Adding widgets: personalize your home screen

Want to make your phone even more personal and convenient? With widgets you can see important information right on your home screen without having to open apps. From the weather and your calendar to news and fitness data, widgets make your phone smarter and more efficient. In this in-depth article we explain how to add widgets on both iPhone and Android.

What are widgets?

Widgets are small, interactive elements that you can place on your home screen. Unlike app icons, which only open the app when you tap them, widgets show information directly without you having to open the related app. Think of a weather widget that shows the current temperature, a calendar widget that shows your next appointment, or a music widget that lets you pause or play right away.

Benefits of widgets

  • Quick access to information: See important data at a glance
  • Time savings: No need to open apps for simple information
  • Personalization: Make your home screen unique and functional
  • Better organization: Group related information visually
  • Interactivity: Some widgets offer direct controls

Adding widgets on iPhone

Since iOS 14, the iPhone has supported widgets on the home screen, in addition to the traditional widget view on the left side. With iOS 17, Apple improved widgets even further with interactive features.

Adding widgets to the home screen

  1. Hold your finger on an empty spot on your home screen until the apps start to jiggle
  2. Tap the plus sign (+) in the top left of the screen
  3. You now see the widget gallery with all available widgets
  4. Scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top
  5. Tap the widget you want to add
  6. Swipe left or right to view the different sizes
  7. Tap Add Widget
  8. Drag the widget to the position you want
  9. Tap Done in the top right to confirm

Widget sizes on iPhone

iPhone widgets come in three standard sizes:

  • Small: Takes up the space of 4 app icons (2x2)
  • Medium: Takes up the space of 8 app icons (4x2)
  • Large: Takes up the space of 16 app icons (4x4)

Not every widget is available in every size. Larger widgets usually show more information.

Using the widget stack

A smart way to save space is the widget stack:

  1. First add a widget to your home screen
  2. Drag another widget of the same size on top of it
  3. The widgets are now stacked
  4. Swipe up or down on the stack to switch between widgets

Smart Stack: Apple also offers a pre-built Smart Stack that automatically shows the most relevant widget based on your usage and the time of day.

Customizing widgets

Some widgets can be customized:

  1. Hold your finger on the widget
  2. Tap Edit Widget or Edit [widget name]
  3. Adjust the available options (for example, which city for the weather, which calendar)
  4. Tap anywhere else to confirm

Widgets on the Lock Screen

With iOS 16 and later you can also place widgets on your Lock Screen:

  1. Hold your finger on the Lock Screen
  2. Tap Customize
  3. Select Lock Screen
  4. Tap the widget area below the time
  5. Choose widgets to add
  6. Tap Done

These widgets are smaller than home screen widgets, but ideal for information you want to see quickly.

  • Weather: Current temperature and forecast
  • Calendar: Upcoming appointments
  • Reminders: Open tasks
  • Batteries: Status of all your Apple devices
  • Photos: Rotating photos from your library
  • Maps: Travel time to favorite locations
  • Fitness: Progress of your activity rings
  • Music: Recently played songs

Adding widgets on Android

Android has supported widgets for years and offers very extensive options. The exact steps can differ per brand and Android version.

Adding widgets to the home screen

Method 1: Long-press the home screen

  1. Hold your finger on an empty spot on your home screen
  2. Tap Widgets in the menu that appears
  3. Scroll through the available widgets
  4. Hold your finger on the widget you want
  5. Drag the widget to the position you want on your home screen
  6. Let go to place the widget
  7. If needed, adjust the size by dragging the edges

Method 2: Through the app drawer

  1. Open the app drawer (swipe up from the home screen)
  2. Look for Widgets at the top or in a tab
  3. Scroll through the widgets
  4. Press and hold a widget and drag it to the home screen

Resizing widgets

Android widgets can often be resized:

  1. Hold your finger on a placed widget
  2. Let go: handles appear around the widget
  3. Drag the handles to make the widget larger or smaller
  4. Tap anywhere else to confirm

Not all widgets support resizing.

Configuring widgets

Many Android widgets can be configured:

  1. Some widgets automatically open a configuration screen after you place them
  2. Or: press and hold the widget and tap the gear icon
  3. Adjust the settings to your liking
  4. Tap Save or confirm

Widgets on Samsung phones

Samsung has its own widget experience with extra features.

