How to change the widget on the lock screen Xiaomi: all the ways and secrets

Xiaomi's lock screen is not just a random click protection, it's a full-fledged information hub. You can put weather widgets, calendars, quick app access, or even personalized notes. But what if standard widgets don't work, and MIUI hides the settings? Many users face the problem: widgets either don't show up or can't be changed through the standard menu.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to change widgets on the lock screen for Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco and Black Shark smartphones on MIUI 14, 13 and 12. You’ll learn how to add weather, calendar, music or even third-party widgets if supported by your model, and why widgets sometimes disappear after an update and how to fix it.

Important: the procedure may vary depending on the MIUI version and regional firmware. If your smartphone is running on the global (MIUI Global), Chinese (MIUI China) or European (MIUI EEU) version, some menu items may be called differently.

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI you use?
MIUI 14
MIUI 13
MIUI 12
Older versions (MIUI 11 and below)
I don't know.

1. Standard method: through lock screen settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It works on most modern devices, including the Xiaomi 13/12/11, Redmi Note 12/11/10 and Poco F5/X5.

Open Settings β†’ Lock screen. On some firmware, the path may look like Settings β†’ Display β†’ Lock screen or Settings β†’ Protection and Lock β†’ Lock screen.

In the section "Block screen widgets" (or "More information" in older versions), you will see a list of options available.

  • 🌀️ Weather widget (temperature, forecast)
  • πŸ“… Calendar (forthcoming events)
  • 🎡 Music player (playback control)
  • πŸ“± Quick applications (choice of 5 commonly used applications)
  • πŸ“ Notes (short text reminders)

To remove the widget, simply swipe it left or click on the basket icon (if it is displayed). To add a new tap plus ("+ Add widget") and select the one you want from the list.

Make sure the lock screen is unlocked (PIN/pattern lock/fingerprint)

Check the version of MIUI in Settings β†’ About the phone

Connect to the Internet (some widgets require synchronization)

Close all background applications (may interfere with the setup process)-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China (Chinese firmware) some widgets can be blocked without being linked to your Mi Account. If the option is inactive, try changing the region in the settings or installing global firmware.

2. Alternative method: through editing the layout

If the standard method didn’t work (e.g., widgets are gray and don’t press), try changing the lock screen layout, which is suitable for MIUI 12-14 and allows you to flexibly adjust the layout of the elements.

Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Lock screen layout. Here you will see a few preset templates:

  • πŸ“± Classic (widgets on the right)
  • 🌌 Minimalist (time and date only)
  • 🎨 Colored (gradient background) + widget)
  • πŸ”„ Dynamic (animated elements)

Select a layout that supports widgets (usually Classic or Color) and then return to the widget section after you apply the layout, and the options should be active.

Some devices (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Poco F4 GT) have a hidden option called "Customer layout" to enable:

  1. Slip 5 times on the inscription "Lock screen layout".
  2. Enter the password from the lock screen (if requested).
  3. Select "Manual Edit" and drag widgets to the desired areas.

πŸ’‘

If the weather widget displays incorrect data, check the location settings in Settings β†’ Privacy β†’ Permissions β†’ Location. Turn off the charge saving for the Weather app.

3. Widgets from third-party applications: how to add

MIUI allows you to integrate some third-party app widgets into the lock screen, such as Google Calendar, Spotify or Yandex Weather, but there are limitations:

  • βœ… It only works with applications that support MIUI Lockscreen Widgets API.
  • ❌ Not all apps from Google Play are compatible (e.g., AccuWeather may not show up).
  • πŸ”„ After installing the application, you may need to restart the phone.

To add a third-party widget:

  1. Install an app (e.g. Yandex Weather from Google Play).
  2. Open it and resolve all requests (location, notifications).
  3. Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Widgets.
  4. A new widget (e.g., "Yandex Weather") should appear on the list.

If the widget does not appear:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the phone.
  • πŸ“₯ Update the application to the latest version.
  • πŸ› οΈ Clear the app's cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ [Title of the annex] β†’ Warehouse.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China third-party widgets can be blocked by security systems, and activation requires disabling application signature verification (not recommended due to security risks).

4.Why widgets are missing and how to get them back

Xiaomi users often face a problem: widgets suddenly disappear after a system update, reset or even for no apparent reason.

Problem.Reason.Decision
Widgets dropped after the MIUI updateResetting the lock screen settings with major updateReturn to Settings β†’ Lock screen and set up widgets again
Weather widget shows "--"No access to location or internetCheck the permissions for the Weather app and reboot the phone
Widgets are grey and not pressedActive energy saving mode or child modeTurn off the settings β†’ Battery β†’ Power saving mode
Widgets are not displayed on Always On DisplayAOD uses a simplified layoutTurn off Always On or select a different style in the AOD settings

If the widgets are missing for no apparent reason, try resetting the lock screen settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen.
  2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner (or "Additional").
  3. Select "Reset settings."
  4. Confirm the action (a password may be required).

