Android widgets are mini mobile apps that run on your device’s home screen. Your device includes several pre-loaded widgets, but you can download more from Google Play.
Some phone manufacturers offer widgets exclusively for their devices. For example, you can download Samsung widgets from the Galaxy Store.
You can snag many great widgets for free from Google Play; some offer in-app purchases or upgrades.
These widgets are available for most Android smartphones and tablets. Check individual system requirements to make sure they work with your device.
Best Weather Widget for Android: 1Weather Forecast Radar
One of the most popular weather apps for Android, 1Weather has widgets that come in many shapes and sizes. After choosing a widget option and setting your location, you can view the current conditions and temperature at a glance. Some versions provide more information than others, so you can decide how detailed you want your forecasts to be. Tap the widget to customize the display.
Highly customizable.
Provides in-depth details, including weekly forecast and UV index.
You might have to refresh it manually to see the current temperature.
Frequent updates change how the widget looks.
Monitor Your Battery Life: Battery Widget Reborn
The Battery Reborn widget is available in two versions. There is a circle configuration, which you can set up to display the temperature and remaining battery time, and a chart option that shows battery usage over time. You can use this information to determine which apps take the biggest toll on the phone’s battery.
Customize text, background colors, and what happens when you tap the widget.
Especially helpful for users with visual impairments.
The free version displays ads every time you close the configuration window.
Upgrade required to remove the battery notification from the status bar and lock screen.
Never Miss an Email: Blue Mail Widget
Although it’s possible to set up email notifications on Android, the Blue Mail widget makes it easier to monitor your inbox from your home screen. Tapping the display opens the client, which has an intuitive interface and several useful features, including the ability to set reminders to follow up on an email at a specific time. You can even view multiple email accounts in a unified folder.
Supports virtually every type of email account.
Create custom signatures for each email address.
The 1x1 widget only shows the number of emails in your inbox.
Limited search and filtering options.
Keep Track of Your Plans: Event Flow Calendar Widget
Find out what’s on your agenda and how you should dress for your appointments with the Event Flow Calendar widget. This Android widget can display information from multiple calendars as well as the local weather. If you already use Google Calendar, you can sync it with Event Flow to get reminders on your home screen.
View the weather forecast for up to one week.
View calendar events for up to three months.
Premium upgrade required to use the many customization options.
Simplified Searches: Google
You don’t need to open a browser to check the latest sports scores, look up an address, or discover the answer to the random question that popped into your head. This widget gives you instant access to Google Search. If you tap the microphone, you can do a voice search. If music is playing, Google will tell you what you’re listening to.
Get quick answers to questions.
Identify songs with one tap.
No way to resize or customize the appearance of the widget.
Track Your Data Usage: My Data Manager
This widget is helpful if you want to monitor your data usage to keep your phone bill down. You can monitor your mobile data, Wi-Fi, and roaming usage as well as call minutes and text messages. Using the My Data Manager app, you can also monitor usage in a shared family plan and set up alarms to let you know when you are getting close to your limits.
Monitor your mobile data usage from your home screen.
Takes up minimal screen space.
Must manually enter your billing dates, data cap, and current usage to receive accurate tracking.
Keep Your Appointments: Sectograph Planner & Time Manager
Visual learners will appreciate the layout of this widget, which makes it easy to check out your plans for the day. The pie chart format breaks down your tasks and appointments in colorful slices based on the times you have them scheduled.
Cool interface.
Details sync with your Google calendar.
Not compatible with other calendars or agendas.
When you tap an item, the settings open rather than the specific event.
Advanced Volume Control: Slider Widget
If you’ve ever tried to adjust the volume on your phone and accidentally turned off the ringer, you will appreciate this widget. With four configuration options, you can have quick access to as many or as few volume settings as you wish. For example, you can choose different volumes for your apps, alarms, and ringtones for your Android phone.
Control the volume, screen brightness, and more.
Set different volumes for apps, alarms, and ringtones.
The icons are a little too small.
Name That Tune: SoundHound
You’ve had a tune stuck in your head for three days and cannot remember the title or even the lyrics. You try humming it for a friend or whistling it to a coworker, but nobody can help. This widget can give you the answers you seek. Play, sing, or hum a song, and SoundHound will do its best to recognize it and provide listening options on sites such as Spotify and YouTube.
Better than Google’s music search feature.
All you need to do is hum the tune.
Must upgrade to the premium versions to get rid of ads, receive extra features, and identify unlimited songs.
How do you add widgets to Android?
Press and hold a blank spot on your home screen until a menu pops up. Choose Widgets and scroll through the available options. Touch and hold the widget you want to add. Drag and drop it onto a free space on your home screen.
What’s the difference between a widget and an app?
A widget is an extension of an application. While apps can perform many tasks, widgets generally focus on one. For example, a clock app might let you set alarms and timers and function as a stopwatch, while a Clock widget displays the time on your home screen.
Press and hold a blank spot on your home screen until a menu pops up. Choose Widgets and scroll through the available options. Touch and hold the widget you want to add. Drag and drop it onto a free space on your home screen.
A widget is an extension of an application. While apps can perform many tasks, widgets generally focus on one. For example, a clock app might let you set alarms and timers and function as a stopwatch, while a Clock widget displays the time on your home screen.
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