The operating system Android 9 Pie, released in 2018, introduced a number of significant changes to the user interface, including the principles of interaction with the desktop. Many users who have updated their smartphones from earlier versions or switched to devices with “pure” Android encounter difficulties when trying to find the usual personalization tools. The question of where widgets are located in this version of the system becomes especially relevant for those who want to optimize the screen to suit their needs.
Unlike previous iterations, where widgets could be accessed through a long press on an empty space or through a separate application menu, in Android 9 the logic has been slightly redesigned to improve ergonomics. Now all additional controls, clocks, calendars and shortcuts are hidden in a single menu, the call of which is intuitive, but requires knowledge of a specific gesture. Understanding this structure will allow you to effectively organize your screen space and get quick access to important information without having to open full-fledged applications.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm for calling the widget menu, consider the differences in the interface depending on the smartphone manufacturer, and provide answers to common questions that arise when setting up your desktop. You will learn not only basic access methods, but also nuances associated with launchers of different brands, such as Samsung, Xiaomi or OnePlus.
Basic algorithm for accessing widgets in stock Android
On devices with a “clean” version of the operating system, such as line smartphones Google Pixel or Android One, the process of adding elements to the desktop is as standardized as possible. To open the menu with all available widgets, you need to perform a simple action: touch your finger to any empty area on the main screen and hold it for one to two seconds. This action will activate the desktop editing mode.
After you hold down, a toolbar with several options will appear at the bottom of the screen. Among them you will find the items “Wallpaper”, “Settings” and, most importantly for our task, the "Widgets"button. Clicking this button will reveal a full list of all available items, grouped by the names of the applications that provide them. This centralized storage allows you to quickly find the tool you need, be it weather, notes or a music player.
It is worth noting that in some cases the interface may respond with a slight delay, especially if the device has many background processes running. If the menu doesn't appear right away, try freeing up some screen space by moving app icons and try again. Also make sure that you do not use third-party launchers that can completely change the standard behavior of the system.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices with modified shells, long pressing on an empty space may bring up a menu for changing the wallpaper rather than editing the table. In this case, try holding down the application icon itself.
Interface features in manufacturers' shells
Large smartphone manufacturers often make their own adjustments to the standard interface Android 9, creating unique custom shells. These changes concern not only the visual style, but also the logic of access to system functions, including widget management. For example, in smartphones Samsung with a shell One UI (which began to be implemented just during the period of distribution of Android 9), the approach to organizing space was radically revised for the sake of ease of use with one hand.
In devices Xiaomi with a shell MIUI the situation also has its own nuances. Here, widgets can be integrated directly into the menu of all applications or placed on a separate screen to the left of the main one, known as “Google Now” or “Assistant”. The user needs to clearly understand which firmware version he is dealing with, since the arrangement of elements could change in different updates. Often, accessing widgets requires swiping to the right from the main screen or using a special pinch gesture. MIUI the arrangement of elements could change. Often, accessing widgets requires swiping to the right from the home screen or using a special pinch gesture.
Below is a table showing the differences in the methods of accessing the widget menu for popular shells based on Android 9:
| Manufacturer / Shell | Main gesture | Alternative method | Location features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel (Stock) | Long press on an empty space | Menu at the bottom of the screen | Single list of all widgets |
| Samsung (One UI) | Long press to an empty space | Button “Widgets” at the bottom | Separate tab in the editing menu |
| Xiaomi (MIUI 10/11) | Swipe to the right (widgets screen) | Long press on the icon | Widgets are often placed on the left screen |
| OnePlus (OxygenOS) | Long press on an empty space | through the app menu | The style is close to stock Android |
It is important to consider that interfaces can be updated even within the same version of Android. If the described methods do not work, it makes sense to consult the official help materials of the manufacturer of your device. There is no universal solution for all modifications, so experimenting with gestures is often the fastest way to find the desired section.
If you cannot find a specific application widget, check whether the application itself is installed. Widgets do not appear in the list if the main app is deleted or disabled.
The process of adding and placing elements on the screen
After you have successfully opened the widget menu, the next step is to select the appropriate element and place it on the desktop. This process is Android 9 implemented through a drag-and-drop mechanism. Find the widget you want in the list, for example, clock or weather, and tap on it without lifting your finger from the screen. The system will automatically switch you to the main screen, where you can choose a place to place it.
When you move the widget, you will notice that other application icons may automatically move to make room for the new element. This is an intelligent feature of the system that helps avoid objects overlapping each other. However, if the widget is large (for example, it occupies 4 cells in width) and there is not enough free space on the screen, the system will not allow you to install it in the selected zone. In this case, you will need to first remove unnecessary shortcuts or move them to other pages.
Some widgets support resizing after installation. To do this, you need to press the installed widget on the screen again until a frame with markers around the edges appears. By dragging these handles, you can increase or decrease the area occupied by the element. It is worth remembering that not all widgets have this function - the ability to resize depends on the developer of the specific application.
