Xiaomi widgets: a complete guide to setting up and using

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, We've probably noticed that there's a vertical widget-access panel that appears when you swipe right to left of the main screen, and this is called a widget tape (or widget panel) and it's part of the company's shell. MIUI (Despite its apparent simplicity, many users don't know how to use it effectively — or even how to remove it if it interferes with it.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what a widget tape on Xiaomi is, why it is needed, how to configure it for your tasks (or disable it altogether), and also consider hidden features that are not written about in standard instructions. MIUI 14, MIUI 15 and the new HyperOS, because the interface and functionality of the tape are different. If you want to make your smartphone more convenient, read on!

What is a widget tape on Xiaomi and why you need it

A widget tape is a vertical bar that swipes from right to left of the home screen (or from left to right if left-handed mode is on) and is a compact space for hosting mini-applications (widgets) that display current information without having to open full-fledged applications.

• 📅 Calendar - upcoming events and reminders.
• 🌡️ Weather - current temperature, forecast for the day.
• 📊 Stepmer – data from Mi Band or built-in sensor.
• 🎵 Music player - playback control.
• 📱 Fast settings - brightness, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.

The main advantage of tape is that it saves time, so instead of looking up the app on the menu, opening it and waiting for it to download, you get the right information or control functions directly from the home screen, for example, to find out the weather, just swipe to the right, and the data is in front of you.

But not all users appreciated this feature, and some people found it redundant and distracting, especially if the widgets duplicated information from the home screen. Others complained of random swipes that opened the tape instead of the desired action. MIUI HyperOS provides the possibility of its full customization or complete shutdown.

How to open the widget tape: basic gestures and settings

By default, the widget tape is activated by swipe right to left from the main screen (or desktop). If you can't open it, check the following points:

1. Make sure you swipe from the edge of the screen, not from the middle.The gesture should start outside the icon area.
2. Check if the tape is turned off in the settings (more on this below).
3. If you have a third-party launcher installed (like a Nova Launcher or Apex), the widget tape may not work – it’s only available in a standard launcher. MIUI/HyperOS.

In the new versions of HyperOS (starting in 2026), the gesture has changed a little: the tape opens more smoothly, and the animations have become less sharp, and it also has the ability to fix the tape on the screen so that it does not close when swiping back.

1. Open the widget tape.
2. Swipe down its contents (as if pulling down the notification curtain).
3. The tape will lock and you will be able to interact with the widget without the risk of accidentally closing the panel.

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If the widget tape opens too easily and interferes with the scrolling of the main screen, try to reduce the sensitivity of gestures in the settings. → Special facilities → Sensor sensitivity.

How to Add, Remove or Remove Widgets in Ribbon

By default, the widget feed on Xiaomi has the standard elements: weather, calendar, pedometer and quick settings. However, you can completely change its content to suit your needs. Here's how to do it:

Addition of new widgets

1. Open the widget tape swipe from right to left.
2. Scroll it down to the end and press the Edit button (the icon with a pencil).
3. In the menu that opens, select the category of widgets (for example, Tools, Social Media, or Health).
4. Press on. + next to the right widget to add it to the tape.

Removal or relocation of widgets

To remove the unnecessary widget:

1. Open the tape and go to edit mode (Edit button).
2. Press the cross (×) In the upper corner of the widget you want to remove.
3. To move, pinch the widget and drag it to the right place in the tape.

Note that some widgets (such as weather or calendar) are system-based and cannot be completely removed, only hidden, and HyperOS also allows you to group widgets by theme (for example, all sports or financial widgets in one block).

How to turn off the widget tape on Xiaomi completely

If you don't need the widget tape or you're in the way, you can turn it off completely.

For MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the Settings.
2. Go to the desktop (or the main screen).
3. Find the option of the Widget Ribbon (sometimes called the Widget Panel).
4. Switch the slider to the off position.

For HyperOS (2026):

In the new shell, the path has changed a little:

1. Go to Settings → Desktop → Additional settings.
2. Select Apps and Widgets.
3. Turn off the option to show the widget tape.

Once you turn off the swipe from right to left, it will open the last page of the desktop (if you have one), or do nothing. To return the tape back, repeat the same steps and turn it on again.

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Turning off the widget tape doesn’t remove the widgets themselves — they’re saved and returned to their places if you turn on the panel again.

