How to change widgets on Xiaomi: from basic setup to advanced solutions

Xiaomi and Redmi are no longer just a means of communication, becoming personal information centers. MIUI interfaces and the new HyperOS offer flexible customization tools, among which widgets are central, allowing you to access the weather, news, currency rates and smart home management directly from your desktop without opening an application.

Many users are faced with the question of how to change widgets on Xiaomi to look aesthetically pleasing and bring maximum benefit. The standard set may seem limited, but the system offers hidden opportunities for expansion. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of working with widgets, from simple replacement to creating unique scenes.

Customizing visuals correctly not only graces the interface, but also dramatically improves the efficiency of the device, you will learn how to combine dimensions, change styles and solve typical problems with their display. This guide will help turn a standard lock screen into a convenient tool for managing a smartphone.

Basic management of widgets on the desktop

Starting with the basics of interface interaction. In the shells from Xiaomi, there are two main ways to access widgets, depending on the version of the system and regional settings. The standard method involves long-term pressing on an empty area of the screen or pinches with two fingers, then opens the editing menu, where at the bottom of the screen is the button Widgets.

If you're using Google Assistant or a classic launcher, the algorithm may be different, so you swipe right of the left edge of the screen to open the widget tape, and you can see the elements you've already added, and scroll down and you can see the full catalog of tools you can get, so you can quickly see which widgets are already active on your device.

To add a new item, just click on its icon in the directory. The system automatically prompts you to choose a size: 2x2, 2x4, 4x2 or 4x4. Once you select the size, the widget will appear on the desktop. You can drag and drop it, change position, or combine it with other elements to create a convenient layout.

• 📱 Press and hold your finger in the free screen space to enter the editing menu.
• 📂 Select Widgets in the bottom interface toolbar.
• 📏 Specify the desired grid size for optimal information placement.
• ✅ Confirm the action and the widget will take its place on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: Some system widgets, such as Scenarios or Device Management, may require additional permissions on first run.Don't ignore geolocation access requests for weather widgets, otherwise they won't update.

It's important to understand that widgets consume the RAM of the device. The more active elements you place with a live update, the higher the load on the processor. Try not to overload the desktop with dynamic elements if you have a medium or budget model.

Using the “Themes” application for customization

One of the strengths of Xiaomi's ecosystem is its deep Theme app, which allows you to not just change the wallpaper, but completely transform the look of widgets. Unlike the standard set, there are hundreds of design solutions that are created by both the company and the community.

To find unique widgets, open the Themes app and go to the Widgets section at the bottom of the navigation bar, and you can see a huge library of elements, from minimalist watches to complex dashboards, and you can sort them by category: time, weather, tools, notes.

Once you select a suite you like, click Download and then Apply. The system will suggest adding widgets to the desktop or replacing current ones. Some themes may change the style of system widgets by making them semi-transparent or adding animations.

It’s worth noting that the application of the theme can affect not only widgets, but also application icons, system sounds and lock screen. If your goal is to change only widgets, carefully read the description of the theme before installing. Often the description indicates which components of the interface will be modified.

• 🎨 Open the Themes app and find the widget section.
• 🔍 Use keyword searches like “clock” or “calendar».
• 📥 Download your favorite package and apply it to your current topic.
• ⚙️ Set up widget options after application for personalization.

Using third-party themes is the easiest way to get a unique design without the need for root rights. However, remember that too heavy graphic widgets can reduce the performance of the interface when scrolling through desktops.

Configure widgets through the application “Security”

Many users don't know that the central control node is the Security app, and that's where the important settings that affect widgets, especially those related to memory cleanup and antivirus, are hidden, accessed through the three-dot menu or profile.

In the Cleanup section, you can configure a widget that displays memory status and allows you to quickly free up space. By clicking on the gear in the corner of this widget, you will be taken to the settings menu, and you can turn on the widget on your desktop, adjust the refresh rate, and choose which information to show first.

