Widgets are shortcuts to available Android options . They activate quickly in the operating system and are fully visible on the device's interface. They are very helpful for accessing device information, data of interest, notifications, or special functions. To learn more about them—what they are and how they work—we'll tell you everything you need to know.
What are widgets?
Widgets is a very generic English word that describes very specific functions that don't have a particular name . In computing, a widget is used to describe shortcuts to applications that provide information or allow us to interact with a service.
When we talk about a widget on Android, we mean having direct access to information on the device's screen. For example, the time via a clock, weather conditions, current news, Wi-Fi activation, notes, music players, calendars, and more.
We can even configure a widget to link to a WhatsApp contact and access that chat quickly without opening the app. This is known as a "launcher," which takes us directly to the function without having to use the root program.
Mobile devices can include widgets by default , or users can add or remove them if they prefer. The goal is to customize your home screen with shortcuts to apps or app functions according to your needs.
How to activate a widget on Android
Adding a widget on Android is easy, the most complicated thing will be choosing among so many options which one you want to enable. It is important to note that some apps may not appear in the list and this will depend on whether or not they have a widget to use. Let's see how to access this view and how to add them to the home screen:
- Locate the main screen of your Android.
- Press and hold the screen for a few seconds, but do it in a section where there is nothing.
- You will see how the interface changes and transitions to an editing design.
- At the bottom a series of icons are enabled and one in particular called «widgets«.
- Enter it and all the applications that are compatible with a widget will appear.
- Depending on the model and version of your operating system, you will see some options such as "suggestions" or "system tools."
- Select an app from the list and add it to the home screen.
- When it is placed you can keep it pressed for a few seconds to change the screen or position.
Widgets can be configured by size depending on the active view. They can be 1x1, 4x1, or 4x4 icons, with the latter being the largest. Some allow manual resizing, such as the Google search bar.
If you want to delete one of them, press and hold the app for a few seconds and tap "delete." Be careful not to tap "uninstall," as this will completely remove the app from your phone. What did you think of this information about Android widgets?