Xiaomi widgets are not just desktop decoration, but a powerful tool for quick access to information, but many users face a problem: standard widget sizes are often too small or uncomfortable. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to expand widgets - from the basic settings MIUI Up to little-known tricks using third-party apps.
Feature of firmware MIUI It's very restrictive, because it imposes very strict limits on customizing widgets compared to naked Android, but even within those limits, there's room for maneuver. MIUI 14/15 (2026 We selected only the working solutions, and it is important to understand that some methods may require root rights or additional software installation, and we will warn you about this in advance.
If you want to not just enlarge the widget, but completely remake its appearance, at the end of this article there is a bonus section about creating custom widgets from scratch. And for those who prefer ready-made solutions, we have compiled a table of compatibility of popular widget applications with different versions. MIUI.
1. Standard size change of widgets in MIUI
Letβs start with the simplest: built-in tools. MIUI. Most users don't even realize that widgets can be scaled directly from the add-on menu:
- Long press on the free desktop space β select "Widgets".
- Find the widget you want (like the Weather or Calendar) and drag it to the screen.
- After placing, a frame will appear with dots at the corners - pull behind them to change the size.
However, there are important nuances:
- πΉ Not all widgets support resizing. For example, Google Search widgets are usually fixed.
- πΉ The maximum size is limited to the desktop grid (usually 4Γ4 cell).
- πΉ On some models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) When holding the widget, an additional menu with size options appears.
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If the dots on the corners donβt appear, try moving the widget to another location on the screen first β sometimes this will βunlockβ the zoom option.
For widgets. MIUI (Weather, footsteps, notes are usually available 2-3 fixed-size, to see all the options:
- Press the widget and hold for 2 seconds.
- In the menu that appears, select "Change size" (if the option is active).
β οΈ Note: On Xiaomi with version MIUI 13 and below, when changing the size of the widget, its binding to the account may be lost (for example, the Mi Fit widget will stop showing current data), in this case, only deleting and re-installing the widget will help.
2. Use of the βFree Placementβ regime
little-known function MIUI, It's a mode that allows you to bypass the limitations of the desktop grid, which is hidden in the settings and doesn't work on all models, but if it's available, you can place widgets of any size anywhere on the screen.
It's activated like this:
- Go to Settings. β Desktop.
- Find the option "Desktop grid" or "Badge size".
- Some firmware has a "Free Placement" switch (may be called "Free Placement").
If you donβt have this option, try an alternative method:
- π± Keep your finger in the free screen space. β "Desktop settings".
- π§ Enable "Developer Mode" (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β press 7 times).
- π Return to Desktop Settings β sometimes the option appears after the developer mode is activated.
On which models does free placement work?
After activation of the free arrangement:
- πΉ Widgets can be stretched beyond the edges without being tied to the grid.
- πΉ It is possible to superimpose widgets on each other (useful for creating complex layouts).
- πΉ Some system widgets (like Quick Settings) may start to glittle β be prepared for bugs.
3. Third-party launchers for full customization
If embedded tools MIUI You don't like it, it's time to turn to third-party launchers, which not only allow you to resize widgets without restrictions, but also offer additional features like animations, themes and gestures.
Here's the top.-3 Launcher for Xiaomi, tested for compatibility with widgets:
| Launcher | Widget support | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Complete (including stretching outside the screen) | Transparency setting, gestures, backup layouts | Premium version for some functions |
| Niagara Launcher | Partial (limitations on system widgets) | Minimalist design, smart search, built-in gestures | Not all widgets are displayed correctly |
| Hyperion Launcher | Complete. + support KWGT | Animations, dynamic wallpaper, integration with Tasker | Difficult for beginners, high battery consumption |
To change the size of the widget in Nova Launcher:
- Install the launcher and make it the main one.
- Add the widget to the screen.
- Hold the widget. β In the menu, select "Change the size".
- A grid will appear where you can stretch the widget beyond the standard limits.
β οΈ Note: When using third-party launchers, Xiaomi system widgets (weather, pedometer, smart home) may not work properly. For example, the Mi Home widget sometimes stops updating device data.
For those who want maximum customization, we recommend the combination of Nova Launcher. + KWGT. This will allow you to create widgets of any size and shape, including round, triangular or even animated.
4. Creation of custom widgets with KWGT
KWGT (Kustom Widget Maker is a powerful tool for creating widgets from scratch. MIUI Make a widget of any size, color and functionality.
