Why aren’t you using Widgets?

If you’re anything like me and work online, you probably spend a lot of time on your phone or laptop. Whether it's checking emails, keeping track of appointments, or just staying up to date with the news, we rely on our devices for so much these days. But let’s face it – constantly switching between apps and digging around for information can be a bit of a pain.

That’s where widgets come in, and honestly, they’re a bit of a lifesaver.

Here, I’ll break down what widgets are, how to set them up on Apple devices, and why I think they’re such a useful feature, especially if you’re looking to simplify your digital life.

So, What Exactly Are Widgets?

In simple terms, widgets are like little mini-apps that live on your home screen and show you useful information at a glance. Instead of opening an app and scrolling around to find what you need, a widget lets you see it instantly. For example, a weather widget shows the current temperature, or a calendar widget gives you a quick look at your schedule for the day – all without having to open anything.

They’re great for anyone who wants to quickly check the time, weather, news, or even how many steps they’ve taken, without the hassle of opening a bunch of different apps. It’s about making content more accessible, which is what I do!

How to Add Widgets to Your Apple Device

If you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or even a Mac, adding widgets is super simple. Let me walk you through it.

For iPhones and iPads:

Press and hold your home screen: Hold down on any empty space until all the icons start jiggling like they’re about to jump off the screen.

(Alternatively you can locate this in your settings by searching ‘Wallpaper” then editing the section for widgets which is above and below the time)

Hit the "+" button: In the top-left corner, you’ll see a little “+” symbol. Tap that, and it’ll open up the widget gallery.

Pick a widget: There’s a bunch to choose from, and you can scroll through or search for one by the app name.

Choose a size: Most widgets come in small, medium, or large. Bigger widgets show more info, while smaller ones take up less space.

Add it to your home screen: Once you’ve picked your widget, just tap “Add Widget,” and it’ll appear on your screen. You can move it around wherever you like.

I’m always changing my widgets, right now my favourite is my Mantra app which shows me a short affirmation, a Shazam button so I can quickly press it to scan songs directly from my home screen, and a google translate shortcut because I am currently living in Croatia and use this app a lot!

For Mac:

Open Notification Centre: Click the date and time in the top-right corner of your screen.

Scroll down and click “Edit Widgets”: This will let you browse available widgets.

Add and customise: Drag the widget you want into your notification centre, and boom – it’s ready to use.

Why I Love Widgets

Okay, so now that you know how to set them up, let me tell you why I’m a big fan of widgets.

1. They Save You Time

I hate wasting time. Whether I’m working or just managing daily tasks, I don’t want to spend minutes opening and closing apps. Widgets give you the info you need straight away. For example, I can quickly check the weather before heading out without even unlocking my phone properly. It’s one of those things that makes your day just that little bit smoother.

2. You Can Make Them Your Own

One of the best things about widgets is that you can customise them to show the information that matters most to you. Maybe it’s a calendar with your meetings for the day, or maybe it’s your to-do list. Whatever it is, you can set it up exactly how you like it. This kind of personalisation is great for keeping organised and on top of things.

3. Real-Time Updates

The cool thing is that widgets update in real-time. If you’ve got a widget showing your fitness stats or the latest news headlines, it’ll always be up-to-date. It’s like having a live feed of the most important stuff, right on your home screen.

4. Simplifies Your Digital Life

If your goal, like mine, is to keep things simple and efficient, widgets are brilliant. They let you see bite-sized info at a glance, cutting down on all the back-and-forth between apps. This is especially handy if you’re trying to stay focused and not get distracted by unnecessary notifications and clutter.

5. Keeps You More Productive

It might seem like a small thing, but widgets really can boost your productivity. Having quick access to your most-used apps and tools means you can get things done faster. Whether it’s setting a timer, checking your emails, or seeing how many steps you’ve taken – widgets make it easier to stay on top of things.

At the end of the day, widgets are one of those digital features that, once you start using them, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them. They save you time, keep you organised, and just generally make your device more useful. If your goal is to simplify the way you consume and interact with content, widgets are a perfect fit.

I’ve found that they make my life a lot easier, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same once you give them a try. Whether you’re a busy professional or just someone who loves staying on top of things, widgets can really help make your digital experience clearer.

So, if you haven’t already, give them a go. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.