How to change the size of the widget on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Widgets on Xiaomi devices are not just a desktop decoration, but a full-fledged tool for quick access to information. However, standard sizes often do not suit users: someone wants to make the weather widget more compact, and someone wants to increase the calendar for better readability. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to resize widgets on Xiaomi smartphones and tablets running MIUI different versions.

The problem is that not all widgets support free scaling. Some apps (like System Weather or Calendar) offer fixed sizes, while third-party ones (like Google Keep or Spotify) can have flexible settings. We’ll look at generic methods as well as specific solutions for popular models, from the Redmi Note 10 to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

It is important to consider the shell version: in MIUI 14, the algorithm for adding widgets has changed compared to MIUI 12, and some devices (for example, POCO F5) may have their own nuances. If you are faced with a situation where the widget does not change size or disappears after editing, there is a section at the end of the article with solving problems.

Before you start, make sure your device has the latest firmware installed. Updates often bring new customization features. Check the relevance of the software from the Settings menu → About Phone → System Update.

1. Standard way to change the size of the widget

The simplest method works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, and is suitable for system and most third-party widgets, as long as their developers have not limited functionality.

Algorithm of action:

1. Press and hold your finger in the free desktop space until the settings menu appears.
2. Select the Widgets option (on some devices - Add a widget).
3. Scroll through the list and find the widget you want (like the Watch or Weather).
4. Drag it to the desktop, and at that point, a marker frame will appear around the widget.
5. Pull the markers (usually located at corners and sides) to resize.

Note that not all widgets support arbitrary zooming. For example, the Google Search widget often has only two fixed sizes, and the Xiaomi Steps widget can offer three options: small, medium, and large.

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If the size change markers don't show up, try removing the widget from your desktop first, and then adding it again. Sometimes this resets the constraints.

On devices with MIUI 14, the widget-addition interface has become more visual: when you hold the app icon, you have a context menu where you can see the sizes available immediately, which simplifies the process, but the essence remains the same: pull for the markers.

2. Features for different versions of MIUI

The shell version has a significant impact on how the widget size changes, and here are some key differences that will help avoid confusion.

MIUI 13 and later introduced the Smart Size feature for some widgets, which automatically adjusts the contents to the selected dimensions, for example, the Weather widget can only show the temperature in a compact form or add a forecast for 5 days in an extended one.

An important nuance for MIUI 14 is that if the widget doesn't change size when dragging markers, try selecting it from the widget menu first, and then pulling the corners. In this version, the order of action is important.

3. Change the size of third-party application widgets

Third-party apps (e.g. Spotify, Google Keep, Yandex Weather) often have their own scaling rules, some offering flexible settings, others offering rigidly fixed sizes.

What to do if the widget does not change size:

• 🔍 Check the settings of the app itself. For example, in Google Keep, you can select the note size right from the widget menu.
• 📥 Update the app. Developers often add support for new features MIUI.
• 🔄 Reboot the device. Sometimes it helps to reset the widget cache.
• 🛠️ Use alternative launchers (discuss them below).

Example with Spotify: the widget of this app on Xiaomi is usually only one size, but if you install the launcher Nova Launcher, you can stretch it horizontally.

For Google apps (like Google Calendar or Google Notes) the following sometimes helps:

1. Remove the widget from the desktop.
2. Go to the application settings and clear the cache.
3. Add the widget again – there may be additional size options.

4. Use of alternative launchers

If standard MIUI tools don't work, you can install a third-party launcher, which replaces the standard desktop interface and often offers advanced widget settings.

Popular launchers for Xiaomi:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher supports free scaling of most widgets, including system ones.
• 🎨 Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher optimized for Android.
• 🔧 Action Launcher – offers unique features like “coverings” for widgets.
• 📱 Microsoft Launcher is good for integration with Microsoft services, but it works with widgets in limited ways.