Also in the Security app is permission management. If the widget doesn't work properly (e.g., doesn't show battery power or weather), check if it has access to the data it needs. Go to Privacy Protection → Special Permits and make sure the points are activated.

Regularly checking the settings in this app helps keep widgets running smoothly. MIUI is known for aggressive battery optimization that can kill widget processes. Adding important widgets to exceptions or configuring them through a security app solves this problem.

Remember that some widgets require a constant Internet connection to display data correctly. Make sure that the power saving settings for the relevant applications (Weather, News, Browser) have a “No restrictions” limit.

Advanced customization: Scenarios and automation

For those who want to take smartphone use to the next level, there is a Script widget, a powerful automation tool that allows you to execute chains of action on a single touch or when certain conditions occur, and it replaces many individual switches.

To customize the script, add a widget to your desktop and click on it. An editor will open where you can select a trigger (start condition) and an action. For example, you can create a Night script that will turn on Do Not Disturb mode, set an alarm clock, and reduce the brightness of the screen.

The script widget can display execution status or serve as a quick start button, and you can create multiple scripts for different situations: "Meeting," "Sport," "Trip," which greatly speeds up the interaction with the device in everyday life.

Using automation through widgets requires understanding the logic of how the system works. Don't create too complex chains that can conflict with each other. Start with simple actions like switching audio settings or launching applications.

• 🤖 Add Scripts to the desktop for quick access.
• ⚙️ Create a new scenario by selecting a trigger and set of actions.
• 🔗 Link the script to the widget for instant launch with one touch.
• 📲 Use a widget to display smart home status or schedule.

Automating through widgets is a step toward creating a truly smart device that allows your smartphone to adapt to your needs, not the other way around. Experiment with action combinations to find the perfect settings for your life rhythm.

Compatibility of MIUI and HyperOS versions

MIUI and HyperOS have significant differences in how widgets work. The new versions based on Android 13 and 14 have changed the architecture of widgets, which has affected their size, appearance and behavior. It is important to consider the version of your system when looking for instructions.

HyperOS has a lot of flexibility in resizing, many widgets can now stretch not only across the grid, but also smoothly change their proportions, and improved animation and integration with the lock screen. Old widgets from MIUI 12 may look different or require an upgrade.

If you recently upgraded and notice that the widgets are missing or not working properly, check for updates to system components. Often compatibility issues are solved by updating the application MIUI/HyperOS Service Components through the GetApps store or Google Play.

Older users should remember that switching to HyperOS can change the interface. Some widgets can be replaced or replaced with new ones. Always take screenshots of the widgets before major system updates to quickly restore the familiar configuration.

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The transition to HyperOS requires reconfiguration of widgets due to changes in the interface architecture, but provides more customization options.

Solution: Widgets don’t work or disappear

One of the most common problems is the widgets disappearing spontaneously or the data being refused to update, often associated with aggressive energy savings, and the system kills the widget process to keep the battery power, especially if it is not actively used.

To solve the problem, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find an app that doesn’t work (like Weather or Calendar). Go to Battery and select No Limits. This will prevent the system from stopping the process in the background.

Another reason could be a crowded launcher cache. If widgets are displayed incorrectly (black screen, distortion), try clearing the cache of the System Launcher application. To do this, press the application icon in the menu or find it in the list of installed programs.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the launcher data will reset all icons and widgets on desktops to factory status. Use only the "Clear Cache" option to avoid losing your interface setting.

If the widget is no longer responsive to touch, try removing it and adding it again. Sometimes the widget configuration file gets corrupted after updating the source application. Reinstalling often solves the problem of "hanging" the interface element.

• 🔋 Set Battery Mode “No Limits” for Widget Apps.
• 🗑️ Clear the launcher cache if widgets are displayed with errors.
• 🔄 Remove and add the widget again to reset the configuration.
• 📡 Check the stability of the Internet connection for online widgets.

In rare cases, the problem lies in a conflict of third-party launchers. If you are using Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, make sure they are given all the necessary permissions to display widgets on top of other windows.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions