How to change the widget on the lock screen Xiaomi

Personalizing the smartphone interface is not just a way to stand out, but also an opportunity to make the device more comfortable and efficient. Xiaomi phone owners often wonder how to change the appearance of the home screen or lock screen to get quick access to important information. Standard system settings allow you to flexibly manage the design elements, but the process of replacing widgets can have its own nuances depending on the version of the shell.

With the current versions of MIUI and the new HyperOS, widgets have undergone significant changes, offering users more freedom in choosing style and functionality. widgets can now display weather, currency rates, steps, music and more directly on a locked screen. Understanding the logic of how these elements work will allow you to create a unique and user-friendly interface that will meet your needs.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to replace widgets, look at the features of working with the widget library and answer frequently asked questions, learn how to activate the necessary permissions and where to look for hidden settings that are not always obvious when you first get acquainted with the device.

Features of widgets in MIUI and HyperOS

Xiaomi’s shells have long gone beyond standard Android to offer its own approach to organizing the workspace. Widgets are not just static pictures, but interactive elements that can be updated in real time. In recent firmware versions, the company has introduced the Android 12+ widgets format, which allows widgets to look more organic and support different grid sizes.

One of the key features is the separation of widgets into classic and new smart widgets, the first ones are familiar to users from previous versions of the Android, they have a fixed design, the second adapt to the theme of design, can change color and style depending on the installed wallpaper or the chosen mode of operation of the smartphone, which makes the interface more lively and dynamic.

It is also worth noting that the lock screen in HyperOS has received an updated widget mechanism, reminiscent of the implementation in iOS. The user can add widgets directly under the clock or to the bottom of the screen, creating an informative dashboard.

It is important to understand that not all widgets can work simultaneously without affecting the autonomy of the device. Active widgets that constantly update data via the Internet or GPS can consume battery power.

Preparation for the lock screen setting

Before actively replacing interface elements, make sure the system is ready to make changes. Often users find that widgets are not added or displayed incorrectly due to security restrictions or energy savings. Checking basic settings will help avoid most common problems.

First of all, make sure that the widgets are allowed on the lock screen. In some design themes or after the system update, this feature may be disabled by default. It is also worth checking for updates for the system application "Security" and "Themes", since they are responsible for rendering elements on the locked screen.

The next step is to free up RAM space. If your Xiaomi is operating in a resource-saving mode, the system can block the addition of new widgets. Close the background apps and make sure the widget has the necessary permissions to access data if it displays information from other applications.

Third-party themes downloaded from MIUI Themes may have their own widget sets that replace the standard ones. If you want to use system widgets, you may have to temporarily switch to a standard theme or find a theme that supports system components.

Instructions: How to add and replace a widget

The process of adding a widget to the lock screen may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system, but the overall algorithm of actions remains similar. First, unlock the device and go to the main screen. Here you need to find an empty area or use a special editing mode, which is caused by a long press or pinch of your fingers.

In the menu that opens, select "Vidgets." You'll see a library of available items divided into categories: "System", "Apps", "Tools." Find the desired widget, such as "Weather" or "Notes." Press it and hold your finger, then drag the item to the desired area of the lock screen or home screen, if the widget is designed for it.

If you want to replace an existing widget, the steps are: find the widget on the screen, click on it and hold it until the context menu appears. Select the option "Replace the widget" or "Change" if available. In the list that opens, select a new style or data source. Some widgets allow you to change only the appearance, leaving the functionality the same.

For more precise adjustments to size and position, use a grid. In the screen settings (Settings → Lock screen), you can choose the size of the grid, which will allow you to place the widgets more compact or, conversely, make them larger, this is especially true for devices with large diagonals, where a standard size may not be enough to read information comfortably.

The important thing is to customize the widget behavior, and many of the elements support deep customization, and by clicking on the widget or selecting "Settings" in the widget menu, you can change the city for the weather, you can choose a to-do list, or you can customize the calendar display. Don't ignore these settings, because they make the widget a really useful tool.

Customization and customization of widgets

Once the widget is on the screen, it can and should be customized. Standard settings often offer basic functionality, but customization allows you to unlock the full potential of the item. Depending on the type of widget, the options available can range from simple color selection to complex data display scenarios.

Weather widgets and watches often have a change in the style of the dial or background. You can choose a minimalist design without unnecessary details or, conversely, a rich graphic element with animation. HyperOS has the ability to synchronize the color of the widget with the dominant color of the wallpaper, which creates a harmonious visual range.

Application widgets like email or messaging allow you to set up your account or notification filter, which is useful if you want to see only important emails from specific contacts on the lock screen, ignoring promotional mailings, which enhances privacy and reduces information noise.

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Use folder widgets to group frequently used applications, which will free up space on the screen and speed up access to the desired programs.

Don't forget the size of the widget. Most system widgets support resizing. Tap the widget, select "Resize" and stretch or compress the widget, allowing you to tailor the widget to the remaining space or to emphasize a specific interface element to make it more visible.

Solution: Widgets don’t work or disappear

Users may experience a situation where installed widgets stop updating, display old data or completely disappear from the lock screen after rebooting, most often due to the aggressive MIUI energy saving system, which “kills” the background processes of widgets to save battery power.

To fix this, add the widget-related app to the battery exceptions. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Application Activity Control. Find the right app (like "Weather" or "Hours") and set "No Limits" mode, which will prevent the system from stopping the widget.

Another common problem is the theme conflict. If you installed a third-party theme, it could have replaced the system widgets with its own counterparts, which may not work well. Try to return a standard theme in the Themes app and see if it solved the problem. If the widget is gone after the system update, try removing it and adding it again.

⚠️ Note: If the widget consumes too much power, the system can automatically limit its operation. → Battery to identify problem element in time.

It’s also worth checking the permissions for the widget source app. If the calendar widget doesn’t have access to your events, it’ll be empty. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the right app, and make sure all the necessary permissions (calendar, location, notifications) are activated.

Top useful widgets for productivity

The lock screen is the first thing you see when you pick up your phone, and if you put some useful widgets in here, you can turn it into a productivity control center, and there are many options that can help you stay up to date without unlocking your smartphone completely.

• 🌤 Weather and time: A classic that is always relevant, allows you to quickly assess the need for an umbrella or a meeting time, without opening unnecessary applications.
• 📅 Calendar and Events: Shows upcoming appointments and reminders, perfect for those who live on schedule and are afraid to be late.
• 🎵 Music player: Allows you to control playback, switch tracks and see the album cover directly from a locked screen.
• 👟 Stepmer and Activity: Motivates you to move more by showing progress in real-time on your daily step rate.

And you also need to look at widgets to quickly run automation scenarios, which can be used with a single touch to turn on Do Not Disturb mode, launch the navigator home, or turn on the voice recorder, which saves time and makes interaction with the smartphone more intuitive.

News aggregators widgets that show headlines for the day’s major events will be useful for news enthusiasts, but be careful about choosing a source so as not to overload the screen with unnecessary information and promotional materials.

Comparison of widgets in different versions of MIUI

Xiaomi’s interface has evolved in leaps and bounds, and widgets have changed with the system. Understanding the differences between versions will help users of old and new devices navigate the settings.

In the HyperOS version, the company has been betting on unifying the experience across all devices, widgets now look the same on phones, tablets and even TVs, which creates a sense of system integrity. At the same time, in MIUI 12, widgets were more functionally limited, but often worked more stable on older devices due to less system load.

Users who have upgraded from older versions may need time to adjust to the new logic of adding widgets. If you used to have to tread a long time on the screen, now you need to swipe or press a long time in an empty area, these changes are aimed at improving the ergonomics of using large smartphones with one hand.

⚠️ Note: When transitioning from MIUI On HyperOS, old third-party launcher widgets may stop working correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Competent widget setting turns the lock screen from a simple screensaver into a powerful smartphone management tool, saving you time on launching applications.