Quick answer
To add widgets to your iPhone Lock Screen, touch and hold the Lock Screen, tap Customize, choose Lock Screen, then tap the widget row below the clock and pick widgets from the list. You can add up to four small widgets there and one inline widget above the clock. It works on iOS 16 and later.
Why use Lock Screen widgets?
- Information at a glance: check your next event, the weather or battery levels without unlocking.
- Fewer app opens: many widgets update live, so you see the change without opening the app.
- A layout that fits you: link a different Lock Screen and widget set to each Focus, such as Work or Sleep.
How to add widgets to the Lock Screen
- Open Lock Screen editing: unlock your iPhone but stay on the Lock Screen, touch and hold it, then tap Customize and choose Lock Screen.
- Open the widget picker: tap the box below the clock (or Add Widgets).
- Choose widgets: tap a suggested widget or scroll to an app such as Weather, Calendar, Fitness or Batteries. Third-party apps appear here once they offer Lock Screen widgets.
- Arrange them: drag widgets to reorder, or tap the minus to remove one. Some widgets show options when you tap them.
- Add the inline widget: tap the date above the clock to swap it for a one-line widget, such as the next alarm or a stock.
- Save: tap Done.
Change the controls at the bottom (iOS 18 and later)
Since iOS 18 you can replace the flashlight and camera buttons. In Lock Screen editing, tap the minus on a button, then tap + and choose another control — for example Dark Mode, a Shortcut, or Calculator — or leave the space empty.
Best widgets for your Lock Screen
- Weather: current conditions, UV index or rain in the next hour.
- Calendar and Reminders: your next event or task.
- Batteries: charge levels for your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch.
- Fitness: your activity rings.
- Clock and Alarms: the next alarm or a second time zone, ideal for the inline slot.
Tips for a clean widget layout
- Keep it calm: two or three widgets are easier to read than a full row.
- Mind your privacy: widgets like Calendar or Reminders show details to anyone who picks up your phone.
- Choose a matching wallpaper: a calm area under the clock keeps widgets readable. Browse minimalist or black wallpapers.
- On iOS 27, the compact clock frees space at the top — see what’s new on the iOS 27 Lock Screen.
Add a photo to the Lock Screen, too
Widgets can’t show your own photos. The ON Lock Screen app fills that gap: it uses Live Activities to keep a photo you choose on the Lock Screen, above notifications. See how to add photos to your Lock Screen.
Frequently asked questions
How many widgets can I add to the iPhone Lock Screen?
You get one widget row below the clock with room for up to four small widgets or two rectangular ones (or a mix), plus one inline widget in the line above the clock.
Which iPhones support Lock Screen widgets?
Lock Screen widgets work on any iPhone that runs iOS 16 or later, including iOS 26 and iOS 27.
Can I change the flashlight and camera buttons?
Yes, since iOS 18. Touch and hold the Lock Screen, tap Customize → Lock Screen, tap the minus on the flashlight or camera button, then tap + to add a different control or leave it empty.
Why don’t my app’s widgets show up in the widget picker?
The app must offer Lock Screen widgets, not only Home Screen ones. Open the app once after installing or updating it, then check the widget picker again.
Can I show a photo on the Lock Screen as a widget?
Apple’s widgets cannot show your own photos on the Lock Screen. ON Lock Screen uses Live Activities to keep a photo you choose visible above notifications.