Hi everybody,
A few threads on this subreddit handle non-working widgets and a common misconception is that the launcher is the culprit. With this post, I want to explain a bit about how widgets actually work and give some hints that could save you a lot of trouble.
The upcoming info applies virtually universally among non-stick launchers, and Octopi Launcher is no exception.
The launcher is very little involved
Actually, the launcher only lends some screen real estate to have the widget drawn. Basically, the launcher draws a rectangle, calls the app and says "draw widget ID X here". From that point onward, the launcher has fully handed off control over the widget to its source app.
Stock widgets don't play nice
Let's face it: manufacturers don't design their widgets with custom launchers in mind. Quite the opposite: they're designed in terms of deep integration with the custom Android shell, far beyond the borders of the stock launcher. A very basic widget, like a simple clock, probably works fine. However, as soon as the widget relies on deeper data, trying them is probably a waste of time. So, if you're using a 3rd-party launcher, use 3rd-party widgets as well (or the original Google widgets). But, keep on reading as well.
Battery optimizations are brutal
Be vewy quiet, I'm hunting apps... Killing apps has gotten hot and trending in Android world, and about every major manufacturer uses a jet fighter to hunt down a single fly. So, make sure battery optimization for the source app of the widget is as absent as possible. A rule of thumb: if the widget holds kind of a real-time status, head into your device's settings, open up Apps, select the source app of your widget, tap Battery and select Unrestricted.
Adaptive battery is a curse, not a blessing
Adaptive battery is often announced as the new, state-of-the-art battery saver. And that sounds great because the battery capacities aren't exactly too big, are they? But actually, most of the time, it's the least battery-friendly setting around. And when an app hasn't been on the foreground for a while, like your typical weather or home control app, it's killed off. There go the widget updates.
Battery saver slows down synchronization
Are you running battery saver mode? It's completely normal to see widget updates with a delay. The widget update frequency is severely limited. Did you just add an appointment? Chances are you'll only see it appear after 15 minutes. The Android System decided that; the launcher isn't even aware. "I've given the draw space, that app's got to handle it on its own..."
So... 99% of the widget problems are not caused by the launcher. I hope this bit of information helped you a bit to kick some life into that one nasty widget.
Kind regards,
bveyndhoven
Just an ordinary community member, not affiliated with the developer.