How to add widgets to an iPhone Home Screen

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Widgets show live information such as weather, calendar, battery levels or reminders without opening an app.

Step by step

1. Touch and hold an empty area of the Home Screen

   Keep holding until the apps start to jiggle.

   Done

2. Tap Edit, then Add Widget

   Edit is in the top left corner. On iOS 17 and earlier, tap the plus button in the same corner.

   Done

3. Choose a widget

   Scroll the list or use the search field. Tap an app to see its widgets.

   Done

4. Pick a size and tap Add Widget

   Swipe left and right through the sizes. Larger widgets show more detail.

   Done

5. Drag it where you want it and tap Done

   Apps move out of the way. Tap Done in the top corner, or tap an empty area.

   Done

6. Change what it shows

   Touch and hold the widget and tap Edit Widget to choose, for example, the city for weather or the list for reminders.

   Done

Good to know

Drag one widget on top of another of the same size to make a stack. Swipe up and down on the stack to move between them.

To remove a widget, touch and hold it and tap Remove Widget.

Widgets on the Lock Screen are added separately: touch and hold the Lock Screen, tap Customise, then the widget area under the clock.

In short: Hold the Home Screen, Edit, Add Widget, choose, Add Widget, Done.