Xiaomi owners often envy iPhone users because of their stylish widgets β neat, informative and perfectly fit into the design of the system. MIUI The problem is that standard Xiaomi widgets look different: they are less minimalistic, often overloaded with information and do not support dynamic resizing, as in iOS.
In this article, weβll break down 5 proven ways to transform your Redmi interface, POCO Xiaomi or iPhone style β from using third-party launchers to hidden features MIUI, You'll learn how to customize your weather, calendar, music and fast action widgets to look like native iOS, while still keeping all the functionality of Android. MIUI, Which prevents full customization.
Why are Xiaomi and iPhone widgets so different?
The difference between the two platforms is in the design philosophy. Apple is betting on minimalism and uniformity: all widgets in iOS are fixed sizes, strict frames and a limited set of styles. Xiaomi, on the contrary, follows the traditions of Android β widgets can be of any size, with transparent backgrounds, animations and even interactive elements. But this advantage turns into chaos: without the right configuration, the interface looks overloaded.
Key differences:
- π Sizes: on iPhone widgets tied to the grid (2Γ2, 2Γ4, 4Γ4), on Xiaomi -- arbitrary.
- π¨ Styles: in iOS widgets are always with a white / dark background and rounded corners, in the MIUI β often transparent or gradient-free.
- βοΈ Functionality: iOS widgets show only the most important information, in the MIUI They can be βsmartβ (for example, a weather widget with rain animations).
- π Update: in iOS widgets are updated in the background, in Android β often require manual updates.
Another problem is the limitations. MIUI. For example, in a standard launcher, you can't resize the widgets on the grid like you do on your iPhone, or pin them on your lock screen!
Method 1: Use of the Nova Launcher (the most reliable method)
Nova Launcher is a versatile Android customization tool that allows you to accurately reproduce the iOS widget grid on any Xiaomi smartphone. The advantage of this method is that you get not only widgets, but also smooth animations, gestures and a customizable dock bar, like on an iPhone.
What you'll need:
- π± Xiaomi smartphone on the MIUI 12/13/14 (HyperOS).
- π οΈ Installed Nova Launcher (free or Pro version).
- π¨ A set of widgets in the style of iOS (we recommend iWidgets or KWGT).
Step-by-step:
- Install Nova Launcher and make it the default launcher (select Settings in your phone settings) β Annexes β By default. β Launcher).
- Hold your finger on the main screen. β Settings Nova β Desktop β The size of the grid. 5Γ6 (iPhone-like).
- Enable the option to Show Search Strings (this mimics the iOS search bar at the top of the screen).
- Install iWidgets widget or create your own in the KWGT (below).
- Add the widget to the main screen: press your finger β Widgets β Choose the right one and drag it to the screen.
βοΈ Setting up Nova Launcher for iOS
Important: in the free version of Nova Launcher, you can not change the size of the widgets on the grid - you need a Pro version (it is worth it). ~Also pay attention to the gesture settings: in Nova you can configure the swipe down to call the notification panel (as on iPhone X and newer).
β οΈ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5 Xiaomi 13T) After installing Nova Launcher, the return gesture (swipe on the right) may disappear. To return it, go to Nova Settings β Gestures and controls β The "Back" gesture and select the System gesture.
Method 2: Widgets through KWGT (for advanced users)
KWGT (Kustom Widget Maker is a tool for creating custom widgets from scratch, and it can play iOS pixel-perfect widgets, including animations, dynamic data (weather, battery, time), and even interactive elements.
What do you need?
- π² Installed KWGT (free-to-play).
- π¨ Ready-made presets widgets in the style of iOS (you can download in KWGT Kustom Pack or Reddit).
- π οΈ Launcher with support for widgets (for example, Nova Launcher).
Instructions for setting:
- Install. KWGT and open it. Press on it. + In the lower right corner to create a new widget.
- Choose Import and download preset iOS widgets (e.g. iOS 17 Weather.kwidget).
- Set up data: Long press on the element β Edit β Data β Select a source (such as weather from OpenWeatherMap).
- Save the widget and add it to the main screen through the launcher.
| Type of widget | Recommended preset for KWGT | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|
| Weather. | iOS 17 Weather Dark | Medium (need to be adjusted) API key) |
| Calendar | iOS Calendar Minimal | Easy. |
| Music. | iOS Music Player | Complicated (you need plugins for media) |
| Battery | iOS Battery Percent | Easy. |
| Quick action | iOS Shortcuts Grid | Medium (you need to adjust the actions) |
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π‘
If the widget is in KWGT It doesn't update the weather, check if the phone settings enable geolocation access for the app, and make sure the preset is correct. API-Key for weather service (usually OpenWeatherMap).
Method 3: Ready-made themes MIUI iOS style (without root)
If you do not want to install third-party launchers, you can do with built-in tools MIUI. The Xiaomi Themes store has ready-made themes that mimic iPhone widgets.This method is suitable for those who want a quick solution without complex settings.
How to find and apply the topic:
- Open the Themes app on your smartphone.
- Search for iOS 17, iPhone widget or Apple style.
- Choose your favorite theme (pay attention to the rating and number of downloads: π iOS Dark Mode β a dark theme with weather and calendar widgets. βοΈ iOS 17 Light is a bright theme with a focus on minimalism. π΅ Apple Music Widget β a separate widget for music management.
Apply
Limitations of this method:
- β Widgets are not always updated in real time (for example, the weather can freeze").
- β There is no way to change the size of widgets β they are fixed.
- β Some topics contain advertising or paid items.
How to Remove Advertising in Topics MIUI?
If you don't like the way widgets look in the theme, you can turn them off, leaving only wallpaper and icons. β Remove or modify the size (if supported).
Method 4: Widgets on the lock screen (hidden function) MIUI)
Few people know, but in MIUI There's a hidden feature that allows you to add widgets to the lock screen -- almost like an iPhone -- but it doesn't work on all models and requires you to turn on through the developer settings.
How to turn on the widgets on the lock screen:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers, find the Widget option on the lock screen (on some firmware it is called Lockscreen widgets).
- Turn it on and restart the phone.
- Now, when swiping to the right, widgets (weather, calendar, music) will appear on the lock screen.
List of supported widgets:
- π‘οΈ Weather (with animation).
- π Calendar (forthcoming events).
- π΅ Music (player control).
- β° Alarm clock (quick access).
- π Shagomer (data from Mi Band).
β οΈ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) When this function is enabled, you may experience slowdowns in the lock animation. If the screen is braking, turn off the widgets back or reset the lock screen settings in Settings. β Lock screen β Additionally. β Reset.
If the option Widgets on the lock screen is not in the developer settings, then your model or version MIUI In this case, you can use an alternative, the Lockscreen Widgets app from Google Play (requires permissions to access notifications).
Method 5: Using Shortcuts + Assistive Touch (Fast Action Widgets)
One of the most underrated ways to mimic an iPhone widget on Xiaomi is by combining shortcuts and Assistive Touch, which allows you to create a quick action panel, like in the iOS Control Center, but with customization.
What you need:
- π QuickShortcutMaker application (to create shortcuts).
- π Included in Assistive Touch MIUI (setting up special possibilities).
- π± Launcher with support for widgets (for example, Nova Launcher).
Step-by-step:
- Install QuickShortcutMaker and find the actions you want to add to the widget (e.g., Turn on the flashlight, Open Wi-Fi settings).
- Create shortcuts for these activities and save them to the home screen.
- Include Assistive Touch in Settings β Special facilities β Assistive Touch.
- Set up the Assistive Touch menu: add shortcuts from Step 2.
- Now, when you click on the floating circle, a panel with quick actions will appear - almost like on an iPhone!
Examples of useful shortcuts for the widget:
- π¦ Turn on/off the flashlight.
- πΆ Fast mobile data switching.
- π Don't disturb mode".
- π· Quick camera launch.
- π Phone reboot.
π‘
The combination of Assistive Touch and QuickShortcutMaker allows you to create an analogue of the iOS Control Center on Xiaomi, while not requiring root rights or complex manipulations.
The disadvantage of this method is the limited design: the Assistive Touch panel does not look as aesthetically pleasing as on the iPhone, but it is functional and works on all Xiaomi models.
Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?
Each of these methods has its pros and cons, and to make it easier for you to choose, we have compiled a comparative table:
| Method | Difficulty | Need root? | Animation support | Real-time update | It's best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher + iWidgets | Medium | No. | Yes. | Yes. | Completely simulated iOS |
| KWGT (custom-widget) | Tall. | No. | Yes. | Yeah (tunes in) | Advanced users |
| MIUI themes | Low. | No. | No. | Partially. | Quick solution without settings |
| Widgets on lockdown | Medium | No. | Yes (limited) | Yes. | Quick access to information |
| Assistive Touch + Shortcuts | Low. | No. | No. | No. | Quick Action (as a Control Center) |
Selection recommendations:
- π¨ If you are interested in design and are willing to spend time on customization, choose Nova Launcher. + KWGT.
- β‘ If you need a quick solution, try themes. MIUI.
- π§ If functionality (fast actions, shortcuts) is important, use Assistive Touch. + Shortcuts.
- π If you want widgets on the lock screen, check your model support through the Developer Settings.