Hidden functions of the tape widgets: what can, but does not show

Many users use the widget tape only for weather or calendar purposes, unaware of its hidden features, and here are a few things that make it really useful:

• 🔄 Quick update widgets: pinch your finger on any widget and pull down – the data will be updated manually (useful if the weather or currency rate has hung).
• 🔗 Related activities: Some widgets (such as Mi Home) allow you to run smart home scripts directly from the tape. For example, one tap can enable Home or Sleep mode".
• 📱 Widgets for the second space: if you use the function of the second space in the MIUI, The widget tape may be different for each profile.
• 🎨 Transparency and blur effect: in HyperOS tape supports background blur (as in iOS), which looks stylish on the Internet AMOLED-screen.

Another little-known possibility is widgets for developers. APK through ADB or using Tasker, you can add custom widgets with advanced functionality (for example, network monitoring or system loggers:

adb shell pm grant com.example.widget android.permission.BIND_APPWIDGET

However, this method requires developer rights and can disrupt the stability of the system.

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If you are missing standard widgets, try the app. KWGT Kustom Widget Maker from Google Play.It allows you to create custom widgets with a unique design and add them to the Xiaomi tape.

Problems with widget tape and how to fix them

Sometimes the widget tape doesn't work properly, doesn't open, slows down, or shows outdated data, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

The tape doesn't open with a swipe.

• Check if it is disabled in the settings (see section above).
• If you use a third-party launcher, go back to the standard MIUI Launcher.
• Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI (below 12) there were bugs with gestures.

Widgets not updated

If the weather or exchange rate shows outdated data:

1. Check your Internet connection.
2. Press the widget and pull down for a forced upgrade.
3. Clear the cache of the app responsible for the widget (such as Weather or Calendar): Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Name of name] → Clear the cache.

The tape is braking or twitching.

This is a common problem on budget models (Redmi Note, POCO Decisions:

• Reduce the number of widgets in the tape (especially animated ones).
• Turn off background blur in HyperOS: Settings → Desktop → Widget styles → von.
• Enable Performance Mode: Settings → Battery and productivity → Performance mode.

If nothing helps, try resetting the launcher settings: pinch the empty space on your desktop → Desktop settings → Reset the settings. It'll bring the widget tape back to the factory settings without losing data.

Widgets in HyperOS: what has changed in 2026

With the release of HyperOS (replacement) MIUI On new Xiaomi devices, the widget tape has undergone significant changes. Here are the key innovations:

• 🎨 New design: widgets are more minimalistic, with a focus on transparency and smooth animations.
• 🔄 Dynamic widgets: some elements (like weather) now change color depending on the time of day.
• 🤖 AI recommendations: The system analyzes your habits and suggests widgets that may be useful (like the Google Keep widget if you often take notes).
• 🔗 Smart Home integration: Mi Home widgets now support fast scripts for Xiaomi devices and third-party brands (e.g. Philips Hue).

HyperOS also has the ability to create custom widgets from commonly used features, such as a widget to run quickly:

• Calling your favorite contact.
• Opening a specific chat in Telegram.
• Turn on the "Do Not Disturb" mode for a certain time.

To create a custom widget:

1. Open the widget tape and go to edit mode.
2. Click Create a widget (icon) + down).
3. Select an action from the list (call, message, setup) and adjust its settings.
4. Save the widget - it will appear in the tape.

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In HyperOS, the widget tape has become part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, and is now closely integrated with smart home, wearable devices and services (such as the Mi Cloud), making it more useful for users immersed in the brand ecosystem.

Alternatives to the widget tape on Xiaomi

If you don’t like the standard widget tape, there are a few alternatives:

1. Third-party launchers with support for widgets

Apps like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Lawnchair allow you to add widgets directly to the home screen or to the sliding panel.

• More customization options (size, transparency, location).
• Support for widgets from third-party developers (for example, UCCW or Zoom).
• No restrictions MIUI/HyperOS bywidget.

Disadvantage: Some system widgets (such as Xiaomi weather) may not work.

Applications for widgets

If you lack functionality, try:

• KWGT Kustom Widget Maker – creating custom widgets with a unique design.
• Another Widget is a minimalist widget for weather, time and system information.
• Chronus is a universal widget with support for calendar, weather, tasks and notifications.

3. Quick panels (Quick Settings)

If the widget tape is only needed for quick access to settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), you can use:

• Notification curtain (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
• Control panel in HyperOS (double swipe diagonally from the corner of the screen).
• Gestures Additional → Gestures and movements for quick inclusion of functions.

The choice of alternatives depends on your tasks. If you want maximum customization, third-party launchers. If performance is important, fast panels. If you want to stay in the Xiaomi ecosystem, but with advanced capabilities, HyperOS. + custom-widget.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the widget tape on Xiaomi