Galaxy Note 4 now hides widgets in the app drawer
You may be surprised that there are NO widgets in Galaxy Note 4 app drawer when you trying to add widgets to the home screen.
Where are the widgets on Galaxy Note 4?
Is widget disabled on Galaxy Note 4?
In Galaxy Note 4, the widgets, by default, is hidden in app drawer. In other words, when you tap all apps button (16 dots) to enter app drawer. No widgets are listed. There is no widget tab as that in Note 3.
But widgets are still fully functional and you can easily add widgets to Galaxy Note 4 home screen in a new (probably more simple) way.
Don’t be panic. This guide will help you.
How to add widgets to Galaxy Note 4 home screen?
You may follow these steps to add widgets to Galaxy Note 4 home screen.
Step 1: enter home screen editing mode.
There are at least 3 different ways to enter home screen editing mode. You need know only of them. The outcome is identical. So, try the one with which you are comfortable.
- Touch and hold the recent apps button (left to home button) when you are on any of home screen pages. This essentially turn this recent apps button into hardware menu button.
- Touch and hold any empty area in any pages of home screen.
- Pinch the home screen page (as shown below).
Step 2: select widget.
Once in home screen editing mode, you can find 3 button in the bottom of the screen.
Tap Widgets to enter widget list page as shown below.
In the bottom of widget list page, the number of such pages is indicated by the dots. You can flick left or right to other pages. You can also tap the dot to navigate to any specific page.
Different widgets from same app are now organized together. If there are more than 3 variants of widget for the app, you will notice the play (“>”) symbol. Tap the symbol to see more.
To add an widget to Galaxy Note 4 home screen, tap and hold the widget. You are then directed to Galaxy Note 4 home screen.
Step 3: position the widget
The suggested drop location for the widget is highlighted.
You can navigate to other home screen pages by holding the widget to the left or right edge of current page.
If there is not enough space for the widget, some apps will be pushed to next page of home screen.
If you suddenly change your mind to cancel the operation (not adding this widget), you can drop the widget to the remove button on the top of the screen as shown above.
Step 4: Enjoy your widget.
Once the widget is positioned. It is done. Some widgets may need additional configuration or customization.
How to delete widgets on Galaxy Note 4 home screen?
If you don’t need the widget, you can remove it from the home screen just like apps.
Tap and hold the widget as shown above. Then drop the widget to the dustbin (remove) in the top of the screen.
This will remove the widget from home screen. The widget is NOT uninstalled. You can still add the widget to the home screen later if you need them again.
How to re-size widgets on Galaxy Note 4 home screen?
Some widgets are re-sizable. Since Android 3.1, re-sizable widgets are supported. Of course, it is up to the developer to decide whether the widget is fixed-size or re-sizable.
If the widget is re-sizable, you can tap and hold it, then release. The yellow boarder with re-sizing handler will be shown (see below).
In this example, Google Now widget has a default size of 4×4 (full page). You can adjust the size to 4×3 , 4×2 or 4×1.
But if you want to make it 4×2, the boarder will show as red color. This means you cannot change the size in this direction.
All these are determined by the developer, not by Galaxy Note 4.
Can you add widgets to Galaxy Note 4 home screen now?
If you have any problems to add widgets to Galaxy Note 4 home screen or have questions on manage widgets on Galaxy Note 4 home screen, please let us know them in the comment box below. We will try to help you find a solution.
More how-to guides , tips and tricks for using Samsung Galaxy Note 4 are available at Galaxy Note 4 how-to guides page.
Anonymous says
I am currently using a video widget which I found in the widget menu and I put a video on there and now cannot replace the video. When I remove it and go back to the video widget it just has the same video up there
Girlmk says
I can’t set widget for direct call on my samsung galaxy note 4 and i hav this problem few days… it works beefore. Can you help me pls
Simon says
Can you find the widget? There are 3 widgets under contacts. You need choose direct dial.
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Ray Warren says
Hi and sorry for my ignorance (in advance) . On my Samsung S3 , now lost , there was a nice weather widget but the Note 4 is such A BORING , STUPID widget . Are there decent ones which you have explained . Only just got the phone This PM , no FM radio and no Widgets , why do they make things so awkward for “Dummies” like me ?