⚠️ Attention: Placing too many heavy widgets (for example, constantly updating weather or news) can significantly increase battery consumption and slow down the smartphone.
☑️ Check before installing the widget
Managing the dimensions and grid of the worker desktop
The flexibility of customizing the desktop in Android 9 largely depends on the grid parameters. The grid determines how many cells are available for placing icons and widgets horizontally and vertically. Changing the grid density allows you to fit more elements on one screen or, conversely, make the interface more spacious and easier to click. Access to these settings is usually hidden in the menu, which is called up by long pressing on an empty space.
In the editing menu, select Home screen settings or Grid. Here you will be able to switch between preset options, such as 4x5, 5x5 or 5x6. Increasing the number of cells makes each individual element smaller, which is critical for large widgets that require a certain minimum space to display content correctly. If the widget does not fit or is displayed incorrectly, try changing the grid configuration to a rarer one.
It is also worth mentioning the function Adaptive icons, introduced in earlier versions, but which became widespread in Android 9. This feature affects how widgets combine with application icons. Some launchers allow you to hide captions under icons, which visually frees up space and allows you to place widgets more harmoniously. Experiment with these settings to find a balance between functionality and aesthetics.
What to do if the widget flies off the screen?
Sometimes when changing the screen orientation or connecting a keyboard, the grid may get lost. Return the device to portrait mode and check the grid settings in the home screen menu.
Finding missing widgets and diagnosing problems
A common situation is the absence of an expected widget in the general list. The user is sure that the application is installed, but it is not in the widget menu. In most cases, the reason lies in the fact that the application itself does not support the creation of widgets, or this feature was removed by the developer in the latest update. However, if the widget previously worked and now has disappeared, it is worth checking the power saving settings.
The Android 9 has implemented an aggressive application power management system that can limit background activity. If the application that provides the widget is put into deep sleep mode or restricted from running in the background, the widget may stop updating or disappear from the list of available ones. To check, go to Settings → Applications, find the application you need and make sure that it does not have strict battery limits.
Another reason may be a conflict with the installed third-party launcher. If you use an alternative interface, such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, the logic of widgets may differ from the system one. In such cases, it is recommended to go to the settings of the launcher itself and check the section dedicated to widgets. Sometimes you need to give the launcher special permissions to access system widgets.
If none of the methods helped, try clearing the application cache System interface or Launcher. This action will not delete your data, but it will reset your desktop settings to default, which often resolves software display errors. After the reset, you will have to rearrange the icons, but the widgets should return to the list.
Optimizing performance when using widgets
Although widgets provide convenient access to information, their uncontrolled use can negatively affect the device's performance, especially on mid-range and budget Android smartphones 9. Each active widget is a process that periodically accesses the processor and network to update data. Many such processes at the same time can cause the interface to slow down and quickly drain the battery.
To optimize system performance, it is recommended to use widgets that are updated by an event, and not by a timer. For example, a music widget only updates when the track changes, while a news widget might request data every 15 minutes. Give preference to static widgets or themes that allow you to adjust the refresh rate in their internal settings. This will extend the battery life of your smartphone.
It is also worth regularly checking your desktop. Remove app widgets that you haven't used for a long time. Even if you don't open the app itself, its widget may continue to consume resources in the background. Following these simple rules will allow you to maintain the performance of your device at a high level even after a long period of use.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and settings may vary depending on the specific smartphone model and firmware version. Always check the official user manual for your device if standard methods do not work.
The optimal number of active widgets on one screen is no more than 3-4 pieces. This provides a balance between information content and system speed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did all widgets disappear from the desktop after updating to Android 9?
With a major system update, the launcher may reset its settings to factory settings. This is standard behavior to ensure the stability of the new software version. You need to re-open the widget menu by long pressing on an empty space and install them manually. Data inside applications is not lost.
Is it possible to change the transparency of a widget in Android 9?
You cannot change the transparency of a widget using standard system tools. This feature depends on the developer of the specific widget. However, many third-party launchers (for example, Nova Launcher) allow you to adjust the transparency of the widget background through their own design settings.
The widget shows incorrect information or is not updated. What to do?
Check your Internet connection and the application's access rights to geolocation (for weather) or contacts (for calls). Also try removing the widget from the screen and adding it again. If the problem persists, clear the cache of the source application in the phone settings.
How to remove a widget from the desktop?
Tap and hold the widget until a menu or vibration appears. Then drag the widget to the top of the screen, where a “Delete” or trash can icon will appear. Release your finger to confirm deletion. The application itself will remain installed.
Why do some widgets take up all the space on the screen and do not move?
You probably have a too fine desktop grid selected or the “Fixed desktop” mode is enabled in the launcher settings. Check the grid settings and make sure that blocking the movement of icons is disabled.