How to install a widget on Android Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi widgets turn a smartphone into a personalized control center, from weather and calendar to quick access to notes or a smart home. MIUI It's a question that's often asked, especially by newbies: Where do you look for a list of widgets? Why don't some of them appear? How do you fix them on your lock screen? In this article, we'll look at all the nuances of installing widgets on Redmi, POCO Other Xiaomi devices, including solutions to typical problems.

It is important to understand that the functionality of widgets depends on the version. MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 and HyperOS interface is different) and smartphone models.We will look at universal methods that work on most devices, and also reveal the secrets of hidden features – for example, how to add widgets from Google or third-party applications that are not in the standard list.

1. Standard method: adding a widget to the desktop

This is a basic method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the firmware version. MIUI Launcher (if you have installed a Nova Launcher or other, the process will be different – more on that below).

Step instructions:

• 📱 Long click on the free desktop space (not on the icon!) will appear menu with options.
• 🔧 Select "Widgets"** (in some versions) MIUI 12/13 It may be called "Elements" or "Additions»).

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

• ⚙️ Is the appropriate application installed (for example, you need to download the official application for the Spotify widget).

Check if the app is installed for the widget|

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Reboot your smartphone |

Try adding a widget through the app settings-->

Limitation MIUI: Some widgets (such as Samsung Health or Huawei HiLink) are not supported on Xiaomi because of a conflict of services.

2. Widgets on the lock screen: how to add and configure

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi allows you to place widgets directly on the lock screen, which is convenient for quick access to information without unlocking the phone. However, the functionality is limited: only system widgets (weather, steps, calendar) and some from Mi Fit are available.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select “lock screen widgets”** (some versions call it “Additional Information”).
3. Activate the slider "Show widgets"**.
4. Click on “Set up widgets”** and select the ones you want from the list (e.g. Weather, Steps, Calendar).

Important: Widgets on the lock screen only work when the Internet is active (mobile data or Wi-Fi), if the connection is not available, they will show outdated data or an error.

In the models with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60) Widgets on the lock can eat away the battery, because the screen remains active to display information. If you notice an increased consumption, turn off unnecessary widgets or reduce the time they display in the settings.

Installation of widgets through third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If standard widgets MIUI You don't like it, the way out is to install an alternative launcher:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports customization of widgets, gestures and backup settings.
• 🔹 Apex Launcher – lightweight and fast, with support for themes.
• 📱 Lawnchair – open source launcher that mimics Google’s Pixel Launcher.

How to add a widget through Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher (when you first start the system will prompt you to do this).
2. Long press on the desktop → «Widgets»**.
3. All available widgets will appear in the list, including those hidden in the standard one. MIUI Launcher (such as Google or Microsoft widgets).
4. Choose the right one, hold it and drag it to the screen. Nova Launcher allows you to change the size of the widget even after placing (long press). → Change the size).

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• ✅ Support for widgets from Google (such as At a Glance or Google Discover) that are not available MIUI.
• ✅ Ability to hide unnecessary widgets from the list.
• ✅ Customize transparency, scale and animation.

Standard MIUI Launcher|

Nova Launcher|

Apex Launcher|

Lawnchair|

Other|

4. Google widgets: how to return to Xiaomi

Many Xiaomi users are facing a problem: Google widgets (search bar, weather, calendar) disappear after the update or do not appear in the list at all. MIUI It replaces them by default with its peers. Here's how to return Google widgets:

Method 1: Using Google App Settings

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter “G”).
2. Slip on the profile avatar. → Settings → Widgets.
3. Activate the slider "Show widgets on the main screen"**.
4. Return to the desktop and try adding the widget in the standard way (long press). → «Widgets»).

Method 2: Reset the settings of the Google app

If the widgets never came up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Google and select “Storage» → «Clear the data" and "Clear the cache»**.

Critical detail: on some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro with a MIUI 13) Google widgets may not work due to conflict with the services MIUI. In this case, only the installation of a third-party launcher will help.

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If after resetting Google widgets still do not appear, try to disable battery optimization for the Google app in the settings Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

5. Hidden widgets and secret chips MIUI

MIUI It hides some widgets from the user, but you can activate them through the developer settings or special commands:

1. Quick Settings widget on the desktop

This is a mini panel with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and brightness switches that can be fixed as a widget:

1. Activate Developer Settings (go to Settings) → About the phone and 7 times tap on the version MIUI).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option “Show the Quick Settings Panel in Widgets”** and turn it on.
4. The widget will now appear in the standard list of widgets.

2. "Game turbo mode" widget**

Useful for gamers, it shows. FPS, Processor temperature and memory occupied:

• 🎮 Install the Game Turbo app (unless preinstalled).
• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Game Turbo widget.
• 📱 Activate the widget display and add it to the desktop.

3. Smart Home widget for Mi Home devices

If you have a Yeelight smart lamp or a Mi Robot robot vacuum cleaner, you can bring control to your desktop:

1. Open the Mi Home app.
2. Go to Profile. → Settings → Widgets.
3. Select the device you want to create a widget for (such as a lamp or vacuum cleaner).
4. Click “Add to Desktop”** and the widget will appear automatically.

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Hidden widgets MIUI Often require activation through developer settings or special applications (e.g., Mi Home for Smart Home).

6. Problem Solving: Widgets don't work, disappear or slow down

If widgets refuse to be added or work incorrectly, check the following points:

Frequent error: after updating MIUI This is because the system recreates the launcher cache. To avoid losing settings, use the backup function in third-party launchers (for example, in Nova Launcher this is done through Settings). → Backup).

⚠️ Note: on HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) Some widgets may work differently due to the changed system architecture. If after upgrading to HyperOS widgets are missing, try resetting the launcher settings (Settings). → Annexes → MIUI Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data).

7. widgets for specific Xiaomi models: what is supported

The functionality of widgets may vary depending on the smartphone model and firmware version. Below is a summary table of support for widgets on popular Xiaomi devices:

On budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) widgets may be slower due to a weak processor:

• 🔄 Disable animations in the developer settings (Settings) → For developers → The scale of window animation → No animation).
• 🗑️ Clean the launcher cache once a week.
• 🔋 Turn off background activity for unnecessary applications.

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On Xiaomi tablets (like Pad 6), widgets can be placed in split-screen mode. To do this, hold the widget and drag it to the edge of the screen - it will anchor in multitasking.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions