Total Launcher is arguably the most capable third-party launcher for multi-screen and foldable devices currently available. Unlike other launchers that simply stretch a single layout across screens, Total Launcher treats folded and unfolded states as completely separate workspaces.

Total Launcher does not rely on a whitelist of specific devices; instead, it uses Android's `DisplayManager` callbacks to detect when the screen configuration changes. Below are the verified device categories and their specific behaviors.

These devices are natively supported via the configuration settings.

• Behavior: The launcher detects the “Folded” vs “Unfolded” state as a hardware event.
• Setup: Two distinct layouts are created. The launcher automatically switches between them when the hinge sensor triggers.
• Known Quirks: On some devices (like the Pixel Fold), rotating the device immediately after unfolding may cause a brief redraw delay as the launcher recalculates the grid.

These devices are often treated by Android as two separate display panels masked as one large desktop.

• Behavior: Total Launcher treats the spanned dual-screens as one giant landscape canvas.
• Setup Strategy: The “hinge gap” must be manually calculated to place widgets accordingly.
• Advantage: Unlike stock launchers, Total Launcher allows placement of widgets under the hinge or create pixel-perfect gaps to avoid it.

• Behavior: Generally, Total Launcher is used for the inner main screen only.
• Cover Screen: Most flip phones run a limited OS on the cover screen that blocks third-party launchers by default.

To enable multi-screen support, a specific foldable specific setting must be activated:

1. Go to Launcher Options (Enter Edit Mode > Main menu > Launcher Options
2. Navigate to Advanced > Behavior
3. Toggle ON: Support foldable screen

Once enabled, the setup process works by physically changing the device state:

1. Fold the device. Customize the cover screen.
2. Unfold the device. See a blank screen or a stretched version of your cover.
3. Customize the unfolded screen.

Note: Changes made to the inner screen will not affect the cover screen, and vice versa. They are treated as separate “Window” instances.

To simulate a desktop-style taskbar that only appears on the inner screen:

• Create a new Window object.
• Set it to Show on top.
• In the Window options, set visibility rules so it only appears when the screen width is greater than a certain pixel count (or manually toggle it for the inner layout).

For Surface Duo users, place a widget explicitly on the “Left” or “Right” side of the coordinates to prevent it from being cut off by the hinge. Use the Margins setting to create a “safe zone” in the center to avoid the hinge entirely.

Pros

• Unmatched customization for different form factors.
• Lightweight on resources compared to stock launchers.
• “Window” feature allows for pop-up widgets, saving screen real estate.

Cons

• Steep learning curve (high complexity).
• Minor redraw lag on some devices when switching from cover to inner screen.
• Android gesture navigation animations may be less fluid than stock.