Set Up Widgets On Your Android Phone

This article teaches you how to add Android widgets to your phone’s home screen and how to move, resize, and delete them. It also explains how to get new widgets for your phone. 

How Do I Add Widgets to My Phone?

Putting widgets on your Android is as simple as a few taps and swipes. Follow these steps to learn how this works so that you can start accessing your favorite app options right from the home screen.

1. Tap and hold any empty space on the home screen.

   Already know which app you want a widget for? To save time, tap and hold on the app’s icon.

2. Tap Widgets.

3. Find the widget you want to use.

   If you didn’t select a particular app to browse just its widgets, you might have landed on the Featured tab of the widgets panel. Choose Browse to see every widget available for all your apps.

4. Start dragging the widget with your finger to close the widgets panel and view the home screen. Drop the widget anywhere to place it next to your other apps.

5. Tap outside the widget to finish.

How to Resize and Move Android Widgets

Once you’ve added a widget to your home screen, you may realize that you’d prefer it in a different location or for it to be a different size to reveal more information or take up less space.

Here’s how to resize and relocate a widget on your home screen.

1. Hold your finger down on the widget to select it.

2. To move the widget, continue holding as you drag it around the screen. Let go anywhere to drop the widget there.

3. To resize the widget, let go once it’s been selected. Dots will appear on the edges—drag the dots (up, down, left, or right, depending on the widget) to resize it.

   Not all widgets can be resized.

How to Delete a Widget on Android

Changed your mind and no longer want the widget on your screen? Deleting a widget is easy: Tap and hold it like you’re going to move it, and then drag it to the Remove option at the top of the screen.

Where to Get New Widgets for Android

Widgets are available within your apps, so you don’t need to look for widget downloads. Instead, downloading new apps will (likely) add new widgets for you to pick from.

Your smartphone comes with several pre-installed apps, meaning it’s also equipped with a set of widgets that you can install on the home screen. To add more, simply install more Android apps.

What Is a Widget?

A widget is a neat way to customize your Android phone’s display. You can add items such as a search bar, clock, countdown calendar, or weather details to your home screen.

With a widget, there’s no need to open a specific app to see such information.