Where to find widgets and how to add them
Widgets live in the Widget Gallery, which you reach by long-pressing any empty space on your home screen or lock screen, then tapping the plus button in the bottom left corner. A menu of all available apps with widgets appears — scroll through to find the one you want. Tap the app name, choose which widget size you prefer (small, medium, or large), then tap "Add Widget" to place it on your screen.
You can also add widgets from the app itself. Open any app, scroll down to the bottom, and look for a "Add to Home Screen" or "Add Widget" button. Not every app has this option — only apps that have built widget support will show it. If you don't see the button, the app doesn't offer widgets yet.
Once a widget is on your home screen, you can move it by long-pressing and dragging it to a new spot, or remove it by long-pressing and tapping "Remove Widget." On the lock screen, widgets work the same way — long-press the lock screen, tap the plus button, and add a widget from the gallery.
Key Takeaways
- Long-press any empty space on your home screen or lock screen, tap the plus button, and choose an app from the Widget Gallery to add its widget.
- Widget sizes vary by app — you can pick small, medium, or large when adding, and different sizes show different information.
- Some apps let you add widgets directly from within the app itself by scrolling to the bottom and tapping an "Add Widget" button.
- You can move widgets by long-pressing and dragging them, or delete them by long-pressing and selecting "Remove Widget."
Understanding widget sizes and what they show
Each widget comes in one or more sizes, and the size you pick changes what information displays. A small weather widget might show only the current temperature, while a medium one shows the temperature plus the forecast for the next few hours. A large widget often displays the most detail. When you're in the Widget Gallery choosing which widget to add, you'll see previews of each size option — tap the size you want before tapping "Add Widget."
Some apps offer only one size, while others let you choose from all three. After you add a widget, you can't change its size without removing it and adding it again in a different size. If you find a widget isn't showing what you need, try removing it and re-adding it in a larger size.
Adding multiple widgets from the same app
You can add the same widget multiple times if different sizes show different information you want to see. For example, you might add a small calendar widget and a medium one — the small version shows only today's date, while the medium version shows a full week. Each copy works independently, so you can place them in different spots on your home screen or lock screen.
To add another copy of a widget you already have, go back to the Widget Gallery, find the app again, and add it in a different size or configuration. There's no limit to how many widgets from the same app you can place, as long as you have room on your screen.
Organizing widgets on your home screen
Widgets take up space on your home screen just like app icons do. If your screen is full, you'll need to move or delete something to make room. Long-press a widget to move it — your finger will stick to it, and you can drag it anywhere on the current screen or to a different home screen page. If you want to move it to a different page, drag it to the right or left edge of the screen and hold it there until the screen scrolls.
You can also create a new home screen page by swiping right past your last page and tapping the plus button at the bottom. This gives you a blank page to fill with widgets. Many people keep their first page minimal with just a few key widgets, then use additional pages for less-used ones.
Lock screen widgets and what they can do
Lock screen widgets are smaller than home screen widgets and show only the most essential information — they're designed to be glanceable without unlocking your phone. Weather, calendar, reminders, and fitness apps all offer lock screen widgets. You can add up to four widgets to your lock screen, arranged in a row at the bottom.
To add a lock screen widget, long-press your lock screen, tap the plus button, choose an app from the Widget Gallery, and select a lock screen widget size (usually just one option per app). Lock screen widgets update in real time, so you'll see current information without opening the app.
Troubleshooting widgets that won't appear or update
If a widget doesn't show up after you add it, first check that you have enough space on your screen. If your home screen is completely full, the widget won't appear — delete or move something to make room, then try adding the widget again. If the screen has space but the widget still doesn't show, restart your iPhone by powering it off and back on.
If a widget appears but doesn't update with new information, make sure the app has permission to run in the background. Go to Settings, tap Privacy, then Background App Refresh, and check that the app is turned on. Some widgets also need location or notification permissions to work fully — check the app's settings in the main Settings app if the widget seems incomplete.
If you're trying to add a widget and the app doesn't appear in the Widget Gallery, that app doesn't offer widgets yet. Check back later — app developers add widget support over time, and updating the app may bring new widget options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add widgets to my lock screen?
Yes. Long-press your lock screen, tap the plus button, and choose from the Widget Gallery. Lock screen widgets are smaller and show less detail than home screen widgets, but they update in real time and you can add up to four in a row at the bottom of your lock screen.
What do I do if an app doesn't have a widget?
Not all apps offer widgets yet. If an app doesn't appear in the Widget Gallery, it doesn't have widget support. Check back after updating the app, as developers add widgets over time. In the meantime, you can use the app's icon on your home screen or Siri Shortcuts to create custom shortcuts.
Can I resize a widget after I add it?
No. You have to remove the widget and add it again in a different size. Long-press the widget, tap "Remove Widget," then go back to the Widget Gallery, find the app, and add it in the size you want.
Why isn't my widget showing updated information?
Check that the app has permission to refresh in the background. Go to Settings, tap Privacy, then Background App Refresh, and make sure the app is turned on. Some widgets also need location or notification permissions — check the app's settings in the main Settings app.
How many widgets can I add?
As many as your home screen has room for. Each widget takes up space like an app icon, so you're limited by screen space, not by a widget count. You can create multiple home screen pages to add more widgets.