For Android users, widgets have been a common placement on the home screen for several years. However, the situation is not the same for iPhone and iPad users. Apple has recently introduced Widgets for iPadOS and they bring a different look to your iPad’s home screen. More importantly, they let you see information at a glance. All you have to do is place them strategically so that a simple swipe will show you the information you’re looking for.
However, when it comes to customizing widgets, Apple has introduced several limitations. For example, you cannot play with the size of the widget or place it anywhere on the home screen. However, you can choose from several sizes and styles available.
You can also fill the home screen of your Apple iPad with widgets that display information you deem important. All you have to do is unlock the screen.
Now that we’ve figured this out, let’s see how to add and customize widgets in iPadOS.
How to Add Widgets on iPad
Before you customize a widget, you must add it to your iPad screen. Like any operation on your iPad, it’s simple and only takes a minute.
Stage 1: To do this, tap an empty area on the home screen until you see the apps vibrate. Then tap the little Plus sign in the top left corner.
Step 2: On the widget page, choose from a popular widget on the right. Or you can choose one of the categories and choose a widget from the tray.
Stage 3: Now, long press the one you like and drag it to where you want to view it.
Alternatively, you can tap the Add Widget button.
How to Customize Widgets on iPadOS
Compared to Android smartphones, iPadOS doesn’t have a lot of customization options for widgets. For now, you can choose the size of the widget or change its source to some extent.
Now that this is solved, let’s see how to do this.
Stage 1: After placing the widget on the home screen, tap and hold on it and select Edit.
If it’s a widget for an app like Gmail, the Edit option lets you change the account. Or if it’s a widget for the battery, you won’t see any editing options. Long story short, it all depends on the application.
Second, some widgets like Battery, Music and Photos have different styles. For example, you can choose between a large rectangular widget or a small square widget for Photos.
Unfortunately, you cannot change the size or style directly from the home screen and you have to add the widget again.
Step 2: Follow the steps to add widgets again to change the size. Only this time, slide the widget styles as shown below. Generally, widgets with existing front sights have a series of dots.
All you have to do is swipe left and choose a style from the list. And that’s it.
Stage 3: Tap and hold to change the position of the widgets.
Unlike Android smartphones and tablets, you cannot move to any desired location on your iPad. This limits the privatization process very much.
For now, if the first row has widgets, you can only change their position in the first row. The system does not allow you to place the widget on the last line. Rascal.
Conversely, if the screen is filled with applications down to the last line, you can place the widget almost anywhere.
Customize Smart Stacks
At the end of the day, if you don’t want to waste precious screen space on a few widgets, it’s time to add a Smart Stack. These stacks are (you guessed right) collections of widgets stacked on top of each other.
Stage 1: After adding the Smart Stack, long press on it and select Edit Stack. Now scroll down the stack to get to the widget you want to remove. Now, just tap the Minus button.
You can also tap the buttons as shown above to enable/disable Widget Rotation and Widget Suggestions.
step 2: Then scroll to find the widget you want to customize and tap and hold on it. Tap on Edit widget and then change the information according to your preference.
For example, in the Clock or Weather widget (under Stacks) you can choose which countries you want to be displayed.
Stage 3: To reorder the widgets, tap and hold the widget and drag it up/down.
Information in a Summary
The ability to add multiple widgets to the different home screens on your iPad gives you the flexibility to design the screens according to your preference. If you are easily distracted, you can make a separate screen for Work and Fun & Entertainment. This is especially true if you often work from your iPad.
