Xiaomi widgets: where to look, how to add and customize in MIUI

Widgets on Xiaomi smartphones are mini-programs that display useful information directly on the desktop or lock screen: weather, calendar, notes, smart home management or even health data. MIUI, Especially after a firmware update? In this article, we'll look at all the ways widgets work, from basic to hidden features that aren't obvious at first glance.

It is important to understand that the location and functionality of widgets depends on the version. MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15) and smartphone models, such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15 widget add interface differs from Redmi Note 10 MIUI 12.5 We will look at universal methods, and also point out the key differences for popular devices. If you do not find the right widget, it may be hidden in the settings or requires the installation of an additional application.

Before proceeding to the instructions, check the version of your firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. This will help you navigate the guide more accurately, and note that some widgets (such as smart home or fitness trackers) only appear after connecting the corresponding devices to your Mi Account account.

1.Where are the widgets on Xiaomi's desktop

The main place where users interact with widgets is the desktop (home screen). MIUI They're accessed by long-pressing, free-space access. Here's a step-by-step algorithm:

1. Step. 1. Press and hold your finger on an empty section of your desktop (not on the icon!). 1-2 Seconds will be displayed on the settings menu.
2. Step 2. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a panel with three tabs: Wallpaper, Widgets and Settings. Select Widgets.
3. Step 3: A library of available widgets grouped by application (e.g. Weather, Calendar, Google) will open before you.

If the Widget tab is missing, this may mean:

• 📱 You have a heavily stripped-down version installed. MIUI (For example, for the European market).
• 🔄 There was a firmware update recently, and the interface reset. Try restarting the phone.
• 🛠️ The settings have disabled the widget display. You can fix this in Settings. → Desktop → Widgets.

V MIUI 14/15 You've got Smart Widgets, which automatically adapt to your habits. For example, if you use Mi Fit a lot, you might have a stepwidth widget on your desktop without manually configuring it. To enable this option, go to the:

Settings → Desktop → Smart widgets → Enable

2. How to add a widget to the screen: step-by-step instructions

It takes less than a minute to add a widget, but there are some things that many people don't know about, like some widgets that you can scale up to resize them right on the screen. Here's how to do it:

1. Long press on the desktop → "Widgets"

2. Select the desired widget (scroll right for all options)

3.Push the widget and hold, drag to the vacant seat

4. Release your finger and adjust the settings (if required)

5. To change the size: click on the widget → You'll get a frame, pull around the corners.-->

On Xiaomi MIUI 13+ Some widgets support interactive elements, such as the Music widget, which allows you to control playback directly from the desktop, and the Smart Home widget, which allows you to turn Mi Home devices on/off without opening the application.

If no widget is added:

• 🔋 Check if the energy saving mode is enabled (Settings) → Battery → Power saving mode. It can block the background operation of widgets.
• 📥 Update the app that the widget belongs to (e.g. Google or Mi Fit).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes widgets “hang” after updating your firmware.

💡

If the weather widget displays incorrect data, check the permissions for the weather app in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Geolocation.

3. Widgets on the lock screen: how to turn on and configure

Few people know, but Xiaomi can even put widgets on the lock screen, which is convenient for quick access to information without unlocking your phone.

• 🌡️ Weather for today.
• 📅 Upcoming events from the calendar
• 🎵 Managing music
• 🏃 Data from the fitness bracelet Mi Band

To set up widgets on the lock screen:

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select the lock screen widgets (in some versions) MIUI It's called Fast Instruments).
3. Activate the switch and select the desired widgets from the list.

Please note: no more can be placed on the lock screen. 2-3 Some widgets also require additional authentication – for example, to display notifications or data from Mi Fit you will need to enter PIN-finger-print.

4. Hidden widgets and how to find them

V MIUI There are widgets that don't show up in the main list, that are either hidden in the settings or require you to install additional apps:

To access hidden widgets, you sometimes need to:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version (some widgets only appear in the MIUI 14+).
2. Connect your Mi Account and synchronize your data.
3. Install additional apps from the Mi App Store (e.g. Mi App Store) AI Mi Home).

💡

Widgets for smart home (Mi Home) appear only after adding at least one device to the Xiaomi ecosystem (for example, Yeelight light bulbs or Mi Smart Plug sockets).

5.Why widgets don't work or disappear

The widget problems on Xiaomi are usually due to one of five reasons, and we'll look at each and every solution.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The widgets are gone -- don't rush to reset. First, check if the app permissions have reset. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Autostart and enable autorun for applications whose widgets have disappeared.

