Widgets on the iPhone provide quick access to essential information and functionalities from your favorite apps. While widgets were traditionally found in the Today View of the Notification Center, iOS 14 and later introduced a revamped widget system that offers even more customization options, including the ability to place widgets on the Home Screen and resize them. However, widgets in the Notification Center remain an efficient way to stay updated without unlocking your phone or navigating apps.
This comprehensive guide explains how to add, customize, and manage widgets in the Notification Center, including tips for maximizing their utility and troubleshooting issues.
What Are Widgets in Notification Center?
Widgets in the Notification Center provide a snapshot of app data, such as weather updates, calendar events, battery status, and more. You can access them by swiping right on the Home Screen, Lock Screen, or while viewing the Notification Center.
Benefits of Widgets in Notification Center
1. Quick Access: Get updates at a glance without opening apps.
2. Customizable: Choose which widgets you want and arrange them to suit your needs.
3. Efficiency: Perform certain actions directly from widgets, such as checking reminders or launching apps.
4. Multitasking: View key information without interrupting other tasks.
Prerequisites for Adding Widgets
1. Compatible iOS Version: Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 14 or later for the most advanced widget features. Widgets in the Notification Center are also available in earlier iOS versions, but the customization options may differ.
2. Updated Apps: Ensure your apps are updated to their latest versions, as some widgets require newer app updates to function.
3. Enabled Widgets: Some widgets must be enabled within their respective apps before they appear in the widget list.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding New Widgets to Notification Center
Step 1: Access the Notification Center
1. Unlock your iPhone or access the Lock Screen.
2. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Notification Center.
3. Swipe right to enter the Today View, where widgets are displayed.
Step 2: Enter Edit Mode
1. Scroll to the bottom of the widgets list and tap Edit.
2. If you don’t see the Edit option, make sure you’re in the Today View and not on the Lock Screen.
Step 3: Add New Widgets
1. Tap the + icon in the top-left corner of the screen. This opens the widget gallery, where you can browse available widgets.
2. Scroll through the gallery or use the search bar to find a specific widget.
3. Tap on a widget to preview it. Some widgets, like Weather or Calendar, may offer different sizes (small, medium, and large).
Step 4: Customize Widget Size and Add It
1. Swipe through the size options to see how the widget will appear.
2. Once you’ve chosen your preferred size, tap Add Widget.
3. The widget will be added to the Today View.
Step 5: Rearrange Widgets
1. In Edit mode, tap and hold the three-line icon next to a widget to drag and rearrange its position.
2. Place your most-used widgets at the top for easy access.
Step 6: Save Changes
1. After customizing the widget layout, tap Done in the top-right corner to save your changes.
2. Your widgets will now be visible in the Notification Center’s Today View.
Popular Widgets to Add to Notification Center
Here’s a list of popular widgets and their benefits:
1. Weather
- Stay updated on current conditions and forecasts.
- Offers multiple size options for detailed weather data or compact summaries.
2. Calendar
- Displays upcoming events and reminders.
- Helps you stay organized at a glance.
3. News
- Provides the latest headlines from trusted news sources.
- Stay informed without opening the News app.
4. Battery Status
- Monitor the battery life of your iPhone and connected devices like AirPods or Apple Watch.
5. Fitness
- Track your activity rings and progress for the day.
- Requires integration with the Fitness app.
6. Notes
- Access recently viewed or pinned notes for quick reference.
7. Reminders
- View your to-do lists and check off completed tasks.
8. Smart Stack
- A dynamic widget that cycles through multiple apps based on your usage patterns and time of day.
9. Shortcuts
- Quickly access your favorite automations and routines.
10. Third-Party Widgets
- Many third-party apps offer widgets, such as Spotify (recently played songs), Google Maps (navigation shortcuts), and more.
Advanced Widget Customization
Customizing Widget Preferences
1. Some widgets allow further customization after adding them.
2. Tap and hold the widget, then select Edit Widget.
3. Adjust settings, such as location (for Weather), calendars (for Calendar), or lists (for Reminders).
Creating Custom Widgets
1. Use apps like Widgetsmith or Color Widgets to design personalized widgets with custom fonts, colors, and layouts.
2. Add these custom widgets to the Notification Center following the same steps above.
Managing Widgets in Notification Center
Removing Widgets
1. Swipe to the Today View and tap Edit.
2. Tap the – button next to the widget you want to remove.
3. Confirm by tapping Remove Widget.
Reordering Widgets
1. Tap and hold the three-line icon next to a widget.
2. Drag the widget to a new position in the list.
Disabling Widgets on the Lock Screen
For privacy reasons, you may want to disable widgets on the Lock Screen.
1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
2. Under the Allow Access When Locked section, toggle off Today View and Search.
Troubleshooting Widget Issues
Widgets Not Showing in Notification Center
1. Ensure the widget is added in the Today View using the steps above.
2. Check if the app is installed and updated to the latest version.
Widget Not Updating Data
1. Open the associated app to refresh its data.
2. Ensure Background App Refresh is enabled for the app in Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
Widgets Missing from Widget Gallery
1. Some widgets require specific app updates or permissions.
2. Check the App Store for updates or reinstall the app if necessary.
Widget Display Issues
1. Restart your iPhone to resolve temporary glitches.
2. If the widget still doesn’t display correctly, remove and re-add it.
Benefits of Using Widgets in Notification Center
1. Improved Productivity:
Widgets let you view important information and complete tasks more efficiently.
2. Streamlined Navigation:
Access app functions without opening the full app.
3. Personalization:
Customize the Today View to suit your preferences and prioritize the widgets you use most.
4. Privacy:
Widgets provide information without revealing full app content, helping maintain privacy on shared devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Add Widgets from Third-Party Apps?
Yes, many third-party apps support widgets. Once the app is installed, check the widget gallery in the Today View to see if the app offers widgets.
2. How Many Widgets Can I Add to Notification Center?
There’s no strict limit, but adding too many widgets may make the Notification Center cluttered and harder to navigate.
3. Can I Resize Widgets in the Notification Center?
In the Today View, widget sizes are typically fixed, but you can choose different sizes when adding widgets to the Home Screen.
4. Are Widgets Available on the Lock Screen?
Yes, widgets in the Today View are accessible from the Lock Screen, provided you’ve enabled Today View and Search in the passcode settings.
Conclusion
Widgets in the Notification Center provide an efficient and customizable way to access essential information and app functionalities on your iPhone. By following this guide, you can easily add, manage, and customize widgets to enhance your productivity and streamline your daily tasks. From native Apple apps like
Weather and Calendar to third-party integrations, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Take advantage of widgets to create a personalized Notification Center that keeps everything you need at your fingertips. With these tips, you’ll be able to maximize the potential of widgets and make your iPhone even more user-friendly.