How to add widgets to iPhone Home Screen

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for adding widgets to your iPhone Home Screen.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To add widgets to your iPhone Home Screen, press and hold an empty area on the home screen until the apps jiggle. Tap the '+' icon in the top left corner, select a widget from the list, choose its size, and then tap 'Add Widget'. Finally, tap 'Done' to finish.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you start adding widgets to your iPhone Home Screen, ensure you meet the following requirements:
  • •iPhone running iOS 14 or later.
  • •Sufficient storage space available on your device.
  • •Widgets available from installed apps that support widget functionality.
  • •No restrictions set on the device that might prevent widget usage.

Method 1: Adding Widgets via the Home Screen

This is the primary method to add widgets directly to your Home Screen, ideal for quick access to your favorite apps and information.
  • •Step 1: Press and hold an empty area of your Home Screen until the apps start jiggling.
  • •Step 2: Tap the '+' icon located in the top left corner of the screen.
  • •Step 3: Browse or search for the widget you want to add. Tap on it to see available sizes.
  • •Step 4: Select the desired widget size (small, medium, or large) and tap 'Add Widget'.
  • •Step 5: Position the widget on your Home Screen by dragging it, then tap 'Done' in the top right corner.
  • •Step 6: To verify, check that the widget appears as expected on your Home Screen.
  • •Step 7: If it doesn't work, ensure your iOS version is updated and that the app providing the widget is installed.

For iOS 15 and later

iOS 15 introduced additional features for widgets, including widget stacks.
  • •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above to add a widget.
  • •Step 2: To create a widget stack, drag one widget on top of another of the same size.
  • •Step 3: You can swipe through the stack to view different widgets.

For iOS 14

In iOS 14, the widget functionality was newly introduced, and some limitations apply.
  • •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above.
  • •Step 2: Note that widget stacking is not available in this version.

Method 2: Adding Widgets via the Today View

This method allows users to access widgets from the Today View, which can be accessed by swiping right on the Home Screen or Lock Screen.
  • •Step 1: Swipe right from the Home Screen or Lock Screen to access the Today View.
  • •Step 2: Scroll to the bottom and tap 'Edit'.
  • •Step 3: Tap the '+' icon in the top left corner.
  • •Step 4: Select the widget you want to add, choose its size, and tap 'Add Widget'.
  • •Step 5: Tap 'Done' to save your changes.
  • •Step 6: Verify the widget appears in the Today View as expected.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while adding widgets, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Widget not available' - Solution: Ensure the app providing the widget is installed and updated.
  • •Issue: 'Widget not responding' - Fix: Restart your iPhone and try adding the widget again.
  • •Problem: 'Widgets not showing' - Workaround: Check if your iPhone is running iOS 14 or later and ensure no restrictions are enabled.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your widget experience with these tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: N/A - Widgets do not have keyboard shortcuts on iOS.
  • •Hidden feature: Widget customization - Long press on a widget to access options for customization.
  • •Tip: Use Smart Stack - Combine multiple widgets into a single stack for better organization.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Utilizing widgets effectively can greatly enhance your productivity and access to information.