How to make widgets on Android Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer users incredible flexibility in personalizing the desktop, and one of the main tools for this is widgets. These miniature applications allow you to display important information without having to open the main programs, which significantly saves time and improves the usability of the device. However, many users, especially those who have switched from other brands or pure Android, often wonder how to make widgets on Android Xiaomi, since the process of adding them has its own features in the shell MIUI or HyperOS.

Unlike standard systems, where widgets are often hidden in a shared application menu, the Xiaomi ecosystem takes them into a separate space, accessed through prolonged pressing on the free area of the screen. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system, but the basic principle remains unchanged over the years. Understanding the logic of the Launcher will help you not only add new elements, but also effectively manage them, creating unique scenarios for using your smartphone.

In this article, we will take a look at the entire setup process, from basic clock and weather additions to complex automation scenarios. You will learn how to fix common bugs, why widgets can disappear after a reboot, and what hidden features are available in the latest firmware. Starting with MIUI 12.5 and HyperOS, memory algorithms have been changed, which requires special attention to setting up power saving for widgets. Let's start exploring in detail the capabilities of your device.

Basic principle of adding widgets to the desktop

The process of adding widgets to Xiaomi smartphones is intuitive, but requires precise execution of the sequence of actions. To get started, you need to unlock the screen and go to the desktop where you want to place the new element. Prolonged tapping (tap and hold) on an empty section of the screen is a key action that opens the launcher control menu.

Once you hold your finger on the screen for about a second, the interface changes, the app icons start to shake, and the toolbar will appear at the bottom or top. You need to find a button or tab called "Widgets." Depending on the version of the MIUI shell, this button can be highlighted by a separate icon or be located in the bottom menu next to the option "Wallpaper" and "Settings".

Clicking on the appropriate button will show you a list of all available widgets, sorted by alphabet or category, and presents both system elements (clock, calendar, weather) and widgets from installed third-party applications. Selecting a specific widget and dragging it to the desktop is the final step of basic customization.

It’s worth noting that some widgets are fixed size, while others allow you to change their dimensions immediately after placing. If you try to place the widget in an area where other icons already occupy space, the system will automatically prompt you to move existing items or refuse to place if the space is critically small.

Working with widgets in MIUI and HyperOS: interface differences

The MIUI shells and the new HyperOS have brought significant changes to the way users interact with the desktop. In older versions of MIUI, widgets were often integrated directly into the app menu, and adding them required swiping to the right, opening "Mini Apps" or "Global Widgets." However, in modern versions, Xiaomi returned to the classic Android scheme, separating applications and widgets.

HyperOS focuses on visuals and smooth animations. Widgets are more interactive, with many of them supporting direct control without opening an application. For example, a music widget allows you to switch tracks, and a smart home widget allows you to change the state of the light bulbs. The adaptability of the interface allows widgets to change their color depending on the chosen wallpaper, creating a harmonious design.

⚠️ Note: In some regions and global firmware versions, widget menus may be called differently or have a changed structure. If you don't find the right option, check the theme settings, as third-party themes may block standard widgets.

Another important feature is that it supports different size widgets, and it offers a mesh that you can customize, and you can choose a 2x2, 4x2, or even 4x4 widget if the app supports that size, and it allows you to create complex compositions on your desktop, combining clocks, weather, and fast switches into a single information unit.

Users who are used to iOS will appreciate the similarity of widget implementations in new versions of MIUI. There is the possibility of stacking, where several widgets of the same size can be superimposed on each other and swipe between them up or down. This saves space on the screen, allowing you to keep a lot of tools at hand without cluttering the space.

Setting up the size and grid of the desktop

For comfortable use of widgets, it is critical to properly configure the desktop grid. The standard grid may not be suitable for the large widgets you plan to use. To change the grid settings, you need to again use a long press on the desktop and select Settings (usually the icon of a gear or sliders).

In the settings menu, find the option "More" or "Grid settings." Here you can change the number of rows and columns. For example, switching from a 5x6 grid to 6x7 will allow you to place more small widgets or make larger widgets more detailed. However, it is worth remembering that increasing the density of icons can make the interface less readable on small screens.

Grid change applies to all desktops at once. Once you change the settings, the system can automatically redistribute existing icons, so don't be surprised if your folders and applications move. Grid editing is a powerful tool for those who like order and symmetry in the arrangement of elements.

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Use transparent widgets or widgets with minimalist design if you are installing a tight grid so that the interface doesn’t look overloaded.

Problems with displaying and disappearing widgets

One of the most common problems faced by Xiaomi owners is the spontaneous disappearance of widgets after rebooting the device or in the background.This is due to the aggressive energy saving policy of the Android system and the MIUI shell, which seeks to close any background processes to save battery power.

To ensure that the widget is working correctly and does not disappear, you must give the corresponding application permission to work in the background. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Find an application that does not work (for example, “Weather” or “Calendar”), and click on it.

In the app menu, find the "Start" option and turn it on. Then go to "Energy Saving" (or "Battery") and select "No Limits" mode. This is a critical step, without which the system will regularly "kill" the widget process, considering it unnecessary.

⚠️ Warning: Enabling auto-run for a large number of applications can lead to accelerated battery drain. Use this setting selectively, only for those widgets that you really need.

It’s also worth checking for updates for the app itself. Often bugs with widgets displayed are fixed by developers in new versions. If the widget is displayed in black square or shows an error, try removing it and adding it again, after clearing the cache of the main application through the settings.

Use of third-party launchers and widgets

If standard features aren't enough, you can always turn to third-party solutions. Google Play offers thousands of widgets from independent developers that can look and function much more interesting than standard ones. Popular widget sets like KWGT allow you to create designs of any complexity.

When installing a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Niagara), the process of adding widgets may be slightly different. Usually, just swipe up or click on the menu button to open the list of widgets. However, on Xiaomi, when using third-party launchers, there may be conflicts with system optimization.

For third-party widgets to work on Xiaomi, you often need to disable the Advanced Optimization option in the developer menu. To get there, you need to click 7 times on the build number in the About Phone section, and then find the appropriate switch in the advanced settings. This action may require entering a password from the Mi Account.

Third-party solutions provide access to widgets that support HTML/CSS codes, high-resolution weather maps, and widgets integrated with data servers, making the desktop a full dashboard.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions on Widgets

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For stable widgets on Xiaomi, be sure to set up auto-run permissions and remove power saving restrictions for the respective applications.