Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones due to the balanced characteristics and support for MIUI updates. However, many users face difficulties when trying to add widgets to the home screen — especially if it comes to custom solutions or third-party launchers. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to install widgets, from basic to advanced, and also explain how to circumvent the typical limitations of MIUI and optimize the interface.
The widgets on Redmi Note 7 fall into three categories: system (weather, clock, calendar), from applications (Google, Yandex, social networks) and custom (created through third-party launchers like Nova Launcher). You’ll also learn why some widgets may not show up, how to fix the grey icon problem, and what to do if the widgets are gone after the MIUI update.
Preparation of the smartphone before installing widgets
Before adding widgets, make sure your Redmi Note 7 is ready to change.
- 📱 Update MIUI to the latest available version. Widgets may not work on outdated firmware (especially for MIUI 10 and below). Check the version in Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI.
- 🔄 Clear the launcher cache. Hold your finger in the free seat of the home screen → Screen settings → Clear the cache. This will eliminate any glitches with the display.
- 🔒 Allow installation from unknown sources (if you plan to use APK widgets). path: Settings → Privacy → Special permissions → Install unknown applications.
- 📥 Download the apps you need. Custom widgets may require Nova Launcher, KWGT or UCCW (available on Google Play).
If you use a Xiaomi theme (from the Themes section), some widgets may conflict with it, in which case temporarily return the standard theme (By default) and check the health.
⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI Google’s Global Stable widgets (such as Google Assistant or Google Calendar) may not be displayed due to manufacturer restrictions. Solution: Install Google App manually APK Or a launcher change.
Method 1: Adding MIUI system widgets
The easiest way is to use Xiaomi's built-in widgets, which are MIUI optimized and rarely cause problems. Here's how to add them:
- Long press on the free seat of the main screen → select Widgets.
- Scroll down. System widgets are usually located at the top (e.g. Weather, Watch, Calendar, Steps).
- Press the widget you want and drag it to the screen. Some widgets (like Weather) support resizing — pull around corners after placing.
- Click on the widget to set up (for example, for the weather you can choose the city, for the clock - the style of the dial).
The list of available system widgets depends on the version of MIUI. For example, MIUI 12.5 has a widget Smart Assistant, and MIUI 14 has energy consumption. If there is no widget, check for system updates.
| widget | Functionality | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Weather. | Temperature, forecast, humidity | Supports animation (rain, snow) when weather changes |
| The clock | Analog/digital clocks, alarm clocks | You can choose a style of 10+ options |
| Calendar | Viewing events, adding notes | Syncs with Google Calendar when configured |
| Steps. | Step meter, calories, distance | Data is taken from Mi Fitness |
| Smart assistant. | Quick access to functions (flashlight, calculator) | Appeared in MIUI 12.5, supports customization |
⚠️ Warning: If you add a widget and it appears as "empty" or with an error, restart your smartphone.This is due to a bug MIUI where widget services don't start automatically.
Update MIUI to the latest version
Clear the launcher's cache
Check the free space on the screen (widgets will not fit if the cells are occupied)
Disable energy saving for the System Launcher application-->
Method 2: Install widgets from third-party applications
Many apps (e.g. Google, Yandex, Spotify, Telegram) offer their own widgets.
- Install an app from Google Play (like Google for a search widget).
- Long press on the main screen → Widgets.
- Find the section with the app name (like Google App or Yandex).
- Select the widget you want (like Google Search 4×1) and drag to the screen.
If the widget does not appear in the list, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🚫 The app does not support widgets (check the description in Google Play).
- 🔄 The widget is disabled in the application settings (for example, Google needs to go to Settings → Widgets and enable the option).
- 📵 MIUI limitations for the global version (solved by changing the launcher or smartphone region).
On the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI Global, Google widgets may not work due to the lack of Google Play services by default.Solution: Install Google Play Services and Google App manually via APKMirror (versions for ARM64).
How to install Google App on MIUI without Google Play
Method 3: Castom widgets via Nova Launcher
If standard widgets don’t suit you, use Nova Launcher, which allows you to install custom widgets (such as from KWGT or UCCW) and flexibly customize their appearance.
- Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher (the system will prompt you to do so when you first start).
- Download a widget creation app like KWGT Kustom Widget Maker.
- In KWGT, select your favorite widget template (or create your own).
- Long tap on the home screen → Widgets → find the KWGT section and select the widget you created.
- Customize the size and position (Nova Launcher supports free scaling).
The advantages of Nova Launcher:
- ✅ Support for widget animation (e.g. weather with effects).
- ✅ The ability to resize screen cells (useful for non-standard widgets).
- ✅ Backup and Restore (you can transfer widgets to another smartphone).
Disadvantage: Nova Launcher consumes a little more memory than the standard MIUI launcher. If you notice slowdowns, turn off animations in the launcher settings.
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To prevent widgets in Nova Launcher from being reset after the MIUI update, turn on the option to Save Settings in Nova Settings → Backup.
Solving Widget Problems on Redmi Note 7
Even when installed correctly, widgets may not work properly. Consider typical problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The widget does not appear in the list | The app does not support widgets or they are disabled | Check the application settings or reinstall it |
| Widget "gray" or empty | Application services not running | Restart your smartphone or clear the app cache |
| Widget disappears after MIUI update | Resetting launcher settings | Restore widgets manually or through a backup (in Nova Launcher) |
| The widget is not updated (for example, weather) | Restrictions of background activity in MIUI | Add the application to Settings → Battery → Without restrictions |
| Google widgets don't work | There are no Google services | Install Google Play Services and Google App manually |
If the widget has stopped updating (for example, the weather shows old data), check:
- 📶 Internet connection (weather widgets require network access)
- 🔋 Energy saving: Add the widget app to the exceptions (Settings → Battery → Application Selection).
- 🔄 App Update: Go to Google Play and check the version is up to date.
⚠️ Warning: Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 11 and below may experience a bug when widgets are reset after rebooting.This is due to memory optimization in the background. Solution: turn off Adaptive Brightness in screen settings (strangely, but it helps many users).
Optimizing widgets to save battery
Widgets, especially those that keep up to date (weather, currency rates, news) can drain the battery to minimize consumption.
- ⏳ Increase the refresh interval. For example, in the weather widget, install the update every 3-6 hours instead of "auto."
- 🚫 Turn off animation. You can remove unnecessary effects from KWGT or system widgets MIUI.
- 📴 Use static widgets (e.g., a clock with no second hand or a calendar with no weather).
- 🔋 Add widgets to sleep mode. MIUI has Battery Optimization — eliminate only really important widgets.
Check the battery consumption by application:
- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Use.
- Find the app responsible for the widget (like Mi Weather or Google).
- If your consumption exceeds 5-7%, limit background activity or reduce the frequency of updates.
On the Redmi Note 7 with a 4000 mAh battery, weather and news widgets eat up 3-5% of the charge on average in 8 hours of activity. If the battery goes down faster, the problem is not widgets, but background optimization of MIUI – reset settings to Settings → Additional → Reset (without deleting data).
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Widgets with constant updates (weather, stock quotes) are the main “eaters” of the battery. The optimal refresh interval for saving: 1 time in 4-6 hours.
Advanced Features: Widgets with Automation
If you want to bring to the home screen not just information, but interactive elements (for example, buttons for managing a smart home or quick commands), use:
- 🤖 Tasker+ KWGT: Allows you to create trigger widgets (e.g., a widget that turns on Wi-Fi when you press).
Example of setting up a widget to control light through Mi Home:
- Install Mi Home and add your smart devices.
- Long tap on the home screen → Widgets → find the Mi Home section.
- Select the Device Management widget and drag it to the screen.
- Set up which devices will be displayed (such as light bulbs or sockets).
Tasker takes more time to set up, but the possibilities are limitless. For example, you can create a widget that:
- 🔊 Includes silent schedule mode.
- 📱 Starts Do Not Disturb mode when connected to a charger.
- 📧 Sends SMS with current geolocation pressed.
⚠️ Warning: When using Tasker or MacroDroid, widgets may stop working after the MIUI update. To avoid this, export automation profiles to the file and import them after the update.