How to create and configure a widget on a Xiaomi smartphone: the full guide

Xiaomi widgets are mini-programs that display current information right on the home screen: weather, calendar, quick settings, or even app data. But many users face the problem: standard widgets are limited, and the ones they need simply don't appear on the list. Why does this happen and how to add a widget to Xiaomi even if it's not on the menu? In this article, we'll look at all the ways - from basic to advanced, including installation via APK and configuration via ADB.

The feature of MIUI firmware (even in the latest versions of MIUI 14/15) is aggressive memory optimization, which often freezes third-party widgets, which means that even after installation, they may not appear on the list of available ones. We will show you how to circumvent this limitation and make widgets work steadily, and we will also tell you which widgets can not be added to Xiaomi because of the policies of Google and Xiaomi - and how to replace them.

1. Basic method: Adding a widget through the MIUI menu

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for standard widgets (weather, clock, calendar) and most of the apps from Google Play that support this feature.

Instructions:

• 📱 Long press the free space on the main screen (or make a gesture "pinch" with two fingers if the Guest control is enabled).
• 🔧 In the lower menu, select "Widgets" (on some versions) MIUI — "Supplements").
• 🔍 Scroll down the list or use the search (magnifying glass icon) to find the desired widget.
• 🖱️ Press the widget and drag it to the home screen or notification bar (if supported).

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

• ⚙️ Is the application to which the widget belongs updated (sometimes the latest version is required).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone — MIUI Sometimes it doesn’t update the list of widgets without restarting.
• 📥 Make sure the widget supports your version of Android (on Xiaomi with Android) 13/14 The widgets for the old OS may not work).

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If the widget disappears after the update MIUI, Try resetting it: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Title of the annex] → Warehouse → Clear the cache

2.Why the widget doesn't appear on the list and how to fix it

A common problem on Xiaomi is that there is no widget in the add-on menu, even if the app is installed.

1. MIUI optimization: the system blocks background widget activity to save battery life. The solution is to add the app to Without restrictions:
2. MIUI incompatibility: Some widgets (such as those from Samsung or Huawei) are not adapted for Xiaomi firmware.
3. Cache error: Reset Launcer cache (MIUI shells):

Important: widgets for Android 12 and later use the AppWidgetProvider API, which MIUI modifies. If the widget requires Android 13+ and your Xiaomi runs MIUI 12.5 (Android 11), it won't work.

Install widgets via APK: for advanced users

If the widget is not available in Google Play, you can install it manually through the APK-This method is suitable for:

• 🌐 Widgets from third-party developers (for example, KWGT or UCCW).
• 📱 Widgets for other brands (e.g. One) UI from Samsung, adapted to MIUI).
• 🔧 Beta versions of widgets that are not yet in official stores.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK-a widget file from a verified source (e.g., APKMirror).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources:
3. Install the APK and restart the smartphone.
4. Check the widget in the add-on menu (sometimes you need to run the app at least once).

Download APK from the developer's official website | Check the hash of the file (MD5) for viruses | Make a backup of data | Disable battery optimization for the installation file-->

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from unverified sources, it can lead to data leakage or locking of the device. Always check reviews and reputation of the developer. MIUI Little-known Chinese studios often contain advertising software.

4.Creating custom widgets with KWGT and Tasker

If you want unique widgets with personal design, use KWGT Kustom Widget Maker (for visual customization) and Tasker (for automation).

• 🎨 Create widgets from scratch (colors, fonts, animations).
• 📊 Connect data from other applications (e.g. health indicators from Mi Fit).
• 🤖 Automate activities (e.g., enable Do Not Disturb Schedule).

Example of weather widget settings in KWGT:

1. Install KWGT from Google Play and open it.
2. Select "Create a new widget" and specify a size (e.g. 4×2).
3. Add the element "Text" and in the formula specify:
4. Save the widget and add it to the home screen via the MIUI menu.

To communicate with Tasker, use the KWGT Tasker Plugin plugin. For example, you can make a widget that:

• 🔋 Shows the battery level with a forecast of running time.
• 📶 Shows the speed of the Internet in real time.
• 🚗 Google Double Tap Assistant is included.

5.Widgets for the notification panel: quick access

On Xiaomi, you can add widgets not only to the main screen, but also to the notification panel (the drop-down “curtain” menu), which is convenient for quick control of music, Wi-Fi or brightness.

How do I add:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ ("Edit”) in upper right corner.
3. Go to the "Widgets" tab (or "Quick Settings" on some models).
4. Press the desired widget and drag it to the active area.

Popular widgets for the notification panel:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi and POCO s MIUI for Android Go (such as Redmi) A1) Widgets in the notification panel may not be supported due to system limitations.

6. Widgets for MIUI without root: circumventing restrictions

MIUI firmware blocks some functions of widgets without root rights, but there are legal ways to get around the restrictions:

Method 1: ADB-commands to unlock widgets

If the widget is installed but not displayed in the list, try to force it to be enabled via ADB:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable USB debugging:
2. Enter the command:
3. Reset the device.

Method 2: Using a Launcher from Third Party Developers

Install an alternative launcher (such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) that does not have MIUI limitations:

• 📲 Nova Launcher Widgets Update More Frequently and Support More Formats.
• 🔧 You can adjust the transparency, scale and animation widgets.
• ⚡ Some widgets (such as those from Google) only work in third-party launchers.

Method 3: Emulation of widgets through "Tags"

If you can’t add a widget, create an action shortcut:

1. Hold the app icon on the home screen.
2. Select "Tags" (if available).
3. Set the shortcut to open a specific section of the app (such as a camera or player).

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Side launchers (like Nova Launcher) often solve problems with displaying widgets on MIUI, but can reduce the smoothness of animations due to shell conflict.

7. widgets that don’t work on Xiaomi (and how to replace them)

Some widgets are fundamentally incompatible with MIUI due to Xiaomi or Google policies, and here is a list of problematic widgets and their counterparts:

⚠️ Note: Widgets requiring Google Play Services (e.g. Google Fit) may not work on Xiaomi for the Chinese market (with China firmware) ROM). In this case, you need to refashion the device on Global. ROM.

FAQ: Frequent questions about widgets on Xiaomi