Adding widgets on Samsung

  1. Hold your finger on an empty spot on the home screen
  2. Tap Widgets at the bottom
  3. Widgets are grouped per app: tap an app to see its widgets
  4. Press and hold the widget you want
  5. Drag it to the home screen

Samsung-specific widgets

  • Bixby Routines: Automation suggestions
  • Samsung Health: Step counter and health data
  • SmartThings: Control of smart home devices
  • Samsung Notes: Quick notes and lists

Widgets on Xiaomi phones

  1. Pinch with two fingers on the home screen
  2. Tap Widgets
  3. Scroll through the available widgets
  4. Drag the widget you want to the home screen

Handy widgets for everyday use

Productivity

Calendar widget: See your upcoming appointments right on your home screen. Ideal for planning your day without opening the calendar app.

To-do list widget: Apps such as Google Tasks, Microsoft To Do, or Todoist offer widgets for viewing and checking off your tasks.

Notes widget: Google Keep, Samsung Notes or other note-taking apps offer widgets for quick access to important notes.

Information

Weather widget: See the current temperature, forecast and precipitation. Available in many sizes, from compact to detailed.

News widget: Google News, Flipboard and other news apps offer widgets with the latest headlines.

Clock widget: Besides the time, clock widgets can also show the date, the weather or world clocks.

Entertainment

Music widget: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and other music services offer widgets for controlling music directly.

Photo widget: Google Photos and other photo apps can show rotating photos on your home screen.

Health and fitness

Fitness widget: See your steps, calories and other activity data without opening the app.

Sleep widget: Some apps show your sleep data in a handy widget.

Tips for a great-looking home screen

Choose a consistent theme

For a professional look:

  • Use widgets that match each other in style
  • Choose a wallpaper that makes the widgets stand out
  • Limit the number of colors for a calm overall look

Organize logically

  • Put your most-used widgets on the first page
  • Group related widgets (all work-related widgets together)
  • Keep the bottom of the screen clear for easy one-handed reach

Less is more

  • Don't overload your home screen with too many widgets
  • Choose widgets that you actually use
  • Remove widgets you never look at

Experiment

  • Try different sizes and positions
  • Switch widgets regularly to discover what works
  • Make use of multiple home screen pages

Troubleshooting

Widget doesn't appear in the list

  • Check that the related app is installed
  • Some apps need to be opened first before the widget becomes available
  • Restart your phone and try again

Widget doesn't work or shows no data

  • Check that the app has the right permissions (location for weather, calendar access)
  • Open the app itself to see whether it works
  • Remove the widget and add it again
  • Check your internet connection

Widget uses too much battery

  • Some widgets use more battery than others
  • Remove widgets that constantly refresh data
  • Choose widgets that update less often

Frequently asked questions

Do widgets use a lot of battery?

That depends on the type of widget. Static widgets such as a clock or calculator use hardly any extra battery. Widgets that refresh data regularly, such as weather, news or fitness widgets, use a bit more battery because they fetch information periodically. The difference is usually minimal and is outweighed by the convenience. If you are worried about battery usage, you can choose widgets that update less often or limit the number of widgets.

Can I use third-party widgets?

Yes, many third-party apps offer widgets. Apps such as Spotify, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Todoist, and thousands of others have their own widgets. When you install an app that offers widgets, they automatically appear in your widget gallery. On Android the choice of third-party widgets is especially large, because the operating system has supported widgets for longer. Check an app's description to see whether it offers widgets before you install it.

How do I remove a widget from my home screen?

Removing a widget is easy. On iPhone: press and hold the widget, tap Remove Widget and confirm. On Android: press and hold the widget and drag it to Remove at the top of the screen, or tap the X that appears. Removing a widget does not remove the related app; only the widget disappears from your home screen. You can always add the widget again later.

Can I create my own widgets?

On iPhone you can use apps such as Widgetsmith or Color Widgets to create custom widgets with your own photos, colors and information. On Android there are similar apps such as KWGT that offer very extensive customization options. This lets you create widgets that perfectly match your personal style. For advanced users, this is a fun way to make your phone truly unique.

Conclusion

Widgets are a fantastic way to make your phone more personal and more functional. Whether you want to check the weather quickly, keep an eye on your calendar, or simply make your home screen look nicer, there is a suitable widget for everyone. Start with a few essential widgets and expand as you discover what works for you. With the tips in this article you can create a home screen that is not only beautiful but also makes your daily life easier. Feel free to experiment and discover which combination of widgets best suits your needs.