How to return the widget tape to Xiaomi: from a simple reset to manual recovery

The widget tape on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a convenient tool for quick access to information, but also a key element of the MIUI interface that many users actively use daily. However, after updating the system, resetting the settings or even accidentally pressing it, it can suddenly disappear, leaving empty space on the screen or completely replaced by a standard launcher. If you find that the widgets stopped showing, do not panic: in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without going to the service center.

In this article, we will look at all the possible causes of the widget tape disappearance, from banal glitches to deep system errors, and provide step-by-step recovery instructions for different versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), paying special attention to the nuances that the manufacturer does not always voice: for example, why widgets may not return after resetting even if you set up the right setup, or how the design conflict affects the work of the tape. If you have tried standard methods and they did not work, you will find non-obvious solutions in the article.

Why Xiaomi Widgets Ribbon is Missing: 7 Main Reasons

Before you start to recover, it is important to understand what was the trigger of the problem, and most often the widget tape disappears for the following reasons:

• 🔄 Update MIUI — Especially if you have switched from one major version to another (e.g., from one major version to another). MIUI 12 on MIUI New builds sometimes reset launcher settings.
• 📱 Resetting settings to factory settings – even a partial reset (like just screen settings) can remove the widget configuration.
• 🎨 Custom Theme Installation – Some Mi Theme Store themes conflict with system widgets, especially if they aren’t optimized for your model.
• 🛠️ Manual disabling of system applications – for example, if through Settings → Applications you have disabled MiuiHome (launcher) or MiuiSystemUI.
• 🚫 Limitations in battery settings — MIUI aggressively optimises background work, and sometimes it affects the system processes responsible for widgets.
• 📲 Conflict with third apps – launchers like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher can take control of the screen.
• 🐞 System failure is rare, but it happens that after overheating or a sharp power outage, configuration files are damaged. MIUI.

If the tape is missing after a firmware update, there is a high probability that the problem is massive, in which case it is worth looking at forums (for example, Mi Community or 4PDA) and looking for topics with similar complaints - often there are already ready-made solutions or patches from enthusiasts.

Method 1: Reboot the launcher (the fastest method)

In most cases, the widget tape is lost due to a temporary failure in the MiuiHome system launcher, which works if:

• Widgets disappeared after installing an app or theme.
• The tape disappeared for no apparent reason (for example, after a reboot).
• The screen displays empty space instead of widgets.

To restart the launcher, follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, enter MiuiHome (or Launcher on Russian firmware).
3. Click on the app, then select Warehouse.
4. Slip on the Clear Cache and Clear Data buttons (Warning: This will reset your desktop settings!).
5. Return to the main screen and swipe to the left – the widget tape should appear.

💡

If after cleaning the data, the launcher began to work unstable (for example, the application icons disappeared), reboot the smartphone - this will help the system restore the cache of the icons.

If the method does not work, try to force the launcher to stop:

1. In the same MiuiHome menu, click Forced Stop.
2. Confirm the action and wait until the system restarts the launcher automatically (usually takes 5-10 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13 and older) after the data is cleaned, MiuiHome may need to reconfigure the desktop — you will have to re-arrange icons and widgets.

Method 2: Recovery through screen settings

If the widget tape is not displayed, but the launcher is stable, the problem may lie in the settings of the home screen. MIUI has a hidden option that controls the display of the sidebar with widgets.

1. Click the empty space on the home screen (not on the icon!).
2. At the bottom of the screen, a menu will appear – select Screen Settings (or Desktop Settings on some firmware).
3. Scroll down and find the Widget Tape section (in MIUI 14 it may be called the Sidebar).
4. If it is not available, then your firmware does not support this function (relevant for older models like the Redmi Note 5).

If the option is enabled but the tape still doesn't appear, try:

• 🔄 Switch the option (turn off and turn on again).
• 📱 Change the screen style – in the same settings, select another option (for example, Standard instead of Without a frame).
• 🎯 Reset screen settings – at the bottom of the menu there is a Reset button (return the standard icon location).

Method 3: Reset the launcher settings (if the widgets are not restored)

If the first two methods didn't work, the next thing to try is a full reset of the launcher's settings. This is a more radical way, but it often solves problems with disappeared widgets, especially after updates. Importantly, this method will delete all your desktop settings (location of icons, folders, wallpaper), so use it only if other options have not worked.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MiuiHome (launcher) and tap it.
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear all data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the launcher to restart (it can take up to 30 seconds).
5. After rebooting the main screen, swipe left – the widget tape should appear.

If the tape is still not displayed, try resetting the system settings further (without deleting the data):

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset system settings (not to be confused with Reset to factory!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi) 11T) After the launcher is reset, you may need to re-activate your Mi Account, otherwise the widgets won't load!

Take screenshots of the current location of the icons | Remember the password from your Mi| account Check that the phone has enough charge (minimum 30%) | Disable the VPN (it can block the download of widgets)

-->

Method 4: Manual recovery via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, and the widget tape is critical to you, you can try to restore it through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for users who are willing to work with the command line.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed – you can continue.
4. Run the command to reset the launcher settings: adb shell pm clear com.miui.home
5. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

After the reboot, the widget tape should appear. If not, try manually enabling it through the MIUI database (power users only!):

1. Enter the command to open the database: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → MiuiHome → Storage → Space Management.
3. Click Restore default settings (if there is no such option, then your firmware does not support it).

💡

Use ADB only if you are confident in your actions. Incorrect commands can lead to data loss or a cyclical reboot of the device.

Method 5: Install an alternative launcher (if nothing helps)

If all previous methods failed and the widget tape still doesn't work, the last option is to install a third-party launcher with support for widgets. This won't restore native MIUI tape, but will allow you to use widgets from Google or other applications.

The best options for Xiaomi:

To install an alternative launcher:

1. Download the selected application from Google Play or official website.
2. After installation, click the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. Add widgets to the home screen: Hold your finger in the blank space → Widgets. Choose the widget you want (like Weather or Google Calendar). Drag it onto the screen.

If you want to bring your MIUI launcher back:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → By default.
2. Select the default launcher and return the MiuiHome.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions