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How to Customize Widgets on iPhone
Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
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Widgets are small apps that run on your home screen and allow you to view information or perform basic actions without opening the app. Starting with iOS 14, Apple introduced widgets to the iPhone home screen, giving users more options to customize their experience. This guide will provide a detailed explanation of how to customize widgets on iPhone, including basic setup, customization options, and tips for getting the most out of widgets. Whether you're new to iOS or just want to improve your home screen, this guide provides everything you need to know about customizing widgets on your iPhone.
Understanding iPhone widgets
What are widgets?
Widgets are interactive elements designed to display app-related information on your iPhone's Home screen or Today View. They come in various shapes and sizes, providing quick access to app functions and data. Unlike app icons that simply launch the app when tapped, widgets can show real-time information or provide specific functionalities.
Types of widgets
- Informational widgets: These display static or real-time data, such as weather updates or calendar events.
- Interactive widgets: These work like mini-apps and let you interact with them without opening the full app.
- Smart Stack: A special type of widget that combines multiple widgets into one and lets you swipe through them. It uses on-device intelligence to show relevant information throughout the day.
Adding widgets to your iPhone
To customize your home screen with widgets, you must first add them. Follow these steps to add widgets:
- Touch and hold an empty area on the Home screen until you see the apps jiggle.
- Tap the plus button (+) in the upper-left corner to open the widget gallery.
- Browse or search for the widget you want to add.
- Tap the desired widget to see its available sizes (small, medium, large).
- Choose the size you want, then tap Add Widget.
- Drag your new widget to the desired location on the home screen.
- To exit Jiggle mode, tap the Done button in the upper-right corner or press the Home button.
Customizing the widgets
Size and position
Most iPhone widgets come in small, medium, and large sizes, allowing you to choose how much space they take up on the screen. The size you choose affects how much information the widget displays. Small widgets take up the space of four icons (2x2 grid), medium widgets take up the space of eight icons (2x4 grid), and large widgets take up the space of sixteen icons (4x4 grid).
Feel free to move widgets around on your home screen just like app icons. Tap and hold a widget, then drag it to a new location. You can place them between app icons or in dedicated widget pages.
Smart Stack
Smart Stacks are an easy way to consolidate your widgets. You can either use a pre-configured Smart Stack or create your own custom stack by following these steps:
- Add Smart Stacks to your Home screen using the steps outlined in the 'Adding widgets to your iPhone' section.
- To create a custom stack, drag two or more widgets of the same size on top of each other.
- To edit an existing Smart Stack:
- Touch and hold the stack and tap Edit stack.
- Reorder widgets within the stack by dragging the grid icon (≡) next to each widget.
- If the Smart Rotate option is turned on, your iPhone will automatically rotate widgets based on your usage patterns.
Widget settings
Some widgets offer additional customization options to customize the information or features that are displayed. To access these settings:
- Touch and hold a widget on your home screen.
- Tap Edit Widget from the Quick Actions menu.
- Adjust the settings as desired. For example, the weather widget might allow you to change the location, while the calendar widget might allow you to select a specific calendar.
Not all widgets support these settings. Only widgets with customizable options will display the options when long-pressed.
Using today’s approach
Today View can be accessed by swiping right from the iPhone's lock screen or home screen. This provides additional space to include widgets without overcrowding your main home screen layout.
Adding and arranging widgets in Today View
To add a widget to Today View, follow these steps:
- Swipe right on the home screen to access Today View.
- Scroll down and tap Edit or Customize.
- Tap the plus button (+) to enter jiggle mode.
- Add widgets using the same method for adding them to the home screen.
- Press and hold a widget to rearrange the order in Today view.
- When you're satisfied with the arrangement, tap Done.
Tips for using widgets effectively
To maximize the efficiency and functionality of widgets on your iPhone, consider the following tips:
Prioritize information
Place the most important widgets at the top of your home screen or Today View. This placement ensures quick access to data you check regularly, such as weather, calendar events, or reminders.
Optimize space
Make full use of Smart Stacks to save space. For example, create a Smart Stack with widgets of your favorite apps and rotate the stack between them based on the time of day or your activity. This practice can reduce clutter significantly.
Experiment with sizes
Try different widget sizes to see which one fits your layout best and provides the most valuable information at a glance. A medium or large widget can display more data, reducing the need to open the app.
Consider third-party widgets
In addition to Apple's built-in widget options, many third-party developers provide widgets for their apps, which can provide additional functionality. Evernote, Spotify, and others often have widgets that provide quick access to specific app features.
Troubleshooting common widget issues
It's relatively uncommon to have problems with widgets, but if you do, consider the following troubleshooting suggestions:
Widgets are not updating
If a widget is not updating, make sure your iPhone is connected to the Internet. Some widgets, such as News or Weather, require Internet access to refresh data. Additionally, try deleting the widget and adding it back to check if that resolves the issue.
Widgets are missing or not visible
- Check if the app associated with the widget is installed and updated.
- If widgets seem restrictive, make sure widgets are enabled under Screen Time settings.
- If the widget still doesn’t appear, restart your iPhone or try reinstalling the relevant app.
Conclusion
In short, widgets provide a convenient and customizable way to extend the functionality of your iPhone, providing quick access to app information and features directly from your Home screen or Today View. By understanding how to add, customize, and organize widgets effectively, you can better tailor your iPhone experience to your daily needs and preferences. With these insights and strategies, you're now equipped to make the most of widgets and optimize your smartphone's productivity.
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