Your iPhone home screen can be a lot smarter
Your iPhone home screen. Boring. Static. Always the same old list of apps. You know how it is: scrolling, searching, scrolling again. While you're missing important information you should see right away. The weather, your next appointment, the battery status of your AirPods . But here's the thing: most iPhone users don't even know widgets exist . Or they think they're complicated. Too technical. Only for nerds.
Yet, the opposite is true. Widgets are actually the easiest way to make your iPhone smarter without downloading a single new app. In three minutes, you'll have a home screen that truly works for you. No messing around with settings or accessories . Just hold your finger on the screen for a few seconds and you're done. Why doesn't anyone tell you this?
Useful links
- Check out our AirPods collection for wireless audio with battery widgets
- Discover accessories that work perfectly with your personalized iPhone
- Find your ideal iPhone with widget support
What exactly are widgets?
Widgets are information blocks that live right on your home screen. No app opening, no extra taps. You see what you need right away. Today's weather? Check. Your next appointment? Already there. Your headphones' battery status? You see that right away, too.
The best part is: widgets come in three sizes: small for compact information, medium for more detail, and large for a complete overview. You choose what suits your needs. A small battery widget takes up little space, while a large calendar widget shows your entire week.
Conditions: what do you need?
Before you get started, check these basics:
- Your iPhone runs on iOS 14 or later (go to Settings > General > About)
- You have at least one free space on your home screen
- The apps whose widgets you want to use are installed
That's it. You don't need anything else. No technical knowledge, no special tools.
Add widgets step by step
Activate editing mode
Hold your finger on an empty spot on your screen for two seconds, or on any app icon. You'll feel a slight vibration, and all the apps will start to wiggle. You're now in editing mode.
In the top left corner, you'll see a plus sign (+). This is your gateway to all widgets.
Choosing your first widget
Tap that plus sign. A new world opens: the widget library. Here you'll find all available widgets, neatly sorted. Suggestions based on your usage appear at the top, followed by an alphabetical list.
Scroll through the options at your leisure. Every app with widget support is listed here, from Apple's own apps to third-party apps. Spotify, WhatsApp, Google Maps—they're all there.
Selecting the correct size
Found a widget? Tap it. Now you'll see the different sizes. Swipe left or right to see them all. Note what each size shows:
- Small : Basic info, fits four times on one screen row
- Medium : more details, takes up half a row
- Large : full overview, fills a quarter of your screen
Choose the size that works for you. Not sure? Start small. You can always switch.
Place and position
Tap "Add widget." The widget will appear on your screen, but it might not be in the perfect spot. No problem. Hold the widget and drag it to the desired position. Other apps will automatically slide to the side.
Want to place the widget on another screen? Drag it to the edge and hold. Your iPhone will switch to the next screen.
Smart widget tricks
Stacking to save space
This is brilliant: you can stack widgets on top of each other. Drag one widget on top of another of the same size. They'll merge into a single stack. Swipe up or down to switch between widgets.
iOS learns from your behavior. In the morning, it shows your weather widget, in the evening, your activity widget. Smart system.
Customize widgets
Many widgets are customizable. Tap and hold a widget and select "change widget." For a weather widget, for example, you can select the location. For a notes widget, you can select which note to display.
Feel free to experiment. You can't break anything. Everything is reversible.
Smart stack: the smart stack
Apple offers a special widget: the Smart Stack. This stack automatically chooses which widget you see based on time, location, and usage. News in the morning, calendar during the day, music in the evening. The system learns and adapts.
Practical widget examples
For productivity
- Reminders : See your to-do list without opening the app
- Agenda : check appointments at a glance
- Notes : Keep important information at your fingertips
- Screen Time : Monitor your iPhone usage instantly
For daily use
- Weather : current temperature and forecast
- Battery : Status of iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch
- Photos : Daily Memories from Your Library
- Music : Recently played songs and playlists
For communication
- Messages : Favorite contacts for quick chatting
- Mail : unread messages and VIP mails
- WhatsApp : Recent conversations instantly accessible
Removing and organizing widgets
Added too many widgets? Cleaning them up is simple. Tap and hold a widget, then select "Remove Widget." It's gone. The app itself remains.
Want to temporarily disable widgets without removing them? Drag them to a separate screen. This way, you keep your main screen clean while preserving your configuration.
Troubleshooting common problems
Widget shows no information
Check if the app has permission for background refresh. Go to Settings > General > Background Refresh. Turn the app on.
Widget is slow to respond
Restart your iPhone. Press and hold the power button and either volume button until the power-off screen appears. Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then restart.
Widget disappears spontaneously
This sometimes happens after an iOS update. Try adding the widget again. Your settings are usually preserved.
Tips for an optimal widget screen
Group by function. Put work widgets together, entertainment widgets separately. That way, you'll find everything faster.
Start small. Add three widgets first. Use them for a week. Then add more. This prevents overflow.
Use the widget page. Swipe left from your first home screen. Here you can place widgets you use less often.
Experiment with sizes. A larger widget isn't always better. Sometimes a smaller widget provides enough information and saves space.
The future of widgets
Apple is constantly developing widgets. Each iOS update brings new features. Interactive widgets are coming soon: widgets that let you perform actions directly without opening the app. Start a timer, turn on a light, send a message—all from your home screen.
Developers are also increasingly embracing widgets. Apps you wouldn't expect are gaining widget support. From banking to gaming, from cooking to exercising. The possibilities are growing.
Why widgets make the difference
Widgets transform your iPhone from an app launcher into an information center. No more searching for information. The information comes to you. That saves time, frustration, and battery life.
Personalizing your home screen with widgets makes your iPhone truly yours. No two screens are the same. Your widgets reflect your life, your priorities, your style.
Get started today. Choose one widget, add it, and use it for a day. You'll see: once you get used to widgets, you'll never want to be without them.
Personalize your iPhone with widgets
Widgets make your iPhone smarter without any hassle. In three minutes, you'll have a home screen that truly works for you. Whether you want to see the battery status of your AirPods or check your calendar at a glance—it's all possible.
Start small with a single widget, experiment with sizes and stacks, and gradually build your ideal screen. Your iPhone becomes a personal assistant that shows exactly what you find important. No more searching, no scrolling. Just the information you need, instantly visible.
