How to use Lock Screen Widgets on Android

We have to rely on a third-party app to use lock screen widgets on Android because it’s not officially supported. However, this method may need to be revised since it involves a workaround. The app we recommend for this purpose is “Lockscreen Widgets and Drawer,” which is available for $1.49.

Once you have successfully installed the application, you will be welcomed with a series of pages. The initial step involves granting the application access to your device’s accessibility settings so that it can be displayed on the lock screen. Tap on ” Info”. Then select “Grant” to navigate the Androids Accessibility menu and enable this feature.

Apple introduced lock screen widgets for iPhones in iOS 16, while Android, known for its level of customization, doesn’t offer the feature officially. However, there’s no need to worry because we can still enjoy this functionality on Android.

Android had support for lock screen widgets long before iPhones did. It was officially introduced back in 2012 with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Unfortunately, it was removed in the release of Android 5.0 Lollipop. Fret not; we can bring it back!

Once you’re in the app, you’ll receive a permission request for notification listening. This permission allows Lockscreen Widgets to hide the widgets when notifications are on your lock screen. Tap on “Grant”. Then go to settings to enable Lockscreen Widgets if you wish. Keep in mind that this step is optional.

You can also enable notification listening, granting access to your device’s media. This feature helps detect your wallpaper and creates a “mask” behind the widgets. However, feel free to skip this step if it doesn’t interest you.

Lastly, to ensure that Lockscreen Widgets don’t close in the background, tap on the “More Info” button for instructions on excluding the app from “battery optimizations.”

Now comes the exciting part – adding widgets to your lock screen! Start by toggling on the “Enabled” switch for “Lockscreen Widgets, ” then tap on “Add Widget.”

Scroll through the list of widgets. Choose the ones you want to add. Don’t hesitate to add widgets!

To understand how each widget will appear on your lock screen, tap “Preview.” If you want to make changes or edits, use two fingers. Tap directly on the widget – two fingers will hide those editing controls again.

If you have widgets, you can swipe left or right to browse through them. To remove a widget, press and hold it, then tap the red minus icon.

Next, let’s take a look at the “Settings” option.

It’s worth trying settings to see what works best for your lock screen. Here are a couple of things you should consider. First, in the “Appearance” section, there’s a feature called “Masked Mode.” It comes in handy if you prefer the widgets to cover elements on the lock screen, such as the clock.

In the “Visibility” section, you might want to enable options like “Hide When Showing Notifications.” Hide on Security Input.” You can also hide the widget when the notification shade is expanded.

Remember, every lock screen is unique, so adjust these settings until it looks good with your setup. Additionally, you can use a two-finger gesture on the lock screen to access editing controls.

That should give you a starting point! Just so you know, there may be some quirks since this method isn’t official. Nonetheless, it’s a solution.

Apple and Google seem to have a fondness for “sharing” ideas. Should Google consider reintroducing lock screen widgets in the future?