcher fails when they attempt to type in the app drawer search bar. Early signs of the problem included keyboards not opening properly and app names disappearing from search results. Eventually, any attempt to type would lead to a complete crash of the Nova Launcher, accompanied by an error message indicating a bug in the application and advising users to await a developer fix.
Simple Solution Offered by Users
A user on the Nova Launcher subreddit provided an effective workaround that has garnered positive feedback from the community. The solution involves enabling a setting known as “Limit apps to one row.” By navigating to Nova’s settings, selecting Search, and toggling on this specific option, users can bypass the crashing issue. This fix has been confirmed by many in the comments section, with numerous users reporting that they no longer face crashes after implementing it.
Testing the fix personally, one user found that the issue was indeed linked to the setting. Initially, their launcher functioned without problems, attributed to the fact that the “Limit apps to one row” option was already enabled. Upon disabling it, the app crashed immediately when typing in the search bar, confirming the effectiveness of this simple toggle.
Concerns About Future Updates
Despite the ongoing issues, discussions have surfaced regarding the maintenance of Nova Launcher following layoffs last year. However, the release of three updates within a span of less than two weeks indicates active development efforts. Users had not seen updates since June 2024, so this recent activity provides a glimmer of hope for those reliant on the launcher.
While the community awaits a more permanent fix to the crashing issue, the “Limit apps to one row” setting remains an essential temporary solution for users. Those considering transitioning to a different launcher due to this problem might want to hold off for now, as this workaround has proven effective across various setups.
For users of Nova Launcher, the situation highlights the importance of community support and resourcefulness in troubleshooting software issues.
