Xiaomi smartphones, which run on MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, offer users a huge amount of personalization. One of the key features to make the screen unique and functional is the use of widgets. These small apps, located right on the desktop, provide quick access to information and control functions without having to open full programs.
However, many users have difficulty finding or installing the right design element. Standard methods may vary depending on the version of the Android operating system and the specific phone model. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to integrate new modules into the system, as well as the nuances of working with company-owned tools.
We're going to cover not only basic settings, but also advanced methods, including installing third-party apps to extend functionality. You'll learn how to avoid common bugs and make your gadget's interface truly user-friendly. A deep understanding of these processes will allow you to make the most of your device's capabilities.
Basic ways to add widgets to the desktop
The simplest and most obvious way to add elements to the screen is available to every smartphone owner, which requires you to go to the free desktop area and do a long finger tap from scratch, and the system instantly reacts with vibration and opens the bottom interface control menu where you should select Widgets or Add widgets, which is the standard algorithm for most versions of MIUI.
Once you open the menu, you'll see a list of all the system elements available and those that were installed with the applications. The interface can be presented as a horizontal tape or grid, depending on the theme of the design. You just have to select the item, click on it and drag it to the desired place on the screen. Some widgets require a size confirmation before the final installation.
It's important to note that not all apps automatically register their widgets on the system. If you installed a new program but didn't find it in the general list, check the settings of the app itself or its internal menu. Sometimes you need to activate the widget manually in the Settings section of a particular software, which is especially true for weather services and news aggregators.
There is an alternative way to access the widget menu that can be useful if a long press causes other actions. Try pinching two fingers on the desktop, bringing them together. This gesture often duplicates the long-press function and opens the screen editing mode, where a button for adding new modules is also available.
Use of Mi Application Widgets for Extended Features
For Xiaomi and Redmi device owners, the company has developed a special app called Mi Widgets, which is a central hub for design management and allows you to download thousands of design solutions. Unlike the standard set, it features complex interactive elements that change the appearance of the smartphone beyond recognition.
To take advantage of this resource, find the Mi Widgets app in the folder with system utilities or download it from the GetApps store. Once launched, you will see categories with watches, step counters, switches and decorative elements. The installation process is simple: select your favorite design, click the Apply button, and the widget will automatically appear on the desktop.
Where to find hidden widgets in Mi Widgets?
Special attention should be paid to watch widgets, as they are the hallmark of the MIUI shell. The Mi Widgets app has hundreds of dials that synchronize with the system settings. You can choose analog, digital or even animated watches that will display the date, weather and battery level.
It also allows you to create your own combinations or edit existing ones, so you can change the font color, the transparency of the background, or the location of elements inside the widget, and it allows you to adapt the interface to any color scheme of the theme installed on the device.
Integration of Google widgets and third-party services
Google's ecosystem offers its own widgets, which are often more functional than standard widgets. To add them, you have to scroll down to the Google section in the widget menu, where you'll find search, newsfeed, maps, calendar and translator, and these elements are deeply integrated into the search giant's services and updated in real time.
To install the Google Search widget or Google Assistant, you just drag and drop them on your desktop, and they provide instant access to voice search and a smart assistant, which is especially convenient for those who are actively using the company's services for navigation, Gmail mailbox and task scheduler.
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Use the Google Photos widget to quickly access the latest photos without logging in to the gallery.
Third-party developers also create powerful tools like Google Keep, Notion, or social media widgets. Once an app is installed from the Play Market, its widgets usually appear in the general list in a few seconds. If that doesn't happen, try rebooting the device so that the system scans new packages.
Some services require additional authorization or permission settings after being placed on the screen. For example, an email client widget may request permission to display notifications. Without these steps, the widget may display an empty screen or connection error.
Set up widgets on the lock screen
The lock screen is the first thing a user sees when they turn on a smartphone, and it can also be customized. There is a separate section in the MIUI and HyperOS shells to manage lock widgets. To get there, go to Settings, select Lock Screen, and find Lock Screen Widgets or Lock Screen Style.
You can activate the pedometer display, the weather, Bluetooth status, or quick notes here. Unlike the desktop, the restrictions are more stringent: you can't randomly place items, you just choose the options you've written, but often enough to get the information you need at a glance.
☑️ Checking the lock settings
Keep in mind that using widgets on the lock screen can slightly increase battery consumption, as the screen should update information more often. If you notice an accelerated discharge, try turning off widgets with dynamic content, such as news or weather, leaving only static elements like a watch.
Newer versions of HyperOS have the ability to resize and position some widgets on the lock screen, which was previously unavailable, allowing you to create a more balanced composition. Experiment with combinations to find the perfect balance between informativeness and aesthetics.
Installation of widgets from third-party sources and APK
If standard functionality is not enough, users often turn to third-party sources. APK-Files require caution. download files only from trusted resources, such as 4PDA Once the file is uploaded, you must allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings.
A popular solution is the use of widget aggregator applications such as KWGT Kustom Widget Maker. It is a powerful tool that allows you to create widgets from scratch or download ready-made packages from the Internet. The installation process of such widgets can be different: sometimes you need to install the main application and a separate package with widgets (Pack).
What if the KWGT widget is not displayed?
When installing third-party widgets, pay attention to the permissions they request: the weather widget will require access to geolocation, and the music widget will require access to media files. Without these rights, the functionality will be limited or completely inoperable.
There are also dedicated theme and widget stores that work as separate apps, and they can offer unique designs that are incompatible with standard installation methods, and in such cases, follow the instructions inside the directory app itself.
Typical problems and ways to solve them
Even if all instructions are followed, there may be failures. Often users are faced with a situation where the widget disappears after a reboot or stops updating. This may be due to aggressive battery optimization in MIUI. The system can "kill" widget processes to save energy.
To fix this, add the widget-related app to the exception list. Go to Settings -> Apps -> All apps, find the app you want, select Energy Saving and set the No Limits value. It is also recommended to fix the app in memory if such a feature is available in your firmware version.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The widget is not updated | Saving energy | Remove background activity restrictions |
| Black square instead of widget | Rendering error | Reboot the device or change the subject |
| The widget shifts itself | Changing orientation | Block the screen rotation in the settings |
| The interactive is not working. | No access rights. | Check the permissions in the application settings |
Another common problem is the conflict of topics: If you have a third-party theme, some system widgets may not display correctly or have a transparent background, making the text unreadable, in which case try to return a standard theme or find a compatible theme for widgets.
If the widget has stopped responding to touch, try removing it and adding it again. In rare cases, cleaning the cache of the app to which the widget is attached helps. To do this, go to Settings -> Apps, select the app and click Clear Cache.
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Aggressive energy savings in MIUI are the main cause of widget failures, requiring manual exception adjustments.