The weather widget on the Android home screen is a handy tool that helps you quickly find out the forecast without opening the application. However, standard widgets from manufacturers (for example, Samsung Weather, Mi Weather or Google Weather) do not always suit users: they can be slow, show inaccurate data, or simply do not fit into the design. Fortunately, you can replace the weather widget on Android in a few minutes - and this does not require root access or complex manipulations.

In this article we will examine 5 proven methods changing the weather widget: from installing third-party applications to manual configuration through the launcher. We will separately dwell on the nuances for popular shells (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS) and tell you how to avoid common mistakes. If you want not only to replace the widget, but also to optimize its operation, here you will find current tips for saving battery power and traffic.

Why is it worth replacing the standard weather widget?

Standard weather widgets pre-installed on smartphones often have limited functionality. Here are the main reasons why users decide to replace them:

  • 📉 Inaccurate data: many built-in widgets use outdated forecast sources (for example, AccuWeather in older versions MIUI).
  • 🐢 System slowdown: some widgets (especially from Samsung and Huawei) consume up to 15% of battery charge per day due to background activity.
  • 🎨 Inconvenient design: large blocks, bright colors or lack of a dark theme can spoil the appearance desktop view.
  • 🌍 Limited geolocation: many widgets do not support small towns or foreign cities.

For example, widget Google Weather (formerly Google Now) is known for its minimalism, but does not show precipitation by hour, unlike Weather & Clock Widget or 1WeatherAnd widgets from Xiaomi often “freeze” when changing locations. If you have encountered at least one of these problems. - it's time to consider alternatives.

📊 What weather widget do you have now?
Standard from the manufacturer
Google Weather
Third-party application
No widget

Method 1: Installing a third-party widget via Google Play

The easiest way to replace the widget is to download an alternative application from Google PlayPopular options:

  • 🌤️ 1Weather: minimalistic design, dark theme support and radar. map.
  • 📊 Weather & Clock Widget (from Devexpert.Net): more than 1000 design themes, widgets of different sizes.
  • ⚡ Today Weather: fast loading, support Material You and widgets with animation.
  • 🌪️ Windy: for weather-dependent - shows wind, pressure and precipitation in real time.

To install a new widget:

  1. Download the application from Google Play (for example, 1Weather).
  2. Tap and hold an empty space on the home screen, then select Widgets.
  3. Find the widget from the installed application in the list (for example, 1Weather 4×2).
  4. Drag it to the desktop and configure it (size, city, units).

Remove old widget from the screen|Download an alternative application|Check permissions (geolocation)|Restart your smartphone (if there are glitches)-->

⚠️ Attention: some widgets (for example, AccuWeather) require mandatory registration to access advanced functions. If this does not suit you, choose applications with an offline mode, such as Weather Timeline.

Method 2: Replacement through launcher settings

If you are using a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher), you can replace the weather widget without deleting the standard one:

  1. Install the launcher from Google Play (For example, Nova Launcher).
  2. Tap and hold the weather widget, then drag it to the trash (or select Delete).
  3. In the widget menu, find an alternative one (for example, from Today Weather) and add it to the screen.
  4. In the launcher settings (Advanced → Widgets), you can disable automatic updating to save battery.

🔹 The advantage of the method: launchers allow you to customize the transparency, size and even animation of widgets. data-i="101">You can make the weather widget translucent or pin it to the dock. Nova Launcher You can make the weather widget translucent or pin it to the dock.

💡

If after replacing the widget is not updated, check the permissions for the weather application in Settings → Applications → Permissions → GeolocationOften the problem is solved by enabling precise location determination.

Method 3: Manual removal of the standard widget (without root)

On some smartphones (especially Samsung i Xiaomi) the standard weather widget cannot be deleted in the usual way - it returns after a reboot. In this case, disabling the system application will help disabling a system application:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Click on the three dots on the right. top corner and select Show system.
  3. Find the weather application (for example, com.sec.android.daemonapp for Samsung or com.miui.weather2 for Xiaomi).
  4. Select Disable (not "Delete"!).
  5. Install an alternative widget from Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: disabling system applications can lead to malfunctions of branded services (for example, Bixby on Samsung or Mi Fit on Xiaomi). If errors appear after disconnecting, return the application to its original state.

Manufacturer Name of the system applications Risks when disconnected
Samsung com.sec.android.daemonapp Widgets may stop working Bixby and Samsung Health
Xiaomi com.miui.weather2 Integration with Mi Home and smart devices will disappear
Huawei com.huawei.android.totemweather Widgets will stop updating Huawei Mobile Services

Method 4: Using KWGT (custom widgets)

For advanced users who want a weather widget, the application fully customize weather widget, suitable app KWGT Kustom Widget Makeris suitable. It allows you to create widgets. from scratch or download ready-made themes from the community.

Instructions:

  1. Install KWGT i KWGT Pro Key (to unlock all functions).
  2. Download your favorite theme from Play Market (for example, Minimal & Elegant KWGT).
  3. Add a widget KWGT to the home screen (size 4×2 or 5×2).
  4. In the widget settings, select the downloaded theme and configure data sources (weather, time, battery).

🔹 Pros of KWGT:

  • 🎨 Complete freedom of design (colors, fonts, animations).
  • 📱 Support for dynamic wallpapers and adaptive themes.
  • 🔄 Automatic data update every 30 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: widgets KWGT consume more battery than standard ones, as they work through an add-on. To reduce the load, in the application settings, limit the update frequency to 1 time per hour.

How to link. KWGT with weather API?

For accurate data, you need to connect the widget to an external API (for example, OpenWeatherMap or WeatherAPI).

1. Register on the provider's website and get a free API key.

2. In settings KWGT go to Globals and add a variable with a key.

3. In the weather formula, use the function wc(your_key, city, parameter), where the parameter is temperature, humidity, etc.

Detailed guides are on the forum Kustom.

Method 5: Replacement via ADB (for experienced users)

If the standard weather widget is not deleted even after disabling, you can resort to ADB commands. This method is suitable for smartphones without root, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable USB debugging in Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → For developers.
  2. Connect your smartphone to the PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The device serial number should appear.

  4. Remove the widget with the command (example for Xiaomi): 
    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.weather2
  5. Restart your smartphone.

🔹 Important: after executing the command, the system application will be deleted only for your user (--user 0). When resetting the settings or updating the firmware, it may return.

💡

ADB commands allow you to delete even those widgets that are not disabled through the menu - However, this method requires caution. the wrong command can disrupt the system.

How to choose the best weather widget for your Android?

When choosing an alternative widget, pay attention to the following parameters:

Criteria Recommendations Examples of applications
Data accuracy Does the widget use reliable sources (for example, MeteoBlue, NOAA) Windy, Weather Underground
Design Does it support dark theme, transparency, responsive icons 1Weather, Today Weather
Battery consumption Are there refresh rate settings (optimally: 1 time every 2-3 hours) Weather & Clock Widget (economical update mode)
Geolocation Does it work without the Internet (offline maps) and whether your region supports AccuWeather (offline mode), Yr.no (accurate data for Europe)

🔹 Tip: before installing, check the reviews about the application in Google Play. Pay attention to complaints about advertising or data collection —some widgets (for example, GO Weather) are known for aggressive monetization.

Common problems and their solutions

When replacing a weather widget, users often encounter common errors. Here's how to fix them:

  • 🔄 The widget is not updating:
    • Check geolocation permissions.
    • B In the weather application settings, enable Auto-update.
    • If used KWGT - update the formulas manually.
  • 📵 The widget disappears after reboot:
    • This is typical for MIUI i EMUI. Solution: disable battery optimization for the weather application.
    • In Nova Launcher enable the option Save data on desktop.
  • 🔋 Fast discharge batteries:
    • Limit background activity in Settings → Applications → Battery.
    • Set the update interval no more than once per hour.

⚠️ Attention: on some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) weather widgets are tied to system services. Their deletion may lead to malfunctions. data-i="239">If, after replacing the weather widget, lags or overheating appear, check whether the new application conflicts with proprietary services (for example, Smart Assistant or Game Space. Please back up your data before experimenting.

💡

If, after replacing the weather widget, lags or overheating appear, check whether the new application conflicts with branded services (for example, Samsung Knox or Miui Optimization).

Is it possible to return the standard widget after deletion?

Yes. If you disabled the system application through the menu Settings → Applications, just press Enable. If you used ADB - run the command: 

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.weather2

(replace the package name with the one that is relevant for your device).

Why does the new widget show the temperature incorrectly?

The reasons may be:

  • The city is specified incorrectly (check in the settings widget).
  • The application uses an inaccurate source (try Windy or MeteoBlue).
  • Geolocation is disabled or the GPS signal is weak (enable High accuracy in the location settings).
How to make the weather widget transparent?

Methods depend on the launcher:

  • B Nova Launcher: click on the widget → Edit → Background transparency.
  • In KWGT: in the theme settings, change the parameter Background Alpha (0% - completely transparent).
  • In standard launchers (for example, One UI) transparency is usually not customizable - use third-party widgets.
Which weather widgets do not require the Internet?

Full-fledged offline widgets are rare, but some applications cache data:

  • Weather Timeline (saves the forecast for 24 hours).
  • 1Weather (there is a traffic saving mode).
  • Yr.no (Norwegian service with offline maps for Europe).

For complete offline work, you will need to manually enter data or connect to a weather station (for example, Netatmo).

Is it possible to transfer widget settings to another smartphone?

Yes, but the methods depend on the application:

  • B KWGT: export the theme to a file .kwt and import on a new device.
  • B 1Weather or Today Weather: use backup via Google Drive (in the account settings).
  • For system widgets (for example, Samsung Weather), transferring settings is not possible - you will have to configure it again.