Perfect Guide： Widgets for Android and iPhone

"Isn't there a way to check the weather more easily?" or "I wish I could check my emails faster"... Have you ever thought this while using your smartphone?

That's where the "widget function" comes in handy! In this article, I'll explain everything about widgets, which make your smartphone more convenient, from the basics to how to set them up on both iPhone and Android!

What is a Widget?

A widget is a feature available on both iPhone and Android that allows you to display part of an app's functionality directly on your home screen or lock screen. Without even opening the app, you can quickly access important information or specific features through the widget, making it incredibly convenient!

For example, by setting up a weather widget, you can immediately check the temperature and weather for your current location. While you can set up widgets on both iPhone and Android, some apps don't support widget functionality, so keep that in mind.

Recommended Apps for Widget Setup

There are many apps that can be set as widgets, but here are a few particularly useful ones that are worth setting up.

1. WidgetClub

If you would like to create the original widget, then WidgetClub is the best for you! It offers a variety of stylish widgets for weather, clocks, calendars, and more.

You can use the templates, or create your own custom widget using photos of your pet or favorite celebrity for a personal touch!

2. Weather Apps

Depending on the app you use, most weather widgets allow you to check current conditions, precipitation chances, and temperature. Some weather apps are pre-installed on your device, but you can also download your preferred app.

3. Google Calendar

The Google Calendar widget lets you easily check your daily schedule or upcoming events. It's especially helpful because it can display a full monthly calendar, making it ideal for people with busy schedules.

4. Battery Widget

The Battery widget shows your device's battery level, as well as any connected Bluetooth accessories. You don't need to download any app for this—just search for "Battery" in the widget settings or select it to quickly set it up.

How to Set Up Widgets on iPhone

You can set widgets on the following three screens on an iPhone:

• Home Screen
• Lock Screen
• Today View

Adding Widgets to the Home Screen

The steps to add widgets differ between iOS 17 and iOS 18. Here’s how to do it in iOS 17, followed by the instructions for iOS 18.

For iOS 17

1. Hold down on the home screen.
2. When the apps start to shake, release your finger.

3. Tap the "+" mark in the top left corner.
4. Tap "Search Widgets".

5. Search for and select the app you want to set as a widget. (Calendar was selected as an example)
6. Choose the widget type and size.

7. Tap "+Add Widget".
8. If the widget appears on your home screen, you're done!

For iOS 18

1. Hold down on the home screen.
2. Tap "Edit" in the top left corner.

3. Tap "Add Widget".
4. Search for and select the app you want to set as a widget. (Clock was selected as an example)
5. Choose the widget type and size.
6. Tap "+Add Widget" at the bottom to complete the setup.

Adding Widgets to the Lock Screen

1. Hold down on the Lock Screen.
2. Tap "Customize".

3. Select "Lock Screen" from the options.
4. Tap "+Add Widget".

5. Choose up to 4 small square widgets or 2 rectangular widgets for your lock screen.
6. Tap the "×" mark in the top right corner.

7. Tap “Done” at the right top corner.

How to Add Widgets to "Today View"

"Today View" is the screen that appears when you swipe right from the home screen or lock screen. You can also add widgets here. The process for adding widgets differs between iOS 17 and iOS 18. The steps for iOS 18 are explained after the iOS 17 instructions below👇

For iOS 17

1. Swipe right from the Home Screen or lock screen.
2. Hold down on the screen (or tap "Edit").

3. Tap the "+" mark in the top left corner.
4. Search for the app you want to add in the "Search for widgets" section. (Calendar was typed as an example)

5. Select the type and size of the widget (swipe left to switch options).
6. Tap "+Add Widget".

7. Tap "Done", and the widget will appear.

For iOS 18

1. Swipe right from the Home Screen.
2. Hold down on the screen.

3. Tap "Edit" in the top left corner.
4. Tap "Add Widget".

5. Search for and select the app you want to set as a widget. (Clock was selected as an example)
6. Choose the type and size of the widget (swipe left to right).

7. Finally, tap "+Add Widget", and the widget will appear.

How to Edit iPhone Widgets

On the Home Screen and Today View

You can modify the display content of a widget depending on the app. For example, if you want to change the location in a weather widget, you can do so by selecting "Edit Widget".

