The Yandex search bar on Xiaomi’s home screen allows you to quickly find information online without opening your browser. This is convenient for those who actively use Yandex services – mail, maps, translator or news. However, the standard MIUI shell does not always offer this option out of the box. Depending on the firmware version and smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.), the process may vary.
Many users find that after installing the Yandex application, the search widget does not appear in the list of available ones. The reasons can vary from the limitations of MIUI to the features of a particular model. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to add a search bar, including workarounds for persistent firmware versions. You will also learn how to customize the appearance of the widget and what to do if it disappears after a system update.
Before you start, make sure that your device has an official Yandex app from Google Play or Mi App Store. without it, the widget will not work. Also check the version of MIUI: in old builds (below MIUI 12) may not have some features.
1. Standard method: Add widgets through the menu
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It works on most modern Xiaomi smartphones, including Redmi and POCO with MIUI 12 firmware and newer.
For this:
- Touch and hold the empty space on the main screen.
- In the menu that appears, select Widgets (or Widgets in English firmware).
- Scroll down to Yandex (usually at the end).
- Select the Search String widget and drag it to the main screen.
If there is no Yandex item in the list of widgets, this can mean one of three:
- 🔹 The Yandex application is not installed or installed incorrectly (for example, through the APK).
- 🔹 Widget disabled in the application settings.
- 🔹 Your version. MIUI Blocks third-party widgets (relevant for Chinese firmware).
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If the widget is not displayed, try reinstalling the Yandex app from the official store, not through the official store. APK-This often solves the problem of missing an item in the menu.
2. Alternative method: through the settings of the Yandex application
In some cases, the widget is hidden in the settings of the application itself, which is suitable for devices where the standard widget menu does not show Yandex.
Instructions:
- Open the Yandex app.
- Tap it on. ⚙️ Settings (cog icon in upper right corner).
- Go to the Search Widget or Home Screen Settings section (the name may differ).
- Activate the option to Show the widget on the main screen.
- Return to the home screen and try adding again through the widget menu.
On some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) this path may look different: Settings Yandex → Additional → Widgets → Activate the search bar.
Important! If the widget doesn't appear after activation, try restarting the phone. Sometimes MIUI requires a reboot to apply changes to the system settings.
3. Manually create a search shortcut (if the widget is not available)
If the previous methods did not work, you can create a shortcut for quick search through the browser. This is not a full widget, but will allow you to open the search bar Yandex in one tap.
How to do this:
- Open a browser (such as Chrome or Mi Browser).
- Go to ya.ru.
- Press on. ⋮ (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Add to the main screen.
- Confirm the label's creation.
Now you have an icon on your screen that will open the Yandex search page when you click on it, and the downside of this method is that there are no online prompts (as in the full widget), but it works on any version of MIUI.
How do you make the label more convenient?
4. Solving problems with widget display
Sometimes the Yandex widget is added to the home screen, but it doesn’t work correctly: it doesn’t display clues, doesn’t open a search, or disappears after a reboot.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Widget does not open the search | App cache damaged. | Clean up Yandex cache in Settings → Applications → Yandex → Storage |
| Widget disappears after MIUI update | Resetting launcher settings | Add the widget again through the widget menu |
| No hints are displayed when entering | Internet or VPN down | Check your network connection and turn off the VPN |
| "Empty" widget (white screen) | Conflict with the subject of design | Change the theme in Settings → Standard theme |
Critical information: On Chinese firmware (e.g. Xiaomi 13 for the Chinese market), third-party widgets can be blocked at the system level, in which case only reflashing to the global version of MIUI will help.
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If the widget is missing after the MIUI update, first try resetting the launcher settings: pinch the empty space on the screen → Home Screen Settings → Reset settings.
5. Customize the appearance of the search bar
The Yandex search widget on Xiaomi supports several display options.
- 🔍 Classical string - standard view with magnifying glass.
- 📱 Compact view – only search icon (saves space).
- 🌈 Dark theme – automatically adjusts to the system theme.
To change the style:
- Touch and hold the Yandex widget on the home screen.
- In the menu that appears, select Change the widget or Settings.
- Choose your preferred size and style.
On some models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X3 Pro) available option Transparency, which allows you to make the background of the widget translucent for better integration with wallpaper.
The latest update of the Yandex | application has been installed
Internet enabled (Wi-Fi or mobile data) |
Power saving modes for Yandex are turned off |
The widget is added to the screen, not to the folder-->
6. Features for different Xiaomi models
The process of adding a widget may vary depending on the series of smartphones. Here are the key nuances for popular lines:
Redmi Note 10/11/12:
- 📱 The widget is available in the default widget menu.
- 🔄 After updating to MIUI 14 may require reinstallation of Yandex.
POCO F3/F4/F5:
- 🔍 The widget is hidden in the application settings (see Section 2).
- 🛠️ On the Chinese versions. POCO The widget may not work without changing the region.
Xiaomi 12/13:
- 🌍 On global firmware, the widget is added standardly.
- 🚫 Chinese firmware requires manual installation APK widget-enabled.
⚠️ Attention, on devices with MIUI For Russia (e.g. Redmi 10 2022), Yandex widget may conflict with Xiaomi’s built-in search. In this case, turn off system search in the launcher settings: Screen settings → Search → Shut down.
7. What to do if nothing works?
If none of these methods worked, try the following steps:
Method 1: Resetting the launcher settings
- Click the empty space on the main screen.
- Select the Home Screen Settings.
- Click Reset settings (or Reset).
Method 2: Installation of an alternative launcher
- 📲 Install Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher from Google Play.
- 🔧 In the settings of the new launcher add the Yandex widget.
- 🔄 Get back to the standard launcher MIUI, if the widget is working.
Method 3: Manual Addition via ADB (for Advanced Users)
adb shell settings put secure install_non_market_apps 1
adb shell pm grant ru.yandex.search android.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUTThese commands allow widgets from third-party applications to be installed, and be careful that improper use of ADB can disrupt the system.
⚠️ Attention, some firmware. MIUI (Especially Chinese) system restrictions do not allow you to add a widget Yandex without root rights, in this case, the only way out is to change the firmware to a global or European version.