How to enable Google Now native integration on Nova Launcher

Nova launcher is the go-to launcher for many of us and we love it because it offers sheer amount of customization. However, similar to almost every third-party launcher the biggest pain point is lack of native Google Now integration. This is because the API from Google is restricted to just preinstalled (system) apps, such as the launcher that came with your device. Third party apps can only use it through a workaround of manually installing a “debuggable” APK outside of the Play Store. Interestingly, talented developers behind Nova Launcher finally solved this problem by allowing a workaround for Nova launcher to integrate native Nova launcher integration.  The “Google Companion” app for Nova Launcher is what enables this integration, but it was limited to Marshmallow and later on its initial release. And now with v1.1, the app works on devices running on Android Lollipop as well.

To enable Google Now in Nova Launcher follow the below mentioned steps: 

1. Download and install the Nova Google Companion APK
2. Ensure you are using Nova Launcher 5.2-beta2 or higher (No need of Nova Launcher Prime)
3. Go to Nova Settings > Google Now and enable the page

Please note if you are using infinite scroll, you will only be able to enable Google Now via “Edge swipe”.