Simon says
There are no FM radio in most expensive Android phones. Ironically, most budget phones do have,
For widget, Galaxy Note 4 definitely has widgets. Can you follow the guide to add any of them?
There are 2 weather widgets in Note 4. They are very basic. You can always get others from Play store.
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john mounce says
I have been trying to put the weather widget on my note 4 for 2 days. Your method does not work. Would be nice if it did. I am finding out this phone has more glitches and problems than any other phone I have had. IDEA..how about an update to fix all the crap that is wrong with phones before trying to make them better. Your just coming up with more exspensive crap.
Simon says
This is a community for owners to help owners. If you need technical support , you can visit local service center.
What problem do you have to add the weather widget? The procedure is identical to that for all other widgets.
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Debbie Nappo says
I was using the clock/date widget that changes colors and fonts. My daughter changed the color to blue now I can’t get it to work to change anything? If you touched it it would open to change stuff ! Now it don’t open? Tryed removing but still don’t work.
Simon says
Is it a third party widget?
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Sam says
Hi,
How do I move the apps, messages, contacts and phone icons to the bottom of the screen where it should be by default? I somehow managed to move them to the right side of the screen lined on top of each other and playing with home screen settings doesn’t help.
Thanks
Simon says
Tap and hold then move to the favorite tray.
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Margi says
THANK YOU
do you know of a widget that will show my favorite apps. I found one but it was only for contacts even tho I have another for my fav contacts?
Simon says
There is already the favorite tray (bottom of the screen ) in home screen. You can put up to 4 apps there. The fifth is for app drawer.
Did I misunderstand your question?
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Tammy Lawson says
I am trying to add a countdown widget to my home screen. I go through all the steps but it doesn’t show up. What is wrong?
Simon says
Can you find the widget after tapping widgets in home screen?
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Pam T says
Excellent tips/clear instructions. Everything I tried using your method worked on Note 4. Thanks.
Chryl JerseyGurl Sage says
Thank you for your help….I appreciate it! 🙂
Chryl JerseyGurl Sage says
Did everything you said …..still nothing!!! Ugh!
Simon says
If it is still not working, you can try to disable ok Google detection in all apps- goodie settings – search &now -voice – ok Google detection. You can turn them off, after 1 or 2 mins, turn them on. Then check the widget again.
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Chryl JerseyGurl Sage says
Yes voice search and also regular search…the white bar…… you put something in search and NOTHING happens!!! But go to regular Internet and use Google and it works!!!! I just need the widget because it’s so much easier to get to….
Simon says
You can remove the widget from home screen. Then in Settings–Application manager–Google App, tap clear cache.
Now, reboot the phone. Add the widget to home screen again.
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Chryl JerseyGurl Sage says
My Google widget on my note 4 will not work! It’s on my main home page on my phone and I used it ALL the time…I really need it back and have no idea what happened. I took it to the carrier and they said it was a widget problem….!!!!!
Simon says
Which widget? Google voice search? How do you know it is not working?
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nina says
Hi, I can’t create any folder on note 4 sidebar menu after holding the back key, and also I can’t add or remove any new app from the sidebar beside those which are already there. Any help?
Simon says
I think it’s Multiwindow. You can only add apps or remove apps from the list. You cannot customize it.
You can add widgets or app shortcuts to home screen.
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Veronica says
I really wish there was a settings widget!
jim says
got it.. I had to power off and then on . Magical it is
Simon says
Normally, it’s not necessary to reboot the phone. Anyway, enjoy your phone.
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jim says
I like widget “Weather adn Clock”, but cannot figure out how to stick it to the home page. The above suggestions do not work
Lillie says
I wanted just the new message only to appear. This brings up a list of messages.
ZAID says
when i select the contact widget (1×1) and drag it to the home page, it doesnt appear there. it simply shows no action. rest widgets are working fine. just this one isnt. i have tried restarting myphone several times. but still not working. i cant factory reset my phone. is there any other solution ?
