Why Is My Duolingo Widget Black & How to Fix It? (January 2026)

Duolingo is a language-learning app that has millions of users across the world. It is considered one of the most downloaded apps with some amazing features that are a huge help for beginners.

One of the most popular features is the Duolingo Widget.  

For the unversed, Duolingo widget is a small, interactive display that is usually found on your device’s home screen or lock screen.

It displays your current streak and also acts as a constant reminder for learners to use their streak freeze to keep their progress intact. 

Also Read > How To Add Duolingo Widget To Lock Screen

In short, Duolingo Widget shares some key information with the learners without opening the app. 

However, many users are facing an issue with the Duolingo Widget. They are complaining about the Duolingo widget turning Black.

If you too are facing the same problem with your Duolingo Widget, then look no further as we got you covered.

This guide will help you fix the issue with some practical solutions, and within a short time things will be back on the app as before without any glitches or issues.

Without any further ado, let’s get started:  

Duolingo Black Widget Solutions (2025)

To fix the Duolingo Widget black problem, apply the following methods:

Enable Background App Refresh (For iOS)

iPhone 

Users need to check if Duolingo’s Background App Refresh option is turned on. If it is not, you may be facing the issue.  

To turn on the Background app refresh on your iOS device, follow the steps written below:

  • Go to Settings on your iPhone.
  • After that, go to General.
 Duolingo Widget Black
  • Now, scroll down and tap on the ‘Background App Refresh’.
 Duolingo Widget Black
  • Now, find Duolingo and turn the toggle On if it is not.
  • Once done, launch the Duolingo app then close it and check if the issue is gone.
  • That’s it.

Update App

Update the app as sometimes an outdated app can also be the reason behind the error.

Android:

  • Open the Play Store on your Android device.
  • Go to the search icon.
  • Type Duolingo in the space.  
 Duolingo Widget Black
  • Check if an update is available.
  • Tap on the Update button.
  • The app will be updated to the latest version.

For iPhone:

  • First, open the App Store on your device.
  • Now, tap on your Profile Pic.
  • After that, go to the Account section and scroll down.
 Duolingo Widget Black
  • If you see an Update option next to Duolingo, tap on it.
  • When you do so, the updation process will begin.
  • Once updated, launch Duolingo and check if the issue is fixed.

Re-add the Duolingo Widget

For Android:

To remove and re-add the Duolingo widget on Android, follow the steps written below:

  • Unlock your smartphone.
  • Tap and hold the Duolingo widget.
 Duolingo Widget Black
  • Tap on the Remove option.
  • Once removed, long-press on your home screen.
 Duolingo Widget Black
  • Tap on Widgets.
  • Locate the Duolingo app.
 Duolingo Widget Black
  • Select the widget you like and tap on Add.
  • Drag and drop it on your home screen.

For iOS:

To remove and re-add the Duolingo widget on iOS, follow the steps mentioned below:

  • Unlock your iPhone.
  • Tap and hold the widget.
  • Tap on the Remove Widget.
  • Tap on Remove again to confirm.
  • Once removed, long-press on the home screen till the apps start jiggling.
  • Click on the Edit option.
 Duolingo Widget Black
  • After that, tap on Add Widget.
  • Now, scroll down and search for the Duolingo App.
  • After that, select the widget you want.
  • Tap on Add Widget. 
  • Place it on your device’s screen.

If you are still facing an issue with the Duolingo Widge turning black then do contact Duolingo’s support team.

Share the issue with them along with details about your device. They will suggest solutions to fix the issue.

We do hope you found this guide helpful and for more queries share them with us in the comment section. 

Mohammed Omair

Hey! My name is Mohammed Omair, an avid Duolingo user behind Lingoly.io. I have been using Duolingo for more than two years to learn Arabic, Spanish, and Italian. While using it, I faced a bunch of issues, errors and problems that you might face as well while learning a new language on Duolingo. With that in mind, I created this website to make your journey as smooth as butter.

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