Widgets on Android TV turn an ordinary TV into a smart entertainment center - with quick access to the weather, news, smart home control or your favorite content. But the standard capabilities of the system are often limited: manufacturers like Sony Bravia or Xiaomi Mi TV block the addition of third-party widgets through the graphical interface. Why is this happening? It's a matter of politics Google: from versions Android TV 10+ widgets are considered an "outdated" interface element, and their support depends on the manufacturer's shell.

In this article we will look at all working methods for installing widgets —from official (for supported models) to manual methods via ADB and third-party launchers. We will pay special attention to bypassing restrictions on TVs with shells Google TV (2022+) and Fire TV (Amazon)where standard methods do not work. If you tried to add a widget through the "Home Screen" menu, but did not find such an option, you are not alone: this is not a bug, but a feature of the firmware.

Before you begin, check:

  • 📺 TV model: widgets are officially supported only on Android TV 9.0 and below (for example, Nvidia Shield TV 2019 or Mi Box S). On Google TV (like Chromecast with Google TV) workarounds are required.
  • 🔧 Firmware version: update the system via Settings → About TV → Software update. Sometimes manufacturers return support for widgets in new versions (as they did Philips in 2026).
  • 🛠️ Having root access: for deep customization (for example, installation Tasker or Kustom Widgets) you may need to unlock the bootloader.
📊 What Android TV do you have?
Sony Bravia
Xiaomi Mi TV / Mi Box
Nvidia Shield TV
Google Chromecast
Philips / TCL / Others

1. Official method: adding widgets through settings (for supported models)

If your TV was released before 2021 or runs on a “pure” Android TV (without shell Google TV), the chance of adding a widget through the standard menu is ~70%. The algorithm is simple:

  1. Open Settings → Home screen (on some models the path may differ: Settings → Personal settings → Home screen).
  2. Select item "Widgets" or "Add element" (on Xiaomi this may be called "Quick settings").
  3. In the list of available widgets, check the boxes you need (for example, Weather from AccuWeather or YouTube Recommendations).
  4. Drag the widget to the home screen while holding the button OK on the remote control (on some models there is a button Menu).

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Sony with firmware Android TV 11+ widgets can only be displayed in the bottom panel, and not on the main screen. This is a shell limitation Google TV, and it is impossible to bypass it without manual configuration.

List of widgets that can be added officially:

  • 🌤️ Weather (AccuWeather, Weather Underground)
  • 📰 News (Google News, Yahoo News)
  • 🎬 Recommendations (YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video)
  • 🔊 Sound control (Equalizer, Sound Mode)
  • 💡 Smart Home (Google Home, Philips Hue)

☑️ Preparing to install the widget

Done: 0 / 5

2. Installing widgets through third-party launchers (for Google TV and new models)

If there is no item in the settings "Widgets", you will have to use a workaround - alternative launchers. They replace the standard home screen and allow you to add widgets manually. The best options for Android TV:

LauncherWidget supportCompatibilityFeatures
ATV Launcher✅ FullAndroid TV 5.0+Gesture support, icon customization
HalLauncher✅ Partial (requires ADB)Android TV 9.0+Minimalistic design, quick access to applications
Wolf Launcher✅ FullAndroid TV 7.0+Built-in widgets for weather and system information
Leanback Launcher❌ NoAll versionsOnly to restore the standard interface

Installation instructions via ATV Launcher (the most universal option):

  1. Download ATV Launcher from Google Play (or from APKMirrorif the application is not available in your region).
  2. Install the launcher and open it. The system will offer to make it the default launcher - agree.
  3. Press and hold an empty area on the main screen, then select "Add widget".
  4. In the list, find the desired widget (for example, Clock Widget or Tasker) and drag it onto the screen.

⚠️ Attention: On Google TV (for example, Chromecast 4K or Sony X90J 2022+) launchers may be blocked by the system. In this case, you will need disable the standard launcher via ADB (instructions in the next section).

If the widget is not displayed in the list, check:

  • 🔄 Is the corresponding application installed (for example, for a widget Spotify you need to install the official application Spotify TV).
  • 📥 Is the application updated to the latest version (widgets are often added in new releases).
  • 🔧 Does it support launcher widgets of this type (for example, HalLauncher does not work with widgets based on WebView).
💡

If after installing the launcher the widgets are slow, try disabling animation in the developer settings (Settings → About TV → Build number (click 7 times) → Window animation: Off).

