The basic steps to add a widget

To add a widget to your home screen, long-press an empty area of your home screen until a menu appears, then tap the plus icon or "Add" button. This opens your widget library. Find the app whose widget you want, tap it, select which widget style you prefer, and tap "Add Widget." The widget then appears on your home screen in the spot you long-pressed.

The exact steps vary slightly between Android and iPhone, and between phone models, but the core action is the same: long-press empty space, find the widget, confirm the size and style, and place it. Most widgets land in the top-left corner of where you pressed, though you can drag them to a different spot afterward.

Not every app includes a widget. If you don't see an app in your widget library, that app either doesn't offer one or the developer hasn't built one yet. You can still use the app normally — widgets are optional shortcuts, not required features.

Key Takeaways

  • Long-press an empty area of your home screen to open the widget menu, then select the app and widget style you want.
  • Widgets appear in the spot where you pressed and can be dragged to a new location once they're placed.
  • Not all apps offer widgets; if an app doesn't appear in your widget library, the developer hasn't created one for it.
  • You can remove a widget by long-pressing it and selecting "Remove" or "Delete" from the menu that appears.
  • Most phones let you resize widgets after placing them by long-pressing and dragging the edges of the widget frame.

Where to find the widget menu on iPhone

On iPhone, swipe left from your home screen to reach the lock screen or the leftmost home screen panel. At the bottom, tap the plus icon in a circle. This opens the widget gallery, which shows all apps on your phone that offer widgets. Scroll through the list, tap the app name, and you'll see thumbnail previews of each widget that app provides.

Once you pick a widget style, tap "Add Widget" at the bottom. A menu asks which home screen page you want it on — you can choose the current page or any other page you've created. Tap "Add" and the widget lands on that page. You can then move it by long-pressing and dragging.

Where to find the widget menu on Android

On Android, long-press any empty space on your home screen until the screen darkens slightly and a menu bar appears at the bottom. Tap the plus icon or the word "Widgets" (exact wording depends on your phone brand). This opens your widget library, organized by app.

Scroll to find the app you want, tap it to see available widget sizes, then long-press the widget you want and drag it onto your home screen. Release your finger to place it. If the widget doesn't fit in the space you chose, your phone will move it to the nearest available spot.

Resizing and moving widgets

After a widget lands on your home screen, you can move it or change its size. Long-press the widget itself — not the home screen around it. A menu appears with options like "Remove," "Edit," or resize handles (small squares at the corners or edges).

To move a widget, long-press it and drag it to a new location, then release. To resize it, long-press it and drag the corner or edge handles outward to make it larger or inward to make it smaller. Not all widgets support resizing; if you don't see resize handles, that widget comes in one size only.

Removing a widget you no longer want

To remove a widget, long-press it until the menu appears. Tap "Remove," "Delete," or "Remove Widget" depending on your phone. The widget disappears from your home screen immediately, but the app itself stays on your phone. You can add the widget back later if you change your mind.

Removing a widget does not delete any data or settings from the app. The app continues to work normally in the background, and any information it stores stays intact.

Why a widget might not appear in your library

If you're looking for a widget from a specific app and can't find it, the app either doesn't offer a widget or the widget isn't compatible with your phone's version of Android or iOS. Older apps and smaller apps are less likely to have widgets. Check the app's description in your phone's app store to see if it lists widget support.

Some apps require you to update them before their widgets become available. If you recently installed an app and don't see a widget, try updating the app through your app store, then check the widget library again.

Common widget problems and fixes

If a widget stops updating information or shows outdated data, try removing it and adding it again. Long-press the widget, tap "Remove," then go back to your widget library and add it fresh. This usually fixes widgets that have frozen or stopped refreshing.

If a widget crashes or disappears on its own, the app may need an update. Open your app store, search for the app, and install any available updates. If the problem continues after updating, the app's developer may be aware of the issue and working on a fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the same widget on multiple home screens?

Yes. Add the widget once, then go to your widget library and add it again on a different home screen page. You can have the same widget in multiple locations, and each one updates independently with the same information.

Do widgets use battery or data?

Widgets use some battery and data because they refresh periodically to show updated information. Widgets that update frequently, like weather or news widgets, use more power than static widgets. If battery life is a concern, remove widgets you don't check regularly.

What's the difference between a widget and an app shortcut?

A widget displays live information on your home screen without opening the app — like showing today's weather or your calendar events. An app shortcut is just a button that opens the app when you tap it. Widgets are more useful for information you want to see at a glance.

Can I customize what information a widget shows?

Some widgets let you customize their settings. Long-press the widget and look for an "Edit" or "Settings" option. Not all widgets support customization; if you don't see an edit option, that widget shows the same information for everyone.

Why does my widget show old information?

Widgets refresh on a schedule set by the app developer, not continuously. A weather widget might update every 30 minutes, while a news widget might update hourly. If you need current information immediately, open the app itself, which usually refreshes faster than the widget.