Master iPhone Lock Screen Customization: Add Widgets, Shortcuts & More (iOS 16+)

Your iPhone’s lock screen is no longer just a static display—it’s a fully customizable notification hub that shows information and executes actions without unlocking your phone. Since iOS 16 (September 2022), Apple has transformed the lock screen into a powerful productivity tool that works exactly how you want it to.

What is iPhone Lock Screen Customization?

iOS 16 and later introduced comprehensive lock screen customization that lets you add interactive widgets, custom shortcuts, and personalized visual elements directly to your lock screen. This goes far beyond changing wallpapers—you can now create a functional, personalized notification hub that displays real-time information (weather, fitness rings, reminders) and executes actions with a single tap.

Key features include:

• Widgets: Small app previews showing live data (weather, calendar, fitness)
• Interactive widgets (iOS 17+): Tap widgets to take action without opening the app (check off reminders, toggle smart home devices)
• Shortcuts: Run custom automation tasks from your lock screen
• Custom fonts and colors: Personalize the clock display and time appearance
• Multiple lock screens: Create different lock screens for different times or activities

Current as of: iOS 18 (September 2024)

Why Use This Feature?

• Save time checking information: See weather, calendar events, fitness progress, and reminders without unlocking your phone
• Stay organized with quick actions: Toggle WiFi, log habits, send messages, or control smart home devices with one tap
• Reduce app switching: Get the information you need immediately instead of opening multiple apps
• Personalize your device: Express your style with custom fonts, colors, and multiple lock screen versions for different contexts (work morning, evening, weekend)

Things to Consider

• Widget limits: You can add up to 5 total widgets across your lock screen—1 above the clock and 4 below. This limit applies to all iPhone models (standard and Pro) and all iOS versions (16, 17, 18)
• Battery impact: Lock screen widgets have minimal battery drain compared to home screen widgets thanks to Apple’s optimizations, though frequently-updating widgets (especially weather) can have measurable impact
• iOS version requirements: Lock screen customization requires iOS 16 or later. Interactive widgets (iOS 17+) and advanced features vary by iOS version. Check your Settings > General > About to confirm your iOS version

How to Master Lock Screen Customization: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Part 1: Entering Lock Screen Edit Mode

1. Long-press your current lock screen display (not the wallpaper preview shown in Settings). Your lock screen will enter edit mode with a ‘Customize’ button appearing at the bottom.

2. Tap the ‘Customize’ button to access lock screen editing options. You’ll see sections for changing the wallpaper, adding widgets, and customizing fonts and colors.

Part 2: Personalizing Your Clock and Wallpaper

3. Tap the top half of your lock screen (above the clock display) to customize the clock appearance. You can:

   • Change the wallpaper photo
   • Adjust the clock font style (from the available options)
   • Apply a color filter (Automatic, Dark, Light, or Tinted)

4. Select your preferred options and confirm your changes. Your lock screen will preview the changes in real-time.

Part 3: Adding Widgets

5. Scroll down to the Widgets section and tap the ‘+’ icon to add your first widget. A list of available widgets from installed apps will appear.

6. Scroll through the list and select your first widget (for example, Weather or Calendar). After selecting, you’ll choose its size:

   • Small widgets: Display single-line information
   • Larger rectangular widgets: Show more detailed information
   • Tap ‘Add’ to place the widget on your lock screen

7. Repeat steps 5-6 to add additional widgets, up to a maximum of 5 total widgets (1 above the clock, 4 below). You can rearrange widgets by dragging them to your preferred positions.

Part 4: Adding Interactive Shortcuts

8. Scroll down past the widgets section and tap ‘+’ under Shortcuts. Select the Shortcuts app from the list, then:

   • Choose an existing shortcut you’ve created, or
   • Create a new shortcut (e.g., toggle WiFi, log a habit, send a message)
   • Customize the shortcut’s icon and display name

9. Return to the lock screen editor and review all your widgets and shortcuts. Tap ‘Done’ to save all changes and apply them to your lock screen.

Part 5: Creating Multiple Lock Screens

10. To create or switch between multiple lock screens, long-press your lock screen again, scroll to the bottom, and tap ‘+’ to:

    • Duplicate your current lock screen (useful for quick variations)
    • Create a new blank lock screen from scratch
    • Build multiple versions for different times of day or activities (“Work Morning,” “Evening Relax,” “Weekend”)

11. Swipe between lock screens on your actual device to select which one appears by default. Each lock screen maintains its own widgets and customizations.

Testing Your Customizations

12. Test each widget and shortcut by tapping them directly on your live lock screen. Widgets should display updated information and shortcuts should execute their designated actions:
    • Widgets should update: Weather changes, calendar shifts to next event, fitness rings update
    • Shortcuts should execute: Actions complete without unlocking your phone
    • If a widget stops updating: Force-close the associated app (Settings > General > iPhone Storage, select the app, tap ‘Offload App’ or close in App Switcher) and restart your phone

Note on Interactive Widgets: If you’re running iOS 17 or later, you can interact directly with certain widgets (check off reminders, toggle smart home devices) by tapping within the widget. iOS 16 widgets require a tap to open the app.

Your iPhone lock screen is now a personalized command center that saves you time and puts your most important information at your fingertips. Start with your essential widgets (weather, calendar, fitness) and gradually add shortcuts as you discover automation opportunities that match your daily routine.