Widgets on Xiaomi: how to enable, add and configure on MIUI

What are widgets and why do they need on Xiaomi

Widgets on Xiaomi smartphones are mini-programs that display current information directly on the home screen or in the notification panel. They allow you to quickly access frequently used functions without having to open full-fledged applications. For example, a weather widget will show the temperature outside the window, a calendar widget will show the upcoming events, and a music widget is a current track with the ability to control the player.

On MIUI firmware (version 12 to current 15), widgets are integrated into the system, but not always activated by default. Many users are not even aware of their existence, although they can greatly simplify interaction with the device.

In this article, we will understand how to include widgets on Xiaomi of different models – from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 14, and also consider the nuances of their configuration depending on the version of MIUI and launcher. You will learn where to look for hidden widgets, how to customize them and what to do if they disappeared after the system update.

Preparation: Verification of MIUI version and compatibility

Before you start setting up widgets, make sure your device supports this feature. The widgets are available on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with MIUI 12 firmware and later. However, their appearance and functionality may vary depending on:

• 📱 Device models – flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have more advanced widgets than the budget Redmi Note 12.
• 🔄 Versions MIUI — MIUI 14/15 has dynamic animation widgets that are not available in older versions.
• 🌍 Firmware Region – Global (Global) and Chinese (China) versions may have different widgets.
• 🛠️ Used Launcher – The standard launcher MIUI Launcher supports widgets, and third-party (e.g., Nova Launcher) may require additional settings.

To check the MIUI version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have a version older than the 12th, we recommend updating through Settings → System Update, as in old firmware widgets are unstable or absent at all.

⚠️ Warning: On some POCO models (e.g., POCO X3 Pro), the default widgets are disabled due to performance optimization. They can be manually activated through launcher settings.

Method 1: Adding widgets to the main screen

The easiest way to place a widget is to add it directly to the home screen or desktop.

1. Touch any free space on the home screen and hold for 1-2 seconds until the settings menu appears.
2. At the bottom of the screen, select “Widgets” (on some versions – “Widgets”).
3. Scroll through the list of available widgets left/right, showing both system (weather, clock, calendar) and installed app widgets (e.g. Google Keep or Spotify).
4. Tap the widget you want, and drag it to a free space on the screen, and some widgets (like weather) can be stretched by changing their size.

If the widget does not appear in the list, this may mean:

• 🔴 The application to which the widget belongs is not installed (for example, the Google Fit widget will only appear after installing this application).
• 🔴 The widget is disabled in the application settings (relevant to Mi Fit or Zepp Life).
• 🔴 Your version MIUI does not support this type of widget (e.g., dynamic widgets are only available with MIUI 14).

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T) after adding the widget, you may need to adjust it further. To do this, click on the widget and hold for 1-2 seconds, a menu with the options “Change” or “Settings” will appear.

Method 2: Widgets in the notification panel (curtain)

In addition to the main screen, widgets can be placed in the notification panel (curtain), which is convenient for quick access to frequently used functions such as a flashlight, Do Not Disturb mode or mobile hotspot.

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Click on the Edit icon (pencil or three dots in the upper right corner).
3. At the bottom of the screen, a list of available widgets will appear. Drag the widgets to the top (active zone).
4. Click on “Ready” to save the changes.

In the curtain can be placed up to 8-12 widgets (depending on the model).

• 🔦 Flashlight - quick access to backlight.
• 📶 Mobile data – turn the Internet on/off.
• 🔇 Do Not Disturb Mode – Disable notifications.
• 🔄 Autoturn - Lock/unlock the screen rotation.
• 📱 NFC is a quick activation for contactless payments.

⚠️ Warning: Some Redmi models (e.g., Redmi 10A) have a limited set of widgets in the curtain, so upgrade your firmware or use third-party apps like Power Shade to expand it.

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If the widget in the curtain does not appear, try resetting the notification panel settings: Settings → Notifications → Additional → Reset the curtain settings.

