I introduced Nova Launcher’s finest function to my new launcher

[ad_1] <img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="eager" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="nova launcher sesame shortcuts feature 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="nova launcher sesame shortcuts feature 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1.jpg"/> Andy Walker / Android Authority

Saying that Nova Launcher had a profound influence on the Android we all know and love at present can be an understatement. The launcher endured over a dozen working system variations and opened up a universe of customization to customers. Not solely that, it additionally made app search and discovery an enormous a part of its performance, forcing competing launchers to up their recreation. These smarts are largely because of Sesame Shortcuts.

Though Nova Launcher’s loss of life knell has already sounded, my latest ideas have turned to Sesame Shortcuts’ dim future. However, for now a minimum of, you may nonetheless combine the highly effective search app in your new Android launcher. Right here’s find out how to do it, why you would possibly wish to assume twice about it, and what you must take into account earlier than doing it.

Do you utilize Sesame Shortcuts? 94 votes

Sure, I nonetheless do by Nova Launcher.

26%

Sure, I nonetheless do by one other launcher.

6%

I used to, however not since Nova Launcher was purchased.

11%

I used to, however stopped as a result of lack of assist.

9%

I used to, however I discover it unneccessary and ineffective now.

10%

No, I've by no means used Sesame Shortcuts.

39%

Open Sesame

<img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="nova launcher sesame shortcuts feature 3" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-3.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-3-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-3-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-3-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-3-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-3-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-3-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-3-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="nova launcher sesame shortcuts feature 3" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-3.jpg"/> Andy Walker / Android Authority

So, what precisely is Sesame Shortcuts? Constructed initially as a separate common search app, it was finally built-in into Nova Launcher, first as an add-on and finally as a core a part of its search expertise. It additionally has a lesser-known however equally tight partnership with Hyperion Launcher. Regardless of these collabs, Sesame stays downloadable and usable as a standalone product.

<img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="sesame shortcuts available shortcuts" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts.jpg 1080w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-30w-64h.jpg 30w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-1000w-2167h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-665w-1440h.jpg 665w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-498w-1080h.jpg 498w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-399w-864h.jpg 399w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-175w-380h.jpg 175w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-554w-1200h.jpg 554w" alt="sesame shortcuts available shortcuts" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts.jpg"/><img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="sesame shortcuts available shortcuts camera" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-camera.jpg 1080w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-camera-30w-64h.jpg 30w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-camera-1000w-2167h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-camera-665w-1440h.jpg 665w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-camera-498w-1080h.jpg 498w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-camera-399w-864h.jpg 399w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-camera-175w-380h.jpg 175w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-camera-554w-1200h.jpg 554w" alt="sesame shortcuts available shortcuts camera" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-available-shortcuts-camera.jpg"/> Sesame Shortcuts’ massive promoting level is its deep API integration with the apps put in in your telephone. This permits searches by Sesame to achieve deeper than conventional launcher search. In follow, this implies leaping into a selected Spotify playlist, Slack channels, subreddits, Twitch channels, and Tasker recipes immediately from the search bar.

<img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="nova launcher sesame shortcuts feature 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-2.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-2-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-2-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-2-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-2-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-2-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-2-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-2-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="nova launcher sesame shortcuts feature 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-2.jpg"/> Andy Walker / Android Authority

This performance is customizable, too. For instance, Sesame doesn’t detect any shortcuts for Arc Search or Banana Browser, however I can create a customized shortcut with a searchable and launchable URL by Sesame. I may level this shortcut to YouTube, giving me a fast option to watch content material utilizing the browser’s superior video participant. It's also possible to disguise shortcuts you by no means use, or disable an app’s total shortcut providing to eradicate its look on the search bar.

<img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="sesame shortcuts customizable shortcut 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-1.jpg 1080w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-1-30w-64h.jpg 30w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-1-1000w-2167h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-1-665w-1440h.jpg 665w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-1-498w-1080h.jpg 498w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-1-399w-864h.jpg 399w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-1-175w-380h.jpg 175w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-1-554w-1200h.jpg 554w" alt="sesame shortcuts customizable shortcut 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-1.jpg"/><img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="sesame shortcuts customizable shortcut 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-2.jpg 1080w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-2-30w-64h.jpg 30w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-2-1000w-2167h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-2-665w-1440h.jpg 665w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-2-498w-1080h.jpg 498w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-2-399w-864h.jpg 399w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-2-175w-380h.jpg 175w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-2-554w-1200h.jpg 554w" alt="sesame shortcuts customizable shortcut 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-customizable-shortcut-2.jpg"/> The app additionally learns from my opens and actions. If it detects that I incessantly entry a selected Slack channel, maybe the one we use right here to share photos of our pets, it’ll proceed to advocate it on the prime of the outcomes web page. Finally, Sesame is a massively highly effective search software that reaches into nooks and crannies that different apps can’t. It makes your Android launcher far more practical — a minimum of that is the speculation.

Methods to use Sesame Shortcuts with a contemporary Android launcher As talked about, Sesame Shortcuts is obtainable as a standalone app. You don’t want to put in and use Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher to reap its rewards. It’ll work with nearly any launcher, together with extra trendy merchandise and legacy Android residence display screen apps.

So, how do you do that? Nicely, there are a number of strategies relying in your gadget and software program setting.

<img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="sesame shortcuts launcher integration" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-launcher-integration.jpg 1080w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-launcher-integration-30w-64h.jpg 30w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-launcher-integration-1000w-2167h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-launcher-integration-665w-1440h.jpg 665w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-launcher-integration-498w-1080h.jpg 498w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-launcher-integration-399w-864h.jpg 399w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-launcher-integration-175w-380h.jpg 175w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-launcher-integration-554w-1200h.jpg 554w" alt="sesame shortcuts launcher integration" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-launcher-integration.jpg"/> Sesame's integration settings display screen. <img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="sesame shortcuts niagara launcher integration" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-niagara-launcher-integration.jpg 1080w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-niagara-launcher-integration-30w-64h.jpg 30w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-niagara-launcher-integration-1000w-2167h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-niagara-launcher-integration-665w-1440h.jpg 665w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-niagara-launcher-integration-498w-1080h.jpg 498w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-niagara-launcher-integration-399w-864h.jpg 399w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-niagara-launcher-integration-175w-380h.jpg 175w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-niagara-launcher-integration-554w-1200h.jpg 554w" alt="sesame shortcuts niagara launcher integration" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-niagara-launcher-integration.jpg"/> Niagara integration dialog. The primary is through direct integration. Sesame helps a handful of launchers proper off the bat, together with Nova, Hyperion, Lawnchair Launcher, and Niagara Launcher. As a person of the latter for a number of months, I used to be fairly excited to see if it nonetheless supported it. Nevertheless, merely toggling on assist in Sesame’s settings web page didn’t fairly work for me. Niagara continued to make use of its personal search perform.

<img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="niagara launcher setup button 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/niagara-launcher-setup-button-1.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/niagara-launcher-setup-button-1-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/niagara-launcher-setup-button-1-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/niagara-launcher-setup-button-1-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/niagara-launcher-setup-button-1-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/niagara-launcher-setup-button-1-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/niagara-launcher-setup-button-1-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/niagara-launcher-setup-button-1-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="niagara launcher setup button 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/niagara-launcher-setup-button-1.jpg"/> Andy Walker / Android Authority

The second choice is a workaround for my points above. The Niagara Button — the launcher’s multifunctional residence display screen button — is editable, and helps customizable faucet and swipe up actions. To switch Niagara’s default search with Sesame, I set the faucet motion to set off the latter as an alternative. This takes me proper into Sesame Search’s search web page, giving me seamless entry to its smarts. This works with any launcher with customizable gestures or buttons, and is a much more private option to combine Sesame.

<img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="sesame shortcuts aio launcher 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-aio-launcher-1.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-aio-launcher-1-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-aio-launcher-1-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-aio-launcher-1-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-aio-launcher-1-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-aio-launcher-1-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-aio-launcher-1-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-aio-launcher-1-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="sesame shortcuts aio launcher 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sesame-shortcuts-aio-launcher-1.jpg"/> Andy Walker / Android Authority

The ultimate choice is thru a widget. I’ve been testing AIO Launcher just lately, and whereas Sesame acknowledged that it was set as my default residence display screen, it doesn’t provide Nova-like deep integration. On this case, Sesame “really useful” that I add its widget to the house display screen. This can be a little clunky, particularly since AIO has a selected aesthetic that I’d relatively not wreck with a mismatched widget. Nonetheless, it is a good choice for launchers with a built-in search bar; merely change it with Sesame’s.

Sesame has two different accessibility choices, however the app doesn’t counsel you utilize both. They might nonetheless work on older variations of Android, although. The primary is a Display screen edge function, which prompts Sesame through a scorching edge faucet. The second is a Lock display screen function for even faster Sesame entry.

