Xiaomiβs weather widget isnβt just a decoration, itβs a useful tool to quickly access current forecasts, so you can see temperature, humidity, and even the likelihood of rainfall without opening a separate app, but many users have difficulty adding a widget: itβs not on the list, it refuses to update, or it disappears after a reboot.
In this article, weβll look at all the possible ways to install a weather widget on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from standard solutions to custom firmware workarounds, how to set up data display for your city, why the widget might not work, and what to do if it suddenly disappears, and weβll also share life hacks to optimize battery consumption when using weather widgets.
1. Standard method: Add widgets through the menu
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most models, including the Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and other devices based on MIUI 12-14. The main condition is that the phone must have a standard Weather app installed (usually it is pre-installed).
To add a widget:
- π± Unlock the screen and make a long press on any free place of the main screen.
- π§ In the menu that appears, select Widgets (or Widgets on English firmware).
- βοΈ Scroll down to the Weather section (may be called Weather or Mi Weather).
- πΌοΈ Select the size of the widget (the options are usually available). 2Γ1, 4Γ1 or 4Γ2) And drag it on the screen.
If there is no Weather item in the widget list, this could mean:
- β Weather App Removed or Disabled (check in Settings) β Annexes).
- β You have custom firmware installed without standard Xiaomi services.
- β The region of the phone is configured for a country where weather service is not supported (e.g. some African regions).
Check the availability of the Weather app in the menu
Update MIUI to the latest version
Make sure that geodata (GPS) is enabled
Connect to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)-->
2. Alternative method: through the settings of the Weather application
If the widget doesnβt appear in the general list, try adding it directly from the Weather app, a method that often works on devices with MIUI 13/14, where the widget interface has been redesigned.
Instructions:
- Open the Weather app (the sun and cloud icon).
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Scroll down to the Weather Widget section and click Add to the home screen.
- Select the size and location of the widget.
If there is no Add button to the main screen, it means:
- π Your version of the app is outdated (update via Google Play or App Store).
- π The region does not support widgets in your phone settings (try changing the country to Russia, China or India).
- π΅ You have geodata or background activity disabled for the Weather app.
π‘
If the weather widget doesn't update, try manually updating the data in the Weather app by pulling the screen down, and then the changes will affect the widget.
3. Solution for custom firmware and missing application
If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or crDroid), Xiaomiβs standard Weather app may not be available.
Method 1: Install the original Mi Weather app
- π₯ Download. APK-Weather application file from a verified source (e.g. APKMirror).
- π§ Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources in Settings β Security.
- π Restart your phone and try adding the widget in the standard way.
Method 2: Use third-party widgets
If the original app doesnβt want to work, install an alternative:
- π€οΈ AccuWeather β accurate forecast with beautiful widgets.
- βοΈ Weather & Clock Widget β flexible look.
- πͺοΈ Yahoo Weather is a minimalist design with photos from Flickr.
How to check the compatibility of a third-party widget?
Warning: Third-party widgets may consume more battery as they require constant access to geodata and the Internet. To reduce consumption, limit background activity in the application settings.
4. Configure the display and update of data
Once you add a widget, you need to set it up correctly so that it shows you the right information for your location.
| Parameter | Where to set up | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| City by default | Weather App β Settings β Location | Your current city (or nearest major city) |
| Frequency of update | Settings β Accounts and synchronization β Weather | Every 3-6 hours (for battery saving) |
| Units of measurement | Weather app β Settings β Units | Β°C (degrees Celsius) and mm Hg (pressure) |
| Display on a closed screen | Settings β Lock screen β Widgets | On (if you need to see the weather without unlocking) |
If the widget does not update the data, follow the following steps:
- Check your internet connection (widget requires network access).
- Update the data manually in the Weather app.
- Restart the application through Settings β Applications β Weather β Forced Stop.
- Clear the app cache in the same settings.
Every day.
1-2 times a week
Just before the trip.
Never use.-->
5 Why the Weather Widget May Disappear and How to Get It Back
Sometimes the widget disappears from the screen.
- π Update MIUI: After major system updates, widgets may be reset. Check the list of widgets again - it may now be in a different category (e.g., "Systems").
- π§Ή Launcher cleanup: If you use a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher), its cache could have reset widgets.Reboot phone.
- π« Background Limitation: In Battery Settings (Settings) β Battery β Optimization) background activity for the Weather app can be disabled.
- π Change of location: If you move to another city, the widget may "hang" on old data.
To return the widget:
- Remove the remnants from the screen (if any).
- Reboot the phone.
- Add the widget again through the widget menu.
- If it doesnβt help, reinstall the weather app.
π‘
If the widget disappears after each reboot, the problem may be the damaged launcher cache. Try resetting it in the application menu.
6. Optimization of battery consumption when using the widget
The weather widget is constantly updating data, which can affect the time of operation of the phone, to reduce consumption:
- β‘ Reduce the refresh rate in the app settings (e.g., once every 6 hours instead of every hour).
- π΄ Turn off background update for the Weather app in Settings β Battery β Optimizing the battery.
- π Use manual city input instead of automatic city definition GPS.
- π Turn on the Adaptive Battery in Power Settings β it will limit background activity for underutilized applications.
Battery consumption comparison (test on Xiaomi 12 Pro):
| Update mode | 24-hour cost | Accuracy of data |
|---|---|---|
| Every hour. | ~3β5% | Maximum |
| Every 3 hours. | ~1β2% | Tall. |
| Every 6 hours. | ~0,5β1% | Medium (may not keep up with sudden changes) |
| Only manually. | ~0,1% | Low (data is becoming obsolete) |
If you want maximum accuracy (for example, for planning trips), leave frequent updates. If you need a widget to check the box, you need to update every 6-12 hours.
7. Additional chips: weather widget on lock screen
On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60) you can display weather information directly to the lock screen.
- Go to Settings β Lock screen.
- Select Widgets (or Additional Information).
- Activate the switch near the weather.
- Customize the displayed data (temperature, humidity, wind, etc.).
Please note:
- π On some firmware, this feature is only available when using a standard launcher. MIUI (Nova Launcher or Action Launcher).
π‘
If the widget on the lock screen is not updated, try to disable the function "Saving traffic" in the settings SIM-maps or wifi.