How to Use Termux-Widget for One-Tap Script Launch

If you’ve ever wished you could run your Termux scripts with just a single tap, then Termux-Widget is exactly what you need. It’s a small but powerful tool that lets you create home screen shortcuts for your scripts, saving you from typing commands every time. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to set it up, organize your scripts, and use it efficiently for day-to-day automation.

Why Termux-Widget is a Game-Changer

Termux is already an amazing terminal environment for Android, letting you do everything from coding to system monitoring. But sometimes, you want quick access to certain scripts without opening the app. That’s where Termux-Widget comes in. You can place scripts directly on your home screen and launch them with a single tap.

This is particularly useful if you have recurring tasks, like monitoring network security, sending automated notifications, or even running educational demos like MaxPhisher in Termux. With one-tap execution, you save time and reduce errors from manual command input. For more about security demos in Termux, check out my MaxPhisher guide here.

Step 1: Install Termux-Widget

Before you can start using widgets, you need to make sure the Termux:Widget add-on is installed. You can get it from the Google Play Store or F-Droid.

1. Open Google Play Store or F-Droid.

2. Search for Termux:Widget and install it.

3. Once installed, you’re ready to add widgets to your home screen.

Note that widgets require scripts to be located in ~/.shortcuts/. This is the folder Termux-Widget scans for home screen shortcuts.

Step 2: Create Your Shortcut Scripts

Let’s create a simple example script to understand how widgets work:

#!/data/data/com.termux/files/usr/bin/bash
echo "Hello from Termux Widget"
sleep 2

Save your script inside ~/.shortcuts/ and make it executable:

chmod +x ~/.shortcuts/yourscript.sh

You can create as many scripts as you like here. For example, you might have scripts for:

• Running network security checks (learn more about network security here)

• Backing up files

• Checking your VPN connection (Surfshark review here)

• Quick educational demos like MaxPhisher (read guide)

Step 3: Add Termux Widget to Home Screen

1. Long-press on your Android home screen.

2. Select Widgets.

3. Find the Termux Widget option and drag it to your home screen.

4. When prompted, select the script you want the widget to run.

Now, you can run your script with a single tap! No need to open Termux, type commands, or navigate directories.

Step 4: Organize Multiple Scripts

If you have multiple scripts, you can create a separate shortcut for each one. Naming them clearly is key. For instance:

• backup_files.sh

• check_network.sh

• vpn_status.sh

• educational_demo.sh

Placing them all in ~/.shortcuts/ keeps everything tidy, and you can arrange widgets on your home screen in a way that matches your workflow. This approach is similar to creating structured projects in Termux, like in my Quick Termux Projects guide.

Step 5: Combining Termux-Widget with Automation

Termux-Widget works beautifully with automation scripts. For example, you could create a widget to:

• Run network scans and save logs (network security tips here)

• Send notifications to Telegram when tasks are complete

• Launch scripts that check VPN connections (recommended VPNs here)

Automating repetitive tasks not only saves time but also reduces the chance of errors, which is critical if you’re managing cybersecurity tasks or experimenting with ethical demos like MaxPhisher.

Troubleshooting Tips

Some common issues and fixes:

• Script doesn’t run: Make sure it’s executable (chmod +x script.sh).

• Widget not showing scripts: Ensure they’re in ~/.shortcuts/.

• Output not visible: Widgets run scripts in the background. Use termux-toast "Message" or log output to a file.

For more advanced scripts, consider combining Termux-Widget with guides like linking cybersecurity and business risk (read here) or small business security planning (read guide).

Conclusion

Termux-Widget is a small tool that packs a punch. By creating one-tap shortcuts, you make your Android device more productive and efficient. From running educational demos like MaxPhisher to automating security checks, this tool reduces friction and saves time.

If you’re serious about building a workflow in Termux, combining widgets with scripts is the fastest way to streamline tasks. And if you’re looking to expand your knowledge, check out Quick Termux Projects and start experimenting today.