Nova Launcher’s issues are Sesame’s, after which some

<img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Nova Launcher integration with sesame launcher" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nova-Launcher-integration-with-sesame-launcher.jpg 1777w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nova-Launcher-integration-with-sesame-launcher-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nova-Launcher-integration-with-sesame-launcher-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nova-Launcher-integration-with-sesame-launcher-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nova-Launcher-integration-with-sesame-launcher-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nova-Launcher-integration-with-sesame-launcher-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nova-Launcher-integration-with-sesame-launcher-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nova-Launcher-integration-with-sesame-launcher-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Nova Launcher integration with sesame launcher" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nova-Launcher-integration-with-sesame-launcher.jpg"/> Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

Even when the Nova Launcher challenge is lifeless, Sesame Shortcuts nonetheless has loads of worth, however the app isn’t with out its points or challenges.

Maybe the most important concern is its standing as abandonware. In keeping with statements made in a Reddit thread after Department’s July 2022 acquisition of Nova, Sesame’s builders confirmed that up to date variations of Sesame will solely be out there inside Nova Launcher. They might not work on Sesame’s standalone codebase, therefore the shortage of updates for the previous three years. For those who actually wish to really feel outdated and notably unhappy, learn by the posts on this subreddit.

Putting in and utilizing Sesame Shortcuts means onboarding out-of-date and unsupported software program onto your telephone.

Putting in and utilizing Sesame Shortcuts additionally means onboarding out-of-date and unsupported software program onto your telephone. Provided that this app has entry to any app you enable it to, it is probably not essentially the most safe or privacy-minded transfer. I do know this, however I wished to trial Sesame in 2025 regardless. It's value noting that Sesame’s ultimate model doesn’t embrace a single tracker, which implies it received’t be tattling on you to corporations behind your again. That a minimum of brings some peace of thoughts.

<img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="nova launcher sesame shortcuts feature 4" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-4.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-4-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-4-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-4-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-4-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-4-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-4-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-4-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="nova launcher sesame shortcuts feature 4" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-4.jpg"/> Andy Walker / Android Authority

Naturally, that three-year hole has allowed loads of bugs and issues to wriggle in and start decay. Because of this, Sesame doesn’t fairly really feel as easy, seamless, or far-reaching because it as soon as did. A number of customers on the (by some means nonetheless alive) Sesame subreddit converse of rising issues, primarily with newer Android telephones. Shortcuts are going lacking, some APIs have modified, leading to degraded efficiency, and newer options that rolled out with Android haven’t been adopted.

Must you set up Sesame Shortcuts in your telephone?

<img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="nova launcher sesame shortcuts feature 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="nova launcher sesame shortcuts feature 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/nova-launcher-sesame-shortcuts-feature-1.jpg"/> Andy Walker / Android Authority

In a phrase, no, however my full reply is a bit more nuanced than that.

I imagine there’s area within the Android world for an app like Sesame, nevertheless it’s clear that the world it as soon as supported has moved on. Someway, within the years following its launch, no different app has come near delivering what it presents. It could not be on the prime of its life, however Sesame nonetheless outperforms a number of built-in search options I’ve used on varied Android launchers.

I imagine there’s area within the Android world for an app like Sesame, nevertheless it’s clear that the world it as soon as supported has moved on.

Finally, given all of its issues, which are actually decidedly insurmountable, I’m undecided I can advocate that you simply run to the Play Retailer and set up Sesame Shortcuts. If you're intrigued by its options, you have to take into account the potential ramifications of putting in an deserted piece of software program. Nevertheless, I may say the identical about Nova Launcher; it nonetheless has a cohort of dedicated customers.

<img class="e_9g" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="nova launcher 2025 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nova-launcher-2025-2.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nova-launcher-2025-2-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nova-launcher-2025-2-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nova-launcher-2025-2-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nova-launcher-2025-2-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nova-launcher-2025-2-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nova-launcher-2025-2-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nova-launcher-2025-2-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="nova launcher 2025 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nova-launcher-2025-2.jpg"/> Andy Walker / Android Authority

Sesame nonetheless has a vast trial, so you may attempt it on a secondary gadget and discover it for so long as you want. I loved it a lot that I bought it, though this was years in the past and properly earlier than its improvement droop. After utilizing it with Niagara Launcher in 2025, I can actually say that it was cash properly spent then; it undoubtedly isn’t now.

Nonetheless, maybe the actual motive I write this function is to name on builders to take inspiration from Sesame and construct one thing higher. Like Nova did for residence screens, Sesame laid the groundwork for common gadget search. It’s only a disgrace it’s slowly eroding.