iPhone Weather Widget: Add to Home Screen
To add the iPhone Weather widget to your Home Screen, touch and hold any empty area until the apps jiggle, tap the + button in the top-left corner, search for “Weather,� choose a widget size, and tap “Add Widget.� That’s the entire process—it takes about 10 seconds once you know where to look. Below we’ll cover the different widget sizes, how to customize the location, common problems, and how it compares to the built-in Weather app.
What the Weather Widget Shows
The Weather widget displays current conditions for a location you choose—usually your current location by default. Depending on the size you pick, it shows:
- Small widget: Current temperature, condition icon (sun, cloud, rain), and high/low for the day.
- Medium widget: Adds a 5-day forecast in a compact row, plus the current condition and high/low.
- Large widget: Shows the 5-day forecast in more detail, with precipitation chances and additional metrics like wind and humidity.
The widget updates automatically—there’s no manual refresh. It pulls data from the Weather app’s default source (Apple Weather, which uses data from various providers). You can tap the widget to open the full Weather app.
How to Add the Widget (Step by Step)
- Press and hold an empty spot on your Home Screen until the icons start wiggling.
- Tap the + button in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Type “Weather� in the search bar or scroll to find it.
- Swipe through the three sizes (small, medium, large) to preview.
- Tap “Add Widget� (or “Add� on some iOS versions).
- Drag it to your preferred spot, then tap “Done� in the corner.
If you want a different location than your current one, long-press the widget after adding it, choose “Edit Widget,� and select a city from your Weather app’s saved locations. You can also add multiple Weather widgets with different cities.
Customizing the Widget Location
By default, the widget uses “My Location� (based on your GPS). To change it:
- Long-press the widget and select “Edit Widget.�
- Tap the location field and choose from your saved cities in the Weather app. If the city isn’t listed, open the Weather app, add it there first, then return to the widget editor.
- You can also set the widget to show a specific city by default in the Weather app’s settings (iOS 16 and later).
Note that if you choose “My Location,� the widget will update as you travel. If you prefer a fixed city, select that city explicitly.
Common Problems and Fixes
Widget shows “—� or no data: This usually means the Weather app can’t fetch data. Check that Location Services are enabled for Weather (Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Weather) and that you have an internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular). Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to reset the connection.
Widget won’t update: Try removing the widget and adding it again. Also, ensure that Background App Refresh is turned on for the Weather app (Settings > General > Background App Refresh).
Wrong location shown: If the widget shows a different city than expected, edit the widget and select the correct one. Sometimes the GPS is off; move to an open area or toggle Location Services off and on.
Widget is grayed out in the gallery: This can happen if you’re in Low Power Mode or if the Weather app is restricted (e.g., by Screen Time). Check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Weather Widget vs. Weather App
The widget is a glanceable summary—it’s not meant to replace the full app. The app gives you hourly forecasts, radar maps, air quality, UV index, and severe weather alerts. The widget is for quick checks: “Do I need a jacket?� The app is for planning a trip or checking a storm’s path.
One key difference: the widget updates less frequently than the app. Apple’s widgets refresh based on usage patterns—if you check it often, it updates more often. Don’t rely on it for minute-by-minute precipitation data; open the app for that.
Costs and Privacy
The Weather widget is free—it’s built into iOS. There’s no subscription or in-app purchase. Apple’s Weather app is also free, and the widget uses the same data.
Privacy-wise, Apple says weather data is not tied to your Apple ID. Location data is used only to provide local forecasts, and you can disable Location Services for Weather entirely (the widget will then show a default city you choose). Apple’s privacy page states that weather data is sent in an anonymized form.
Alternatives to Apple’s Weather Widget
If you want more detail or different visuals, third-party apps offer their own widgets:
- CARROT Weather: Known for its snarky comments and customizable widget styles.
- AccuWeather: Offers minute-by-minute forecasts and severe weather alerts.
- Weather Line: Shows a graph of temperature and precipitation over time.
- MyRadar: Focuses on radar maps, with a widget that shows a mini radar loop.
To add a third-party widget, install the app, then follow the same steps: long-press Home Screen, tap +, and search for the app’s name. Most offer widgets in various sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find the Weather widget in the gallery? The widget is part of the Weather app, which is built into iOS. If you deleted the Weather app (possible on some versions), reinstall it from the App Store. If you still can’t see it, restart your iPhone or update iOS.
Can I make the widget show a different city than my current location? Yes. Long-press the widget, choose “Edit Widget,� and select a city from your saved list. If the city isn’t there, add it in the Weather app first.
Does the widget use a lot of battery? No. Widgets are designed to be efficient. The Weather widget updates a few times per hour and uses minimal battery. If you notice heavy battery drain, check other apps or background refresh settings.
Can I add more than one Weather widget? Yes, you can add multiple widgets of different sizes or with different locations. Just repeat the add process and set each one to a different city.
Why does the widget show a temperature that’s different from my car’s thermometer? Weather apps report air temperature in the shade, not direct sunlight. Your car’s thermometer might be affected by heat from the road or engine. Also, the widget may be using data from a nearby weather station, not your exact spot.
How do I remove the widget? Long-press the widget, tap “Remove Widget,� then confirm. Or enter jiggle mode (long-press empty area), tap the minus sign on the widget, and remove.
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