What widgets are and where they live on your iPhone
A widget is a small app window that shows you information or lets you do quick tasks without opening the full app. On iPhone, widgets appear on your lock screen (the screen you see when you wake your phone), your home screen (where your app icons live), or in the widget stack (a folder-like collection on your home screen). Each widget is tied to an app you already have installed.
Lock screen widgets are the newest option, added in iOS 16. They sit above your wallpaper and show live information — weather, reminders, calendar events, or battery status — without you tapping anything. Home screen widgets take up more space and let you do more, like start a timer or check your email inbox at a glance.
Key Takeaways
- Lock screen widgets appear above your wallpaper and show live information; you add them by long-pressing your lock screen and tapping the plus button.
- Home screen widgets take up more space and let you perform actions; you add them by long-pressing your home screen, tapping the plus button, and selecting an app.
- Not every app offers widgets — only apps designed to support them will appear in the widget menu.
- You can resize most home screen widgets by long-pressing them and dragging the resize handle in the corner.
- Widget stacks let you swipe between multiple widgets in one spot, saving home screen space.
Adding a widget to your lock screen
Start by waking your iPhone and looking at your lock screen. Long-press anywhere on the lock screen (press and hold your finger for about a second). The screen will dim slightly and a plus button will appear at the bottom center.
Tap the plus button. A list of apps that offer lock screen widgets will appear. Scroll through and find the app you want — for example, Weather, Calendar, Reminders, or Battery. Tap the app name. You'll see a preview of what the widget looks like and sometimes a choice of sizes or styles. Tap "Add Widget" at the bottom. The widget now appears on your lock screen above your wallpaper.
You can add up to five widgets to your lock screen. If you want to remove one, long-press your lock screen again, tap and hold the widget you want to remove, then tap the minus button that appears.
Adding a widget to your home screen
Go to your home screen (press the home button or swipe up from the bottom, depending on your iPhone model). Find an empty spot or an area where you want the widget to go. Long-press that spot for about a second. A menu will appear at the bottom with a plus button.
Tap the plus button. A list of apps will appear. Find the app whose widget you want to add and tap it. You'll see the available widget sizes or styles for that app. Select the one you want — larger widgets show more information but take up more space. Tap "Add Widget." The widget appears on your home screen in that spot.
If you don't see the app you want in the list, that app doesn't offer a home screen widget. Only apps designed to support widgets will appear here.
Resizing and moving widgets
Once a widget is on your home screen, you can make it bigger or smaller. Long-press the widget itself (not the home screen). A menu will appear with options including "Edit Widget" or a resize handle. If you see a resize handle (usually a small square in the corner), drag it to make the widget larger or smaller. Not all widgets can be resized — some come in one size only.
To move a widget, long-press it and drag it to a new spot on your home screen. You can move it between screens or next to other apps and widgets. Release your finger to drop it in place.
Using widget stacks to save space
A widget stack is a collection of widgets in one spot. You swipe left or right on the stack to cycle through them, showing one widget at a time. This saves home screen space when you want access to multiple widgets.
To create a stack, add one widget to your home screen. Then drag another widget on top of it. Your iPhone will ask if you want to create a stack — tap "Yes." Both widgets now occupy the same space. You can add more widgets to the stack by dragging them on top. Swipe left or right on the stack to see each widget. To remove a widget from the stack, long-press the stack, tap "Edit Stack," tap the minus button next to the widget you want to remove, then tap "Done."
Which apps offer widgets
Common built-in Apple apps with widgets include Weather, Calendar, Reminders, Notes, Clock, Stocks, Maps, Health, Fitness, TV, Music, Podcasts, and Battery. Many third-party apps also offer widgets — check the App Store listing for an app to see if it supports widgets.
If an app doesn't appear in your widget menu, it either doesn't support widgets or you haven't installed it yet. You can only create widgets for apps that are already on your iPhone. Installing an app doesn't automatically add its widget to your home screen — you have to add it manually using the steps above.
Troubleshooting widgets that don't work
If a widget shows outdated information or won't refresh, try these steps. First, remove the widget by long-pressing it and tapping "Remove Widget." Then restart your iPhone by turning it off and back on. Go back to your home screen or lock screen, add the widget again using the plus button, and see if it refreshes properly.
If a widget keeps crashing or won't load, make sure the app is up to date. Open the App Store, tap your profile icon at the top right, scroll down to "Available Updates," and update the app if a newer version is listed. Then try adding the widget again. If the problem continues, delete the app entirely, restart your iPhone, and reinstall it from the App Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add the same widget multiple times?
Yes. You can add the same widget to your lock screen, your home screen, or both. You can also add multiple copies of the same widget to your home screen or create a stack with the same widget at different sizes. Each copy works independently.
Do widgets drain my battery?
Lock screen widgets use very little battery because they update only when you look at your lock screen. Home screen widgets use slightly more power because they can update in the background, but the drain is minimal for most widgets. Widgets that refresh constantly (like stock tickers) use more battery than static ones.
Why can't I find a widget for an app I have installed?
Not all apps support widgets. The app developer has to build widget support into their app. Check the App Store listing for the app — it will mention widgets if they're available. If widgets aren't listed, that app doesn't offer them yet.
Can I customize what information a widget shows?
Some widgets let you choose what they display. Long-press the widget and tap "Edit Widget" if that option appears. You might be able to select which calendar to show, which reminders list to display, or other settings. Not all widgets have customization options.
What's the difference between a lock screen widget and a home screen widget?
Lock screen widgets are smaller, show live information without tapping, and sit above your wallpaper. Home screen widgets are larger, let you perform actions like starting a timer, and take up app icon space. Lock screen widgets update constantly; home screen widgets update when you look at them or when the app refreshes in the background.