Using widgets on iPhone

Widgets allow you to take a quick look at information and even perform small actions without even opening an application. You can access widgets from the lock screen, home screen, or notification center. It doesn't matter if you want to take a quick look at the weather, or to turn off the lights in your home, the widgets are versatile and easy to use. If you haven't set up yet, check out the best widgets for iPhone and iPad.

How to access your widgets

You can access your widgets from three different screens on your iPhone or iPad, so they're always at your fingertips. The first two are your lock screen and your home screen. After turning on your iPhone or iPad screen or unlocking your device, simply slide to the right to view your widgets. The third screen is the notification center. Here's how you access widgets from this screen. Scroll down from the top of the screen on your iPhone or iPad Scan to the right to access your widgets if you're not already looking at them.

How to use widgets

While some widgets only offer a quick display of information, others, such as Day One, Workflow and Hue, are more interactive, allowing you to perform actions in the applications without opening the applications themselves. Scan to the right on your home page or lock screen, or drag down the notification center, to display your widgets. Scroll down to find the widget you want to use. Tap the action you want to perform. While some widgets take you to their standard application to continue the action, many allow you to stay on the widget screen. Many widgets offer a couple of viewing options, with some degree of development to offer a larger set of options allowing you to view more information. Scroll to the right on the home page or lock screen, or drag down the center of notification, to display your widgets. Scroll down to the widget you want to develop. Tap Show More. Tap Minus to return the widget to its small size.

How to add widgets to the App Store

In addition to Apple's built-in options, you can add widgets from third-party developers. There are indeed a few ways to do so. Scan to the right on your home page or lock screen, or drag down the notification center, to display your widgets. Scroll down your list of widgets. Tap Edit. Scroll down to find the widget you want to add. If you've just downloaded an application with a widget, or widget support has just been added, you'll often find the application widget at the top of the availability list with a blue dot next to it. Press the green + button. Tap Done.

How to rearrange widgets

Once you add a new widget to your list, you can position it any way you want. Scan to the right on the home page or lock screen to display your widgets. Scroll down to the bottom of your widget list. Tap Edit. Press and hold the three lines to the right of the widget you want to rearrange. Drag the widget up or down. How to disable widgets Of course, if you find a widget useless, you can always get rid of it. Scan to the right on your home page or lock screen, or drag down the notification center, to display your widgets. Scroll down your widget list. Tap Edit. Tap the red button. Tap Delete.