A weather widget on your phone is one of the handiest features you can use. With a quick glance at your home screen you immediately see the current temperature, weather conditions and the forecast for the coming hours or days. In this article we explain step by step how to set up a weather widget on both Android and iPhone, and we give you tips for choosing the best widget for your needs.

What is a weather widget?

A widget is a small program that runs directly on your home screen and shows information without you having to open an app. A weather widget typically shows the current temperature, an icon for the weather conditions (sun, clouds, rain) and often a short forecast as well. This is ideal if you want to know quickly what the weather will be like without having to open apps.

Widgets come in different sizes: from compact (shows only the temperature) to large (with a multi-day forecast, chance of precipitation and wind speed). Most weather apps offer their own widgets, and both Android and iOS have built-in weather options by default.

Setting up a weather widget on Android

Android phones offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to widgets. Here is how to add a weather widget:

Step 1: Go to the widget menu

Press and hold an empty spot on your home screen for a few seconds. A menu appears with options such as 'Wallpaper', 'Widgets' and 'Settings'. Tap 'Widgets'.

Step 2: Find a weather widget

You now see a list of all the widgets available on your phone. Scroll through the list or use the search function to search for 'Weather'. Here you will find the default Google Weather widget and widgets from any weather apps you have installed, such as Buienradar or Weerlive.

Step 3: Choose a size

Most weather apps offer widgets in different sizes. A 1x1 widget, for example, shows only the temperature, while a 4x2 widget shows an extended forecast. Look at the preview and choose the size that suits you.

Step 4: Place the widget

Press and hold the widget you want and drag it to your home screen. Release it where you want the widget to be. You can always move the widget later by pressing and holding it again and dragging it.

Step 5: Configure the widget

After you place it, a configuration screen often opens automatically. Here you can set the location (current location or a specific city) and adjust the appearance if you like. Confirm your choices and the widget is ready to use.

Setting up a weather widget on iPhone (iOS)

Apple has expanded the widget features on the iPhone considerably in recent years. Here is how to set up a weather widget on iOS:

Method 1: Widget on the home screen

Press and hold an empty spot on your home screen until the apps start to jiggle. Tap the plus sign (+) at the top left to open the widget menu. Search for 'Weather' and select Apple's default Weather app or another weather app you have installed. Choose the size you want (small, medium or large) and tap 'Add Widget'. Drag the widget to the position you want and tap 'Done'.

Method 2: Widget in Today View

Swipe right from your home screen to open Today View. Scroll all the way down and tap 'Edit'. Here you can add and remove widgets and change their order. Find the Weather widget and add it with the green plus sign.

Setting the location

Apple's default Weather app uses your current location or cities you have added manually. Open the Weather app itself to add more cities through the list icon at the bottom right. You can then set the widget to show a specific city.

Besides the default weather options on Android and iOS, there are several apps that offer excellent widgets:

Buienradar

The Buienradar app is one of the most popular weather apps in the Netherlands. Its widget shows not only the temperature, but also a mini rain radar and the precipitation forecast. Ideal if you want to see quickly whether rain is on the way.

Weer.nl

This Dutch weather app offers clear widgets with the current temperature, the "feels like" temperature and a forecast for the coming days. The app is known for its accurate local forecasts.

Weerlive

Weerlive combines data from multiple weather services and offers widgets in different styles. You can choose between compact or extended views with wind speed, humidity and UV index.

KNMI

The official app of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute provides reliable weather information. Its widget shows the current situation and any weather warnings.

Google Weather

On Android phones the Google Weather widget is often already available. This widget integrates seamlessly with other Google services and shows a sleek, clear weather display.

Customizing and personalizing your widget

Most weather widgets let you customize their appearance:

Background color: Some widgets let you choose between a light or dark background, or a transparent look that matches your wallpaper.

Information elements: Choose which data you want to see: only the temperature, or also wind, precipitation, air quality and UV index.

Time frame: Choose whether you want to see an hourly forecast, a daily forecast or a weekly overview.

Location: Easily switch between your current location and saved favorite places.

Tips for the best weather widget experience

To get the most out of your weather widget, here are some handy tips:

Keep your apps updated: Weather apps are updated regularly for better accuracy and new features. Make sure automatic updates are turned on or check for updates manually.

Grant location permission: For the most accurate weather information, the app needs access to your location. Check this in your phone's settings.

Choose the right size: A widget that is too small can be hard to read, while a widget that is too large takes up a lot of space. Experiment with different sizes to find the ideal balance.

Battery usage: Widgets use some battery because they fetch data regularly. If battery life is an issue, choose a widget that refreshes less often.

Multiple widgets: You can place multiple weather widgets, for example a compact one on your main screen and an extended one on a second page.

Troubleshooting

Is your weather widget not working properly? Here are some solutions:

Widget shows no data: Check your internet connection and whether the app has the right permissions. Try removing the widget and adding it again.

Wrong location: Go to the widget settings or the app itself to correct the location. Make sure location services are turned on.

Widget doesn't refresh: Some phones restrict background activity to save battery. Check the battery settings and set the weather app to 'not optimized'.

Frequently asked questions

Here we answer frequently asked questions about weather widgets.

Frequently asked questions

Does a weather widget use a lot of battery?

A weather widget uses minimal battery. Most widgets refresh every 15 to 30 minutes, which has little impact on your battery life.

Can I put multiple weather widgets on my screen?

Yes, you can place multiple weather widgets, including ones from different apps. This is handy if you want to follow the weather for multiple locations.

Do weather widgets work without internet?

Without internet, weather widgets show the most recently fetched data, but they cannot refresh. You need an internet connection for up-to-date information.

How do I remove a weather widget?

Press and hold the widget and drag it to 'Remove', or tap the cross or minus sign that appears. The associated app simply stays installed.

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