Simon says
It should ask you to select one contact for direct call, or direct message when you drag the widget to the home screen. You probably didn’t pay attention to it.
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MelMD says
I’ve been trying to find a widget that I used to have back on my note 2. It showed an entire page of a file created in the S Note app. Any ideas? Has it been removed?
Simon says
the 4*2 S Note widget in Note 4 is resizeable. You can make it full page. But it will show covers of the notes.
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Dionne says
Looking for the contact widget that can add 9-12 contact. Right now I’m only seeing where you can only add one at a time. I had it on my home screen but then my son got into my phone and now I can’t find it. I used this widget on my S3 and loved it.
Simon says
In galaxy note 4, that’s the only contact widget. You can create a folder on the home screen, then add multiple such contact shortcuts for direct call or direct message into this folder.
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Robert Wylie says
No it just seems to be the samsung galaxy movie widget.
Simon says
I don’t have this widget.
Anyway, some widgets may not show anything if they are no contents to show. Did you tap and hold the area to make sure the location is actually empty?
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Robert says
Tried to put samsung galaxy movie widget on home screen using your techniques but nothing happens, widget just dissapears please can yoe help. Rob
Simon says
Do you have problem with other widgets?
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Athar says
How to place different ICONS (widget) for different email address on home screen of note 4 as it was in note3?
Simon says
In Galaxy Note 4, the only email widget allows you or email inbox on home screen. You can switch inbox by tapping the inbox account.
You can add multiple such widgets. Each defaults to a different email account.
Another option is to use Gmail app to manage all your emails including non-Gmail accounts. Gmail app has a nice label widget which works like what you want.
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Naren Hughitt says
I accidentally removed my clear google search bar 4×1 and I can only find a white version 4x1under the widgets to replace it. Where is my clear widget?!
Simon says
I think the updated Google search bar is white background. There are no transparent widgets for it any more,
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LaDonna says
That sucks… ALL THINGS CLEAR works for me
Aga says
hi
on my note 4 the contact widget doesn’t work.
it won’t appear on the home or any other screen.
any suggestions please?
Simon says
When you add the widget to home screen, you must specify a contact. Does it ask you to select a contact?
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biancaho says
Thanks for the help. Of course these developers sit around deciding to mess with widgets for NO GOOD REASON and REMOVE the nicest looking weather widget “Weather 4×2” that gives you the ACTUAL realistic photo visual of the clouds or whatnot in your service area instead of a cartoon graphic. WHY am I spending 800.00 to upgrade my version when you’re REMOVING functionality that wasn’t bothering anybody. ANNOYING.
Simon says
the 4×2 weather widget is still there. There are two 4×2 widget: one is transparent to match your wall paper. The second one (colorful one) is probably what you want. It does change background according to the weather. After adding this widget to home screen, try to tap to open it once.
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Rob says
This is a cool work around that I’ve found helpful … hold your Galaxy Note 4 up to the window, turn on the camera app and the screen will show you a great photo realistic representation of the weather outside ☺
James Uriah says
I have my work email and my personal email on separate home screen windows. They are open so I can scan them. I wanted to do the same thing with my messages. The only widget dealing with messages is an icon. I could not re-size it. How do a create a message widget, allowing me to have my messages open on my home screen.
Simon says
There is a 4×4 (full page) messages widget. But I don’t know how you can separate messages.
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Julie Kronenberger says
having 3 hour trying to deactivate flashlighton my samsung galaxy note 4 phone. so far no one can help. even turning off my new phone will not turn off the light! will hve to plug into power receptacle until I can get help. Pls help. Julie K. You can reach me by brother’s email at: removed
Simon says
Tap the widget again?
Anyway, you can turn off the phone, remove the battery. This should turn it off. Now, put the battery back, reboot the phone into safe mode. The flash should not be on. Reboot the phone normally.
You can check this guide on how to boot the galaxy note 4 into safe mode (it works identically on note 4 and s5) http://galaxys5guide.com/samsung-galaxy-s5-how-to-guides/how-to-boot-galaxy-s5-into-safe-mode/
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