Here is a brief guide to creating an extended widget:
- Install. KWGT Google Play and Nova Launcher (required!).
- Open up. KWGT, Select "Create a new widget".
- In the editor, set the size in pixels (for example, 500Γ300 bigwidget).
- Add elements (text, icons, graphics) and customize their appearance.
- Save the widget and add it to your desktop via Nova Launcher.
Advantages of KWGT:
- π¨ Complete design freedom β you can create a widget of any shape (even with a transparent background).
- π Support for dynamic data (weather, battery, network activity).
- π Ability to import ready-made templates from the community.
Examples of what can be done:
- π± Widget with full phone information (ROM, temperature, charging) in one block.
- π‘οΈ Weather widget with animated icons and weekly schedule.
- π΅ Music widget with player control and sound visualization.
βοΈ Preparation for work with KWGT
The main minus KWGT β If you've never worked with these tools, you'll have to spend time learning the basics, but the result is worth the effort: your Xiaomi will look unique!
β οΈ Attention: Widgets KWGT If you notice a high consumption, check the data update settings in the data center. KWGT (optimally - once every 30 minutes).
5. Editing system files (for advanced)
If you're willing to take the risk, you can try manually changing widget size limits through system file editing, a method that requires root rights and is only suitable for power users.
Here's what we need to do:
- Get root on your Xiaomi (instructions depend on the model).
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
- Cross the path. /system/csc/others.xml (or /system/csc/feature.xml new-fixed).
- Find the lines with the parameters widget_size_* And change the values to the right ones.
- Save the file, reboot the phone.
Example of changes (do backup before editing!):
<CscFeature_Launcher_WidgetSize>
<Item name="max_width">8</Item>
<Item name="max_height">6</Item>
</CscFeature_Launcher_WidgetSize>The risks of this method:
- π¨ Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop (phone will not turn on).
- π After updating MIUI all changes will reset.
- π‘οΈ On some models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) Files are protected from editing even from root.
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This method is only suitable for older Xiaomi models (until 2022 release). AVB 2.0 editing system files can lead to locking the bootloader.
If you're not sure about your abilities, you'd better use the previous methods. + KWGT without the risk of βfillingβ the phone.
Alternative solutions: substitute widgets
If none of these methods worked, consider using alternative widgets from third-party developers. They often offer more customization options than standard widgets. MIUI.
The best replacements for popular widgets:
- π€οΈ Weather: Overdrop, 1Weather, Transparent Clock & Weather β Support full-screen stretching.
- π Month: Calendar Widget, Digical - flexible size and appearance settings.
- π΅ Music: Musicolet, Poweramp β widgets with customizable size and skins.
- π Smart home: Home Assistant, SmartThings β full-fledged dashboards instead of the standard Mi Home.
An example of Overdrop setup:
- Install the app and add the widget to the screen.
- In the widget settings, select the size 4Γ2, 5Γ2 or castom.
- Customize the displayed data (temperature, precipitation, forecast for the week).
- Activate transparency and overlay on wallpaper for an aesthetic look.
Advantages of alternative widgets:
- π§ More size options (up to full screen).
- π¨ Flexible configuration of appearance (fonts, colors, animations).
- π Regular updates and support for new features.
The only downside is that some apps require a paid subscription to unlock all the features, but there are usually free versions with similar functionality.
7. Frequent problems and their solutions
When you change the size of widgets on Xiaomi, users often encounter typical errors, and we collected the most common and ways to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The widget isn't stretched. | Limitation of the system widget | Use a third-party launcher or alternative widget |
| After changing the size, the widget disappeared. | Misfire in MIUI Launcher | Restart your phone or return the standard size |
| Widget does not update data | Conflict with launcher or energy saving | Add the app to battery optimization exceptions |
| It is impossible to change the size of the system widget | MIUI Limitation for a Specific Model | Try to revert to an older version of the firmware |
If the widget stopped working after the MIUI update:
- Remove the widget from the screen.
- Clear the app cache to which the widget belongs (Settings) β Annexes β Find an app β Clear the cache).
- Reboot the phone.
- Add the widget again.
For Google widgets (Search, Calendar, Keep) it often helps:
- π Update the Google App to the latest version.
- π§ Disabling and re-enabled widgets in Google App settings.
- π± Install Google App Beta (sometimes new features appear there earlier).