Tech Tuesday: Mastering the WiiM Now Playing Widget on iOS & Android

Effortless music control is just a tap away with the WiiM Home Now Playing Widget, available on both iOS and Android. This feature streamlines your listening experience without needing to open the WiiM Home app by putting playback controls on your lock screen, home screen, or control center.

Why Use the Now Playing Widget?​

It’s easy… but if you want more reasons…

• Instant Access – Control playback without navigating through multiple screens.
• Effortless Volume Control – Adjust sound levels directly from your device.
• Seamless Multitasking – Keep your music flowing while using other apps.
• Quick App Launch – Tap the widget to open the WiiM Home app for deeper controls.

How to Use It​

On iOS:

• Lock Screen: Tap the screen to reveal playback controls.
• Home Screen: Swipe down to access the widget when the app is running in the background.
• Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner for instant playback management.

On Android:

• Home Screen Widget: Add the widget for quick access to playback controls.
• Lock Screen Controls: Manage playback directly from your lock screen.
• Notification Panel: Swipe down to adjust volume, skip tracks, or pause music.

Limitations to Keep in Mind​

• AirPlay support is not available via the widget.
• Third-party music apps are not integrated into the widget’s controls.

For a full breakdown, check out the official guides iOS Widget and Android Widget

 

[hgo58]

Hey guys, you're absolutely correct, there's no Android Home Screen Widget currently. I got a little over zealous I see. I've given the first post a correction. I'll check in with the team to see if that's coming down the line sometime though!

So the word "widget" means something different here https://faq.wiimhome.com/en/support...ol-via-android-widget-and-lock-screen-control ?

I am still looking forward to getting a "Notification Panel" and volume buttons that actually works

 

[RyanWithWiiM]

So the word "widget" means something different here https://faq.wiimhome.com/en/support...ol-via-android-widget-and-lock-screen-control ?

I am still looking forward to getting a "Notification Panel" and volume buttons that actually works

In this case, there's an Android Lock Screen widget, but no Home Screen widget. That is using the term widget as defined by a mini-application running on the screen separately from the full app.

 

[azoriusmage]

Yes I turned mine off as it ate my battery and didn’t find it that useful myself

Battery drain was shocking so yeah turned mine off and it go in the way of other apps that were playing sound

 

[hgo58]

In this case, there's an Android Lock Screen widget, but no Home Screen widget. That is using the term widget as defined by a mini-application running on the screen separately from the full app.

I don't see the lock-screen widget either, only the the notification panel. It is there but not working correctly regarding volume control. This was already highlighted just af the first release.

 

[RyanWithWiiM]

I don't see the lock-screen widget either, only the the notification panel. It is there but not working correctly regarding volume control. This was already highlighted just af the first release.

What device are you using? I've got a Pixel 9XL that's showing both the lock screen widget and one on the notification panel. This is a really new feature, so I'm sure they're still working out some bugs.

 

[hgo58]

What device are you using? I've got a Pixel 9XL that's showing both the lock screen widget and one on the notification panel. This is a really new feature, so I'm sure they're still working out some bugs.

It's a OnePlus.

I don't really care about the lack of the lock-screen "widget". It may be a configuration issue?

The major issue is that volume control using the volume buttons don't work properly.

 

[RyanWithWiiM]

It's a OnePlus.

I don't really care about the lack of the lock-screen "widget". It may be a configuration issue?

The major issue is that volume control using the volume buttons don't work properly.

I'll check in with the team if they can check out the OnePlus.

 

[hgo58]

I'll check in with the team if they can check out the OnePlus.

Thanks. The volume issue in the media player and the volume buttons are however not OnePlus specific.

See e.g. my post in thread 'WiiM Home App v3.2.2 Update – May 23, 2025' https://forum.wiimhome.com/threads/wiim-home-app-v3-2-2-update-–-may-23-2025.7234/post-127826

 

[slartibartfast]

I'll check in with the team if they can check out the OnePlus.

It isn't just the OnePlus. The volume buttons don't work correctly on any Android phones.

 

[hgo58]

It isn't just the OnePlus. The volume buttons don't work correctly on any Android phones.

I guess @WiiM Team has forgotten about this issue as it's 2 months ago I reported it (#531682).

I wonder how their bug handling system works and is updated?

 

[pieterv1]

In this case, there's an Android Lock Screen widget, but no Home Screen widget. That is using the term widget as defined by a mini-application running on the screen separately from the full app.

Lockscreen widgets are only just officially becoming a thing with Android. I suppose you mean the standard lockscreen control for any media that's playing in the background?

 

[pieterv1]

I'll check in with the team if they can check out the OnePlus.

The volume control issue is widespread. I'm having the same problem on a Pixel 6, Android 16.

 

[scottm]

I also have the volume issue on a CMF Phone 1. The physical volume buttons only adjust the playing audio volume within a very narrow range.

The media player 'widget' does appear on both the lock-screen and the notification extended menu.