Quick answer
A widget displays information or supported controls on the home screen. An app shortcut takes you to a particular action or screen, while an app icon usually opens the main app. Choose based on whether you want to see or do something.
Three useful things, three different jobs
An app icon opens the main app. A shortcut can jump to a particular place inside the app, such as a saved note or a contact. A widget can show useful information on the home screen itself, sometimes with buttons for simple actions.
Think about a to-do list. The icon opens your task app. A shortcut might open today's list. A widget can show the next three tasks without opening the app at all. A good choice depends on whether you mainly want information or navigation.
Try it on your home screen
- Write down your frequent action, such as checking the next meeting or opening a note.
- If seeing information matters, try a widget; if jumping directly to a screen matters, look for a shortcut.
- Compare how much space each takes on your launcher grid.
- Try tapping the result to check whether it shows data, opens an app or performs a supported action.
Use a widget when the information matters
A clock, battery indicator or habit progress view is useful when it answers a question at a glance. Give that widget enough space and visual contrast to be readable. Avoid filling the home screen with five widgets that all show similar time or date information.
Choose a shortcut when your goal is to perform an action quickly, such as opening a particular document. Choose the app icon when you regularly need the full app.
Check the setup on your phone
In most Android launchers, long-press a blank home area for widgets. Long-pressing an app icon may show its shortcuts. Some launchers place widgets and shortcuts in different menus, so do not assume a missing shortcut means the whole app is broken.
Google's home screen help separates apps, shortcuts and widgets and shows how each is placed. If you're building your own design, start with a single widget that saves you a real tap, not a purely decorative duplicate of an app icon.
Check the result
Do not assume a decorative widget is interactive just because it resembles a button. Likewise, a shortcut may display an icon but will not normally show a live progress bar. You can keep both when each serves a different purpose.
Common question: Are widgets just larger shortcuts?
No. Widgets can display updated information, while shortcuts primarily launch an action or destination. The exact behavior depends on the providing app.