Troubleshooting Tips for When You Can't Add Widgets on iPhone

If you can't add widgets on your iPhone, there are several potential causes and various things to check. This guide explains each possible reason and provides specific solutions for when widgets can't be added.

1. Check if your iOS version is up to date

Widgets are available on devices running iOS 14 or later. Additionally, to use the latest widgets, you need to ensure your iOS version is the most current.

How to check & update your iOS version

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select "General".

3. Tap "Software Update".
4. Update to the latest version.


If there is an available update, tap "Download and Install" to update to the latest iOS version.

If updating doesn't bring your device to iOS 14 or later, you may be using an older device that isn't compatible with the widget feature. In this case, you'll have to forgo adding widgets 😢

2. Restart your device to check for iPhone bugs

If your iOS version is up to date but you're facing issues like:

For iOS17

• The "+" button doesn't appear in the top right or left when you long-press the home screen until the apps shake.
• When tapping the "+" button, the desired widget doesn't show up.

For iOS18

• “Edit" does not appear in the upper left corner of the home screen even after holding the home screen until the app shakes.
• When trying to add a widget, the widget does not appear.

Restarting your iPhone can fix these bugs.

1. Press and hold the power button
2. Slide to power off

3. Wait a few seconds, then restart the device

After restarting, try adding the widget again.

If the "+" button or “Edit” still doesn't appear, check the following:

• Ensure you're long-pressing on an empty area of the home screen.
• Confirm you're pressing long enough for the apps to shake (the "+" button will appear in the top right or left).

3. Check if the widget app supports your device

If you can't add a specific app's widget, like PayPay, it might be because the app isn't updated to the latest version.

Update the app

Open the relevant app's page and update to the latest version.

If you see "Open" instead of "Update", the app is already updated to the latest version.

Update your iPhone

Ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version by checking the steps in the "First, check if your iOS version is up to date" section.

4. Review the steps to add widgets

If you still can't add widgets after trying the above, review the widget-adding process and try again. The method differs between iOS 17 and 18. ⚠️ How to add widgets for iOS18 is shown under iOS17 👇.

【iOS17】How to add widgets

1. Long-press on the home screen until the apps shake
2. Tap the "+" button that appears in the top left or right

3. A list of available widgets will appear.
4. Select the app name of the widget you want to add (e.g., Clock)

5. Choose the widget you want to add and tap "Add Widget"
6. Adjust the widget's position and tap "Done" in the top right

7. Done!

【iOS18】How to add widgets

1. Hold down the Home screen.
2. Tap "Edit" in the upper left corner.

3. Tap "Add Widget".
4. Search for the widget you want to set in the search box.

5. Select the widget you wish to add and tap "+Add Widget".
6. After adjusting the display position of the widget, tap "Done" in the upper right corner.

7. Done!

Summary

If you can't add widgets on your iPhone, try updating your software, restarting your device, checking widget compatibility, and reviewing the settings.

Make your home screen stylish with beautiful widgets!

Want to make your home screen more stylish with beautiful widgets?

WidgetClub offers a variety of stylish home screen templates with widgets, wallpapers, and app icons.

You can even set your favorite photos as widgets.

Related Articles