Xiaomi smartphones running the proprietary MIUI shell offer users a wide range of personalization options. Redmi 9 is no exception, allowing you to turn a standard desktop into a unique information center. Many new owners of the device are faced with the fact that the usual controls are hidden in non-obvious menus or work differently than on “pure” Android. Understanding the logic of the system will help avoid confusion.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can add widgets, from standard methods to third-party launchers, how to properly place items so that they don’t overlap important icons, and why some of them may not work correctly. Proper home screen settings greatly improve the convenience of daily use of the gadget.
The installation process does not require root rights or deep technical knowledge, but rather care and understanding of the menu structure, and we will look at the nuances that are specific to the Redmi 9 and current versions of the firmware, which will allow you to quickly adapt the device to your personal needs and habits.
Basic ways to add widgets to the desktop
The most obvious and commonly used method of adding items to a lock screen or desktop in MIUI is a little different from stock Android. First, you need to unlock your smartphone and go to the home screen. It is important not to confuse wallpaper editing mode and object addition mode.
Put two fingers on the screen, or just press the empty area on the desktop with your finger for a few seconds. The screen will shrink, and the toolbar will appear at the bottom. That's where the basic look settings are located. Press the Widgets button to open the full list of available items.
⚠️ Note: If you pinch not an empty area, but an existing application icon, the mode of moving or deleting programs, not the widget menu, will start.
In the menu that opens, you'll see the All and Recommended tabs. The All tab contains a complete list of installed apps that can have their own widgets. The Recommended tab offers a selection from the system, often including weather, music and steps. Choose the right item and drag it to a vacant space.
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Use the Application Shortcuts widget to quickly access frequently used features of specific programs, such as a scanner. QR-codes or flashlights without opening the application itself.
Use of Mi Apps widgets and third-party launchers
MIUI is known for its aggressive optimizations that sometimes limit the functionality of standard widgets. However, there is a special section in the system, often called "Mi Widgets" or simply "Widgets" in the right-swipe-oriented screen, accessed by swiping to the right of the left-hand screen.
It houses large, visually appealing blocks designed specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem, which include habit trackers, notes, weather, and smart home management, and often requires you to click on it and select the Add to Desktop option if a particular feature is supported.
For those who do not have standard functionality, there are alternative launchers such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, which allow you to install widgets of any size and shape, ignoring the MIUI grid. Installing a third-party launcher gives you full control over the interface, but can consume more RAM resources.
- 📱 Standard widgets MIUI Better optimized for background operation and less battery power.
- 🎨 Third-party launchers provide limitless customization options, but require permissions to be configured.
- ⚙️ Google Play widgets often have a more modern design than the built-in counterparts from Xiaomi.
Size and position of interface elements
Once the widget is on the screen, it often needs to be customized to the overall style or make room for other icons. Redmi 9 has a screen with a resolution of 1080×2340 pixels, which allows you to comfortably place several large blocks.
To resize the widget, tap it and hold your finger until you see a vibration or menu. If the widget supports resizing, you'll see markers or arrows on the widget, and if you pull them, you can stretch or squeeze the widget vertically or horizontally, and not all widgets support this function.
In some cases, the system will offer you the size options when you first add it, for example, a calendar widget can be square or rectangular, the choice depends on how much information you want to see at once, the large size is convenient for viewing the schedule, the small size is convenient for saving space.
⚠️ Warning: When you try to place a widget in an area occupied by another icon, the system will automatically move adjacent elements.
To fine-tune the grid, you can go to the theme or desktop settings, and sometimes you can change the size of the grid from 4x6 to 5x7, which will allow you to position items more accurately, although it will make the application icons visually smaller.
Working with weather, clock and calendar widgets
One of the most popular elements on the desktop is weather and time widgets. In Redmi 9, they are often combined into one unit. To work properly, you need to make sure that the Weather app has permission to access geolocation. Without this, the data will not be updated.
The clock can display time in digital or analog format. Many users prefer large digital watches because they read well. The calendar widget is useful for displaying upcoming appointments. It syncs with a Google account and the MIUI system calendar.
Why does the weather widget show incorrect data?
If the time widget stops showing seconds or dates, try removing it and adding it again. Sometimes the interface cache crashes, and it's also worth checking if the "Do Not Disturb" or "Traffic Saving" mode is on, which can block the update.
Resolving Update and Display Problems
Xiaomi owners often face a situation where the widget stops updating or displays old data, which is due to the way MIUI manages background processes to save battery power.
To solve this problem, you need to manually set up autostart and work in the background. Go to the phone settings, find the Apps section, and select the desired app that does not work. From the Battery menu, select "No restrictions" and this will prevent the system from forcibly shutting down the process.
It’s also worth checking for updates to the app itself that provides the widget.Developers often release patches that fix compatibility with newer versions of Android and MIUI. An outdated version of the app is a common cause of display bugs.
- 🔄 Cleaning the source app cache can restore the widget.
- 🔋 Disabling energy savings for a particular application solves the problem of “frozen” data.
- 📡 Check your internet connection if the widget requires online data (news, currency rate).
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The key to the stable operation of widgets on Redmi 9 is the correct configuration of power management in the MIUI system, not just the installation of the widget itself.
Table of popular widgets and their purpose
To help you navigate through your Redmi 9, we’ve compiled a table of the most useful widgets to consider for installation, covering basic user needs, from productivity to entertainment.
| Name of the widget | Substantive function | Demands the Internet. | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather. | Forecast and temperature | Yes. | Average. |
| Calendar | Events and dates | No (synchronization) | Low. |
| Dictaphone | Fast sound recording | No. | Low. |
| Stepper | Counting of steps taken | No. | Low. |
| News | News feed | Yes. | High. |
Using a large number of “heavy” widgets, such as news feeds or live wallpaper, can significantly reduce the autonomy of the Redmi 9. Balance between beauty and functionality is the key to comfortable use.