The basic steps to add a lock screen widget

To add a widget to your iPhone lock screen, long-press the lock screen itself — not an app icon — until the customization menu appears. Tap the plus button at the bottom left. Choose the app whose widget you want to add, select which widget size you prefer, and tap "Add Widget". The widget will appear on your lock screen when ready.

This works on iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, and iPhone 13. Older models do not support lock screen widgets. You can add up to five widgets to your lock screen, though space fills quickly depending on widget size and your phone model.

Not every app offers a lock screen widget. Apple's built-in apps — Clock, Weather, Reminders, Calendar, Stocks, and others — all have them. Many third-party apps like Spotify, DoorDash, and Deliveroo have added lock screen widgets in recent updates. If an app does not appear in the widget menu, it does not yet offer this feature.

Key Takeaways

  • Long-press your lock screen (not an app), tap the plus button, choose an app, select widget size, and tap "Add Widget" to install it.
  • Lock screen widgets work only on iPhone 13 and newer models.
  • You can add up to five widgets, but each one takes up screen space and may slow your phone's wake-up time slightly.
  • Widgets that update frequently or pull data from the internet use more battery than static widgets like Notes or Reminders.
  • Removing a widget is as straightforward as long-pressing the lock screen, tapping the minus button next to the widget, and confirming removal.

Why widget size matters for your lock screen

Lock screen widgets come in three sizes: small (a single square), medium (two squares side by side), and large (two squares stacked). Small widgets take the least space and load fastest. Medium and large widgets show more information at once but leave less room for your time and date display.

If you choose a large widget, your lock screen will show less of the widget itself because the time and date still occupy the top of the screen. Test different sizes to see what balance works for you. You can change a widget's size after adding it by long-pressing the lock screen, tapping and holding the widget, and selecting a different size from the menu.

How lock screen widgets affect battery and performance

Widgets that refresh constantly — like weather, stock prices, or delivery tracking — use more battery than widgets that show static information like Notes or Reminders. Each refresh requires your phone to wake slightly, fetch new data, and update the display. If you add five weather widgets that each update every 15 minutes, your battery will drain noticeably faster than if you add one Notes widget.

Lock screen widgets also add a tiny delay to how fast your phone wakes when you pick it up. The more widgets you add, the longer the phone takes to render them before showing your full lock screen. The difference is usually under half a second, but it is measurable. If you notice your phone feels slower to wake, removing one or two widgets often fixes it.

Battery impact varies by widget. A Clock widget uses almost no power. A live sports score widget that updates every few minutes uses noticeably more. Check your battery settings under Settings > Battery to see which apps are draining the most power, then consider removing widgets from those apps if battery life matters to you.

Which widgets are safe to add to your lock screen

Apple's built-in widgets — Weather, Calendar, Reminders, Stocks, Clock — are safe to add. They do not collect data beyond what you already use them for, and they do not show sensitive information on the lock screen by default. A Reminders widget, for example, shows only the number of incomplete tasks, not the task text itself.

Third-party widgets from well-known apps like Spotify or DoorDash are generally safe, but check what information they display. A banking app widget that shows your account balance on the lock screen is convenient but means anyone who picks up your phone can see your balance. A fitness app widget that shows your daily step count is lower risk.

Before adding a widget from an unfamiliar app, open the app itself and check its privacy policy. Look for what data the widget collects and whether it sends that data to the app's servers. Some widgets require internet access to update; others work offline. If a widget asks for permission to access your location, contacts, or photos, think carefully about whether you need that widget on your lock screen.

Removing or rearranging lock screen widgets

To remove a widget, long-press your lock screen until the customization menu appears. Tap and hold the widget you want to remove, then tap the minus button that appears. Confirm the removal by tapping "Remove Widget". The widget disappears when ready, and your lock screen returns to normal.

To rearrange widgets, long-press the lock screen, then tap and hold a widget and drag it to a new position. You can move widgets up or down, or swap their positions with other widgets. Changes save automatically when you release the widget.

You can also create multiple lock screen designs by swiping left on your lock screen to see other designs you have set up. Each design can have its own set of widgets. This is useful if you want different widgets for work versus personal time, or if you want to test whether fewer widgets improve your battery life.

Troubleshooting widgets that do not appear or update

If a widget does not show up in the widget menu, the app either does not support lock screen widgets yet or you need to update it. Open the App Store, go to your profile, and check for updates. If the app has an update available, install it and try again.

If a widget appears but does not update — for example, the weather stays the same for hours — check that your phone has internet access and that the app has permission to use the network. Go to Settings > [App Name] > Network and make sure the app is not restricted. Also check Settings > Privacy > Location Services to confirm the app has location access if it needs it.

If a widget crashes or shows an error, try removing it and adding it again. Long-press the lock screen, tap the minus button next to the widget, confirm removal, then add it fresh. If the problem persists, restart your phone by holding the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add the same widget twice to my lock screen?

Yes. You can add multiple instances of the same widget if you want — for example, two weather widgets showing different cities, or two Reminders widgets tracking different lists. Each counts toward your five-widget limit.

Do lock screen widgets work if my phone is locked?

Yes. Widgets update and display even when your phone is locked. This is why you should be careful about what information you put on your lock screen — anyone who picks up your phone can see it without entering your passcode.

What happens to widgets if I update my iOS?

Your widgets stay in place after an iOS update. However, if an app removes its lock screen widget support in a new version, that widget will stop working and you will need to remove it manually.

Can I add widgets to my lock screen if I use Face ID?

Yes. Lock screen widgets work the same way whether you use Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. The widget displays before you unlock your phone.

Why does my lock screen widget show old information?

Widgets refresh on a schedule set by the app developer, not on demand. Some widgets update every few minutes; others update once an hour. If a widget shows outdated information, open the app itself to see the current data, or wait for the next automatic refresh cycle.