How to Put a Widget on the Locking Screen Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Smartphone personalization is not just a beautiful picture on the screensaver, but a way to make interaction with the gadget as effective as possible. Xiaomi device owners often wonder how to put a widget on the lock screen to instantly see the weather, currency rate or task list without unlocking the device. The standard shell MIUI and its modern version of HyperOS provide ample opportunities for customization, but the process of adding elements to Lock Screen can be different from the usual installation of widgets on the desktop.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from standard system tools to the use of specialized applications and themes. You will learn not only to add new blocks, but also to adjust their size, transparency and functionality. Attention: some functions may be called differently depending on the firmware version (Global, China, Russia), but the overall algorithm of actions remains similar for most models, including the Redmi Note, Poco and the flagship Mi series.

Before we start to make changes, it’s worth noting that the lock screen in Xiaomi’s ecosystem works a little differently than in the “pure” Android ecosystem. It has more stringent power optimization, which sometimes requires additional permissions to ensure that widgets work consistently. If you want information to be updated in real time without delay, you’ll need to adjust the background settings correctly.

Standard widgets in the shell of MIUI and HyperOS

To start with, the basic functionality that is built into the default system. Xiaomi has designed a set of standard widgets that can be placed on the lock screen without installing third-party software. This is the most reliable way to ensure that there is no conflict with the system and minimal battery consumption. To access them, you usually just need to pinch your finger on the empty space of the lock screen or swipe to the right if the wallpaper carousel function is disabled.

However, in the new versions of HyperOS, the widget menu has been redesigned. Now they are divided into categories: "Always on the screen", "lock screen" and "Desktop". To add an item, you need to go to edit mode, select the widget section and drag the desired object to the free area. Some widgets, such as "Stepher" or "Battery Charge", require special permissions to display data correctly.

It's important to understand that the standard set may seem limited. Xiaomi often changes the available widgets depending on the region of the firmware. For example, in the Chinese versions of MIUI, the choice is much wider than in the global ones. However, basic elements like watches, calendars and notes are available everywhere.

If you're comfortable with standard functionality, you shouldn't have any problems with the installation. Just follow the hints on the screen. But if you want something unique, you'll have to go to third-party solutions or themes.

Using themes and applications to expand functionality

One of the most popular ways to change the look of a lock screen is to install third-party themes through the Themes app. Unlike standard widgets, themes can completely change the Lock Screen interface by adding unique watches, animations and information blocks. To find the right theme, open the app, go to the Topics or Profiles section and search for keywords like "Widget Lock Screen" or "iOS Style."

Once you download and apply the theme, it will replace the standard lock screen. Often these themes contain built-in widgets that look more stylish than standard ones. However, be careful: some themes may contain ads or require extra permissions. Always check author rating and downloads before installing.

Also worth mentioning is the Lock Screen Magazine app, which is pre-installed on many Xiaomi smartphones, which allows you not only to change the wallpaper every time you turn on the screen, but also add widgets on top of them. In the Carousel settings, you can choose the style of displaying information, for example, a large font for the time or a compact block with news.

Using themes is a great way to refresh the interface quickly, but remember that complex graphic themes can be more battery-intensive, especially if they use live wallpaper.

Third-party applications for widgets on Lock Screen

When the system is not enough, applications from the Google Play Store come to the rescue. There are many developers who create specialized widgets that can display information directly on a locked screen. Popular options include Widgetsmith, KWGT Kustom Widget Maker and specialized lock launchers.

The most powerful tool is KWGT. This app allows you to create widgets of any complexity from scratch or use presets. You can draw your design, add scripts to display data about the battery, weather, next meeting or even the phase of the moon. Once you create a widget in KWGT, it can be added to the lock screen if the system allows, or used as a widget on the desktop with a transparent background, simulating Lock Screen.

However, installing third-party widgets on the lock screen in MIUI has its own peculiarities due to aggressive optimization. The system can kill the widget process to save energy.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications and find the installed widget.
• 🔋 In the "Battery" section, select "No restrictions" mode».
• 🔒 Enable auto-start and display permission over other windows.
• 🧹 Lock the application in memory (lock in the menu of recent applications).

It’s worth noting that some widget applications may require device administrator rights or access modes, which is necessary to allow the widget to display its information on top of a standard lock screen.

Compatibility issues and display bugs

When installing widgets, users often face problems: the widget does not appear, disappears after a reboot or shows old data. The main reason lies in the mechanism of Android and its modifications. The lock screen is a system process with a high security priority, and third-party applications do not always have full access to it.

A common error is that the widget “collapses” or is displayed in a black square, which occurs if the widget requires data updates, but the network is not available at this point or the source application is blocked by the system, and problems can occur when using dynamic wallpapers that conflict with the transparency of the widget.

To solve the display problems, try the following:

1. Make sure the widget supports your screen resolution.Some older widgets may not properly scale on screens with a cutout or high refresh rate (120Hz).
2. Check for updates to the widget application and the MIUI/HyperOS system itself.
3. Try resizing the widget (stretch or shrink) to provoke a re-drawing of the interface.

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If the widget is no longer updated, try temporarily turning on Flight mode, wait 5 seconds and turn it off, which will restart the network modules and can force the data update.

The table below shows common problems and ways to solve them:

Setting up the Always On Screen (AOD) widget

The feature is always on display (AOD). On smartphones Xiaomi with AMOLED-You can display widgets with screens even when the screen is formally off. These aren't really widgets in the classical sense, but they do the same thing -- they inform without unlocking. AOD greatly expanded.

To set up AOD, go to Settings → Lock screen → Always On Display and Lock screen. Here you can choose the display style: digital, analog, graphics. Some models have a Smart AOD feature that shows widgets only when you pick up your phone or a notification arrives that saves power.

Important: Use of widgets on AOD If you notice that your smartphone is running out faster than usual, try turning off your schedule. AOD Or shorten the time it's active. Also remember that static images are on the screen. AMOLED-Screens can theoretically cause pixels to burn out, although modern technology minimizes this risk.

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For maximum autonomy, use the Scheduled mode for AOD, limiting it to the time interval when you are normally active (for example, from 8:00 to 23:00).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

To sum up, installing a widget on the Xiaomi lock screen is a process that requires understanding the features of your version of the system: Start with standard tools, then explore themes and, if necessary, move to advanced tools like KWGT. The right setup will allow you to create a unique and functional interface.