Lock Screen Widgets are Coming to Android Tablets and Phones

Google is making Android lock screens even more useful with lock screen widgets—starting with the Pixel Tablet and expanding to more devices after Android 16 (QPR1). This means users will soon be able to customize their lock screens with widgets for quick access to essential info like weather, stocks, timers, and even smart home controls.

But here’s the catch—it won’t be available to everyone right away. Lock screen widgets are set to roll out to AOSP (Android Open Source Project) in late Summer 2025, giving other manufacturers the chance to adopt the feature.

For now, only the Pixel Tablet supports them, but once the feature lands in AOSP, other brands can start integrating it. Whether your Android phone or tablet will get it depends on OEM support, meaning manufacturers will decide whether to bring it to their devices.

Lock screen widgets follow the same rules as home screen widgets. That means:
• Any existing widget can be used on the lock screen.
• Dynamic color and resizing are supported for a seamless look.
• OEMs can set default widgets, but users have full customization control.
• No special requirements are needed—any home screen widget can be used, as long as it meets Android’s quality guidelines.

For users, removing a widget is as simple as customization. For developers, apps can opt out of the lock screen experience using a specific API (not_keyguard in the XML file).

Will my phone need to be docked?

That depends on the manufacturer’s implementation. Some brands may require a dock or charging to enable lock screen widgets, while others might allow them at all times.

For now, Pixel Tablet users can try lock screen widgets before a wider rollout. Other Android tablets and phones should get the feature after Android 16’s QPR1 update—but only if manufacturers decide to support it.

Would you like to see lock screen widgets on your next phone or tablet? Let us know in the comments!