Why your exchange rate widget doesn't update (and how to fix it)
Short answer: most exchange rate widgets only refresh when their app runs, and Android's battery optimization stops apps from running in the background. Remove the app from battery optimization, tap the widget to force a refresh, and use a widget that schedules its own updates and shows the time of the rate.
Why widgets get stuck
- The widget waits for the app. Many widgets only redraw when you open the app, so the number on your home screen can be days old.
- Battery optimization. Android and phone makers (especially Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei) delay or block background work for apps you rarely open.
- The data source stopped. If refreshing shows the same date for days, the app's rate feed may have broken.
- No connection. Offline, a widget can only show the last saved rate.
How to fix it
- Open Settings → Apps → your currency app → Battery, and choose Unrestricted (or turn off optimization).
- Remove the widget and add it again after updating the app.
- Tap the widget, if it supports tap to refresh, and check that the time changes.
- Look for the rate's date or time. If there is none, you can't tell whether it is fresh.
What "fresh" means for daily rates
Reference rates such as ECB rates are published once per business day, so a widget showing the same number all weekend is correct. A widget showing last week's number on a Wednesday is not.
Doing it with Rate Nudge
Rate Nudge's widget schedules its own refresh without opening the app, shows up to 4 currencies with up/down vs. yesterday, and refreshes immediately when you tap it. Every screen shows the source and time of the rate and flags data older than 24 hours. Rates are daily reference rates, not live trading prices.