How to Set Up iPhone Dynamic Island Notifications

Customizing iPhone Lock Screen widgets on iOS 16 is done by entering Lock Screen edit mode, selecting the widget area, and adding or removing items such as Calendar, Weather, Fitness, or Battery. Widget availability depends on the installed apps, iPhone model, and current iOS 16 lock screen support.

Steps

Wake the iPhone, then press and hold the Lock Screen until the wallpaper gallery appears.
Tap Customize, then select Lock Screen to edit the current layout.
Tap the widget box below the clock, or tap the date area above the clock for a smaller widget.
Select available lock screen widgets from the list, then drag or tap to place each widget in the slot.
Tap Done to save the customized lock screen, then tap the screen again to apply the change.

Option	Best For	Limitation
Widget above the clock	One compact info item	Only one small widget fits
Widgets below the clock	Multiple glanceable items	Space is limited by widget size
Smart stacks from apps	Fast status checks	Only supported apps appear
Different Lock Screens	Separate work and personal layouts	Requires manual setup per screen

Common Issues and Fixes

Widgets do not appear — The app may not support lock screen widgets or may need an update — Update the app and check if the app offers iOS 16 lock screen support.
Edit option is missing — Face ID or Touch ID may not have unlocked the device fully — Unlock the iPhone first, then press and hold the Lock Screen again.
Cannot add more widgets — Large widgets use more space than small widgets — Remove one large widget or replace it with smaller lock screen widgets.
Widget data looks blank — Background app refresh, location, or permissions may be disabled — Enable app permissions and refresh settings in the app and iPhone Settings.
Lock Screen changes keep reverting — Focus mode or another saved Lock Screen may be active — Check linked Focus settings and confirm edits on the correct Lock Screen.

Quick Tips

Some apps only offer a widget above the clock, not in the lower widget row.
A custom font, photo depth effect, or wallpaper style can reduce usable widget space on the iOS 16 lock screen.
Multiple Lock Screens can store different widget setups for travel, work, sleep, or fitness use.
Older iOS versions do not support lock screen widgets. iOS 16 or later is required.

Why are some apps missing from lock screen widgets?

The app may not support the feature, or the installed version may be outdated. Some widgets also require permissions such as location, calendar access, or motion tracking.