How to log into widgets on Xiaomi phone: widget management

Today’s Xiaomi smartphones offer users a huge range of personalization options, among which widgets occupy a special place. These small interactive elements allow you to get important information without unlocking the screen or running full-fledged applications. However, many device owners often confuse the concepts, wondering how to “log in” widgets, meaning either adding them to the desktop or accessing hidden settings of system services.

With MIUI and the new HyperOS, widget architecture has undergone significant changes compared to standard Android. There is a separate aggregator application that is often hidden from the user's eyes, as well as an extended long-press menu. Understanding where to look for these elements and how to manage them is critical to the comfort of the gadget. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways of interacting with widgets, from basic addition to solving problems with their disappearance.

It's worth noting that the interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. For example, on global versions of software, menus may look different than on Chinese builds. However, the logic of the work remains the same for the entire family of devices of the brand. We will look at universal methods that will help you set up the desktop exactly as convenient for you.

What is the “Services and Widgets” folder on Xiaomi

Unlike pure Android, where widgets are only available through long-term tapping on the free space of the screen, the MIUI shell implements the concept of a separate system application called “Services and Widgets” (or Apps in some translations), which is inside this system component stores a library of all available widgets that can be installed on the desktop or in “Always on screen” mode.

Many users are looking for a way to log in to this menu, thinking that there are some hidden performance settings there. It's actually just a directory. Deleting this application from the desktop doesn't remove the widget function from the system, but it deprives you of quick access to their choices. You can restore the icon through theme settings or reset the launcher.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to remove the Services and Widgets system application through ADB Or third-party managers, if they're not sure what they're doing, which can cause the standard weather, watch and pedometer widgets to stop being added to the screen.

Within this system module, widgets are divided into categories: “Hours”, “Tools”, “Information” and others. It is critical to understand that widgets from third-party applications (for example, a weather widget from Yandex or a bank widget) appear in this list only after installing the corresponding widget. APK-file and get the necessary permissions. Without the installed application, the widget will not appear in the shared library.

How to add a widget to your desktop

The process of adding a widget to the home screen is a basic skill for any Xiaomi owner. There are two main ways to do this, and they depend on your navigation preferences. The first way is the classic, through the desktop editing menu.

The following actions must be taken:

• 👆 Press and hold your finger on any free portion of the desktop until the menu appears below.
• 🧩 Select "Widgets" (icon with puzzle pieces or squares).
• 📜 Scroll down to the desired category or search if there are many widgets.
• ➕ Press the button «+» next to the desired element or drag it on the screen with your finger.

The second is faster and more intuitive for swipes: Most versions of MIUI swipe to the right of the first desktop screen opens a widget tape (Google Discover or Mi View), at the top of this tape often has an edit button or an "+" icon, which also opens the add-on menu.

Once added, you can scale the widget. Press and hold the widget already installed, then select the "Resize" option (if available for this type of widget) that allows you to stretch an item, such as a calendar or news, into two or more grid cells, making the information more readable.

Configuring and editing widget parameters

Simply adding an item to the screen is not enough – it often requires customization to make it comfortable to use. Interactive widgets allow you to change data without opening the application. For example, the Notes widget allows you to quickly create a new record, and the Control widget allows you to switch Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

To enter the configuration mode of a particular widget, you can press it for a long time. In the context menu that appears, select the "Widget Settings" (cog or slider icon). This opens a menu specific to the selected item. For example, for the weather widget, you can change the city, temperature units and display style.

Some widgets, like Photos or Gallery, require you to select a data source, and when you first install it, the system will request access to the album, but if you want to change the set of photos, you will have to log back into the widget settings, which provides privacy and flexibility.

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Use split widgets or decorative watches to visually zoning your desktop, which is not only beautiful, but also helps you find the right folders with applications faster.

The problem with the disappeared icon “Services and widgets”

One of the most common problems faced by Xiaomi users is the loss of the system folder or icon “Services and widgets” from the desktop, which often happens after updating the firmware, changing the theme or accidentally deleting, without this icon, the user is more difficult to get into the full menu widgets.

There are a number of ways to return the icon. The easiest way is to reset the launcher settings. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, search the Louncher (or Desktop) list, click Clear and select Reset. Importantly, this will return the icons to factory status, so remember where everything was.

The second way is to check hidden folders, and sometimes the icon is accidentally dragged into another folder with apps, and carefully check all the folders on your desktop, and if you find the icon, just drag it back to the main field.

The third option is relevant for new versions of HyperOS. In some builds, a separate application icon is abolished, and the widgets are logged in exclusively through long pressing on the empty space of the screen. → Version. MIUI/HyperOS.

Control widgets in lock mode (AOD)

Special attention should be paid to widgets for lock screen and Always On Display (AOD) mode. Sign in to the settings of these elements is not through the desktop, but through the design menu. To do this, press your finger on the locked screen (if the function is unlocked) or go to Settings → Wallpaper and personalization → Lock screen.

Here you can add widgets that you can see even without unlocking your smartphone, usually clock, date, stepmer and calorie counter. AOD-widgets are limited compared to desktop in order to save battery power OLED-screen.

To add an element to the AOD:

1. Open the lock screen settings.
2. Choose the current style or create a new one.
3. Click on the widget icon (usually located under the clock).
4. Select from the list the available options (for example, weather or headphone charge).

Remember, the number of widgets on AOD is limited, the system adjusts the number of widgets depending on the style of design chosen, and trying to add too many elements can lead to the system automatically turning off some of them.

Comparison of MIUI and HyperOS widgets

With the release of the new HyperOS operating system, widgets have been redesigned, integrated into the system and supported by more complex animations, and the table below will help you understand the key differences between the old and new systems.

HyperOS also introduced Smart Stack, which allows you to combine multiple widgets into a single block that change depending on the time of day or location, making the desktop less cluttered and more informative.

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Switching to HyperOS makes widget management more intuitive, but requires getting used to new navigation gestures and a modified settings menu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)