My Android home screen is my command center. This is where I quickly access the information and controls I need most with a curated selection of widgets. From simple ones like the clock and weather to taking notes and tracking screen time, here are 10 widgets that are essential to my daily routine.
1
Clock and weather
When it comes to essential widgets on my Android phone, the clock and weather widgets easily take the top spot. Of course, Android phones already display the time in the corner of the screen, but having a dedicated widget takes it a step further. It provides quick access to the current time, date, and even my next alarm, all at a glance.
The weather feature is equally invaluable, especially for someone like me who lives in a city where the weather can change on a whim. Whether I need to grab an umbrella, layer up, or apply sunscreen, the answer is right on my home screen, helping me avoid any surprises.
2
Battery
I admit it: battery anxiety is a real problem for me. That’s why I can’t go a day without my trusty battery widget.
It not only shows my phone’s battery status, but also keeps track of my Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Watch. This way I always know when to put my earbuds back in their case or quickly charge my watch before heading out.
3
Samsung Notes
When it comes to jotting down quick thoughts, making a to-do list, or sketching out ideas, Samsung Notes is my go-to app. I went all-in by adding two app widgets to my secondary home screen.
The first widget is a shortcut to create a new note. This allows me to quickly write, save or draw with just one click. Then there’s the “Notes List” widget, which displays my important notes right on the home screen. It’s like having a digital bulletin board where I can quickly check my latest to-do lists, meeting notes or reminders.
If you prefer to use Google Keep for taking notes, it also offers similar widget options on Android.
Remember speed dial? The Google Contacts Direct Dial widget is the modern, simplified version of this essential feature. I added a Direct Dial widget to my home screen that allows me to call my wife with a single click.
I also added the “Favorites” widget from the Contacts app. This widget displays all of my favorite contacts in one convenient place, making it easy to access my inner circle without opening the app itself.
5
Google Chrome Shortcuts
Although the Google search widget, which comes preinstalled on all Android phones, is useful for quick searches, I replaced it with Chrome’s shortcuts widget.
Although the Google search widget is good for queries, one aspect I don’t like is that when I tap a website link from a Google search, it opens in an in-app browser. the application. I much prefer the flexibility and features of the full Google Chrome browser, and Chrome’s shortcuts widget delivers that for me.
Using the Google search option in the Chrome widget, I can search directly in the browser.
The widget also provides an option to open an incognito window when I want to browse more privately. Plus, if I’m in the mood for a fun distraction, the Chrome widget even lets me play the classic game Dino.
6
ChatGPT
For those times when a simple Google search isn’t enough, I rely on ChatGPT’s widget for quick answers, detailed explanations, and creative ideas. I can use the standard text option to ask whatever I need, or if I’m feeling more spontaneous, I opt for the voice option to get answers hands-free.
There is also the photo option, which I use occasionally when I need clarification on an image or want to discuss visual details.
7
Digital well-being
As someone who often finds herself glued to my phone, I try to track my screen time. Having Google’s Digital Wellbeing widget on my secondary home screen allows me to monitor this without constantly opening an app.
What I like most is that it also shows my three most used apps, along with the time spent on each one. This is very practical because it helps me think about where my attention is going throughout the day.
8
Traffic near Google Maps
Although Google Maps offers the best routes to destinations based on traffic, I often ignore it for familiar routes when heading to the office or grocery store. Instead, I rely on the Google Maps Near Traffic widget, which gives me real-time traffic updates for the surrounding area.
With just a glance, I can see if the highway is clear or if there is a traffic jam ahead, allowing me to decide whether I should leave a little early, take another route, or wait my journey.
9
Device maintenance
To keep my Samsung Galaxy phone running smoothly, I use the Device Care widget to see how much memory my apps are consuming. This is especially useful when my phone seems slow or apps start to malfunction. The widget also has an optimize button, which allows me to free up memory with just one click.
Most Android phones with custom skins offer widgets similar to One UI’s Device Care. However, if your phone does not have this feature, you can download the G-CPU appwhich offers similar functionality.
10
Fashions and routines
I rely on Samsung’s modes and routines for several tasks. For example, I set up an outing routine that automatically turns off Wi-Fi, turns on location services, and adjusts my phone volume for outdoor use.
Additionally, I created a focus routine that switches my phone to Do Not Disturb mode, turns up the volume, and plays my favorite playlist, creating the perfect environment for focus.
With the Modes & Routines widget on my home screen, I can turn these routines on and off with a single click, making it even more convenient to change settings to suit my needs.
Having these widgets on my home screen takes my Android experience to a whole new level. What I like most about my Samsung Galaxy phone is the ability to stack widgets, which saves me from having to switch between different home screens.
With everything I need at my fingertips, my phone feels more efficient, organized, and perfectly suited to my daily routines.
