Where to find widgets on your phone
Widgets live in your phone's app library or widget menu, not on the home screen itself. On Android, long-press an empty area of your home screen and tap "Widgets" — you'll see every widget your installed apps offer. On iPhone, swipe left from your home screen to open the widget panel, then tap the plus sign at the bottom to browse available widgets.
Not every app includes a widget. Common ones come from Google (Calendar, Weather, Maps), Apple (Reminders, Weather, Stocks), and third-party apps like Spotify, Slack, or your bank's app. If an app you use doesn't show up in the widget menu, that app straightforward doesn't offer one — the developer would have to build it.
Key Takeaways
- Android widgets are added by long-pressing your home screen and selecting "Widgets"; iPhone widgets are added through the widget panel on the left side of your home screen.
- Widgets vary in size and function — some show live information like weather or calendar events, while others are just shortcuts to open an app.
- Larger widgets use more battery and data because they refresh more often, so start with small ones if you're concerned about speed or battery life.
- You can move, resize, or delete a widget the same way you move an app — long-press it and drag, or long-press and select remove.
Adding a widget on Android
Long-press any empty space on your home screen until a menu appears at the bottom. Tap "Widgets" (the exact wording varies by phone maker, but it's always there). Scroll through the list and find the app whose widget you want. Tap and hold the widget name — your phone will show you a preview of what it looks like.
Drag the widget onto your home screen. If there's no room, your phone will automatically move other apps to make space. Release your finger and the widget is placed. Some widgets let you customize them right away — you might choose which calendar to display, or which weather location. If a setup screen appears, follow the prompts.
Adding a widget on iPhone
Swipe left from your home screen to open the widget panel. At the bottom, tap the plus sign (a circle with a plus inside). You'll see a list of apps that offer widgets. Tap the app name to see its available widgets — most apps offer two or three sizes.
Tap the widget you want, then tap "Add Widget" at the bottom right. Your phone will show you where it's being placed. Tap "Add" to confirm. If you want to move it later, long-press the widget and drag it to a new spot on the panel or home screen.
Resizing and moving widgets
On Android, long-press the widget itself. If it can be resized, small circles or handles appear at the corners and edges. Drag them to make the widget larger or smaller. Not all widgets resize — some have a fixed size. Drag the widget anywhere on your home screen to move it.
On iPhone, long-press the widget and tap "Edit Widget" if that option appears. Some widgets let you change settings like which calendar shows or what information displays. To move a widget, long-press it and drag it to a new location. To remove it, long-press and tap "Remove Widget."
Why some widgets drain battery faster
A widget that shows live information — like weather updates, stock prices, or calendar events — refreshes regularly to stay current. The more often it refreshes, the more battery it uses. A large weather widget that updates every 15 minutes uses noticeably more power than a small one that updates every hour.
If your phone feels slower or your battery drains quickly, start by removing the largest widgets or the ones that update most frequently. Weather and news widgets are common culprits. You can always add them back later if you find you miss them. Widgets that are just shortcuts to open an app — like a Spotify "play" button — use almost no extra power because they don't refresh.
Organizing widgets by screen and folder
On Android, you can create multiple home screens by swiping right. Add different widgets to each screen so you see what you need without cluttering one page. Some phones also let you create widget folders — long-press a widget and drag it onto another widget to combine them.
On iPhone, the widget panel is separate from your home screen, so widgets don't take up app space. You can add the same widget multiple times in different sizes if you want — for example, a small weather widget on your home screen and a larger one in the widget panel. This keeps your home screen less crowded while still giving you quick access to information.
Removing a widget you no longer want
On Android, long-press the widget and tap "Remove" or drag it to a "Remove" zone that appears at the top of the screen. On iPhone, long-press the widget and tap "Remove Widget," then confirm.
Removing a widget does not uninstall the app — it just takes the widget off your screen. You can add it back anytime by going through the widget menu again. If you want to fully remove an app, you'll need to uninstall it separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same widget more than once on my home screen?
Yes. On both Android and iPhone, you can add the same widget multiple times in different sizes or locations. This is useful if you want a small weather widget on your main home screen and a larger one elsewhere, for example.
Why doesn't my app have a widget?
The app developer has to build a widget — it's not automatic. If an app doesn't appear in your widget menu, that app straightforward doesn't offer one yet. You can still open the app normally from your app drawer or home screen.
Do widgets work if my phone is locked?
On Android, widgets show on your lock screen and home screen. On iPhone, lock screen widgets are available on newer models (iPhone 14 and later) but work differently than home screen widgets. Check your phone's settings to see what's available.
Will adding widgets slow down my phone?
A few small widgets won't noticeably slow your phone. Large widgets that refresh frequently or many widgets at once can use more memory and battery. If your phone feels sluggish, try removing the largest or most frequently updating widgets first.
Can I customize what information a widget shows?
Many widgets let you choose settings — which calendar to display, which weather location, or which account to show. Long-press the widget and look for "Edit Widget" or a settings option. Not all widgets offer customization.