Widgets on Xiaomi Redmi: how to open, add and customize for yourself

The widgets on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are mini-programs that display useful information directly on the desktop: weather, calendar, quick settings or even data from apps. However, many users face difficulties when they first get acquainted with this feature. Where to find widgets? How to add or remove them? Why some widgets do not work?

In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of working with widgets on MIUI (relevant to versions 12-14), including hidden features and solutions to typical problems. Particular attention will be paid to the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and other popular devices. If you just bought a smartphone or updated firmware, this guide will help you quickly master the functionality.

Where are the widgets on Xiaomi Redmi

Unlike pure Android, the MIUI shell hides widgets in a separate menu. To find them, do one of the following:

  • 📱 Long pressing on an empty desktop space → Select “Widgets” from the bottom menu.
  • 🔧 Hold your finger on any application → In the context menu that appears, tap “Edit» → «Widgets».
  • ☝️ On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) just swipe left on the desktop until the end – will open a panel with widgets.

If the widgets are not displayed, check:

  1. The MIUI version (in Settings → About Phone) on older firmware (below 12.5), the interface may be different.
  2. Updates in Settings → About the phone → System update.
  3. Disabled system applications (such as Mi Home or Weather) that provide widgets.
📊 Which widget do you use most often?
Weather.
Calendar
Quick setups
Music player
Other

How to add a widget to your desktop

Adding the widget takes less than a minute, but there are nuances depending on the Redmi model.

  1. Open the widget menu (see previous section).
  2. Scroll down the list or use the search (magnifying glass icon) to find the widget you want: 🌤️ Weather (from Mi Weather) 📅 Calendar (built-in or Google Calendar) ⚡ Quick settings (shortcuts for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) 🎵 Music player (such as Mi Music or Spotify)

Redmi 9A

Redmi 8

Adjust the size of the widget by pulling around corners (not available for all types).

Important: some widgets require pre-setting, such as the Weather widget:

  1. Open the Weather app.
  2. Allow access to geolocation.
  3. Add your city manually (if the automatic definition doesn’t work).
How to return old widgets after updating MIUI?
If your favorite widgets (such as a classic watch or calendar) are missing after the update, try: 1. Install Classic theme in the Themes app. 2. Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data (Warning: Reset all icons and widgets!!). 3. Reverse to the previous version MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Selecting a service pack (risky, only for experienced users!).

How to remove or change the widget

If the widget is no longer needed or takes up too much space, it can be removed or replaced.

  1. Press the widget with your finger for 1-2 seconds.
  2. In the menu that appears, select: 🗑️ Delete – the widget will disappear from the desktop. ⚙️ Settings – settings will open (for example, choosing a city for the weather). 🔄 Change the size – Pull around corners to stretch or narrow the widget.

Note: On some models (Redmi 7A, Redmi 8A) to remove the widget, you need to drag it to the basket at the top of the screen (as with application icons).

⚠️ Note: Removing the widget does not remove the app itself, for example, if you remove the Weather widget, the Mi Weather app will remain in the system.

If the widget is “hang” and does not respond to clicks:

  1. Reboot the phone.
  2. Clear the launcher cache (see instructions above).
  3. Update the app to which the widget belongs (e.g. Spotify or Google).

On Redmi K50 and later, the Game Turbo Mode widget is available, which shows FPS, CPU temperature and occupied RAM in real time, to activate it:

  1. Open the Security Settings (Settings → Applications → Security).
  2. Go to the Game Turbo Mode section.
  3. Enable the monitoring widget option.

💡

If you’re short on standard widgets, install the Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher from Play Market.They support third-party widgets and offer flexible customization of size, transparency and animations.

Widgets for smart home and fitness

If you use the Xiaomi ecosystem (smart lamps, sockets, fitness bracelets), specialized widgets are available on your Redmi:

  • 💡 Mi Home widget – control of connected devices (on/off, brightness, scenarios).
  • 🏃 Widget Mi Fitness - data from the bracelet Mi Band: steps, pulse, calories.

To activate these widgets:

  1. Install and open the Mi Home app (for smart home) or Zepp Life (for fitness).
  2. Connect at least one device (e.g., a Yeelight light bulb or a Mi Band 7 bracelet).
  3. Return to the widget menu, and new options will appear.

Important: for smart home widgets to work, the phone and devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the Mi Home widget does not update the status of the devices:

  • Check your Internet connection.
  • Update the device firmware through the Mi Home app.
  • Reconnect the device to your Xiaomi account.

💡

Smart home and fitness widgets only appear after the devices are first connected. Without the Mi Band bracelet or Yeelight light bulb, these widgets will be hidden.

FAQ: Frequent questions about widgets on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I transfer the widgets to another desktop?
Yes, to do this, press the widget and drag it to the edge of the screen - the desktop will automatically scroll. If the widget does not move, check if it is locked (click on it → Settings → uncheck from Lock).
Why is the Weather widget not showing my city?
The Weather app probably doesn't have geolocation access. Go to Settings → Privacy → Permits → Weather and enable geolocation. Also check if the GPS in the notification curtain is disabled.
How to return widgets after resetting the phone?
After reset, all widgets are deleted. To restore them, you have to add them again (see section 2). If you used a Xiaomi account, some settings can be synced automatically after logging in.
Can I create my own widget on Xiaomi Redmi?
Standard MIUI tools don’t allow you to create widgets from scratch, but there are workarounds: Use apps like KWGT or UCCW to create custom widgets. Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that supports widgets from third-party developers. For advanced users: explore Tasker + AutoTools plugin for widget automation.
Why do widgets slow down or fly out?
This is a typical problem on Redmi with low RAM (e.g. Redmi 9A with 2GB of RAM). Solutions: Close the background apps (swipe up in the latest task menu). Clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear cache). Disable animations: Settings → Special features → Remove animations. Install Lite versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite) if the social media widget is slowing down.