How to install a calendar on the desktop of the phone Xiaomi: all ways

The calendar widget on the home screen of Xiaomi’s smartphone is not just a decoration, but a useful tool for scheduling things, allowing you to quickly browse upcoming events, reminders and important dates without opening the app. However, many users have difficulty adding a widget: some versions of MIUI have hidden menus, while others have no standard calendar at all.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to install a calendar on the Redmi desktop, POCO or Mi, including circumvention of restrictions MIUI 14, working with Google Calendar and third-party applications, and we'll focus on the nuances of different firmware versions. MIUI 12 to MIUI 14 based on Android 11-14.

1. Standard method: Widget of MIUI system calendar

The easiest method is to use a built-in widget from Xiaomi. It is available on most devices, but its location on the menu may vary depending on the version of the shell.

To add a widget:

  • 📱 Long pressing on the free space of the desktop → Select "Widgets" (or "Widgets" in English firmware).
  • 🔍 Scroll down to the “Xiaomi Tools” section».
  • 📅 Find the Calendar widget (date icon) and drag it to the screen.
  • ⚙️ Size if necessary (some widgets support stretching).

If the widget is not listed, this could mean:

  • ❌ Calendar app disabled in settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Calendar).
  • ❌ Installed lightweight version MIUI (For example, for the Redmi A budget model or POCO C).
  • ❌ The firmware is modified (castom or global version with reduced functionality).

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If the widget doesn’t show up, try updating the Calendar app via Google Play or GetApps (for Chinese firmware).

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 with a MIUI 14) the calendar widget is hidden in the "Other widgets" section. scroll through the list to the end!

2.Alternative: Google Calendar widget

If you don’t like the Xiaomi system calendar, you can use the Google Calendar widget, which syncs with your Google account and supports advanced scheduling features.

Instructions:

  1. Install Google Calendar from Play Market (if not installed).
  2. Long click on the desktop → “Widgets” → find the “Google” section.
  3. Select the calendar widget (options are available: month, agenda, to-do list).
  4. Drag it on the screen and adjust the size.

The advantages of Google Calendar:

  • 🔄 Automatic synchronization with other devices (PC, tablet).
  • 🎨 More design options (color themes, transparency).
  • 🔔 Integration with Google Assistant for Voice Reminders.
FunctionMIUI System CalendarGoogle Calendar
Synchronization with the cloud❌ Only with the Mi Account.✅ Google, Outlook, Exchange
Widgets✅ 1-2 variants✅ 4+ Options (month, week, agenda)
Reminders✅ Basic✅ Extended (repeated, geolocated)
Integration with the postal system❌ No.✅ Yes (Gmail, Yahoo)

⚠️ Note: On devices without Google services (Chinese firmware), the Google Calendar widget will not work. №4 (third party annexes).

3.Addition via "Edit Mode" (for MIUI 14)

In the latest versions of MIUI 14 (based on Android 13/14), the widget add interface has changed, and now you need to use the desktop edit mode.

Step-by-step:

  1. Touch and hold your finger in the free screen space.
  2. At the bottom of the screen, a panel with options will appear – select “Edit” (pencil icon).
  3. Click on "Widgets" (plus icon in the circle).
  4. In the list, find “Calendar” or “Google Calendar” and drag it to the screen.
  5. Finish the edit by clicking "Done" in the upper right corner.

Make sure the Calendar app is installed and updated

Check the free space on the desktop (the widget will not fit if the cells are occupied)

Turn off the power saving mode (can block widgets)

Restart your phone if the widget doesn’t show up-->

If the widget does not appear after these actions, try:

  • 🔄 Reset the desktop settings: Settings → Desktop → Reset the layout.
  • 📥 Clear the Launcher app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Show it all. → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

4. Third-party applications with widgets

If the built-in solutions don't work, you can install a third-party calendar with extended widgets.

