Galaxy S9 Widgets: Add to Home Screen
To add a widget to your Galaxy S9 home screen, touch and hold an empty area on the screen until the menu pops up, then tap Widgets. Scroll or search to find the widget you want, touch and hold it, drag it to the desired spot, and release. This works on both the main home screen and any additional home screen panels.
Background: Widgets on the Galaxy S9
The Galaxy S9 runs Samsung’s One UI (based on Android), which has supported home screen widgets since the early days of Android. Widgets are essentially mini-apps that display live information or provide quick actions without opening the full application. Common examples include a clock, calendar, weather forecast, battery level, music player controls, and to-do lists. Samsung also includes its own set of widgets for its apps like Calendar, Weather, and Samsung Health, alongside widgets from third-party apps you install from the Google Play Store or Galaxy Store.
Unlike app shortcuts, which simply open an app, widgets can be interactive and update in real time. For instance, a weather widget shows current conditions and forecasts at a glance, while a music widget lets you play, pause, or skip tracks directly from the home screen. Understanding this distinction helps you decide which widgets are truly useful for your daily routine.
How to Add a Widget: Step-by-Step
- Go to your home screen (the main screen you see when you unlock the phone).
- Touch and hold an empty area of the screen (not on an app icon) until the screen vibrates or a menu appears.
- Tap Widgets at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see a list of available widgets, organized by app.
- Scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top to find a specific widget. You can also tap an app to see its available widget sizes and styles.
- Touch and hold the widget you want. The screen will shrink to show your home screen panels.
- Drag the widget to the desired location. You’ll see a grid outline showing where it will be placed.
- Release your finger to drop the widget. If there isn’t enough space, you may need to move other icons or widgets, or add a new home screen panel by dragging the widget to the right edge.
After placing the widget, you can resize it on many widgets by touching and holding it, then dragging the blue dots that appear on the edges. Some widgets also allow you to tap on them to configure settings, such as choosing a specific city for a weather widget.
How to Remove or Move a Widget
To move a widget, touch and hold it, then drag it to a new spot. To remove it, touch and hold it, then drag it to the Remove option that appears at the top of the screen (or to the trash can icon, depending on your software version). Removing a widget does not uninstall the app; it just removes the widget from your home screen. You can always add it back later using the same steps.
If you want to change the size of a widget, touch and hold it, then release. If the widget is resizable, you’ll see a blue border with small dots. Drag those dots to adjust the width and height. Not all widgets are resizable—some are fixed at a specific size.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Widgets won’t load or show “Can’t load widget.â€�
Solution: This often happens after an app update or a system update. Try restarting your phone, or remove the widget and add it again. If the issue persists, clear the app’s cache by going to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear Cache.
Problem: Widgets disappear after a reboot.
Solution: This can occur if the widget’s app is on an SD card or if the launcher is restarting. Move the app to internal storage (Settings > Apps > [App] > Storage > Change > Internal Storage). Also, ensure you’re not using a battery saver mode that kills background processes.
Problem: Widgets are not showing in the Widgets list.
Solution: Some apps don’t include widgets. If you’re sure the app has one, try restarting the phone or checking for app updates. Also, some widgets are only available on the lock screen or in a specific size.
Tips for Choosing and Organizing Widgets
- Start with a few: Too many widgets can clutter your screen and drain battery. Choose the ones you check most often, like a clock, calendar, or weather.
- Use folders: You can group related widgets together in a folder, though not all widgets work well in folders. Alternatively, keep widgets on a separate home screen panel.
- Consider battery usage: Widgets that update frequently (like weather or news) can use more battery. Check your battery usage in Settings > Device Care > Battery to see which apps are using power.
- Match widget size to your usage: A large calendar widget is great if you rely on it daily, but a small one may be enough if you just need a glance.
- Use the search feature: If you have many apps, use the search bar in the Widgets list to find a specific widget quickly.
Widgets vs. App Shortcuts: What’s the Difference?
App shortcuts are just icons that open the app. Widgets are more dynamic—they can show information without opening the app. For example, a Gmail widget can display unread email counts, while a shortcut just opens the app. Some apps offer both, and you can add either from the Widgets list or the app drawer. If you long-press an app icon, you may see a menu with “Add to Home� or “Widgets� options, depending on the app.
Another difference is that widgets can be resized and customized, while shortcuts are fixed. Widgets also take up more space on the home screen, so you need to plan your layout carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a widget to the lock screen on Galaxy S9?
No, the Galaxy S9 does not support lock screen widgets by default. Android removed lock screen widgets in later versions, and Samsung’s One UI does not offer them. However, you can use “Always On Displayâ€� to show some information like the clock or calendar notifications without unlocking the phone.
Why can’t I find a widget for an app I installed?
Not all apps include widgets. Check the app’s description in the Play Store to see if it mentions a widget. If it does, make sure you’ve opened the app at least once after installation, as some widgets only appear after the app is initialized. Also, try restarting your phone or clearing the app’s cache.
How do I add a widget to a new home screen page?
To create a new home screen page, drag a widget (or an app icon) to the right edge of the screen until a new page appears. You can also pinch on the home screen to see all pages, then tap the “+� icon to add a new page. Then you can place widgets on that new page.
Can I make a widget transparent or change its background?
Some widgets allow customization. For example, many clock and weather widgets let you choose between different styles, including transparent backgrounds. To change it, touch and hold the widget, then tap “Settingsâ€� or the gear icon that appears. If the widget doesn’t have such options, you cannot change its appearance.
Why do my widgets disappear after a software update?
Software updates can occasionally cause widgets to be removed if the app’s data is cleared or if the system needs to rebuild the home screen. This is usually temporary. You can re-add the widgets manually. If they keep disappearing, check for app updates and ensure your phone has enough storage.
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