How to install Android M Home Launcher with new App Drawer on any Android device

Google has so far limited access to its latest software creation, the Android M Developer Preview, to a handful of Nexus devices including the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player, while other Android devices are far from hearing the official announcement for the same.

Furthermore, the Android maker is still testing the new Android M firmware, ahead of rolling out the final/public release.

Nevertheless, avid Android fanatics who wish to experience the latest Android M interface on their ageing devices can try installing the Android M Home launcher with new App Drawer, using the step-by-step guide posted below.

Steps to install Android M Home Launcher with new App Drawer on any Android device

Step 1: Download Google Now Launcher via Play Store and install it on your Android device.

Step 2: After installing the Launcher, just tap the Home button on your device to quit the Play Store.

Step 3: Choose Google Now Launcher when prompted to select a default launcher and then tap 'Always' option to set it as the default home launcher on your device.

Step 4: Then download and install the Google app APK for Android M (click to download).

Note: You can either download the APK file to your computer and then install it on your Android device via ADB sideloading method or just open the link from your device to download the same directly to your phone or tablet. To enable ADB sideloading, go to Settings > Security and toggle the switch ON for Unknown Sources.

Step 5: Install the new Google app APK, which you just downloaded on your device.

Step 6: After installing the Google app, just clear the Launcher's cache by going to Settings > Apps > Google Now Launcher and then hit the Clear cache button.

Step 7: Return to the main menu and locate the Google app which you installed just now. Then clear the cache for this app as well.

Step 8: Finally, hit the Home button and you are all set.

Note: Clearing the cache for both Google Now Launcher and Google App is mandatory in order to avoid the icons in the app drawer and home screen from getting messed up.

In case you later decide to uninstall the launcher and Google App for some reason, then here is what you do:

Step 1: Open the Play Store and search for the Google app you have installed.

Step 2: An uninstall option will be there. Just tap it once to get rid of the app.

Step 3: After uninstalling the app, repeat steps 1 and 2, but this time hit Update.

Step 4: Go to Settings > Apps and uninstall Google Now Launcher.

You will now be reverted to the old launcher you were using prior to installing the Android M version with the all-new app drawer.

[Source: Redmond Pie]