Android 12 has brought about several changes to the user interface and features of Android devices. One of the changes that has left many users wondering is the disappearance of the weather widget from their home screens. If you’re one of the many users who are missing their weather widget, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore what happened to the weather widget on Android 12 and how you can get it back.
Understanding the Changes in Android 12
Android 12 is a significant update that introduces a new design language called Material You. This design language is focused on providing a more personalized and intuitive user experience. As part of this update, Google has made several changes to the way widgets work on Android devices.
Widgets in Android 12
In Android 12, widgets have been redesigned to be more interactive and dynamic. The new widgets are larger and more visually appealing, making it easier for users to access information at a glance. However, this redesign has also led to the removal of some widgets, including the weather widget.
Why Was the Weather Widget Removed?
The weather widget was removed from Android 12 as part of Google’s effort to simplify the user interface and reduce clutter. The weather widget was a popular feature, but it was also seen as redundant by some users, as the same information could be accessed through the Google app or other third-party weather apps.
How to Get the Weather Widget Back on Android 12
If you’re missing the weather widget on your Android 12 device, there are a few ways to get it back. Here are some options:
Using the Google App
One way to get the weather widget back is to use the Google app. The Google app provides a weather widget that can be added to your home screen. To add the Google weather widget, follow these steps:
- Open the Google app on your device.
- Tap on the “More” menu (three horizontal lines).
- Select “Customize widget.”
- Choose the weather widget from the list of available widgets.
- Tap “Add” to add the widget to your home screen.
Using Third-Party Weather Apps
Another way to get the weather widget back is to use a third-party weather app. There are many weather apps available on the Google Play Store that offer weather widgets. Some popular options include:
- Dark Sky
- Weather Underground
- AccuWeather
To add a weather widget from a third-party app, follow these steps:
- Download and install the weather app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and follow the prompts to set up the widget.
- Tap “Add” to add the widget to your home screen.
Using a Launcher App
If you’re not happy with the default launcher app on your device, you can try using a third-party launcher app that offers a weather widget. Some popular launcher apps that offer weather widgets include:
- Nova Launcher
- Apex Launcher
- Action Launcher
To add a weather widget using a launcher app, follow these steps:
- Download and install the launcher app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and follow the prompts to set up the widget.
- Tap “Add” to add the widget to your home screen.
Tips and Tricks for Customizing Your Weather Widget
Once you’ve added a weather widget to your home screen, you can customize it to suit your needs. Here are some tips and tricks for customizing your weather widget:
Changing the Location
To change the location of your weather widget, follow these steps:
- Tap on the widget to open the weather app.
- Tap on the “More” menu (three horizontal lines).
- Select “Settings.”
- Choose the location you want to display weather information for.
Changing the Units
To change the units of your weather widget, follow these steps:
- Tap on the widget to open the weather app.
- Tap on the “More” menu (three horizontal lines).
- Select “Settings.”
- Choose the units you want to display (e.g., Celsius or Fahrenheit).
Adding Multiple Locations
To add multiple locations to your weather widget, follow these steps:
- Tap on the widget to open the weather app.
- Tap on the “More” menu (three horizontal lines).
- Select “Settings.”
- Choose the “Add location” option.
- Enter the location you want to add.
Conclusion
The disappearance of the weather widget on Android 12 has left many users wondering what happened to this popular feature. However, as we’ve seen, there are several ways to get the weather widget back on your device. Whether you use the Google app, a third-party weather app, or a launcher app, you can customize your weather widget to suit your needs. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can get the most out of your weather widget and stay up-to-date with the latest weather information.
What happened to my weather widget on Android 12?
The weather widget on Android 12 has been removed due to changes in the operating system’s design and functionality. Google has revamped the look and feel of Android 12, introducing a new “Material You” design language that focuses on simplicity and minimalism. As a result, some features, including the weather widget, have been removed or replaced.
However, users can still access the weather information on their Android 12 devices. The Google app provides a dedicated weather section that can be accessed by searching for “weather” in the app drawer or by asking the Google Assistant. Additionally, users can download third-party weather apps that offer customizable widgets, providing an alternative solution to the removed weather widget.
Why did Google remove the weather widget on Android 12?
Google removed the weather widget on Android 12 as part of its effort to streamline the operating system’s design and reduce clutter. The company aimed to create a more minimalist and intuitive interface, focusing on essential features and removing redundant or less frequently used elements. The weather widget, although popular among some users, was deemed non-essential and was consequently removed.
Moreover, Google’s decision to remove the weather widget might be related to its strategy to promote the Google app as a central hub for information and services. By removing the weather widget, Google encourages users to rely on the Google app for weather information, which can also provide additional features and functionality, such as news updates and personalized recommendations.
How can I get the weather widget back on Android 12?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to restore the original weather widget on Android 12, as it has been removed by Google. However, users can explore alternative solutions, such as downloading third-party weather apps that offer customizable widgets. These apps can provide similar functionality to the original weather widget and often offer additional features, such as detailed forecasts, radar imagery, and weather alerts.
Some popular third-party weather apps that offer widgets on Android 12 include Dark Sky, Weather Underground, and AccuWeather. These apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, and their widgets can be added to the home screen by long-pressing on an empty area and selecting the “Widgets” option.
What are some alternative weather apps for Android 12?
There are several alternative weather apps available for Android 12 that offer customizable widgets and a range of features. Some popular options include Dark Sky, Weather Underground, and AccuWeather. These apps provide detailed weather forecasts, radar imagery, and weather alerts, making them suitable replacements for the original weather widget.
Other notable weather apps for Android 12 include The Weather Channel, WeatherBug, and Today Weather. These apps offer a range of features, including hourly and daily forecasts, weather radar, and severe weather alerts. Users can explore these options to find the app that best suits their needs and preferences.
Can I customize the look and feel of third-party weather widgets on Android 12?
Yes, many third-party weather apps on Android 12 offer customizable widgets that can be tailored to suit individual preferences. Users can often choose from various widget sizes, shapes, and designs, as well as select the types of information displayed, such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
Some weather apps also offer additional customization options, such as the ability to change the widget’s background color, text color, and font style. Users can explore these options to create a widget that blends seamlessly with their home screen’s design and layout.
Are third-party weather apps on Android 12 accurate and reliable?
Most third-party weather apps on Android 12 rely on data from reputable weather services, such as the National Weather Service (NWS) or the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). These services provide accurate and reliable weather data, which is then used by the apps to generate forecasts and warnings.
However, the accuracy and reliability of third-party weather apps can vary depending on the app’s quality and the data sources used. Users should research and read reviews to find a weather app that is known for its accuracy and reliability. Additionally, users can compare the app’s forecasts with other sources, such as the NWS or local news, to verify their accuracy.
Will Google bring back the weather widget on future Android versions?
It is uncertain whether Google will bring back the weather widget on future Android versions. The company’s decision to remove the weather widget on Android 12 was likely a deliberate design choice, aimed at streamlining the operating system’s interface and promoting the Google app as a central hub for information and services.
However, Google often listens to user feedback and may reconsider its decision to remove the weather widget if there is sufficient demand. Users can provide feedback to Google through various channels, such as the Google Feedback app or online forums, to express their desire for the weather widget’s return. If enough users request its return, Google may consider reinstating the weather widget on future Android versions.