I Can’t Use My Android Phone Without These 10 Widgets

My Android home screen is my command center. It’s where I quickly access the information and controls I need most with a curated selection of widgets. From simple ones like clock and weather to note taking and screen time tracking, 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, clock and weather widgets easily take the top spot. Of course, Android phones already show the time in the corner of the screen, but having a dedicated widget takes it a step further. It offers 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 take an umbrella, layer, or apply a sunscreen, the answer is here on my screen at home, helping to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

2

Battery

I’ll admit it – battery anxiety is a real problem for me. This is why I can’t go a day without my trusty battery widget.

Not only does it show my phone’s battery status, but it also keeps track of my Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Watch. That way, I always know when to put my headphones back in their case or give my watch a quick charge before going out.

3

Samsung Notes

When it comes to jotting down quick ideas, writing a to-do list, or sketching out ideas, Samsung Notes is my go-to app. I went all-in by adding two widgets from the app to my secondary home screen.

The first widget is a shortcut to create a new note. This allows me to write, record or draw quickly with just one tap. Then there’s the “List of notes” widget, which shows my important notes right on the home screen. It’s like having a digital bulletin board where I can quickly see my latest to-do lists, meeting notes or reminders.

Remember speed dial? The Google Contacts Direct Dial widget is the modern, simplified version of that essential feature. I added a Dial Dial widget to my home screen that allows me to call my wife with a single tap.

I also added the “Favorites” widget from the Contacts app. This widget shows all my starred 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 pre-installed on all Android phones, is useful for quick searches, I replaced it with the Chrome shortcuts widget.

While the Google search widget is effective 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. I much prefer the flexibility and features of the full Google Chrome browser, and the Chrome shortcuts widget gives me that.

Using the Google search option in the Chrome widget, I can search directly in the browser.

The widget also offers an option for 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 lets me do that, too play the classic Dino game.​​​​

6

ChatGPT

For those times when a simple Google search isn’t enough, I trust you ChatGPT 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 hands-free answers.

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 myself glued to my phone, give it a try track my screen time. Having the Google Digital Wellness widget on my secondary home screen allows me to monitor this without always opening an app.

What I like most about it, though, is that it also shows my three most used apps, along with the amount of time spent in each. This is quite useful because it helps me reflect on where my attention goes throughout the day.

8

Google Maps Traffic nearby

Although Google Maps offers the best routes to destinations based on traffic, it often skips over familiar routes when heading to the office or the grocery store. Instead, I rely on the Google Maps Nearby Traffic widget, which gives me real-time traffic updates for the surrounding area.

With just a glance, I can see if the highway is free or if there is traffic ahead, which allows me to decide whether to leave a little earlier, take an alternative route, or abandon my journey.

9

Care of the device

To keep my samsung galaxy phone working fineUse the Device Care widget to see how much memory my apps are consuming. This is especially helpful when my phone feels slow, or apps start acting up. The widget also features an optimization button, which allows me to free up memory with a single tap.​​​​​​

10

Modes and Routines

I trust Samsung Modes and Routines for many jobs. For example, I set a startup routine that automatically turns off Wi-Fi, enables location services, and adjusts the volume on my phone for outside use.

Also, I created a routine for focus that switches my phone to Do Not Disturb, turns up the volume, and plays my favorite playlist, creating the ideal environment for concentration.

With the Modes and Routines widget on my home screen, I can activate and end these routines with a single tap, making it even more convenient to change settings based on my needs.

Having these widgets on my home screen brings my Android experience to a whole new level. What I appreciate most about my Samsung Galaxy phone is the ability to stack widgets, saving me the hassle of switching between different home screens.

With everything I need just a touch away, my phone feels more efficient, organized and perfectly suited to my daily routine.