How to Open Widget Ribbon on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to MIUI

The widget tape on Xiaomi smartphones is a handy tool for quick access to frequently used features, weather, calendar and other useful elements. However, many users are faced with the problem: where is this tape, how to open it and why it sometimes disappears after the MIUI update? In this article, we will analyze all the activation methods, hidden settings and possible errors.

The thing about Xiaomi's interface is that it regularly changes the layout of the elements depending on the shell version. If you upgraded from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14, you might notice that the widget tape has moved or disappeared. Don't worry, it can be returned! Next, you'll find instructions for different versions of the firmware, including solutions for cases where standard methods don't work.

What is a widget tape and why you need it

A widget tape (or widget bar) is a vertical or horizontal area on a smartphone screen where mini-applications are displayed.

• 📅 View calendar events without opening the app
• 🌤️ See weather forecasts in real time
• 📊 Track your steps, pulse, and activity (if you have Mi Band or other fitness trackers connected)
• 🔊 Fast-tracking music or podcasts
• 📱 Receive notifications from messengers in compact form

Unlike traditional desktop widgets, tape is usually swiped across the screen, saving space and making the interface cleaner. On Xiaomi, it can be integrated into the Control Panel (notification curtain) or taken out separately, depending on the model and version of MIUI.

It is important to understand that not all widgets are available by default: some require additional applications (such as Google Widgets or Microsoft Launcher), while others may be blocked by the manufacturer for certain regions. If you do not see the desired widget, check the settings of the region on your smartphone.

How to open the widget tape on Xiaomi: the basic way

On most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark), the widget tape opens with a standard gesture:

1. Unlock your smartphone and go to the main screen.
2. Swipe left (swipe from the right edge of the screen to the left).
3. If the tape does not appear, try swipe to the right - on some firmware, the direction changes.

If nothing happens, it's disabled in the settings.

1. Open the Settings. → Desktop.
2. Find the Widget Tape (or Widget Panel) section.
3. Activate the switch Show the widget tape.
4. Select the direction of the swipe (left or right).

On MIUI 14 and later, the tape can be hidden in the Control Panel to find it.

• 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the curtain.
• 🔍 Scroll to the right – there may be a tab with widgets.
• ⚙️ Click on Edit (Pencil icon) to add new elements.

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If the swipe doesn’t work, try using two fingers to open the tape – this works on some POCO models.

Why the widget tape does not open: common problems

If standard methods do not work, the reasons may be as follows:

One of the most common reasons is the use of third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) that can block system gestures.

1. Return to the standard launcher: Settings → Applications → By default → Launcher.
2. Select System Launcher (or MIUI Launcher).
3. Reboot your smartphone.

If the problem persists, you may have your device disabled the widget service via ADB. This is true for firmware with remote Google services (for example, on the Chinese versions of Xiaomi), in which case you will need manual activation via your computer.

Customizing Widget Ribbon: Adding and Removing Elements

Once the tape is successfully opened, it can be customized.

1. Open the widget tape with a swipe.
2. Click on Edit (the pencil icon or three dots in the top corner).
3. In the list of available widgets, select the desired ones and drag them to the active zone.

Some widgets require additional permissions, such as:

• 📍 Access to geolocation.
• 🔄 Automatic update of data in the background.
• 📱 Permission to send notifications (for messenger widgets).

To remove the unnecessary widget:

1. Hold it with your finger for 1-2 seconds.
2. Drag to the basket (or click Delete in the menu that appears).

Make sure your smartphone is connected to the internet.|Check the permissions for widget apps|Update. MIUI last-minute|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

MIUI 15 (HyperOS) has the ability to group widgets by subject, such as creating a Fitness tab with your steps, pulse, and dreams, or a Work tab with your calendar, your notes, your mail.

1. Open the tape editing.
2. Click Create a Group.
3. Select the widgets for the group and name it.

Hidden Features of Xiaomi Widget Ribbon

Many users are unaware that Xiaomi’s widget tape supports gestures and hotkeys.

• 👆 Double swipe up – quick opening of the last used widget.
• 🔄 Circular finger movement – update data in all widgets.
• 📌 Clicking the widget - transition to its settings (if supported).

On devices with Always-On Display (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60), you can display some widgets on the locked screen.

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select Widgets on the lock screen.
3. Activate the necessary elements (weather, pedometer, music).

Another useful feature is synchronizing widgets with smart Mi Home devices, and if you have a Xiaomi smart light bulb, socket, or robot vacuum cleaner, you can display their statuses in the tape.

1. Install the Mi Home app.
2. Connect the devices to your account.
3. In the settings of the widget tape, find the Smart Home section and add the necessary elements.

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Smart home widgets only update data when connected to the same Wi-Fi network with your phone. If the indicators don't change, check the network!

How to return the widget tape after the MIUI update

After major updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), the widget tape may disappear, because Xiaomi sometimes changes the structure of the interface to restore it:

1. Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data ⚠️ Warning: This will remove all your wallpaper, folders and icon layout on your desktop. Take screenshots of current settings before resetting.
2. Enable the function through the hidden menu: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 5 times) → Open the Developer Menu → Enable "Show Widget Ribbon"
3. Install an update for system applications: Settings → Applications → Update system applications

If none of these methods worked, try rolling back to the previous version of MIUI (if you had a backup) or wait for the next update – often bugs with the interface are fixed in new patches.

On some firmware (especially Chinese) the widget tape is completely removed from the system, in which case it can only be returned through custom firmware (for example, xiaomi.eu) or installing an alternative launcher with support for widgets (for example, Microsoft Launcher).

Alternative ways to use widgets on Xiaomi

If the standard widget tape doesn’t suit you, consider alternatives:

• 📱 Google Discover — swipe left on the home screen shows the feed of news, weather and recommendations.
• 🔧 Third-party launchers – Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Lawnchair support extended widgets.
• 🖼️ Widgets on the desktop – clamping the empty space on the screen → Widgets → pick out.
• ⚡ Quick settings – some widgets (such as flashlight or mobile data) can be added to the notification bar.

For minimalist enthusiasts, KWGT Kustom Widget Maker is a good app, and it allows you to create your own widgets with a unique design, for example, you can make:

• 🎨 Weather with animation.
• 📊 Battery usage schedule.
• 🎵 Album cover player.

If you prefer maximum functionality, try UCCW (Ultimate Custom Widget) or Zoom. These apps allow you to display data from multiple sources at the same time, such as currency rates, cryptocurrencies and weather in one widget.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi widget tape