Adding widgets to your iPhone allows you to personalize your Home Screen and Today View, providing quick access to information and app functionalities without opening the apps themselves.
How to Add Widgets on iPhone?
To add widgets on your iPhone, long-press on an empty area of your Home Screen, tap the '+' button in the top-left corner, then browse, select, and add the desired widget from the widget gallery.
Adding Widgets to Your iPhone Home Screen
Customizing your Home Screen with widgets is a straightforward process that enhances both aesthetics and functionality.
- Enter Jiggle Mode:
- On your iPhone's Home Screen, long-press on any empty space until your app icons begin to jiggle. This indicates you're in editing mode.
- Tap the Add Button (+):
- In the top-left corner of your screen, you'll see a '+' (Add) button. Tap it to open the widget gallery.
- Browse and Select Widgets:
- The widget gallery displays a variety of widgets from your installed apps.
- You can scroll down and tap on an app's name to see all of its available widgets.
- Alternatively, you can swipe right to view all the widgets that are available to you and scroll through the list of suggested widgets and apps.
- You can also use the search bar at the top to find specific widgets.
- Choose Widget Size:
- Once you've selected an app, you'll see different sizes (Small, Medium, Large) for its widgets. Swipe left or right to preview the available sizes and their information display.
- Add the Widget:
- Tap "Add Widget" for the size you prefer. The widget will appear on your Home Screen.
- Arrange and Finish:
- While still in jiggle mode, you can drag the widget to rearrange its position on your Home Screen.
- When you're satisfied, tap "Done" in the top-right corner or press the Home button (on older models) to exit editing mode.
Utilizing Widgets in the Today View
The Today View, accessible by swiping right from your first Home Screen or Lock Screen, is another dedicated space for widgets, often used for information you want to glance at quickly.
- Access Today View:
- Swipe right from the first page of your Home Screen or from the Lock Screen.
- Enter Editing Mode:
- Scroll to the bottom of the Today View and tap "Edit," or long-press on any existing widget until the apps jiggle.
- Tap the Add Button (+):
- Similar to the Home Screen, tap the '+' button in the top-left corner to open the widget gallery.
- Select and Add:
- Browse and select the widget you wish to add, choose its size, and tap "Add Widget."
- Arrange and Finish:
- Drag the widget to your preferred position.
- Tap "Done" in the top-right corner.
Creating a Smart Widget Stack
Smart Stacks are a collection of widgets that automatically rotate to show you the most relevant information throughout the day, based on factors like time, location, and activity. You can also manually swipe through them.
- Create a Stack:
- Add a widget to your Home Screen using the steps above.
- While in jiggle mode, drag another widget of the same size on top of the first widget. This will automatically create a Smart Stack.
- Alternatively, you can add a pre-made Smart Stack from the widget gallery by searching for "Smart Stack."
- Edit a Stack:
- Long-press on the Smart Stack until the quick action menu appears.
- Tap "Edit Stack" to rearrange widgets, remove them, or turn "Smart Rotate" and "Widget Suggestions" on or off.
Editing and Removing Widgets
Managing your widgets is as easy as adding them.
Editing a Widget
- Enter Jiggle Mode: Long-press on the widget you wish to edit until the apps start jiggling.
- Access Widget Options: Tap the widget. For some widgets, this will open specific customization options (e.g., choosing a specific album for a Photos widget, or a city for a Weather widget).
- Make Changes: Adjust the settings as desired.
- Exit: Tap outside the widget or press the Home button when done.
Removing a Widget
- Enter Jiggle Mode: Long-press on the widget you want to remove until the apps start jiggling.
- Tap Remove: Tap the '-' (Remove) button that appears on the widget's corner, or select "Remove Widget" from the quick action menu.
- Confirm: Tap "Remove" again to confirm.
- Exit: Tap "Done" in the top-right corner.
Tips for Widget Customization
- Experiment with Sizes: Different widget sizes offer varying levels of detail. A small widget might show a single metric, while a large one provides a comprehensive overview.
- Organize by Page: Consider dedicating specific Home Screen pages to different types of widgets (e.g., productivity, entertainment, news).
- Utilize Smart Rotate: For Smart Stacks, enable "Smart Rotate" to let your iPhone intelligently show you the most relevant widget at any given time.
- Explore Third-Party Widgets: Many apps from the App Store offer their own widgets, significantly expanding your customization options.
- Focus on Utility: While aesthetics are important, prioritize widgets that genuinely add value and make your daily tasks easier.
| Widget Size | Typical Use Case | Example App Data Displayed |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Quick glance at a single piece of information. | Calendar (next event), Weather (temp) |
| Medium | More detail, but still concise. | News (top headline), Stocks (few items) |
| Large | Comprehensive overview, often interactive. | Photos (large album), Maps (directions) |
By mastering these steps, you can transform your iPhone's interface into a powerful, personalized dashboard tailored to your needs. For more details on Home Screen customization, you can refer to Apple's official support resources.
