How to Use Widgets on iOS 15

This article teaches you how to use widgets on iOS 15 and explains the different widgets available through the update.

How Do I Use Widgets on iOS 15?

To use a widget on iOS 15, you need to add it to your Home Screen first. Here's how to add and use widgets on iOS 15.

1. On your iPhone, long-press on your iPhone's home screen in an area where no apps are located. 

2. Tap the Plus icon in the top right-hand corner.

3. Scroll through the widgets and tap the one you want to use.

4. Tap Add Widget.

   

5. Drag it to your desired location.

6. Tap an empty space on the home screen to place the widget.

How Do I Use the Widget Box on My iPhone?

There's another way to use widgets on your iPhone. Here's how to find the relevant options.

1. On your iPhone, swipe right to reach the Today screen.

2. Your active widgets that aren't on your Home Screen are listed here.

3. Tap any of them to interact with them further.

   You may need to unlock your phone first to do so.

How Do I Use Shortcuts for Widgets?

It's possible to set up and run a shortcut from a widget via a similar method to the above methods. Here's how to use shortcuts for widgets. 

1. Long-press on an empty part of your iPhone's Home Screen. 

2. Tap the plus icon at the top right-hand corner of the screen.

3. Scroll down and tap Shortcuts.

4. Tap Add Widget.

   

5. Tap on an empty space of the Home Screen to place it. 

6. To change what the shortcut widget does, long-press on the Shortcut widget.

7. Tap Edit Widget.

8. Tap the Shortcut name.

9. Tap the shortcut you wish to use instead.

   

10. Tap in an empty area to save the change.

What Are the New iOS 15 Widgets?

iOS 15 has introduced several new widgets alongside existing widgets from earlier versions of iOS. Here's a brief look at the latest inclusions and what they provide. 

• Mail. The Mail widgets offer quick access to one mailbox prioritizing VIP senders.
• Find My. It's possible to see the locations of family and friends and track Apple AirTags through this widget.
• Contacts. It features between one and six contact names with full access to their information through the widget, including recent interactions.
• Sleep. The sleep-tracking widget shows how well you slept and lets you review your sleep schedule. 
• App Store. It's possible to view Today at the App Store from this widget and get notifications of in-app events.
• Game Center. This widget shows recently played games and what your Game Center friends have been playing.