The quickest way to add a widget
Open your home screen and long-press an empty area until the icons start to jiggle and a plus sign appears in the top left corner. Tap that plus sign, then scroll through the app list and select the app whose widget you want to add. Choose the widget size and style you prefer, then tap "Add Widget". The widget will appear on your home screen in the location you tapped.
If you want to add a widget to your lock screen instead, long-press the lock screen itself, tap "Customize", then tap the plus sign at the bottom. Search for the app, select it, choose your widget, and tap "Add". Lock screen widgets are smaller and show less information, but they let you see information without unlocking your phone.
You can also add widgets from the lock screen by swiping left on your lock screen to reach the lock screen pages, then tapping the plus sign at the bottom of the screen. This opens the same widget selection menu.
Key Takeaways
- Long-press an empty area of your home screen, tap the plus sign, select an app, and choose the widget size to add it in seconds.
- Lock screen widgets show information without unlocking your phone but take up less space and display less detail than home screen widgets.
- Not every app offers a widget — only apps that have built one will appear in the widget list when you tap the plus sign.
- You can move, resize, or delete a widget by long-pressing it and choosing "Edit Stack", "Remove", or dragging it to a new location.
Which apps have widgets and where to find them
Apple's built-in apps almost always have widgets: Weather, Calendar, Reminders, Notes, Stocks, Maps, Health, and Fitness all offer them. Third-party apps vary — some popular ones like Spotify, Slack, and Todoist have widgets, but many do not. The only way to know is to open the widget menu and look for the app name.
When you tap the plus sign on your home screen, you see every app on your phone that offers at least one widget. If an app is not in that list, it does not have a widget available. Some apps add widgets in updates, so if you do not see a widget for an app you use often, check the App Store to see if an update is available.
Choosing the right widget size for your space
Most apps offer widgets in two or three sizes: small (a single square), medium (a 2x2 square), and large (a 2x4 rectangle). Smaller widgets take up less space but show less information — a small Weather widget might show only the current temperature, while a medium one shows the forecast for the next few hours. Larger widgets show more detail but leave less room for app icons.
You do not have to choose the largest size just because it is available. A small Calendar widget that shows only today's events takes up one grid square, while a large one takes up four. Start with the smallest size that gives you the information you actually look at, then upgrade if you find yourself wanting more detail.
Moving and resizing widgets after you add them
Once a widget is on your home screen, long-press it to see your options. You can drag it to a new location, remove it entirely, or edit it if the app offers customization. Some widgets let you choose what information they display — for example, a Reminders widget can show a specific list instead of all your reminders.
If you want to change the size of a widget after adding it, long-press it and look for "Edit Stack" or a similar option. Not all widgets can be resized, but many can. If resizing is not available, you will need to delete the widget and add it again in the size you want.
Stacking widgets to save home screen space
A widget stack is a single space on your home screen that holds multiple widgets. You can swipe through them to see different information without taking up extra room. To create a stack, add one widget, then drag another widget directly on top of it. They will combine into a single stack that you can swipe through.
You can add as many widgets as you want to a stack, but only one shows at a time. Swipe left or right on the stack to cycle through them. If you want to remove one widget from a stack without deleting the others, long-press the stack, tap "Edit Stack", and tap the minus sign next to the widget you want to remove.
Organizing widgets across multiple home screen pages
Your iPhone home screen has multiple pages — swipe left from the main page to see them. You can add widgets to any page, not just the first one. Some people keep their most-used widgets on the first page and less-frequent ones on later pages to reduce clutter.
You can also hide pages entirely if you do not want them to appear in your home screen carousel. Long-press your home screen, tap the dots at the bottom to see all pages, and tap the circle next to any page you want to hide. Hidden pages still exist and you can unhide them the same way, but they do not show up when you swipe.
Troubleshooting widgets that do not appear or work
If an app does not show up in your widget menu, the app either does not have a widget or it is not installed on your phone. Check the App Store to confirm the app is installed and up to date. Some apps only add widget support in newer versions, so updating might make a widget available.
If a widget appears but does not show current information, try removing it and adding it again. Widgets sometimes fail to refresh if your phone is low on storage or if the app has a bug. Restarting your phone can also fix widgets that are stuck showing old data. If the problem continues, check the app's support page or contact the developer — the issue is usually with the app, not with your iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add the same widget multiple times?
Yes. You can add the same widget as many times as you want. Some people add the Weather widget twice with different sizes, or add the same Notes widget to multiple home screen pages. Each copy works independently.
Do widgets drain my battery faster?
Widgets use very little battery because they update only when you look at your home screen or lock screen. A widget that checks weather or news every few minutes uses far less power than an app running in the background. The impact on battery life is negligible for most users.
Can I customize what information a widget shows?
Some widgets offer customization, others do not. Long-press a widget and look for "Edit Widget" or similar options. If the option appears, you can usually choose which list, calendar, or data source the widget displays. If no edit option appears, the widget shows a fixed set of information.
What is the difference between a home screen widget and a lock screen widget?
Lock screen widgets are smaller, show less information, and appear on your lock screen without unlocking your phone. Home screen widgets are larger and more detailed but require you to unlock your phone to see them. You can use both at the same time.
Why does my widget show old information?
Widgets refresh when you look at your home screen or lock screen, but they may not update when ready if the app is slow or your connection is poor. Try swiping away from the home screen and back, or restart your phone. If the problem continues, the app itself may have a bug — check for updates in the App Store.