Adding widgets to your iPhone’s homescreen is a simple way to customize your experience and keep important information at your fingertips. With iOS 14, Apple introduced the ability to add widgets directly to the homescreen, and here’s how you can do it in a few easy steps.
Step by Step Tutorial: Add & Use iPhone Homescreen Widgets
Before we dive into the specific steps, let’s understand what we’re aiming for. By adding widgets to your iPhone homescreen, you’re essentially creating little ‘windows’ into your apps that can show you information without even opening the app. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Long press on the homescreen
Begin by touching and holding on an empty area of your homescreen until the apps start jiggling.
When your apps begin to wiggle, you’ll notice that you can now move them around or delete them. But for now, we’re focusing on adding widgets.
Step 2: Tap the plus icon in the top corner
Once your apps are jiggling, tap the “+” icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
After tapping the plus icon, you will see a new window pop up with a list of available widgets.
Step 3: Select a widget
Choose a widget from the list that you’d like to add to your homescreen.
You can swipe up and down to see different widgets. Some apps offer multiple widget sizes, so you can pick the one that best fits your needs.
Step 4: Choose the widget size
For some widgets, you’ll need to swipe left and right to select the size you want, then tap “Add Widget”.
The different sizes display different amounts of information. Consider how much space you’re willing to give up on your homescreen versus how much info you want to see.
Step 5: Place the widget on the homescreen
Drag the widget to where you want it on your homescreen, then press “Done” in the top right corner.
You can place widgets between apps or stack them on top of each other to create a smart stack.
After you complete the action of adding widgets to your homescreen, you’ll see the information from the app displayed right there without having to open the app itself. This can include things like upcoming calendar events, weather forecasts, or your activity rings if you’re using the Fitness widget.
Tips for Using iPhone Homescreen Widgets in iOS 14
- Widgets come in different sizes, so play around with them to see what works best for your layout.
- You can create a smart stack of widgets by dragging them on top of each other, which lets you scroll through different widgets in the same space.
- If you have a widget that’s no longer useful, you can remove it by long pressing and selecting “Remove Widget”.
- Some widgets are customizable, so tap on the widget and see if there are settings you can tweak to better suit your needs.
- Remember that widgets can also live in the Today View, which you can access by swiping right from your first homescreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit a widget once it’s been added to the homescreen?
Yes, some widgets allow you to edit them by long pressing and selecting “Edit Widget”.
How do I remove a widget from my homescreen?
Long press on the widget and select “Remove Widget” to delete it.
Can I have the same widget in multiple sizes on my homescreen?
Absolutely, if the app supports different widget sizes, feel free to add them in whichever sizes you prefer.
Do widgets update in real-time?
Most widgets update in real-time, but the frequency can vary depending on the app and how it’s programmed.
Is there a limit to how many widgets I can add to my homescreen?
There’s no set limit, but keep in mind that too many widgets can make your homescreen look cluttered.
Summary
- Long press on the homescreen
- Tap the plus icon
- Select a widget
- Choose the widget size
- Place the widget on the homescreen
Conclusion
Widgets are a fantastic way to spruce up your iPhone’s homescreen and keep important information visible at a glance. With the release of iOS 14, the process of adding and using widgets has never been easier or more customizable. Whether you want to track your fitness goals, keep an eye on the weather, or stay on top of your schedule, there’s likely a widget for your needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sizes and layouts to find the perfect balance for your homescreen. And as you use your iPhone throughout the day, you’ll appreciate the convenience that widgets bring to your iOS experience. So, go ahead, give it a try, and see how iPhone homescreen widgets can enhance your daily tech interaction.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.