1. Hold down on the widget.
2. Tap "Edit Widget".

3. Tap the location name in the "Location" field.
4. Search for the location you want to set and select it.

5. Tap outside of the widget to exit.
6. Once the location is updated, the process is complete.

On the Lock Screen

1. Hold down on the Lock Screen.
2. Tap "Customize".

3. Select "Lock Screen" from the options on the left.
4. Tap the widget you want to change.

5. Make any necessary additions or deletions.
6. Tap the "×" mark in the top right corner.

7. Tap "Done" in the top right corner to finish.

How to Delete iPhone Widgets

1. Hold down on the widget you want to delete.
2. Tap "Remove Widget".

3. A pop-up will appear asking, "Remove”〇〇” widget?"
4. Tap "Remove" in the pop-up to confirm and delete the widget.

What is an iPhone Widget Stack?

A Widget Stack is a feature that allows you to stack multiple widgets together. You can stack up to 10 widgets, and it's easy to set up by dragging one widget over another on the home screen.

What is an iPhone Smart Stack?

A Smart Stack also combines multiple widgets, but the key difference is that it automatically displays the most relevant widget based on your usage and time of day. For example, it might show news in the morning and switch to your calendar in the afternoon. Smart Stacks can be set on both the Home Screen and Today View.

How to Set Up on the Home Screen

The setup process varies between iOS 17 and iOS 18. Instructions for iOS 18 are provided after those for iOS 17.

For iOS 17

1. Hold down on an empty space on the Home Screen.
2. Tap the "+" mark in the top left corner.

3. Select "Smart Stack".
4. Choose the size you want and tap "Add Widget".

For iOS 18

1. Hold down on an empty space on the Home Screen.
2. Tap the "Edit" icon in the top left corner.

3. Tap "Add Widget".
4. Select "Smart Stack".

5. Choose the size and tap "+Add Widget" to complete.

How to Set Up in Today View

Again, the process differs between iOS 17 and iOS 18.

For iOS 17

1. Swipe right on the home screen.
2. Hold down on the screen (or tap Edit).

3. Tap the "+" icon in the top left corner.
4. Select "Smart Stack".

5. Choose the size you want and tap "Add Widget".

For iOS 18

1. Swipe right on the home screen.
2. Hold down on the screen.

3. Tap the "Edit" icon in the top left corner.
4. Tap "Add Widget".

5. Select "Smart Stack".
6. Choose the size and tap "+Add Widget" to finish.

How to Set Up Widgets on Android

On Android, you can add widgets to your home screen, and on certain devices like Samsung, you can also set them on the lock screen. Before setting up, make sure both your device and the app you want to set as a widget are updated to the latest version.

Adding to the Home Screen

1. Hold down on a space on your Home Screen.
2. From the menu, select "Widgets".

3. Choose the widget you want from the list of available widgets.
4. Decide where you want to place it by tapping and dragging the widget to the desired location.

5. Adjust the size as needed, and you're done!

Adding to the Lock Screen (Samsung)

1. Tap “Lock Screen” on Settings.
2. Tap “Widgets”.

3. Toggle on the widgets you want to display on the lock screen.
4. Tap the clock section on the lock screen to check if the widget appears. If it does, the setup is complete.

How to Edit Android Widgets

1. Hold down on the widget.
2. Tap Settings to modify any available options.

How to Change the Size of Android Widgets

Some widgets allow you to adjust their size. If this is possible, you can drag the corners of the widget to resize it.

What to Do If Widget Settings Don’t Appear

If you can’t see the widget settings:

• Delete the widget and place it again.
• Restart your Android device and wait a moment before trying again.

How to Delete Android Widgets

1. Hold down on the widget you want to remove.
2. Select Remove from Home Screen.

How to Set Up Stylish Widgets

By using certain apps, you can also change the design of your widgets! Here are some recommended apps for customization.

Create Your Own Widgets with “WidgetClub”

This app is available for both iPhone and Android, offering a wide variety of beautifully designed widgets. In addition to basic widgets like clocks and calendars, it also features fun options like horoscopes, anniversaries, and countdowns to special days.

Make Your Smartphone Experience Even More Enjoyable with Widgets

When you start exploring, you’ll find that many apps support widgets. By using them smartly, you can access the information you need quickly, making your smartphone experience more convenient. Find the right widgets for you and enjoy a more efficient and comfortable smartphone life!

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