Do you keep running into issues with widgets not loading, updating, or displaying data on your iPhone or iPad? Software-related bugs and conflicting settings often cause that.
So let's check out what you can do to fix your iPhone or iPad widgets, either in the Today View or on the Home screen.
1. Restart Your iPhone or iPad
If a specific widget or set of widgets appears blank or won't load, it's best to kick things off by restarting your iPhone or iPad. That's a quick way to fix most issues brought about by buggy apps and system software.
To do that, open the Settings app and select General > Shut Down. After the device finishes shutting down, hold down the Side or Top button to reboot it.
3 Images ExpandExpandExpand2. Update the Apps on Your iPhone or iPad
Try updating the apps on your iPhone or iPad. Newer updates versions usually come with lots of fixes for known problems preventing widgets from functioning normally.
If you don't have automatic app updates enabled, just long-press the App Store icon and select Updates. Next, perform a swipe-down gesture to scan for the latest updates and tap Update All to install them.
3 Images ExpandExpandExpand3. Update iOS or iPadOS
Early builds of major system software iterations—such as iOS 15.0 and iPadOS 15.0—are relatively unstable and adversely impact widget functionality. The best way to fix that is by keeping iOS and iPadOS up to date.
Related: How to Update Your iPhone iOS, Apps, and Data Backups
MAKEUSEOF VIDEO OF THE DAYStart by heading over to General > Software Update to scan for new system software updates. Follow that by tapping Download and Install to apply them.
You can also activate automatic system-software updates for your iPhone. To do that, tap Automatic Updates (on the same screen) and turn on the switches next to Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates.
2 Images ExpandExpand4. Change the System Language
If widgets still fail to load, consider trying out this unusual fix that involves briefly changing the system language on your iPhone or iPad.
Head over to Settings > General > Language & Region. Then, tap Other Languages and pick a different language. That should automatically restart the device.
Follow this by switching back to your preferred language and double-check your widgets to see if they've started working correctly.
3 Images ExpandExpandExpand
Another fix that can resolve issues with malfunctioning widgets requires making the text bold on your iPhone or iPad.
To do that, simply go to Settings > General > Display & Brightness and turn on the switch next to Bold Text. In case that helps, disable the bold text and check if the issue recurs.
5. Disable Low Data Mode and Low Power Mode
Low Data Mode and Low Power Mode can impair widget-related activity. Try disabling them and check if that helps.
If you use cellular data for internet connectivity, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and turn off the switch next to Low Data Mode.
2 Images ExpandExpandiOS and iPadOS apply Low Data Mode for Wi-Fi on a per-connection basis. So head over to Settings > Wi-Fi, select your active Wi-Fi connection, and deactivate the switch next to Low Data Mode.
2 Images ExpandExpandTo disable Low Power Mode, head over to Settings > Battery and turn off the switch next to Low Power Mode.
6. Check System Settings for Apps
If a specific widget has trouble presenting up-to-date information, check if Location Services and Background App Refresh are set up for the relevant app.
Open the Settings app and go to Privacy > Location Services. Then, tap the relevant app and select While Using the App or Widgets or Always. That should allow the app (and its widget) to display data based on location.
3 Images ExpandExpandExpandOpen the Settings app and go to General > Background App Refresh. Then, turn on the switch next to the app in question. That should allow the app (and its widget in turn) to refresh automatically in the background.
2 Images ExpandExpand7. Edit the Widget Preferences
If a widget displays the wrong information, you must check if it's set up correctly.
Taking the Weather widget as an example, start by long-pressing and selecting the Edit Widget option. You can then tap My Location to search for and pick the correct location. Follow that by tapping outside the widget area to save your changes.
3 Images ExpandExpandExpand8. Remove and Re-add Widgets
Removing and re-adding a widget that has loading or other issues can also help.
To do that, long-press a widget and select Remove Widget. If it's part of a Smart Stack, select Edit Widget and tap the Delete icon instead.
Related: Here Are the Most Amazing Custom Widgets for Your iPhone
You can then re-add the widget via the widgets gallery. Just long-press a vacant area in the Today View or on the Home screen and tap the Plus icon at the top of the screen to bring it up. Then, locate the widget and tap Add Widget.
3 Images ExpandExpandExpand9. Reinstall Related Apps
If the issue is restricted to a specific widget, you should try re-installing the relevant app. You can do that without losing any app-related data by offloading it.
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Then, pick the app you want to remove and tap Offload App. Follow that by reinstalling the app via the App Store.
3 Images ExpandExpandExpand10. Reset Network or All Settings
Try resetting the network settings on your iPhone. If that fails, you must reset all settings on your iOS device. That helps fix network-related and other underlying issues preventing widgets from functioning correctly.
To do that, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset and use the Reset Network Settings and the Reset All Settings options.
3 Images ExpandExpandExpandFixed: Widgets Working Correctly Again
Keeping both the apps and the system software up-to-date is the best way to minimize widget-related issues going forward. Also, don't forget to check any widget-specific settings to ensure that everything's been set up correctly.
Now that you've managed to get your widgets functioning correctly, you may want to spend some time spicing up your iPhone with custom transparent widgets.
How to Add Custom Transparent Widgets to Your iPhone’s Home Screen Read NextShareTweetShareEmail Related TopicsAbout The AuthorDilum Senevirathne(49 Articles Published)Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with over three years of experience contributing to online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Windows, and Google web apps. Dilum holds an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting from CIMA and AICPA.
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