What you need to know
- Some Android 17 users are reporting that home screen widgets disappear after installing the stable update.
- The bug appears limited to devices that have a work profile set up on the phone.
- Google has acknowledged the problem and says a software update with a fix is already in development.
If you’re having an issue where widgets disappear from your home screen after updating to Android 17, Google is already aware of the issue and says a fix is on the way.
Google released stable Android 17 update to the public this week and Pixel devices have already started receiving it. While the launch has generally been smooth, launching a major version of Android without a few bugs is never easy. A question that has emerged affects home screen widgets for some users.
Widgets reportedly disappear randomly after updating to Android 17. Fortunately, the bug appears to be limited to users who have a work profile set up on their phone. If you are not using a work profile, it is unlikely that you will encounter this problem.
The good news is that Google has already recognized the error. Mishaal Rahman, Director of Android Community Engagement confirmed on Reddit that the company is “aware of this bug (it appears to affect Work Profile users) and that a fix will be rolled out in a software update soon.”
Users affected by the issue say they lost access to their home screen widgets immediately afterward. installing Android 17. At this time, there is not really a suitable solution available other than deleting the work profile completely.
If you delete the work profile, restart the phone, and then manually re-add the widgets, they should return. However, if you rely on your work profile, you’ll unfortunately have to choose between keeping it enabled or having access to its widgets for the time being.
Google has not yet provided a timeline for the fix, but based on the company’s usual update schedule, it wouldn’t be surprising if the patch arrives with next month’s security update.
Android Central’s opinion
I didn’t even know this bug existed because I don’t use a work profile, but widgets are a big part of what makes Android feel like Android. Fortunately, Google already has a solution in the works.
