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With the latest iOS update, Apple has introduced new features, and one of them is adding widgets to the lock screen. Widgets are small applications that show information like weather, the latest news, or upcoming events. You can now add these widgets to your lock screen and check important information without unlocking your phone. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the steps and various methods to add widgets to the lock screen on your iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before proceeding with the methods, make sure you have the following things ready:
- An iPhone updated to iOS14 or later
- The widget(s) you want to add to the lock screen
What Requires Your Focus?
Adding widgets to your lock screen is an easy and simple process that requires your focus on following the steps mentioned in the methods below.
Different Methods to Add Widgets to Lock Screen
Method 1: Using ‘Edit Home Screen’ Option
This method involves adding widgets to your iPhone home screen, and they will automatically appear on your lock screen. Follow the steps below to add widgets to your home screen:
- Press and hold an empty space on your home screen until the apps jiggle and an ‘Edit Home Screen’ option appears on the screen.
- Tap on the ‘+’ button in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Choose the widget(s) you want to add from the widget gallery.
- Select the widget and choose the size you want to add to your home screen.
- Press and hold the widget and drag it to the preferred location on your home screen.
Pros:
- Easy to add widgets using this method.
- Widgets on home screen and lock screen always in sync.
Cons:
- You need to have free space on the home screen to add widgets.
- Only limited widgets can be displayed on the lock screen.
Method 2: Using the ‘Smart Stack’ Feature
This method involves adding a ‘Smart Stack’ widget to your home screen that shows relevant widgets based on your usage habits. Follow the steps below to add a smart stack widget:
- Press and hold an empty space on your home screen until the apps jiggle and an ‘Edit Home Screen’ option appears on the screen.
- Tap on the ‘+’ button in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Find the ‘Smart Stack’ widget and select the size you want to add to your home screen.
- The ‘Smart Stack’ will appear on your home screen. Swipe the widget left or right to see different widgets.
Pros:
- Shows relevant widgets based on usage habits.
- Can access multiple widgets at once.
Cons:
- Cannot customize or choose specific widgets for the ‘Smart Stack.’
- Only limited widgets can be displayed on the lock screen.
Method 3: Using the ‘Today’ View
This method involves adding widgets to the ‘Today’ view, which can be accessed by swiping right from the home screen. Follow the steps below to add widgets to the ‘Today’ view:
- Swipe right from your home screen to access the ‘Today’ view.
- Scroll to the bottom of the screen and tap on ‘Edit’.
- Choose the widget(s) you want to add and tap the ‘+’ button next to them.
- Press and hold the three lines next to the widget you want to move and drag it to the preferred location.
- Tap on ‘Done’ to save the changes.
Pros:
- Widgets can be accessed by swiping right from the home screen.
- Multiple widgets can be added to the ‘Today’ view.
Cons:
- Cannot add widgets directly to the lock screen.
- Widgets may not be easily visible if you have too many widgets added to the ‘Today’ view.
Why Can’t I Add Widgets to Lock Screen iPhone?
Here are some of the reasons why you may not be able to add widgets to the lock screen and how to fix them:
- You are not running iOS14 or later – update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.
- You have restrictions enabled on your iPhone – turn off restrictions by going to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and disabling it.
- You have too many widgets added – remove some widgets and make space for new ones.
- You have disabled the lock screen widget feature – go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and enable ‘Today View’ under ‘Allow Access When Locked.’
Implications and Recommendations
The ability to add widgets to the lock screen of your iPhone can be a useful feature. You can stay updated with all your important information without even unlocking your phone. We recommend you to use this feature and add widgets to lock screen to enhance the user experience of your iPhone.
5 FAQs about Adding Widgets to Lock Screen iPhone
Q1: How do I remove widgets from the lock screen?
A: To remove widgets from the lock screen, press and hold the widget and tap on ‘Remove Widget’ when the ‘Edit Widget’ option appears.
Q2: Can I add any widget to the lock screen?
A: No, only certain widgets can be added to the lock screen.
Q3: How many widgets can be added to the lock screen?
A: Only a limited number of widgets can be added to the lock screen as it depends on the size of the widget.
Q4: Do widgets affect the battery life of my iPhone?
A: Yes, widgets can affect the battery life of your iPhone. Widgets that require continuous updating or location services may consume more battery.
Q5: Can I customize the appearance of the lock screen widgets?
A: No, you cannot customize the appearance of lock screen widgets. You can only choose the widgets available in the widget gallery.
Final Words
Add widgets to the lock screen of your iPhone and stay updated with all your important information. Follow the methods mentioned in this blog post to add widgets to your lock screen and enjoy the benefits of this feature. If you face any issues while adding widgets to the lock screen, then feel free to ask us in the comments.