Add Widgets to iPhone Lock Screen in iOS 16

Since Lock Screen widgets are a little different, make sure to first understand how they work and where you can put them.

What Sort of Widgets Can You Add to Your iPhone Lock Screen? 

iOS 16 allows you to add two types of widgets on your iPhone Lock Screen. While one set of widgets is designed to let you customize the widget panel that appears below the time, the other set of Lock Screen widgets is crafted to let you design the tiny space that shows up right above the time.  List of Widgets You Can Add Above the Time on iPhone Lock Screen:

FitnessClockCalendarRemindersStocksWeather

List of Widgets You Can Show Below Time on iPhone Lock Screen:

ClockRemindersBatteriesCalendarHome FitnessWeather NewsStocks

It’s worth pointing out that the Lock Screen widgets are not directly interactive. Therefore, tapping on a widget will directly take you into the respective app.

Customize Your iPhone Lock Screen With Widgets

  1. To get started, you need to unlock your device using Face ID or Touch ID. After that, long–press on the Lock Screen to access the wallpaper gallery.  Alternately, go to the Settings app on your device -> Wallpaper -> Customize below the Lock Screen preview. 
  2. Now, swipe left or right in the wallpaper gallery to find the wallpaper that you would like to customize. Then, tap on the Customize button that shows below the wallpaper. 
  3. Next, if you want to place widgets to the widget panel below time, tap on the frame to bring up the widgets selector.  Once you have got access to the widgets, tap the ones you like to add them to the widget panel. Besides, you can also use the drag and drop gesture to perfectly place widgets at the desired spot.  Widgets are available in different formats like rectangular and circle. Keep in mind that you can show only up to 4 small widgets, 2 medium widgets, 2 small, and 1 medium widget in the bottom Lock Screen space.
  4. To show widgets above the time, tap on the date and calendar at the top. When the widgets selector appears, tap on a specific widget to add it. Note that the suggested widgets appear at the top. If you want to add other widgets, scroll down to find an app and tap on it. Then, choose a preferred size of the widget. 
  5. Once you have perfectly customized the Lock Screen, tap on Done at the upper-right corner of the screen. 
  6. Now, a popup menu will appear on the screen with two options: 

Set as Wallpaper Pair: Tap on it to set the wallpaper for both the Lock Screen and Home Screen. Customize Home Screen: Tap on it to customize the Home Screen separately. 

  1. Now, tap on the wallpaper you have just customized to activate it.  Read more: How to Copy Text from Video on iPhone in iOS 16

Signing Off…

That’s all there is to it! You can follow the same quick steps to customize all of your favorite Lock Screen widgets on your iPhone. Though there are only a handful of widgets available right now, we will soon see a ton of widgets including the ones from third-party. So, you will have more options to deck up your Lock Screen. That said, what do you have to say about iOS 16 and the Lock Screen customization that it offers? Do not forget to shoot your thoughts in the comments below.