Method 3: Widgets in Negative Screen (left screen)

Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden Negative Screen (also known as left screen or widget screen) that swipes to the right of the home screen and contains weather, calendar, pedometer and quick contacts widgets by default to customize this screen:

1. Swipe to the right of the main screen to open Negative Screen.
2. Scroll down to the end and click "Edit".
3. Turn on or disable unnecessary widgets, dragging them to the active area.
4. Some widgets (such as Steps) require additional permissions – provide them when requested.

On MIUI 14/15, Negative Screen has dynamic widgets with animations (e.g. weather with changing backgrounds depending on the time of day) to activate them:

1. Open Negative Screen.
2. Click on the weather widget and hold for 2 seconds.
3. Select "Style" → "Dynamic."

Widget problems and solutions

Sometimes widgets on Xiaomi stop working or disappear after an update. Let’s consider the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1. widgets are not displayed in the list

If you don’t see it on the menu when you try to add a widget, check:

• 📌 Whether the application to which the widget belongs is installed (for example, the Google Podcasts widget needs to install the app itself).
• 📌 Is the widget disabled in the application settings (go to the app → Settings → Widgets).
• 📌 Whether a third-party launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) is used, in which case the MIUI widgets may not be available.

2 Widgets disappear after MIUI update

After major upgrades (e.g. from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), widgets can be reset to return them:

1. Reset the device.
2. Remove and add the widget again.
3. If the problem persists, reset the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear the data.

⚠️ Warning: The launcher data reset will remove all your home screen settings, including the location of icons and folders. Before doing so, take screenshots of the current layout.

3. widgets are not updated (for example, weather or calendar)

If the weather widget shows outdated data or the calendar is not synchronized:

• 🔄 Check your internet connection.
• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🔄 For the weather widget: Go to the Weather app, update the data manually and return to the home screen.
• 🔄 For calendar: check sync in Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google (or other account used).

Hidden widgets and advanced settings

In addition to standard widgets, MIUI has hidden features that can be activated through developer mode or third-party applications.

• 📊 Memory Use Widget — shows occupied and free space in real time. To turn it on, activate the developer mode (Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI — press 7 times) and find the option to Show Memory Widget.
• 🔋 Battery widget — displays detailed charge flow statistics, available after installing the Mi Battery Monitor app (root rights required).
• 🎮 Game Mode Widget – appears automatically when games are launched and allows you to quickly disable notifications or turn on performance mode.

For advanced users, it is possible to create custom widgets using applications such as KWGT or UCCW. These tools allow:

• 🎨 Customize the design of widgets (colors, fonts, animations).
• 📈 Add data from third-party sources (e.g., cryptocurrencies or stock prices).
• 🔧 Integrate widgets with Tasker to automate actions.

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Custom widgets require the KWGT app (paid version) and basic knowledge of working with JSON- codes. Ready-made templates can be downloaded from sites like KWGT Kits or DeviantArt.

Widgets on smart watches and fitness bracelets Xiaomi

Widgets are available not only on smartphones, but also on Xiaomi Watch smartwatches and Mi Band fitness bracelets.

• ⏱️ Time and date (with dial selection option).
• 🏃 Steps, distance traveled and calories burned.
• 💓 Pulse and blood oxygen levels (SpO₂).
• 🌦️ Weather (synchronized with smartphone)
• 📞 Quick notifications of calls and messages.

To set up widgets on Mi Band 7/8 or Xiaomi Watch S3:

1. Connect your watch to your smartphone via the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app.
2. Open the app and go to the “Device Profile” section.
3. Select “Clock Screen” or “Widgets” and adjust the information displayed.
4. On some models (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) you can install third-party dials through the Amazfit store.

On the Mi Band, widgets swipe up/down on the home screen. On the Xiaomi Watch, this uses a crown rotation or swipe across the screen.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Xiaomi Widgets