3. Manually adding widgets via ADB (for advanced users)

If launchers do not help or you want to integrate the widget into standard interface (without replacing the launcher), you will need ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method works even on Google TV, but requires connecting the TV to a computer.

📌 What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux installed drivers ADB.
  • 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (or USB-MicroUSB for older models).
  • 📱 Switched on USB debugging on the TV (Settings → About TV → Build number (click 7 times) → For developers → USB debugging).
  • 🛠️ Utility Platform Tools from Google.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect the TV to the computer with a cable and confirm permission for debugging on the TV screen.
  2. Open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The serial number of your TV should be displayed.

  3. Run the command to add a widget (example for a widget Clock): 
    adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.tv.settings/.MainSettings -e widgetProvider com.example.clockwidget

    Replace com.example.clockwidget with a real widget package (you can find it out via App Inspector v Android Studio).

  4. Reboot the TV: 
    adb shell reboot

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect ADB commands can lead to resetting the TV or failure of the launcher. Before experiments, create a backup via adb backup or save a list of installed ones. applications with the command: 

adb shell pm list packages > apps.txt

List of popular widget packages for ADB:

  • 🌡️ AccuWeather: com.accuweather.android
  • 📺 YouTube Recommendations: com.google.android.youtube.tv
  • 🔊 Equalizer: com.sony.dtv.equalizer (only for Sony Bravia)
  • 🏠 Google Home: com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app
What to do if ADB does not see the TV?

1. Check the cable - use the original USB-Type C.

2. Install drivers for your model (for example, for Xiaomi Mi TV you need drivers from Qualcomm).

3. Try connecting via Wi-Fi: adb connect TV_IP_address:5555 (IP can be found in Settings → Network).

4. Disable the firewall/antivirus on your computer.

4. Widgets via Tasker and AutoApps (automation)

If you need custom widgets (for example, to control a smart home or display user data), the best solution is a bundle Tasker + AutoNotification. This method takes time to set up, but allows you to create widgets with unique functionality that is not available in standard applications.

📌 Example: widget for controlling Philips Hue lighting

  1. Install on your TV:
    • Tasker (from Google Play or official website)
    • AutoNotification (plugin for Tasker)
    • Philips Hue (official application)
  • C Tasker create a task: 
    Profile → Status → Plugin → AutoNotification → Query

    [Configuration: Notification Type: Ongoing, Title: Hue Lights]

  • Add an action to toggle the light: 
    Action → Plugin → Philips Hue → Toggle Light

    [Select lamp and state]

  • Save the task and export it as a widget via AutoNotification → Widgets.

    • 🔹 Other ideas for custom widgets:

    • 📊 Network monitoring: displaying Internet speed via Termux + Tasker.
    • 🎮 Game notifications: alerts about streams on Twitch or YouTube Gaming.
    • 📅 Calendar: synchronization with Google Calendar via AutoCalendar.
    • 🔋 Status batteries: if wireless headphones or a remote control with a battery are connected to the TV.

    ⚠️ Attention: Tasker consumes additional resources of the TV. On weak models (for example, Mi Box S s 2 GB RAM) this can lead to lags. Optimize tasks by disabling unnecessary triggers.

    💡

    Tasker allows you to create widgets with logic that is not available in standard applications (for example, changing the screen brightness on a schedule or running scripts when connecting Bluetooth devices).

    5. Solving problems: the widget does not display or is slow

    Even after successful installation widgets on Android TV may not work correctly. Let's look at typical errors and how to fix them:

    ProblemPossible reasonSolution
    The widget does not appear on screenThe launcher does not support widgets of this typeTry another launcher (Wolf Launcher or ATV Launcher)
    The widget slows down or crashesLack of RAMClose background applications via Settings → Applications → Running
    The widget appears emptyNo data to display (for example, weather without access to geolocation)Check application permissions in Settings → Privacy
    The widget disappears after rebootResetting launcher settingsFix the widget in the launcher settings or use Tasker for automatic recovery
    Interaction (clicks) does not workConflict with remote control or mouseConnect a Bluetooth keyboard for testing

    🛠️ Additional troubleshooting tips:

    • 🔄 Reset cache: go to Settings → Applications → [Widget name] → Storage → Clear cache.
    • 📥 Reinstallation: delete the widget and application, then install again.
    • 🔧 Developer settings: turn on Do not turn off screen and Background processes without restrictions for testing.
    • 📡 Network: weather and news widgets require a stable Internet connection. Check your connection via Settings → Network → Speed test.

