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How to install widgets on your Android lock screen

androidpit best widgets hero 7
© nextpit

Although new Android versions bring major innovations, it is difficult to erase the older versions from our minds. In this article, we'll show you how to install widgets on the lock screen of your Android smartphone. We'll be doing this with older Android version, as this functionality was dropped with the arrival of Lollipop. Here's how to install widgets on the Android lock screen.

Here's how to add widgets to the lock screen

As mentioned, it's not possible to install widgets to the lock screen with every version of Android. You can only do it from Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich until Android 4.4 KitKat. Lock screen widget functionality was discontinued after this version.

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Here's how to install lock screen widgets for Android. © ANDROIDPIT

Some tips before proceeding

To install one or more widgets on the lock screen, it is first recommended to set up the lock screen with or without a PIN code. To do that, go into System settingsI, then find the Security menu. In this one, click the option Lock screen and choose your desired locking method.

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Android widgets can enhance your smartphone experience. / © ANDROIDPIT

Note: whatever the method chosen, they all work, except one named None. If this is the first time you've installed a widget, I suggest you choose the second method Slide since it will allow you to try all your widgets quietly without being stopped by a code or unlock pattern.

Install one or more widgets on the lock screen

To be able to add one or more widgets on your mobile lock screen, you must:

  • Turn off the display of your smartphone or tablet
  • Switch it on again to view the lock screen
  • Once you're there, swipe left or right.
  • When the '+' option appears, tap on it
  • A list of widgets will be displayed you'll be asked to choose one
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This is how lock screen widgets look in Android 4.0. / © Droid-Life

And that's it - now you know how to add a widget on your Android phone's lock screen. On top of that, you can now interact with it. To do this, simply place your finger on it and drag it down to enlarge. This way you will be able to view more information.

The best widget to the lock screen is...

For me, the best lock screen widget is none other than DashClock. Besides offering great basic functions, the developer of the application offers an API to developers so they can add new functionality into DashClock widget themselves.

Have you tried lock screen widgets yet? Let us know what you think of them in the comments.

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Tony Balt

Tony Balt
Editor

Tony discovered Android in 2009. Since then, he's sharing his passion everyday with you, checking every news about Android, apps and reporting the most exciting ones.

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4 comments
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  • 1
    Dexonite Jan 4, 2017 Link to comment

    I havent got ANDROID 4.0. No one get it. Pls add manual for the android 6.0 when you can. thx.


  • Jeff Breitner 1
    Jeff Breitner May 10, 2016 Link to comment

    My phone is stuck on lollipop and I was disappointed to lose lock screen widget functionality. Personally I can't see the reason to remove it as it's up to the user to determine if they want any or not, but I've found that ZUI locker works well as it allows me to control my music apps without unlocking my phone. I can't see any harm in allowing a music widget on a lock screen, but someone at google somehow overthought user friendliness and convinced the higher ups it was a good idea. ZUI also offer's quick links within it's sub menu which is customize-able so for me, it's the best of what's out there for my situation.


  • 2
    Nick May 6, 2016 Link to comment

    So I'm pretty sure not many people have Android 4.0 anymore so maybe you should make an article about putting a widget on a phone with Android Marshmallow.

    Jeff Breitner


    • 12
      Emma William May 7, 2016 Link to comment

      i 2nd you

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