How to change widgets on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, provide users with a wide range of options for customizing the interface. One of the most effective ways to personalize a device is to use widgets correctly. These mini-applications not only decorate the desktop, but also allow you to get important information without going into the programs themselves.

Many users are wondering how to replace standard elements with more functional or beautiful counterparts. The procedure can seem confusing due to the features of the Chinese manufacturer’s interface, which is different from pure Android. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for managing widgets.

You'll learn to not only change their layout, but also to choose alternatives from system libraries or third-party sources. MIUI system widgets have a deep integration layer that is often not available to third-party counterparts. Understanding these nuances will help create a truly unique and user-friendly desktop.

Basic principles of widgets in MIUI and HyperOS

MIUI and HyperOS interfaces use their own workspace logic, which is very different from stock Android. Here, widgets are often integrated directly into app icons or are placed in a separate quick access menu, and they use long-term clicking on the free area of the screen or on the application icon itself.

It’s important to understand the difference between classic Android widgets and Xiaomi’s branded Smart Widgets, which feature responsive designs that automatically change color depending on the theme and wallpaper, and support more complex interactive controls right from the lock screen or desktop.

The system allows you to place items of different sizes, from miniature 2x2 squares to wide 4x2 rectangles. The desktop grid can be changed in settings, allowing you to fit more information on one screen without losing readability. However, it is worth remembering that too many active widgets can consume additional battery power.

⚠️ Note: When installing widgets from unknown developers from third-party stores, make sure they are safe. Some scripts may collect personal data or cause unstable launcher operation.

How to add and replace a widget through the app menu

The most common way to change the widget on the desktop is to use the built-in add-on menu, which requires you to go to the desktop and make a long press (tap and hold) in any free place where there are no icons. At the bottom of the screen, a toolbar will appear, where you need to select "Widgets".

You'll open a library of all the available items, sorted by alphabet or frequency of use. When you find the right widget, click on it and hold your finger. The system will suggest you choose the size and style if the widget has variations. After you select, drag the item to the right place in the grid. If you want to replace an existing widget, just drag the new one over the old one, and you'll get an automatic replacement.

Some versions of the firmware have a two-finger editing mode (finger-mixing) that opens up a view of all desktops and allows you to quickly switch between pages, choosing the optimal placement. The replacement algorithm is the same for all types of launchers preinstalled in Xiaomi.

It’s worth noting that some system widgets, such as Weather or Stepmer, may have priority and take up more resources.If you notice that the phone has started to run slower after installing a heavy widget, try replacing it with a lighter counterpart or reducing the frequency of data updates.

Using Smart Widgets and Configuring Them

Starting with MIUI 12.5 and HyperOS, Xiaomi has introduced Smart Widgets, a new generation of widgets that look more modern and offer enhanced functionality, that can change their appearance depending on the time of day or status of the device, and that can perform actions without opening the application.

To access them, you have to go to the "Recommended" or "Smart" tab in the widget menu, and these are items with rounded corners and an adaptive color scheme, which are often set up through the "Widget Settings" menu, which is called by a long tap on an already installed element.

Unlike classic widgets, smart widgets can display dynamic content, such as tracks from a music player or order delivery status, and the interaction of such elements is much higher: you can mark “completed” in tasks or switch tracks directly from the desktop.

For users who value minimalism, it is recommended to use monochrome versions of smart widgets that fit perfectly into any design and do not create visual noise, and they often support automatic switching between light and dark theme systems.

Third-party widgets and customization through KWGT

If Xiaomi’s standard functionality isn’t enough, third-party solutions come to the rescue. The most powerful tool for creating and installing unique widgets is the KWGT Kustom Widget Maker app. It allows you to create elements of any shape, color, and content, down to pixel graphics.

To install a third-party widget, the process is similar to the system: a long tap on the desktop → “Widgets” → search in the list of “KWGT” or the name of another application. After adding empty space on the screen, an editor will open where you can choose a ready-made preset or create your design from scratch.

Popular alternatives are also Google widgets (weather, photos, notes), which often have a more rigorous and informative design, and can be found in the general widget list by scrolling down to the letter G or the corresponding app name.

⚠️ Note: When installing heavy widgets from third-party developers (especially with live animations), make sure that the battery settings allow background activity for them, otherwise they may stop updating.

Removal and management of installed widgets

Managing the elements already installed is just as important as installing them. To remove the widget that you no longer need, just make a long press on it. In the context menu that appears, you should select “Delete” or drag the widget to the top of the screen, where the red zone “Delete” (or basket) will appear.

In desktop editing mode (two finger pinches), you can see all the pages at once. This is convenient for finding forgotten widgets that can consume resources in the background. Cleaning the desktop of unused items is good practice for keeping the system running.

If the widget is no longer properly displayed or updated, try removing it and adding it again, which often solves problems with the cache of a particular application, and you can also try to resize the widget by pulling the edges of it in editing mode, which sometimes shakes up the rendering process.

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Tip: If the weather widget shows incorrect data, check if the Weather app is allowed geolocation access in the privacy settings. Without the exact location, the widget can show the default data.

Solution: Widgets don’t work or disappear

Xiaomi users sometimes face a situation where widgets spontaneously disappear from the desktop or stop updating information, most often due to the aggressive energy saving system MIUI Optimization.

To fix this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Find an app that doesn’t work (like Weather or Clock). Go to its settings and select Energy Saving by setting No Limits mode, which will prevent the system from turning off the widget process.

Another reason could be a crowded launcher memory: If there are too many icons and widgets on the desktop, the system may force you to delete some of them when you reboot, make room or use folders to group applications.

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The stable operation of widgets on Xiaomi directly depends on the permitted background processes and energy saving settings for a particular source application.

In rare cases, cleaning the launcher cache helps, and to do this, in search of settings, type in "Luncher" or "Desktop", go to the storage and click "Clear Cache" This will not delete your data, but reset the interface display settings.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions