What Are Interactive Widgets on iPhone and How to Add Them

Interactive widgets have changed how we use our iPhones in iOS 17—they’re no longer just shortcuts or static tiles. Now, interactive widgets on iPhone let you tick off tasks, play or pause music, or toggle a smart device directly from the widget itself—no app launch required. Below, we’ll briefly explain what interactive widgets in iOS 17 are, why they matter, and give a clear step‑by‑step guide on how to add them to your Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Today View. We’ll also recommend the best interactive widgets for iPhone 2024, then wrap up with a handy FAQ.

What Are Interactive Widgets and Why Use Them?

In iOS 14–16, tapping a widget simply opened the app. But in iOS 17, Apple introduced WidgetKit interactivity, meaning you can do specific actions (like marking a reminder done or playing music) right from the widget. Think of them as “mini‑app” windows on your Home Screen, Lock Screen, or Today View. This is a big deal because it saves time and screens: you don’t need to open, say, the Reminders app to check off a to‑do, or the Music app to pause a track. If you’re looking for quick everyday tasks—like toggling a light in the Home app or adjusting a timer—interactive widgets iPhone can do it instantly. Of course, not all apps have updated yet; developers must enable WidgetKit interactivity iOS 17. Apple’s own Reminders, Music, and Home are prime examples of how these new interactive widgets can streamline your daily phone usage.

Step-by-Step: How to Add Interactive Widgets (Home Screen, Lock Screen, Today View)

1. Add Interactive Widgets to Home Screen

1. Enter Jiggle Mode: Long‑press a blank area on your Home Screen (or on an icon → “Edit Home Screen”). Icons start jiggling, and a “+” button appears (usually top left).

2. Open Widget Gallery: Tap the “+” to open the widget gallery. This is where you’ll find interactive widgets in iOS 17.

3. Select an App Widget: Look for an app known to have interactive widgets (e.g., Reminders, Music, Home, or a third-party updated for iOS 17). Scroll through the widget sizes (small, medium, large).

4. Tap “Add Widget”: The widget drops onto your Home Screen. Drag to reposition; you can place it among your icons.

5. Tap Done: Finalize the layout. If it’s an interactive widgets iPhone type, try tapping a button or checkbox—actions should happen right there (e.g., ticking a reminder or playing music).

2. Add Interactive Widgets to Lock Screen

1. Long‑Press Lock Screen: While iPhone is unlocked, press and hold on the Lock Screen wallpaper. Tap “Customize.”

2. Choose Widget Area: You can place widgets above the time or below it. Tap that zone to open the widget picker.‍

3. Select & Add Widget: Scroll the list for your chosen app’s widget. A small icon widget (like a to‑do or a toggle) is typical here. Tap or drag it into the space. Some Lock Screen areas allow up to four small icons or two bigger rectangles.

4. Tap Done: Confirm your layout. Now your iPhone Lock Screen interactive widgets are live. Note that you may need to unlock the phone for an action to proceed (e.g. checking off a task) for privacy/security.

3. Add Widgets to Today View

1. Swipe Right to Today: From Home, swipe right until you reach the Today View.

2. Enter Edit Mode: Long‑press an empty area → tap “Edit.” (Or you might see a plus “+” sign directly.)

3. Pick Your Widgets: Same gallery interface. Choose an app with how to add widgets on iPhone iOS 17 support.

4. Arrange & Finish: Drag to reorder in the list. Then tap Done. Now, by swiping right, you can see and interact with them. Great if you prefer a less cluttered Home Screen.

Best Interactive Widgets for iPhone (One-Line Summaries)

Below are some of the best interactive widgets for iPhone 2024, each with a quick one-line explanation:

1. Reminders (Apple): Tick off tasks directly on the widget, perfect for daily to‑do lists.
2. Music (Apple): Quick play/pause or skip track—no need to open the Music app.
3. Home (Apple): Toggle lights or lock doors from a simple HomeKit button on your screen.
4. Things 3: A powerful to-do manager that lets you check tasks in a sleek widget layout.
5. Streaks: Tap to mark habits completed—ideal for daily routine tracking.
6. Overcast: Control podcast playback with fast skip and pause actions.
7. CARROT Weather: Tap to see next-hour forecast or switch to a different weather mode.
8. Fantastical: View or tap to see details for upcoming events, no full app needed.
9. Widgetsmith: Build custom widget designs, some with interactive elements you define.
10. Home Screen Launchers (e.g., Launcher): Tap shortcuts to call a contact or open a specific app action instantly.

Interactive widgets on iPhone let you accomplish tasks—like toggling a HomeKit device, pausing a podcast, or ticking off tasks—right on your screen. It’s a huge leap from older static widgets. Now that you know how to add widgets on iPhone iOS 17 (be it on the Home Screen, Lock Screen, or Today View) and you’ve seen examples of best interactive widgets for iPhone 2024, you can personalize your iOS experience. As more developers embrace WidgetKit interactivity, expect even more powerful widget actions soon. Enjoy the convenience!

FAQ: Interactive Widgets on iPhone

1. What are interactive widgets on iPhone?

They’re upgraded widgets in iOS 17 that let you do actions like playing music or checking off tasks directly on the widget—no app launch needed.

2. How do they differ from older widgets?

Before iOS 17, widgets were read-only. Tapping them opened the app. Now, thanks to WidgetKit interactivity iOS 17, you can tap a button in the widget to act immediately (e.g., skip a song, toggle a light).

3. Which iPhones support interactive widgets?

Any model that runs iOS 17 or later: iPhone XS/XR and newer (plus the SE 2nd gen). If your device can’t update to iOS 17, you can’t use interactive widgets.

4. How do I add an interactive widget to my Home Screen?

Long-press the Home Screen → tap “+” → choose a widget from an app that supports interactivity → add it. Then test it by tapping a button or checkbox right in the widget.

5. Can I add them to the Lock Screen or Today View?

Yes—on Lock Screen, long‑press the screen → Customize → pick a widget slot. For Today View, swipe right and tap “Edit” to add widgets. Both areas support interactivity, though you might need to unlock first.

6. Do all apps have interactive widgets now?

No—developers must update their apps for iOS 17’s new widget features. Many Apple apps (Music, Home, Reminders) already do, and top third-party apps like Overcast or Things 3 have jumped in. Others remain read-only.

7. Are interactive widgets secure if I tap them on Lock Screen?

Yes—actions that require authentication (like marking tasks done or toggling a smart lock) will prompt for Face ID or passcode if the phone is locked. iOS privacy rules still apply.

8. How can I edit or remove these widgets later?

Long-press the widget → “Edit Widget” to change settings (like which Reminders list) or remove it. For Lock Screen, re-enter Customize mode. For Today View, press and hold an empty space to get the “Edit” option again.

9. Why might some interactive widgets not respond?

You need the app’s latest version with iOS 17 support. Also, certain features require the phone to be unlocked. Or the widget itself might not be coded for full interaction—some remain partial or read-only.

10. Any tips for customizing widgets further?

Try stacking multiple widgets in a “Smart Stack” (drag one widget over another in jiggle mode). This saves space and you can swipe among them. Also, some apps let you choose different lists, categories, or color themes in “Edit Widget.” Explore bigger sizes if you want more on-screen controls.