Instructions for setting up via Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Assign it as the default launcher in the system settings (Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher).
3. Add a widget to the desktop (holding → widgets).
4. When frames appear, pull the markers – in Nova Launcher, they are usually more sensitive.
5. For fine-tuning, go to the launcher settings (Long tap → Desktop settings → Cell size).

The advantage of Nova Launcher is that it allows you to resize widgets in 1×1 increments, whereas in standard MIUI, the pitch is often 2×2 or more, which is especially useful for creating minimalist desktops.

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Note: Some system widgets (such as Xiaomi Quick Settings or Smart Assistant) may not display correctly in third-party launchers. Check compatibility on forums (such as 4PDA or XDA Developers) before installing.

5. Solving widget problems

Sometimes, when you resize, the widget disappears, doesn't update, or doesn't display correctly, and here are the typical problems and solutions.

🔹 Widget Disappears After Size Change

• Reset the device.
• Remove the widget and add it again.
• Check if the power saving mode is turned on for the application to which the widget belongs.

🔹 Widget does not update data

• Go to the application settings and force the data to be updated (for example, for the Weather widget, click Update in the app itself).
• Check permissions: The widget may not be allowed access to the Internet or location.
• Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps → [App name] → Memory → Clear the cache.

🔹 The widget is displayed blurred or cropped

• Try a different size – the current one may not be supported by the developer.
• If you use a launcher, check the zoom settings in its parameters.
• For graphic widgets (such as Watches), try changing the theme to Settings → Theme.

🔹 You can't change the size of the system widget

• Some widgets (like Quick Settings or Notifications) don’t really scale, and only a third-party launcher will help.
• Check if the antivirus or optimizer is blocking the widget.

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If the widget stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting it: remove it from the desktop, clear the application data and add it again.

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Note: On devices with POCO Launcher (set by default on some POCO models), widgets may behave differently than in standard MIUI. If you encounter a bug, try switching to the standard launcher in the theme settings.

6. Specifics for different Xiaomi models

Some devices have unique features of working with a widget. Let's consider the most popular models:

📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12 series

• On these devices, widgets often "stick" to the grid, and you can change their size only in 1 cell increments.
• The Quick Settings widget doesn’t scale here, but it can be replaced with a similar one from Google.

📱 Xiaomi 12/13 series

📱 POCO F3/F4/F5

• Use POCO Launcher, where widgets are added via swipe to the right on the desktop.
• Some widgets (e.g., Game Turbo Mode) are fixed in size and are not subject to change.

📱 Xiaomi Pad 5/6

For devices with AMOLED- screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K50 Pro), it is worth considering that dark widgets (for example, Watch in a dark theme) will consume less battery. To change the theme of the widget, go to Settings → Screen → Dark theme.

7. Creation of custom widgets

If standard widgets don't work, you can create your own with special applications, which takes longer, but gives you complete customization freedom.

Popular applications for creating widgets:

• 🎨 KWGT (Kustom Widget Maker) is the most powerful tool with support for animations and scripts.
• ⚙️ UCCW (Ultimate Custom Widget) is easier to learn, but less flexible.
• 📊 Zoom – to create data-based widgets (e.g., battery usage schedules).
• 🖼️ Photo Widget – if you want to make a widget out of your photos.

Example of creating a widget in KWGT:

1. Install KWGT and KLWP (for live wallpaper) from Google Play.
2. Download your favorite template from the community (for example, on Play Market or Telegram channels).
3. Import the template to KWGT and edit the element sizes.
4. Add a widget to your desktop (it will appear in the list as KWGT).
5. Change the size just like you would for standard widgets.

The advantage of custom widgets is that you can:

• Set up transparency under the wallpaper.
• Add interactive elements (such as buttons to control music).
• Create a widget with a unique design that is not in the standard settings.

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Castom widgets may consume more battery, especially if they use animation or update data frequently. Track their consumption in Settings → Battery → Battery use.

FAQ: Frequent questions