Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer users a wide range of personalization options. One of the key features that allow you to get important information without unlocking the device are widgets on the lock screen. They display the weather, currency rate, steps or charging status, turning the screen off into a useful information center. However, standard settings do not always suit all users, and often there is a need to change the appearance or functionality of these elements.
The procedure for replacing widgets may vary depending on the version of the Android operating system and the MIUI or HyperOS shell. In some cases, users confuse the lock screen widgets with those on the desktop, or try to change the design topic to achieve the desired result. Understanding the differences between these interface elements is critical to the proper configuration of the device.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to manage widgets, learn how to remove standard items, install new ones from the theme catalog, and use third-party apps to expand functionality. Competent customization will allow you to make using your smartphone more convenient and aesthetic, adapting it to your personal needs and habits.
Differences between lock widgets and desktop
Before making any changes, you need to understand the architecture of the Xiaomi interface, which divides the space into two main zones: the Lock Screen and the desktop. Widgets located on the lock screen usually have limitations in interactivity and depth of customization compared to their counterparts on the desktop, this is done for safety and battery saving.
The lock screen most often displays static data or data updated at a certain frequency. The desktop allows for more complex interactive elements that can control music playback, show detailed weather or control a smart home. Trying to transfer the widget from the desktop to the lock screen with standard system tools is often impossible without the use of special themes.
Why are the widgets on the lock limited?
It is important to note that in new versions of the HyperOS shell, the company introduces more flexible settings that allow you to partially customize lock widgets through the theme editor. However, the basic principle of separation remains unchanged: the lock screen for quick information, the desktop for full interaction.
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The lock screen is designed for passive viewing of information, while the desktop is used for active management of smartphone functions.
Preparation for changing widgets
To successfully replace interface elements, it is recommended to conduct pre-production, which will help to avoid program conflicts and save important data in the event of unforeseen failures when installing third-party themes or launchers. Although standard tools are safe, experimenting with system files or deep settings requires caution.
- 📱 Make sure the device has the latest available system update via Settings → The phone.
- ☁️ Back up your important data in the Mi Cloud or Google Drive cloud service in case you reset your settings.
- 🔋 Check the battery level – it should be at least 50% before you start any manipulation of the system themes.
- 🌐 Stabilize your Internet connection as downloading themes and widgets requires a stable communication channel.
It’s also worth freeing up some space in internal memory. Cached themes and graphical widget elements can take up a lot of space, especially if you’re planning to test multiple design options. Cleaning up garbage through the built-in Security app will help optimize the system before making changes.
☑️ Checking before setting up
Removal of standard lock widgets
The standard set of widgets on Xiaomi often includes weather, time, pedalers and notifications. If you are not satisfied with their presence or location, in most cases they can be removed or hidden. The removal mechanism depends on the version of MIUI: in older versions this is done through the theme settings, in new ones through a straight long tap or screen settings.
To remove the standard time and date widget, which often occupies the center of the screen, you need to go to the theme settings. Standard system tools this element is often blocked, but changing the theme to another allows you to bypass this limitation. If you use a stock theme, try to pinch your finger on the free space of the lock screen (if the system version allows) or go to the editing menu.
⚠️ Warning: Deleting system time widgets completely can make the lock screen look empty or uninformative.Make sure you have an alternative way to quickly recognize the time, such as a widget in the notification curtain or Always On Display.
In some cases, widgets are part of the system process and are not removed directly, so the only solution is to hide them or replace them with transparent counterparts through third-party themes. Do not try to delete system files through root file managers, as this can lead to a cyclical reboot of the device.
Installation of new widgets through the Topics app
The main and most secure way to replace widgets on the lock screen is to use the official Themes app, which features thousands of designs that completely replace the graphical shell of the system, including lock elements, which allows you to change fonts, icons, sounds and, of course, widgets.
To find the right design, use a keyword search. For example, queries like "Minimalist", "Clock", "Analog" or "Digital" will help you find themes with a particular style of watch. Once you download and apply the theme, the widgets on the lock screen will change automatically. You can preview what the widget will look like in the the theme card before installing.
Once you have a new theme, the system can suggest customizing the components, so you can choose which widgets are active. Pay attention to compatibility: some themes may not display correctly on screens with a cutout or hole under the camera, overlapping important interface elements.
Use of third-party applications and launchers
If standard MIUI capabilities aren’t enough, Google Play apps come to the rescue. Software like Widgetsmith (for iOS, Android analogs), KWGT Kustom Widget Maker or Lock Screen & Notifications let you create widgets of any complexity. However, displaying them on the lock screen often requires additional permissions or the use of the Always on Screen feature.
KWGT is a powerful tool for advanced users, and it allows you to draw widgets from scratch using layers, formulas, and dynamic data. To make a widget appear on lock, it often needs to be wrapped into a theme through the Lockscreen Maker app or similar tools that emulate the lock screen on top of the system.
| Annex | Type of widget | Difficulty | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topics (Mi Themes) | Standard, Thematic | Low. | Low. |
| KWGT | Castomy, complex. | Tall. | Average. |
| Lock Screen Notifications | Informational | Medium | High. |
| Always On AMOLED | Time, Date. | Low. | Low. |
The use of third-party launchers, such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, primarily affects the desktop. They are used less frequently to change the lock screen, as Android restricts third-party applications from accessing this zone for the sake of security. However, some launchers have built-in modules or plugins to customize the lock.
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When installing third-party widgets, be sure to give them permission to work in the background and turn off the energy savings for this application in the battery settings, otherwise the widget will not be updated.
Always on Display as an Alternative
Instead of classic widgets on the lock screen, many Xiaomi users are switching to the Always On Display feature (AOD). This technology allows you to display the time, date and notifications on the screen off without fully turning it on. OLED-In matrices, it consumes minimal energy and looks aesthetically pleasing.
You can configure AOD through the Settings → Screen always on and lock. You can choose styles, add a signature, and even set your own images as a background. Unlike widgets, AOD works at the display level and does not require the CPU to be activated for each update, making it more energy efficient.
⚠️ Note: Always On Display is only available on smartphones AMOLED-On devices with screens. IPS-matrix (LCD) this mode is either absent or implemented in a stripped down form with a quick switch off of the screen to prevent burnout.
The flexibility of AOD configuration in HyperOS has increased dramatically, so you can choose between different styles that will change automatically, or schedule your work so that it only activates at certain times of the day, which is a great replacement for static widgets for those who want to see time and notifications all the time.