The fastest way to add a widget to your Mac desktop

Open System Settings, go to Desktop & Dock, then click the plus sign next to "Desktop Widgets" at the bottom of that panel. A window opens showing available widgets — click the one you want, choose your desktop, and click "Add Widget". The widget appears on your desktop immediately, and you can move it by dragging or resize it by dragging its corner.

If you do not see Desktop & Dock in System Settings, you are on an older Mac. Widgets on desktop are available on macOS Sonoma (released in 2023) and later. You can check your macOS version by clicking the Apple menu, selecting "About This Mac", and looking at the version number.

Some widgets come built into macOS — Calendar, Weather, Stocks, Reminders, and others. Apps you have installed may also offer their own widgets. If an app's widget does not appear in the widget gallery, the app either does not support desktop widgets or you need to update it.

Key Takeaways

  • Desktop widgets are only available on macOS Sonoma or later, so check your macOS version first if you do not see the option.
  • Add widgets through System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Desktop Widgets, then select the widget and choose which desktop to place it on.
  • You can move widgets around by dragging them and resize them by dragging the corner handle, and remove them by right-clicking and selecting "Remove Widget".
  • Third-party apps can offer their own widgets, but only if they have been updated to support macOS Sonoma or later.

Finding and browsing available widgets

When you click the plus sign in Desktop & Dock settings, the widget gallery shows every widget available on your Mac. Widgets are grouped by app — built-in ones like Calendar and Weather appear at the top, followed by widgets from apps you have installed. Scroll down to see all options.

Some apps offer multiple widgets. For example, the Weather app has a small widget showing current conditions and a larger one showing a five-day forecast. Click on an app name to see all its widgets, then click the one you want to add.

If you do not see a widget you expected, the app either does not support desktop widgets yet or needs an update. Check the App Store to see if an update is available for that app.

Placing widgets on the right desktop

If you use multiple desktops (also called Spaces), you can choose which desktop gets the widget when you add it. After you click "Add Widget" in the gallery, a menu appears asking which desktop you want. Select the one you prefer, and the widget lands there.

You can move a widget to a different desktop later by right-clicking it, selecting "Move to", and choosing a new desktop. This is useful if you want to organize widgets by task — for example, keeping work-related widgets on one desktop and personal ones on another.

Resizing and repositioning widgets on your desktop

Once a widget is on your desktop, you can move it by clicking and dragging it to a new spot. The widget snaps to an invisible grid, so it aligns neatly with other items on your desktop.

To resize a widget, look for a small handle (usually a corner or edge) and drag it. Not all widgets can be resized — some have a fixed size. If a widget does not have a visible resize handle, it cannot be made larger or smaller.

If a widget is in your way, you can remove it by right-clicking it and selecting "Remove Widget". The widget disappears from your desktop but remains available in the widget gallery if you want to add it back later.

Customizing what information widgets show

Some widgets let you choose what information they display. For example, the Weather widget can show the forecast for a specific city, and the Calendar widget can show a particular calendar. Right-click the widget and look for "Edit Widget" or a settings option.

Not all widgets have customization options. Simple widgets like the clock or date display the same information regardless of settings. Check each widget to see what you can change.

Troubleshooting widgets that do not appear or work

If a widget you added is not showing on your desktop, check whether it is on a different desktop than the one you are currently viewing. Use Mission Control (swipe up with four fingers on a trackpad, or press Control + Up Arrow) to see all your desktops and locate the widget.

If a widget is not working correctly — for example, it shows old information or does not respond to clicks — try removing it and adding it again. Right-click the widget, select "Remove Widget", then add it back through System Settings.

If an app's widget is missing from the gallery entirely, update the app through the App Store. Older versions of apps may not support desktop widgets, and updating often fixes the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add the same widget multiple times to my desktop?

Yes. You can add the same widget as many times as you want. For example, you could add the Weather widget twice — once showing your home city and once showing a city you travel to frequently. Each copy can be customized separately.

Do widgets use battery or slow down my Mac?

Widgets use minimal resources, but some update more frequently than others. Weather and Stocks widgets refresh periodically to show current information, which uses a small amount of power. If you notice your Mac running slowly, removing widgets is unlikely to help — the issue is usually elsewhere.

What happens to widgets if I restart my Mac?

Widgets stay on your desktop after a restart. They appear in the same place and with the same settings you left them in. If a widget stops working after a restart, try removing and re-adding it.

Can I use widgets from the iPhone or iPad on my Mac?

No. Mac desktop widgets are separate from iOS and iPadOS widgets. An app may offer widgets on all three platforms, but they are different versions designed for each system. The widget gallery on your Mac only shows widgets built for macOS.

Why do some widgets look different sizes than others?

Widgets come in different default sizes — some are small squares, others are rectangles, and some are larger. This is set by the app developer. You can resize some widgets, but others have a fixed size that cannot be changed.