How to set up a widget tape on Xiaomi: from basic functions to hidden chips MIUI

The widget tape on Xiaomi smartphones is not just an extra screen, but a powerful tool for quick access to information. However, many users limit themselves to a standard set of widgets, without even realizing that they are not able to use the same widgets. MIUI This allows you to flexibly customize their location, size and functionality. In this article, we will explore all possible ways of customization, from basic addition of widgets to hidden features that work even on budget models Redmi and the Redmi. POCO.

The problem is that the interface MIUI It's updated regularly, and functions that were once obvious are now hidden in the depths of the settings. MIUI 14 changed the way widgets are edited, and HyperOS has new controls, and we've taken all of these nuances into account, and we've put together a very relevant manual that will work for any firmware version. MIUI 12 to the latest HyperOS 2.0.

If you want to turn your widget feed into a handy dashboard with weather, calendar, fast action, and even third-party services, read on. And if you need to solve a specific problem (such as widgets that don't update or disappear after a reboot), go straight to Solving Typical Problems.

1.What is a widget tape and why you need it

Xiaomi’s widget tape is a separate screen that swipes to the left of the home screen, and by default displays weather, calendar, steps, quick contacts, and recommendations from the Mi Browser, but most users don’t use half the tools.

The main advantages of the widget tape:

• ⏱️ Instant access to frequently used functions (flashlight, calculator, screen recording) without searching the menu.
• 📊 Data visualization: activity charts, weather forecast for 10 days, exchange rates – all in one place.
• 🔄 Integration with Google, Yandex and even Telegram (through third-party widgets).
• 🎨 Customization to style: you can change transparency, size and even color schemes.

For example, if you use Google Keep frequently for notes, you can take a to-do widget to the tape and add tasks directly from there, or set up a Mi Fit widget to see your pulse and stress levels without opening the app.

Here’s what you can’t do with the widgets in the MIUI:

• ❌ Turn it off completely (you can only hide it, but more on that later).
• ❌ Install widgets from third-party launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher).
• ❌ Change the order of the screens (the tape will always be on the left).

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If you are missing standard widgets, try the app. UW Google Play’s Widget – it adds more than 50 customizable widgets compatible with the MIUI.

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

Addition of widgets to MIUI It's different from standard Android. There's no classic widget menu, so many users get lost. Here's the exact sequence for all the versions of the firmware:

Method 1: Through the editing of the tape

1. Open the widget tape (swipe to the left of the main screen).
2. Scroll down to the end and click the Edit button (or Manage in HyperOS).
3. In the menu that opens, select the Widget tab (or Add a Widget).
4. Find the desired widget in the list and drag it to the tape.

Method 2: Through screen settings (works on the MIUI 14+)

1. Click the empty space on the home screen → select Screen Settings.
2. Go to the Widget Ribbon section.
3. Click Add widget and select from the list.

List of the most useful standard widgets:

• 🌡️ Weather (with detailed forecast and precipitation map).
• 📅 Calendar (shown events from Google Calendar and Mi Calendar).
• 🏃 Shagomer (data from Mi Band or built-in sensor).
• 🔋 Battery (discharge schedule and forecast of operating time).
• 💰 Currency rates (updated in real time).
• 🎵 Music player (playback control without opening the application).

Update. MIUI last-minute|Free up space on the tape (remove unnecessary widgets)|Check the permissions for applications (for example, the weather needs geolocation)|Reboot your smartphone if the widgets don’t show up-->

3. How to change the size of widgets and their location

V MIUI You can add widgets, you can zoom in and you can move them around the tape, but there's a nuance here: not all widgets support resizing, and some widgets (like weather) have fixed proportions.

How to change the size of the widget:

1. Open the widget tape and find the one you want to change.
2. Put your finger on him. 1-2 seconds until the allocation frame appears.
3. If the widget supports zoom, white dots will appear in the corners - pull behind them to resize.
4. Click Ready or just tap outside the widget.

Size restrictions:

How to move the widget:

Just hold it and drag it to the right place on the tape. If the widget doesn't move, check:

• Is the editing mode enabled (click Ready to exit it).
• Is the widget tape locked in the settings (see the section “How to block widgets”).
• Is the widget system (some, such as Recommendations can not be moved).

4. Third-party widgets: how to add and configure

Standard widgets MIUI They cover basic needs, but what if you want widgets from Google, Yandex, or other services, like Google Weather widget with radar map or Yandex.

How to install third-party widgets:

1. Download the app with widgets from Google Play (e.g. Widgetsmith, UW Widget or KWGT).
2. Open the app and set up the widget (select data, style, colors).
3. Back on the widget tape MIUI and press Edit. → Add a widget.
4. In the list, find the Other widgets section or the name of the installed application.
5. Add the widget to the tape and change its size if necessary.

Popular third-party widgets for Xiaomi:

• 🌍 Google Weather – More Accurate Forecast with Radar Map.
• 📈 Yandex.Weather – with precipitation notifications and comfort index.
• 📌 Google Keep – Quick Notes and To-Do Lists.
• 💬 Telegram - widget of unread messages (requires) KWGT).
• 🎮 Steam – displaying friends on the network and shares in the store.

Important: Google widgets (like Google Weather or Google Calendar) may not be updated in the background due to restrictions MIUI. To fix this, add the app to the AutoRun list and Without Restrictions in Battery Settings.

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Third-party widgets can consume more batteries than standard widgets. Track their consumption in the Settings section → Battery → Battery utilization.

5. How to remove or disable the widget tape

If you don't need the widget tape, you can hide it or completely disable it. MIUI There is no direct option to remove it - you will have to use workarounds.

Method 1: Hiding the tape (remains accessible by gesture)

1. Click the empty space on the main screen → Screen settings.
2. Go to the Widget Ribbon.
3. Turn off the option to show the widget tape.

After that, the tape will not open when swiping to the left, but it can be returned in the same way.

Method 2: Complete shutdown (requires) ADB)

If you need to remove the widget tape permanently, you will need to disable the system application com.miui.miwallpaper (responsible for widgets).

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.miwallpaper
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Disabling the system application can cause wallpaper failures and themes. To return the tape, follow the command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.miwallpaper

Method 3: Replacement with another launcher

Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) and disable the widget tape in its settings. This is the safest method, as it does not affect system files.

6. How to block widgets from random changes

If you often accidentally move or remove widgets, you can block them, which is especially useful for parents who give the phone to their children, or if you use widgets for work.

How to block widgets:

1. Open the widget tape and click Edit.
2. In the upper right corner, find the icon. 🔒 Block (or Protect in HyperOS).
3. Enable the option and set a password or pattern lock.

What the locking does:

• ✅ Widgets cannot be removed or moved without unlocking.
• ✅ Blocked sizing changes.
• ✅ Settings are saved even after the update MIUI.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from blocking widgets, the only way to reset it is to completely reset your settings through Settings → Additionally. → Reset settings. So write down your password to a secure location.

7. Solving typical widget tape problems

The widget tape in MIUI Sometimes it doesn't work well, widgets don't update, disappear after a reboot, or display incorrectly. Here's a list of solutions for the most common problems:

Problem 1: Widgets are not updated

• 🔄 Check your internet connection (some widgets, such as weather, require a network).
• 📵 Make sure that Auto Start and Background Work are enabled for the application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Permits).
• 🔋 Add the app to the list with no limitations in battery settings.
• 🔄 Forced to update the widget: pinch it → Update.

Problem 2: Widgets disappear after reboot

• 📱 Check if the charge saving mode is enabled (Settings) → Battery).
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (old versions had a bug saving widgets).
• 🔧 Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Problem 3: You can’t add a widget (button is inactive)

• 📱 Check if the tape is full (remove unnecessary widgets).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🔧 Clear the launcher's cache: Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Clear the cache.

Problem 4: Widgets are not displayed correctly (blurred, cropped)

• 🔄 Try changing the size of the widget (sometimes it helps to reduce / increase by 1 pixel).
• 📱 Check the screen resolution (Settings) → Screen. → Permission).
• 🔧 If a problem with a third-party widget, reinstall its app.

8 Hidden chips of the widget tape in MIUI

MIUI It hides a few non-obvious features that can make it even more convenient to work with a widget tape:

Tip 1: Quick action without unlocking

Some widgets (such as a flashlight or calculator) can be used directly from a locked screen.

1. Add the Quick Action widget to the tape.
2. Set up the necessary shortcuts (lightlight, screen recording, QR-scanner).
3. Turn on the option to Show on the locked screen in the widget settings.

Tip 2: Transparency and styles of widgets

V MIUI 14+ HyperOS can change the transparency and style of some widgets:

1. Hold the widget. → Choose Settings (or Style).
2. Choose one of the styles (Dark, Light, Transparent).
3. Additional themes are available for weather widgets (e.g. Minimalist or Detailed).

Tip 3: Widgets for a smart home

If you have Xiaomi Smart Home devices (lamps, sockets, sensors), they can be put on the tape:

1. Open the Mi Home app.
2. Select the device → Settings → Add widgets to the tape.
3. Now you can control the device directly from the main screen.

Tip 4: The "Recommendations" widget and how to disable it

The Recommendations widget shows news and ads from Xiaomi to remove it:

1. Open the widget tape. → Edit.
2. Find the Recommendation widget and swipe it up (as when you delete it).
3. If it returns after the reboot, turn it off in the settings: Settings → Widget tape → Recommendations → Shut down.

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Smart home widgets can conflict with other automations (such as Google Home).If commands run unstablely, check the priority of applications in smart home settings.