  • 📅 Today Calendar – Minimalist design, support for dark theme.
  • 🎨 DigiCal Calendar – weather and event widgets.
  • 🔄 Business Calendar 2 – for business planning (synchronization with Outlook).
  • 🌈 Month: Calendar Widget - Customizable widgets with animation.

How to determine:

  1. Download the app from the Play Market (links above).
  2. Open it and allow access to calendar and notifications.
  3. Add a widget to the desktop (similar to the method) №1).
  4. Customize the appearance in the application menu (font size, colors, transparency).
How to choose the best calendar?
Compare the applications by criteria: ✅ Sync – Does your account support Google, Exchange, iCloud). ✅ Widgets – are there any display options (month, week, list). ✅ Reminders – can you customize repetitive events and geolocation. ✅ Design – Does the style of your theme fit? MIUI. ✅ Advertising – in free versions can interfere with banners.

⚠️ Note: Some third-party calendars (such as Month) require additional permissions to display the weather!

5 Manually create a calendar shortcut (if the widget is not available)

If none of these things worked, you can shortcut the calendar app, which is not a full widget, but it allows you to quickly open the calendar in one tap.

Instructions:

  1. Long press on the desktop → «Labels (or "Shortcuts»).
  2. Select “Calendar” from the list of applications.
  3. Click on "Add to the desktop."

For convenience:

  • 🎨 Change the shortcut icon with apps like Nova Launcher or Icon Pack Studio.
  • 🔔 Set up notifications in the calendar app itself to avoid missing out on events.

Standard MIUI

Google Calendar

Third-party app (Today, DigiCal, etc.)

I don't use a calendar.-->

6. Problem Solving: The widget doesn't appear or disappears

Sometimes the added calendar widget disappears after a reboot or doesn't update the data. Let's look at the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Widget disappeared after rebootLauncher error or conflict with optimizerClear the Launcher cache (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage)
The widget is not updatedLimitation of background activityDisable Calendar Optimization (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Calendar → No Limits)
The widget is displayed emptyNo permission to access the calendarCheck the permissions (Settings → Applications → Calendar → Permissions)
You can't change the size of the widget.Limitation of theme or launcherInstall a third-party launcher (Nova, Apex) or change the theme to Topics

If the problem persists, try:

  • 🔄 Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Drop it.
  • 📲 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
  • 🛠️ Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that supports more widgets.

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If the calendar widget goes missing after the MIUI update, it could be a firmware bug. Check forums (like Mi Community) for known problems for your model.

FAQ: Frequent Calendar Questions on Xiaomi

🔹 Can I add a calendar widget to the lock screen?
No, in MIUI There is no standard feature for adding widgets to the lock screen, but you can: Use Always On Display (on supported models) to display the date. Install a third-party app like Lock Screen Widgets (requires root or root). ADB-permitting).
🔹 Why Google Calendar Widgets Are Not Synced?
The problem is usually related to: 🔌 No Internet connection (check the connection). 🔒 Background activity restrictions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Google Calendar → No restrictions). 🔄 Account Synchronization Error (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization → If it doesn't work, delete and re-add your Google account.
🔹 How to Change the Calendar Widget Size?
The widget size changes by stretching: Long press on the widget. You'll see white dots on the edges -- pull them to resize. Release your finger to save. If the dots don't show up, your launcher or MIUI theme doesn't support resizing. Solution: Set up a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher). Try another widget (like "Agenda" instead of "Mon").
🔹 Can I transfer the calendar widget to the second desktop?
Yes, you can move widgets between screens: Long-press on the widget. Drag it to the edge of the screen and the desktop will scroll. Release it at the right place. If the widget sticks to the grid, try: Use a free launcher (like Nova Launcher). Change the size of the desktop grid (Settings → Desktop → Grid size).
🔹 How to make a calendar widget transparent?
Standard widgets MIUI Google Calendar doesn't support transparency: 🎨 Use third-party apps (such as Month or DigiCal) where there is a background transparency setting. 🖼️ Set a theme with transparent elements in the themes (Settings) → Topics → Online topics). 🛠️ Create your own widget through KWGT (requires customization skills).