How to put a widget Xiaomi: instructions for MIUI 12, 13, 14 and 15

Xiaomi widgets are not just a desktop decoration, but a powerful tool for quick access to information. Home screen weather, single-tape smart home control, reminder calendar or player with your favorite music all save time and make smartphone use more convenient. However, not all users know how to add a widget to MIUI, especially if it comes to new versions of the shell (14/15) or non-standard launchers.

In this article, we will look at all the ways to install widgets, from standard system to third-party from Google Play. Separately, we will focus on common errors (for example, why the widget does not appear or disappears after a reboot) and give recommendations for optimizing the desktop. If you just switched from iOS or another Android smartphone, here you will find answers to questions that are not covered in the official instructions.

What are widgets and why do they need on Xiaomi

A widget is a mini-program that runs directly on Xiaomi’s desktop without having to open the main app. For example, a weather widget shows temperature and precipitation in real time, and a note widget allows you to quickly create a new entry.

On MIUI, widgets are divided into three types:

• 📱 Systems - built-in shells (clocks, calendars, weather, device control) and do not need to be installed separately.
• 🛠️ From apps – added with the installation of programs (for example, the Google Keep or Spotify widget).
• 🌐 Third-party – downloaded from the Play Market as separate applications (for example, KWGT customize).

The main advantages of widgets:

• ⚡ Time savings – no need to open the application for simple actions (for example, turn on a flashlight or look at the currency rate).
• 🎨 Personalization – the desktop becomes unique and functional.
• 📊 Quick access to data – up-to-date information is always at hand (mail, messages, health statistics).

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14/15 Some widgets may conflict with Memory Optimization. If the widget disappears after a reboot, add its app to exceptions: → Annexes → Application management → [Title of the annex] → Battery → No restrictions.

Preparation of the desktop before installing the widget

Before adding widgets, make sure that there is enough free space on the desktop. On MIUI, widgets occupy the grid cells (usually 4×4 or 5×5), and if the screen is full of icons, the system may not allow the new element to be placed.

To make room:

1. Long click on the empty space on the desktop → select Screen Settings.
2. Reduce the size of the grid (e.g., from 5×5 to 4×4) if the widgets are too large.
3. Remove unnecessary icons or transfer them to folders (drop one icon to another).

Also check if Easy Mode is turned on (it turns off widgets):

Settings → Special features → Easy mode

If you use an alternative launcher (such as a Nova Launcher or Hyperion), the process of adding widgets may be different.

• 🔧 Long press on the desktop → select Widgets.
• 📥 If the desired widget is not in the list, restart the launcher or clear its cache.

How to install a standard widget on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Standard widgets (watches, weather, calendar) are installed the same on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.).

1. Step 1. Click on the empty space on the desktop for a long time.
2. Step 2. In the menu that appears, select Widgets (the icon with squares).
3. Step 3: Scroll down the list and find the widget you want (such as the Watch or Weather).
4. Step 4: Hold your widget with your finger and drag it to your desktop. Release your finger when the outline appears.
5. Step 5: Set the size (stretch the edges if needed) and press Ready.

Some widgets (such as Smart Home) require additional customization:

Long press on the widget → Settings → Select devices for display

If the widget doesn’t appear in the list, check:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Update (some widgets only appear after the update).
• 📱 Make sure the application to which the widget belongs is installed (for example, for the Mi Fit widget you need to install the Mi Fitness application itself).

Make sure there is a free space on the desktop |

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About phone)|

Update the application to which the widget | belongs

Turn off the power saving mode for the widget application-->

Installation of widgets from third-party applications

Many apps from Google Play support widgets, but they don’t always appear automatically on the list. For example, a Google Podcasts or Telegram widget may not show up until you’ve completed additional steps.

To add a widget from a third-party application:

1. Open the app you want to add (like Spotify).
2. Go to the application settings and find the Widget or Desktop Settings section.
3. Return to the desktop, long press → Widgets → find the name of the application in the list.
4. Drag the widget to the screen and set it up (for example, select a playlist for Spotify).

If the widget does not appear:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🗑️ Clear the app's cache: Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Clear the cache.
• 📥 Reinstall the app.

Example of popular applications with widgets:

⚠️ Note: Widgets of certain applications (for example, VK Instagram may not work on the MIUI In such cases, try using alternative launchers like Nova Launcher.

How to install custom widgets (KWGT, UCCW)

If standard widgets are not enough, you can use custom solutions - for example, KWGT Kustom Widget Maker or UCCW. These applications allow you to create unique widgets from scratch or download ready-made themes from the community.

Instructions for KWGT:

1. Install KWGT from Google Play.
2. Download your favorite theme (for example, on the site Kustom Rocks).
3. Long click on desktop → Widgets → find KWGT (size 4×2 or other).
4. Drag the widget onto the screen and select the downloaded theme.
5. Configure colors, fonts and data through the KWGT editor.

For UCCW, the process is similar, but with some nuances:

• 🎨 Widgets UCCW Often require manual adjustment of each element (as opposed to ready-made themes in the KWGT).
• 📏 The size of the widget is fixed (for example, 4×1), Make sure there is enough room on the screen.

Example of popular topics for KWGT:

• 🌌 Minimal & Elegant – Minimal watches with weather.
• 📊 System Monitor - Display CPU, RAM battery.
• 🎵 Music Player - a stylized player with album covers.

💡

If the custom widget doesn’t update data (such as weather or time), check the permissions for KWGT in the settings: Settings → Apps → KWGT → Permissions → Enable location and storage access.

Solving Widget Problems on Xiaomi

Widgets on MIUI sometimes work in an unstable way, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If the widget stopped working after the MIUI update:

1. Clear the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → Launcher → Clear the cache.
2. Reset the launcher settings: long press on the desktop → Screen settings → Reset the settings.
3. If the problem persists, roll back to the previous version of MIUI (via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Update).

Best widgets for Xiaomi in 2026

Here is a selection of the most useful and beautiful widgets that are worth trying on Xiaomi:

• 🌤️ Overdrop is a weather widget with animation and detailed forecasting. Supports themes and responsive design.
• 📅 Month: Calendar Widget is a minimalist calendar with events from Google Calendar.
• 🎶 Musicolet Music Player – a widget for managing music without advertising.
• 🏠 Home Widget – customizable widget for quick access to contacts, apps and settings.
• 📈 DataEye – Real-time monitoring of mobile traffic usage.

For users who like minimalism, you can:

• ⏰ Chronus – a watch with weather and notifications.
• 📝 Minimalist Text – a widget with text information (date, battery, weather).

If you use Xiaomi for work, pay attention to:

• 📊 Business Calendar 2 – a widget with tasks and meetings.
• 📎 TickTick – a widget for managing tasks and tomato timers.

💡

Before installing third-party widgets, check reviews on Google Play — some apps may contain ads or collect data. Give preference to widgets rated above 4.5 and downloads from 100K+.

FAQ: Frequent questions about widgets on Xiaomi