Google is bringing lock screen widgets to Android phones, expanding a feature it reintroduced for tablets in a recent Pixel Feature Drop. While it was initially limited to Android tablets, Google has now confirmed that lock screen widgets will arrive on mobile devices in an upcoming Android release.
Lock Screen Widgets on Android 16 QPR1
Google first brought back lock screen widgets with Android 15 QPR1, launching a dedicated âGlanceable Hubâ. This hub, accessed by swiping inward from the right edge of the tablet lock screen, allows users to interact with widgets for smart home controls, finance updates, timers, and more. However, phones have not received this functionality until now.
In a blog post, Google confirmed that lock screen widgets will be available in AOSP (Android Open Source Project) for both tablets and phones after Android 16 QPR1. This update, internally known as the 25Q3 release, is expected in late summer 2025, likely around September. Unlike major OS updates, QPR (Quarterly Platform Releases) donât introduce new APIs, but they do bring new features.
How Lock Screen Widgets Work on Phones
Although Google has not shared official images, a hands-on video shows how lock screen widgets function on mobile devices. The widget layout on phones differs from tablets due to the narrower display:
- Tablets use a 2Ă3 widget grid, scrolling horizontally.
- Phones show a single-column layout, displaying one widget at a time.
The trigger method also differs:
- On tablets, users swipe inward from the right edge of the lock screen.
- On phones, widgets appear when the screen saver is activatedâsuch as when charging or docking the phone.
- Google plans to enable widgets when the phone is placed upright on a stand, but this feature is not yet available.
Developer and OEM Support
When released, all Android widgets will be available on the lock screen by default. However, developers must add android:showWhenLocked=”true” to allow their widgets to launch activities without requiring user authentication. They can also block widgets from appearing on the lock screen by marking them as “not keyguard.”
OEMs will have control over how widgets are triggered but cannot change the widget interface itself. It remains to be seen which manufacturers will adopt Googleâs version of lock screen widgets. If users embrace the feature, it could encourage developers to create better widgets, further enhancing the Android ecosystem.
