If you are one of those people who love customize your Android phone and you want to get the most out of your lock screen, you've probably wondered how to add widgets in this highly visible space. Over the years, Android has changed its approach to widgets on the lock screen. There was a golden age with Jelly Bean when we could easily add them, but with Lollipop, they officially disappeared. Fortunately, the trend has changed again, and Android users, especially Samsung users and those running recent versions of the system, now have many more options for displaying widgets, accessing information at a glance, and enjoying a much more flexible and visual experience.
In this article we are going to review all the options available for Add, manage, and customize widgets on the lock screen of your Android device, based on the native solutions offered by the latest versions of Android, customization layers like Samsung's One UI, and third-party apps that are revitalizing this functionality. We also share tips, recommendations, and security warnings so you can make the most of all these options, while still protecting your data.
The evolution of widgets on the Android lock screen
The relationship between Android and lock screen widgets has been somewhat uneven. In its early years, Android allowed you to add widgets to the lock screen natively., facilitating access to relevant information without having to unlock your phone. However, following the release of Android Lollipop, Google decided to remove this feature, possibly for security and performance reasons.
However, user demand – and probably the influence of manufacturers and competitors (Apple, with its widgets on iOS) – has made lock screen widgets come back into fashion. Brands like Samsung have promoted new options, especially since Android 12 and the most recent versions (Android 14), integrating Useful and customizable widgets on the lock screen through One UI 4.0 and higher. Additionally, independent developers have created apps so that any user, even if their Android doesn't allow it by default, can enjoy widgets without resorting to complex methods or radical changes to their phone's security.
Lock screen widgets on Samsung Galaxy and One UI
If you have a Samsung Galaxy updated to Android 12 or higher (especially with One UI 4.0 or later), you have one of the most complete and curated experiences in terms of widgets on the lock screen. Samsung has decided to give this feature a twist, making it easier to access key information and significantly improving the system's appearance and usability.
What can you display with these widgets? The truth is, you now have access to Information modules such as weather, calendar, alarms, health data, daily planner, digital wellbeing, music and routines. All visible from the lock screen itself, grouped and customizable to consult at a glance everything important before even unlocking your cellphone.
How to activate and configure widgets on Samsung Galaxy
- Open the app Configuration from your Samsung mobile.
- Enter the section Lock screen (may appear as 'Lock Screen & AOD' on some models).
- Look for the option WidgetsHere you'll see a list of the widgets available for your lock screen.
- Activate or deactivate Each widget can be customized to your preferences. You can choose, for example, to view only music and the alarm, or show all widgets to effortlessly check any aspect of your daily life.
Samsung uses its own widgets, that is, integrated into your system and linked to the phone's native apps. Therefore, you can't add widgets from other apps like Gmail or Google Maps directly to this section. If you'd like to manage Google app widgets, you'll have to use the home screen or third-party solutions.
Displaying widgets by tapping the clock
One of the most interesting novelties is the possibility of access widgets by simply tapping the clock on the lock screenThis way, the different activated widgets appear, organized in a kind of carousel, allowing you to quickly and easily switch between them. Perfect for checking the weather, your next alarm, or your daily schedule before starting your day!
How to add or remove widgets on the Android 14 lock screen (especially on Samsung)
With the arrival of Android 14, some manufacturers now allow for even more intuitive management of widgets on the lock screen, with similar but more straightforward steps:
- hold down the lock screen to activate edit mode.
- Tap the widget area below the clock to enter the widget selection.
- Select the widget that you want to add; for example, the weather or the calendar.
- Click “Done” in the upper right corner to save your changes.
Want to delete a widget? The process is just as simple. Go back to edit mode, tap the corresponding area, and press the brand "-" on the widget you want to remove. When you're done, tap "Done" to confirm.
Third-party apps to restore or improve lock screen widgets
If your phone doesn't allow you to add widgets natively, or you simply want to further expand the functions of the lock screen, there are Very popular apps that manage to bring back the original widgets and even improve them:
Lockscreen Widgets or Yolock
Lockscreen Widgets is an app designed for users who miss the classic widgets on the lock screen, especially after their removal in Android Lollipop. This app offers an ingenious method to show any widget above the lock screen without having to replace or modify the default screen of the mobile.
Among its advantages, it stands out that:
- It does not replace your lock screen, but is displayed as an extra layer, respecting security and compatibility with methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition.
- ask for the accessibility permission in order to be able to overlay and function correctly. This permission is crucial, but the developer assures that no personal information is collected, and you can check out the source code on GitHub if you have technical knowledge.
- Allows you to add multiple widgets and pages, change their position and size easily (Tap the + button to add, use two fingers to move or resize).
- It works with almost all widgets, even those that require additional configuration or that you could previously only put on the desktop.
- Automatically hide widgets if you have notifications active on the home screen.
- Available on Google Play at a very affordable price; you can also compile it from source if you're more advanced and don't want to pay.
Extra customization with tools like WidgetClub
If you're looking to take customization to the limit, tools like WidgetClub permiten create fully custom widgets using your own images, combining icons, colors, and styles. This way, you can give your lock screen and desktop a unique and coherent look. These types of resources are especially useful for those who want their phone to be truly unique and reflect their personality to the fullest.
The ability to add and customize widgets to your Android lock screen has made a strong comeback in the latest versions of the system, thanks to third-party apps. Samsung leads this trend with powerful options in One UI, while apps like Lockscreen Widgets and YoLock allow you to enjoy widgets on virtually any phone. The best part is that you have a huge variety of widgets at your fingertips (weather, calendar, music, routines, statistics, etc.) and can customize the experience to your liking, always with a touch of security and the necessary warnings to protect your data. Customize your lock screen, make it more useful and visual, and take advantage of all the benefits that Android and third-party apps offer to keep everything under control without even unlocking your phone.