Modern Samsung smartphones with the One UI shell provide users with the widest possibilities for personalizing their workspace, turning the lock screen and home screen into information hubs. Widgets allow you to quickly access weather data, exchange rates, meeting schedules or news without having to launch the corresponding applications. This saves significant time and makes interacting with the device more intuitive and efficient in everyday use scenarios.
However, despite the obviousness of the function, many users face difficulties when trying to find or activate these interface elements, especially after major system updates. Menu layout may change, and some functions may become hidden or require additional modes to be activated. In this article we will analyze in detail how to open widgets on Android Samsung, consider the nuances of working with the lock screen and solve typical problems that you may encounter.
Before moving on to the technical part, it is important to understand that the interface Samsung One UI has its own unique logic that differs from stock Android. Here, controls are often grouped together and accessed through long presses or swipes, which is not always obvious to newbies. We will look at all available ways to add widgets so that you can customize yours Galaxy exactly as it is convenient for you.
The basic method of adding widgets to the home screen
The simplest and most common method of activating widgets on devices Samsung is to use a long press on free area of the desktop. This universal gesture opens the editing menu, where all the interface customization options are hidden. You don't need to look for special icons or go into deep system settings - everything is at your fingertips.
After you hold your finger on the screen for a couple of seconds, the bottom toolbar will appear. Here you need to find and click the “Widgets” button. It is this section that contains a complete list of all available elements that can be placed on the desktop. The list is usually sorted alphabetically or by frequency of use, making it easier to navigate.
Use the search function at the top of the widget menu if you have a large number of applications installed - this will save time scrolling through a long list.
In the menu that opens, you will see tiles of different sizes corresponding to different applications. Some of them have arrows or extension icons indicating the availability of additional design options. Having selected the desired widget, you can drag it to a free space, where it will immediately become active and begin displaying data.
☑️ Algorithm for adding a widget
Configuring widgets on the lock screen
The lock screen deserves special attention, which in the latest versions One UI has received powerful tools for widgets. This allows you to see important information without unlocking your phone, which is especially useful for checking the weather, pedometer, or upcoming calendar events. Control here is carried out through the lock screen settings.
To get started, you need to unlock the phone, but not open the application menu. Instead, you need to press and hold your finger on any empty area of the lock screen. The system will ask you to pass biometric identification (fingerprint or Face ID) or enter a PIN code to confirm the owner’s identity.
After entering the editing mode, you will see areas marked with a dotted line or a plus. By clicking on them, you can choose which widget will be displayed. It is important to note that a limited set of elements is available here compared to the main screen, but their functionality is quite sufficient for basic tasks.
It is worth remembering that the number of widgets on the lock screen is limited interface design. Usually this is one or two lines under the clock and a couple of elements at the bottom of the screen. Layout of elements It is strictly regulated here, and you won’t be able to arbitrarily change the size of the tiles, as on the desktop.
Working with Smart View and “Today” mode
B devices Samsung there is also a “Today” panel, which is located to the left of the first desktop screen. Swiping right opens access to the news aggregator, weather and quick links. This area also supports widgets, but works like a ribbon rather than a static grid.
To add a widget to this area, you need to swipe all the way to the right and scroll to the very bottom of the list. There will be an "Edit" button or a plus icon. By clicking on it, you can activate or deactivate information cards. This is convenient for those who like to keep their finger on the pulse of events.
⚠️ Attention: The Today panel can consume additional data and battery power as it constantly updates the news feed and weather data in the background. If you rarely use this function, it is better to disable unnecessary cards in the settings.
In addition, the system has a function Smart Viewthat allows you to broadcast the screen to a TV, but it does not apply to interface widgets. Don't confuse these concepts. Widgets are controls within the OS, and Smart View is an image transfer protocol.
Why may widgets not update?
Widgets may stop updating due to the power saving mode being turned on. The system limits background app activity to extend battery life. Add an important application to the exclusion list or disable battery optimization for it.
Table of widget types and their functionality
Understanding the differences between widget types will help you organize your workspace more intelligently. Not all widgets are the same: some simply show a static image, others are full-fledged mini-applications.
The table below shows the main categories of widgets available in ekosisteme Samsungand their brief descriptions. This will help you quickly navigate the huge list of available options.
| Widget type | Description of functionality | Requires connection | Impact on battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information | Weather, exchange rates, news, calendar | Yes (Internet) | Average |
| Managers | Wi-Fi switches, flashlight, voice recorder, calculator | No | Low |
| Multimedia | Music player, photo gallery, YouTube Shorts | Yes (for streaming) | High |
| System | Battery charge, storage, network status | No |
Using Various types of widgets, you can turn your smartphone screen into a pilot's dashboard, where all the necessary information is before your eyes. However, it is important not to overload the interface so as not to reduce the performance of the device.
Solving problems with the display and operation of widgets
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where widgets disappear, are not updated, or are displayed incorrectly. This may be caused by launcher malfunctions or application version conflicts. The first step is to check if the power saving mode is enabled, which often blocks background processes.
If the widget is frozen and shows old data, try removing it from the screen and adding it again. Often this simple action will help reset the cache of a particular widget and restore it to normal operation. Also make sure that the application itself, which owns the widget, is updated to the latest version in Galaxy Store or Google Play.
If the widget stopped working after a system update, delete it, clear the cache of the source application and add the widget again - this solves 90% of the problems.
In some cases, the problem may lie in permissions. An app may be prevented from displaying data on top of other windows or accessing geolocation in the background. Check your permission settings in the menu Settings → Applications.
⚠️ Attention: The One UI interface is updated regularly. The location of menu items or function names may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and model of your smartphone. If you do not find the described option, use the search in the settings.
Hiding and deleting widgets for optimization
Not all widgets are useful all the time. Some of them can get in the way, take up space, or just be annoying. Removing unnecessary items is an important part of keeping your smartphone organized. To do this, just click on the widget and hold your finger until the action menu appears.
In the menu that appears, select the “Delete” item. The widget will disappear from the screen, but will remain available in the general list if you want to bring it back. This action is safe and does not remove the application itself, only its shortcut on the desktop.
Also Samsung there is the ability to hide applications and their widgets from public access. This is done through the home screen settings. Press and hold an empty space, select Settings, and find Hide Apps. Here you can remove unnecessary things from view so as not to clutter the list of widgets.
Regularly clearing the desktop of unused widgets not only improves visual perception, but can also have a positive effect on the performance of the system, especially on models of previous years. Optimizing space is the key to comfortable use of the gadget.
Use folders to group widgets of the same type if your launcher supports such a function, or simply place them side by side to create thematic blocks (for example, “Morning”, “Work”, “Sport”).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did widgets disappear after updating Android?
After a major system update, the launcher settings may be reset, or some widgets may become incompatible with the new OS version. Check the list of widgets by long pressing on the screen - most likely, they were simply removed from the desktop, but remained in the system. It is also worth updating all applications.
Is it possible to resize a widget on Samsung?
Yes, many widgets support resizing. To do this, you need to press and hold your finger on the widget, then release. If the widget supports resizing, handles will appear on its frame that you can drag. If there are no markers, the size is fixed.
Why does the weather widget show the wrong location?
This happens if the Weather application or widget is not allowed access to geolocation. Go to Settings → Applications → Weather → Permissions and make sure that access to the location is allowed. Also check if GPS is turned on in the notification shade.
Do widgets affect the speed of the phone?
Active widgets, especially those that constantly update data via the Internet (news, social networks) consume RAM and CPU time. On modern powerful smartphones Galaxy S or Aseries this is not noticeable, but on budget models a large number of widgets can cause micro-delays.