    If the widget still does not work, check its compatibility with your version Android TVFor example, widgets for Android 9 may not be supported on Android 12+ due to changes in API.

    How to find the version of Android TV?

    Go in Settings → About TV → Android version. If there is no item, use the ADB command: 

    adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

    6. Alternatives to widgets: quick panels and voice commands

    If installing widgets was too difficult or yours The TV model does not support them at all, consider alternative ways to quickly access information:

    🔹 Quick panels (Quick Settings)

    • On most TVs, you can add application shortcuts to the top or side panel. For example, on Sony Bravia hold the button Home on the remote control → Change shortcuts.
    • Swipe left on the home screen to open a panel with recommendations and frequently used apps. Google TV Swipe left on the Home screen to open a panel with recommendations and frequently used apps.

    🔹 Voice commands

    • If your remote has a microphone (or connected Google Assistant), use voice requests:
      • "OK Google, show me the weather forecast for tomorrow"
      • "OK Google, turn on the light in the living room" (if configured Google Home)
      • "Ok Google, start Netflix"
    • On Xiaomi Mi TV the voice assistant is called by the button Microphone on the remote control or the phrase "Hello, Xiao AI."

    🔹 Applications with widgets in full screen

    • Some applications (for example AccuWeather or Spotify) have "Mini Player" or "Overlay" modes that work on top of other windows. This is not exactly a widget, but it gives a similar effect.
    • For news you can use Google Discover (built-in). in Google TV) or Flipboard.

    🔹 External devices

    • If the functionality of widgets is critical, connect to the TV Amazon Fire TV Stick or Android box (for example, Nvidia Shield). They support widgets better than built-in TV systems.
    💡

    Voice assistant and quick panels often cover 80% of the tasks for which users want to install widgets.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about widgets on Android TV

    Is it possible to install a widget on Google TV (Chromecast, Sony X90J, etc.)?

    Yes, but with limitations Google TV does not support widgets, but you do. you can:

    1. Use a third-party launcher (ATV Launcher or Wolf Launcher).
    2. Install the widget via ADB (requires disabling the standard launcher).
    3. Replace the widget with voice commands or quick ones panels.

    On some models Sony (for example, X95K 2022) widgets appear after the firmware is rolled back to Android TV 10, but this is risky and can lead to loss of warranty.

    Why did everything disappear after the update widgets?

    This is a typical problem when switching to Android TV 11+ or Google TV. Manufacturers remove support for widgets to promote their content (for example, Sony replaces widgets with Sony Select, and Xiaomi —on Mi Home).

    You can restore widgets:

    • Through ADB (if you know widget packages).
    • By rolling back the firmware (not recommended due to the risk "brickling").
    • Using alternative launchers.
    How to find the widget package for ADB?

    There are two ways:

    1. Through App Inspector:
      • Install Android Studio on your computer.
      • Connect the TV via ADB and open Layout Inspector.
      • Find the widget in the list of processes and copy its package (for example, com.accuweather.android.widget).
  • Via Package Name Viewer:
    • Install the application on the TV Package Name Viewer from Google Play.
    • Open it and find the desired application in the list.
    • The widget package usually has a suffix .widget (for example, com.google.android.youtube.tv.widget).
    • Is it possible to make a widget for an application that is not on Google Play (for example, for IPTV)?

    Yes, but you will need:

    1. Install APK applications manually (for example, through Send Files to TV or ADB install).
    2. If the application does not have a built-in widget, create one via Tasker + AutoApps (as described in section 4).
    3. For IPTV you can use widgets from TiviMate or Perfect Player (they support displaying the current app as a widget).

    ⚠️ Attention: Installing an APK from unknown sources may lead to the TV being blocked by an antivirus or a violation of the license agreement (for example, on Netflix or Disney+).

    How to return standard widgets after resetting the settings?

    After resetting the TV to factory settings, widgets disappear, even if the model supports them. To return them:

    1. Update the firmware to the latest version via Settings → Update Software.
    2. Reboot the TV (Settings → Reboot or button Power on the remote control).
    3. If widgets do not appear, try resetting the settings again, but at the initial stage settings do not connect to Wi-Fi —sometimes this helps to avoid blocking widgets by the manufacturer's servers.