Reason 1: Auto-start of the application is disabled

Many widgets stop updating if their app is disabled auto-start.

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Select App] → Auto Run → Enable

Reason 2: Battery limitations

Battery Optimization mode can block the background widgets to fix this:

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.
2. Find an app that doesn’t work (like weather).
3. Choose No Limits.

Reason 3: Resetting desktop settings

Sometimes, after the update, the launcher settings are reset to return the widgets:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 Long press on the desktop → Settings → Restore the default layout (this won’t remove your widgets, but only returns the standard icon layout).

Reason 4: Conflict with the subject of design

Some themes from the Mi Theme Store may block widget display, especially if they are not optimized for your version. MIUI. To check it out:

1. Return the standard theme: Settings → Topics → My subjects. → Standard.
2. Check if the widgets are here.
3. If so, it's a customized problem. Try another one or contact the developer.

Reason 5: Cache error

Sometimes cleaning the launcher cache helps:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher (or “Desktop”) → Storage → Clear cache

6. widgets for specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi models have unique widgets that are not available on other devices.

Nana POCO-devices (e.g., devices, POCO X5 Pro) widgets may be called differently because of the customized shell. MIUI, try:

• 🔍 Use search by settings (swipe down on desktop) → enter the widget").
• 📲 Install an alternative launcher (such as Nova Launcher) that supports widgets MIUI.

On foldable smartphones (Xiaomi) MIX Fold) widgets can automatically adapt to the screen size. For example, the Weather widget on the big screen displays an extended forecast for 5 days, and on the small one - only the current temperature.

7. Alternative ways to work with widgets

If standard widgets MIUI You are not satisfied, there are several alternatives:

Method 1. Launchers from third-party developers

Apps like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher offer advanced options for customizing widgets, including:

• 🎨 Changing the transparency and style of widgets.
• 📏 Accurate setting of size and position.
• 🔄 Automatic concealment of widgets at certain times.

Method 2. Widgets through the application KWGT

KWGT Kustom Widget Maker is a powerful tool for customized widgets:

• 🖌️ Create widgets with a unique design (for example, in the style of iOS or Pixel).
• 📊 Output data from any application (for example, Spotify or Telegram).
• 🔄 Configure interactive elements (buttons, swipes).

To get started, download KWGT From Google Play and import pre-made templates from the community.

Method 3: Widgets via Google Assistant

If you use Google Assistant, you can add widgets with its data:

1. Keep your finger on the desktop. → Widgets.
2. Find the Google or Assistant section.
3. Select a widget (e.g., Google Weather or Calendar).

Method 4: Widgets for smart home through Mi Home

If you have Xiaomi devices for smart home (light bulbs, sockets, sensors), you can bring their management to the desktop:

1. Open the Mi Home app.
2. Go to Profile. → Settings → Widgets.
3. Activate the desired widgets (for example, Quick Commands or Favorite Devices).

💡

When using third-party launchers, some widgets MIUI (For example, Mi Fit or Mi Home may not work, in which case return the standard launcher or check compatibility in the application settings.

8 Security and widgets: What you need to know

Widgets, especially those that display personal information (calendar, messages, health data), require attention to security settings.

1. Permits for widgets

Not all widgets ask for permission explicitly, for example, a Weather widget can use your geolocation in the background to check and disable unnecessary permissions:

Settings → Applications → [Select App] → Permissions

2. Widgets on lock screen

As mentioned earlier, only a limited set of widgets can be placed on the lock screen. Never place widgets that display sensitive information there (SMS, mail, bank notifications, unless you have a secure lock set up (PIN, Faceprint, Face. ID).

3. widgets from third-party developers

If you install widgets from unverified sources (for example, APK-files, you are at risk of encountering:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Data collection (some widgets send information about your location or activity).
• 📴 Advertising banners built into the widget.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to background activity.

⚠️ Note: Cryptocurrency wallet widgets (such as Trust Wallet or Binance) can be dangerous if your phone is not protected. Never store seed phrases or private keys in notes that appear in widgets.

4. Updates to widgets

Many widgets update data in the background (such as weather or currency rates) to avoid affecting the battery:

• 🔄 Set the refresh rate in the widget settings (e.g., once an hour instead of every 15 minutes).
• 📵 Turn off background activity for unnecessary widgets in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

5. Widgets and corporate policy

If you use a smartphone to work and are connected to MDM (The mobile device management system, the administrator may restrict the installation of widgets:

• 🏢 Go to the IT-permit-room.
• 📱 Check if it's blocking. MDM Install applications from Google Play or Mi App Store.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)