Adding widgets to your iPhone's home screen is a great way to personalize your device and quickly access information you need. Whether you want to see the weather, your calendar appointments, or news headlines at a glance, widgets make it easy. This guide will walk you through the process, covering different iOS versions and addressing common questions.
What are iPhone Widgets?
iPhone widgets are small, interactive applications that display information directly on your home screen. They offer a quick and convenient way to view important data without having to open the full app. This includes everything from checking the weather and your upcoming calendar events to viewing photos, tracking your fitness progress, and more. They are essentially miniature versions of your favorite apps, providing key insights at a glance.
How to Add Widgets on iPhone (iOS 16 and Later)
Adding widgets on iPhones running iOS 16 and later is straightforward:
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Long-press on an empty area of your home screen. This will enter jiggle mode, allowing you to rearrange apps and add widgets.
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Tap the "+" button in the top-left corner. This reveals the Widget Gallery.
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Browse the available widgets. You'll see widgets categorized by app. You can search for a specific app or browse by category.
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Select a widget size and tap "Add Widget." Many widgets offer different sizes, allowing you to customize how much space they take up on your screen.
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Place the widget on your home screen. Drag and drop the widget to your desired location. You can even create widget stacks to save space.
How to Add Widgets on iPhone (iOS 14 & 15)
While the process is slightly different in iOS 14 and 15, the core functionality remains the same:
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Long-press on an empty area of your home screen. This initiates jiggle mode, similar to iOS 16.
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Tap the "+" button in the top-left corner. This opens the Widget Gallery.
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Choose a widget from the list. Browse through the available widgets organized by app.
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Select the widget size and tap "Add Widget." Widget sizes might be more limited compared to iOS 16.
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Arrange the widget on your home screen. Drag and drop the widget to your preferred location.
How to Remove a Widget on iPhone
Removing a widget is just as easy as adding one:
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Enter jiggle mode by long-pressing on an empty area of your home screen.
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Tap the small "-" button that appears in the top-left corner of the widget you want to remove.
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Tap "Remove Widget" to confirm.
Can I Customize Widget Sizes?
Yes! The ability to customize widget sizes varies slightly depending on the iOS version and the specific app. Generally, iOS 16 and later offer more size options compared to earlier versions. Look for options to select small, medium, large, or even custom sizes within the Widget Gallery for each app.
Where Do I Find More Widgets?
New widgets are constantly being added to the Widget Gallery as app developers update their apps. Make sure your apps are updated to the latest version to access all the available widgets.
How to Organize Widgets into Stacks?
To better organize your widgets and save screen space, you can create stacks. In jiggle mode, simply drag one widget onto another to create a stack. You can then swipe through the stack to access the different widgets.
What if I Can't Find a Widget for My Favorite App?
Not all apps have widgets. If your favorite app doesn't have a widget, you can check the app's description or website for updates; the developers might add one in a future update.
By following these steps, you can easily add and customize widgets on your iPhone to create a more personalized and efficient home screen experience. Remember to keep your apps updated for the latest widget options and features.
