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Apple’s iPhone is a popular smartphone that comes with many features that make it a convenient device to use. One of the most frequently used features is the lock screen, which is the first screen that appears when you turn on your iPhone. The lock screen on iPhone displays time, date, and notifications along with a few widgets that can be customized to suit your preferences.
The widgets you can add to your lock screen provide you with quick access to your frequently used apps, reminders, and other details. If you’re somebody who wants to personalize your iPhone, changing and customizing the lock screen widgets can be an effective way to do it. You can add, remove or change lock screen widgets to display the ones you want.
In this blog post, we will guide you on how to change and customize the lock screen widgets on your iPhone. You’ll learn about some of the things you should prepare for and explore various methods to change lock screen widgets.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Change Lock Screen Widgets on iPhone
Many iPhone users find it challenging to personalize their iPhone and customize lock screen widgets. Apple periodically changes the lock screen widgets, and some users have difficulty navigating through the settings to make the desired changes. Some people also find customizing lock screen widgets confusing, while others have never tried it before.
The process of changing and customizing the widgets can be easy if you know what steps to follow. This blog post will present several methods to change and customize the lock screen widgets of your iPhone. We’ll also provide additional tips and answer some frequently asked questions about this topic, making it easy for you to understand and personalize your iPhone.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you proceed to change and customize lock screen widgets on your iPhone, there are a few things you should prepare for. Here are some essential items that you’ll need:
1. An iPhone running on iOS 14 or later.
2. A stable internet connection.
3. Adequate storage space on your iPhone.
4. Familiarity with your iPhone’s home screen and setting app.
5. Patience and time to follow the procedures.
Method 1: Using iOS Widget Library to Change Lock Screen Widgets on iPhone
The most common and straightforward way to change your lock screen widget is by using the Widget Library in iOS 14 or later. This method allows you to select a widget from the Library and place it on the lock screen. Here are the steps:
1. Swipe to the right on your iPhone’s home screen and navigate to the Today View.
2. Scroll down to the bottom of the Today View and click the "Edit" button.
3. You’ll see a list of the available iOS widgets in the Widget Library. Click on the green + icon next to the widget you want to add to your lock screen.
4. Once you’ve added the widget to your lock screen, click "Done" to save the changes.
Pros:
– It’s a simple and straightforward way to customize your lock screen widgets.
– The Widget library has an extensive range of widgets to choose from.
Cons:
– Sometimes, the widget you want might not be available in the Widget Library.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Widget Maker Apps to Change Lock Screen Widgets on iPhone
Another method you can use to change your lock screen widget is by using third-party widget maker apps. Many widget maker apps are available on the App Store that lets you design, customize, and add your widgets to the lock screen. Here are the steps:
1. Download and Install a third-party widget maker app of your choice from the App Store.
2. Open the app and select the widget you want to customize.
3. Customize the widget by selecting the design, color, layout, and information you want to display.
4. Once you’ve customized the widget, click on the "Save Widget" button.
5. Go to the Today View by swiping right on the home screen, click on "Edit" and select the designed widget from the list of widgets available.
6. After selecting the widget you’ve just created, click on "Done" to save the changes.
Pros:
– Third-party widgets typically offer more customization options than native iOS widgets.
– They are excellent for people looking to have a unique and personalized customization of their lock screen widgets.
Cons:
– Using third-party apps may consume more space than iOS-native widgets.
– Some third-party apps lock features behind paywalls.
Method 3: Using Shortcuts to Change Lock Screen Widgets on iPhone
Shortcuts is an automation tool introduced in iOS 14 that allows you to create customized workflows. You can set custom actions to run on your iPhone through shortcuts. Using shortcuts, you can add new and unique widgets to your lock screen. Here’s how:
1. Open the Shortcuts app and click on "Create Shortcut."
2. Choose an action from the list of available actions. You can select an action from the gallery, built-in actions, or third-party apps.
3. Once you’ve selected an action, click on the triple-dot icon in the top-right corner to configure the shortcut to your preferences.
4. Configure the shortcut and set a name for it.
5. To add the shortcut to your lock screen, click on the triple-dot icon, select "Add to Home Screen," and choose the lock screen as your destination.
6. Click on "Add" to add the shortcut to your lock screen.
Pros:
– Shortcuts offer extensive customization and automation options.
– You can add unique shortcuts to the lock screen that are not available in the Widget Library.
Cons:
– Shortcuts can be time-consuming and challenging to set up.
Why Can’t I Change Lock Screen Widgets on iPhone and Possible Fixes
Here are some reasons why you might not be able to change lock screen widgets on your iPhone and possible fixes:
1. Not running an iOS version that supports widgets: iOS 14 or later supports widgets. So if your iPhone is not running on iOS 14 or later, you cannot change or customize your lock screen widgets. To fix this, update your iOS software to iOS 14 or later.
2. Using an iPhone that is too old: If your iPhone is too old, it might not support widgets. To fix this, invest in a newer iPhone with iOS 14 or later.
3. Not enough storage space: If your iPhone doesn’t have enough storage space, it might not download new widgets. To make space on your phone, uninstall unwanted apps or delete old files or media.
4. Incompatible widgets: Some widgets may not be compatible with your iPhone model. To fix this, check the widget’s compatibility before downloading or installing.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips when changing and customizing lock screen widgets:
1. Avoid adding too many widgets to your lock screen. Too many widgets can cause your phone to lag.
2. Rearrange your widgets regularly to keep your lock screen fresh and organized.
3. Customize your widgets to match your phone’s wallpaper, color scheme, and overall theme.
4. Add a personal note or reminder on your lock screen to avoid forgetting essential tasks or events.
5 FAQs about Changing Lock Screen Widgets on iPhone
Q1: How do I remove a widget from my lock screen?
A: Swipe left on the widget you want to remove, then click on the "Remove" button.
Q2: Why is the Widget Library not showing up on my iPhone’s lock screen?
A: Make sure your iPhone is running on iOS 14 or later and the Widget Library is enabled in the Setting App. Go to Settings > Home Screen & Dock > Allow Full Access to enable the Widget Library.
Q3: Can I add custom designs to my lock screen widgets?
A: Yes, you can use third-party widget maker apps or shortcuts to add custom designs to your lock screen widgets.
Q4: How do I rearrange widgets on my lock screen?
A: Swipe left or right on the widget you want to move, then drag and drop the widget to the desired position.
Q5: Can I add third-party app widgets to my lock screen?
A: Yes, many third-party apps provide widgets that you can add to your lock screen.
In Conclusion
Customizing your lock screen widgets on iPhone is easy and straightforward. There are several methods you can use to personalize your phone’s lock screen. Whether you’re using the Widget Library, third-party widget maker apps, or shortcuts, ensure you choose the options that work for you. By following the steps and tips outlined in this blog post, you can change and customize your lock screen widgets to match your preferences and make your iPhone usage more comfortable and personalized.