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), lock screen widgets are tied to the theme of the design. If you use a third-party theme from the Mi Theme Store, change it to a standard one and check the widgets.

5. Hidden Features: Widgets for Always On Display (AOD)

Always on Display (or AOD) β€” This is a feature where the screen shows the time, notifications and widgets even when it's off. AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi) K50 Ultra) can be configured to display widgets and here.

To add a widget to the AOD:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Display β†’ Always On Display
  2. Turn on the function if it is disabled.
  3. Choose the style "Castom" or "Extended".
  4. Slip on "Set up" and add the desired widgets (usually available time, date, weather, steps).

Limitations of AOD on Xiaomi:

  • πŸ”‹ Increased battery consumption (up to) 5-7% hourly on some models).
  • πŸ“΅ Not all widgets are supported (for example, a music player may not be displayed).
  • πŸ”’ On some firmware AOD It is shut down when the battery is low (15%).
How to calibrate the light sensor for AOD?
If Always On Display is too dim or bright, try calibrating the light sensor: Turn on AOD and place your phone under bright light. Go to Settings β†’ Display β†’ Autobrightness. Turn off and turn on Autobrightness again. The sensor will recalibrate within 10-15 seconds. If the problem persists, reset the sensor settings through the engineering menu (#6484#).

6. Advanced settings: Engineering menu and ADB

For power users who want to get full control of lock screen widgets, there are ways to use the engineering menu and ADB-These techniques require caution, but they allow you to unlock hidden functions.

To open the engineering menu:

  1. Open the phone app.
  2. Enter the code: ##4636###.
  3. Go to the "Phone Information" section.
  4. Tap 5 times on the "Build Number" to unlock additional options.

To manage widgets via ADB (requires PC and enabled debugging over USB):

adb shell settings put global lock_screen_widgets_enabled 1


adb shell settings put global lock_screen_custom_widgets 1

These commands will unlock the option of adding custom widgets, but may not work on newer versions of MIUI due to security restrictions.

⚠️ Note: Change settings through the engineering menu or ADB This can cause system instability.Before experimenting, back up your data in Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset.

πŸ’‘

If the lock screen widgets do not save after rebooting, check if the Secure Storage mode is activated in Settings β†’ Special features β†’ Developer mode. Disable it and reconfigure it.

Widgets on the lock screen: models with limitations

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support the full lock screen widgets, here is a list of devices with features:

ModelLimitationsDecision
Xiaomi 13T/12T/11TNo AOD widgets in MIUI GlobalInstall MIUI EEU or use third-party launchers
Redmi Note 10/9Weather widgets only work with official Mi Weather appRemove third-party weather apps or set up sync
Poco X3/X4There is no "User layout" option in MIUI 13Update to MIUI 14 or use ADB-team
Black Shark 5/4Widgets are blocked in Shark Space game modeTurn off Shark Space in Performance Settings

On budget models (such as the Redmi A2 or Poco C50), lock screen widgets can be disabled at the firmware level, in which case only custom firmware installation (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will help, but this will void the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about widgets on Xiaomi lock screen

Can I add a Google Keep or Trollo widget to the lock screen?
No, MIUI does not support note widgets from third-party apps on the lock screen, the alternative is to use the built-in Notes widget or place important information in the Calendar widget.
Why does the weather widget show the temperature of my city?
This is due to incorrect location settings. Check: Weather App Permissions in Settings β†’ Privacy β†’ Permissions. Main Location in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Location β†’ Main Location β†’ Time and Date Synchronization Settings in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Date and Time. If the problem persists, clear the Weather App data and restart the phone.
How to remove the music widget from the lock screen if it appears itself?
This is standard MIUI behavior, a music player widget automatically appears when you play audio. To turn it off: Open Settings β†’ Sound and Vibration β†’ Music Notifications. Turn off the "Show on Lock Screen" option. For third-party players (like Spotify), turn off notifications in the app settings.
Can I make a widget with a photo or a gif on the lock screen?
No, MIUI does not support custom images in lock screen widgets. However, you can: Set up live wallpaper via Settings β†’ Wallpaper β†’ Live wallpaper. Use the Google Photo of the Day widget (requires a root or ADB). Some models (e.g., Xiaomi 13 Pro) have a Dynamic Background widget that changes the picture depending on the time of day.
Once you reset, the widgets don't save. What do you do?
It's a known problem. MIUI, You can try: Clear the system cache in Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ Cleanup β†’ Cache the system. lockscreen_settings.xml Root Explorer (root rights required) Reset the lock screen settings via Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Reset your settings. If nothing helps, do a full reset of your phone (pre-save the data!).