Widgets can provide quick access to important information and functionality, but they can also clutter up your home screen, making it difficult to find the apps and files you need. Fortunately, removing widgets from your home screen is a simple process that can help you declutter your device and improve its usability. Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
**For iPhone Users:**
To remove a widget from your iPhone’s home screen, simply long-press on the widget until it starts to jiggle. Then, tap the "X" button that appears in the corner of the widget to remove it. You can also drag the widget to the bottom of the screen and release it to remove it.
**For Android Users:**
To remove a widget from your Android device’s home screen, long-press on the widget until a menu appears. Then, tap the "Remove" option to remove the widget from your home screen. You can also drag the widget to the trash can icon that appears at the top of the screen to remove it.
Unpinning Widgets from the Home Screen
Unpinning widgets from your home screen allows you to remove them from view and reclaim space for other content. The specific steps may vary slightly depending on your device and operating system, but here’s a general guide:
-
Locate the Widget:
- Long-press on the home screen to enter edit mode.
- Find the widget you want to remove.
-
Drag the Widget:
- Tap and hold the widget until it becomes translucent.
- Drag the widget towards the top or bottom of the screen (usually towards the “Remove” or “Delete” area).
-
Release the Widget:
- Once the widget reaches the “Remove” or “Delete” area, release it.
- The widget will be removed from your home screen.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps for different operating systems:
| Operating System | Steps |
|---|---|
| iOS | 1. Enter “jiggle mode” by long-pressing the home screen. 2. Tap the minus (-) icon on the corner of the widget. 3. Tap “Remove” to confirm. |
| Android (Stock) | 1. Long-press the home screen to enter edit mode. 2. Drag the widget to the “Remove” area at the top of the screen. 3. Release the widget. |
| Samsung One UI | 1. Long-press the home screen. 2. Tap “Widgets” at the bottom of the screen. 3. Find the widget you want to remove and drag it to the “Remove” area. 4. Release the widget. |
Using the App Library to Remove Widgets
The App Library, introduced in iOS 14, offers a convenient way to declutter your Home Screen by removing widgets. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Access the App Library
Swipe left until you reach the App Library, located on the rightmost screen.
Step 2: Identify the Widget
Scroll down or use the search bar to locate the widget you want to remove. The widgets are categorized under their respective app icons.
Step 3: Long-Press and Remove
Long-press on the widget, and a menu will appear with options. Select “Remove Widget” from the menu. This will remove the widget from your Home Screen but not delete the app.
Step |
Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Swipe left to the App Library. |
| 2 | Locate the widget using the search bar or scroll down. |
| 3 | Long-press the widget and select “Remove Widget” from the menu. |
Managing Widgets with the Widget Gallery
The Widget Gallery is a convenient tool that allows you to manage and customize your widgets in one central location. To access the Widget Gallery, long-press on an empty area of your home screen and select “Widgets”.
Adding Widgets to Your Home Screen
To add a widget to your home screen, follow these steps:
- Open the Widget Gallery by long-pressing on an empty area of your home screen and selecting “Widgets”.
- Scroll through the available widgets and select the one you want to add.
- Drag and drop the widget onto the desired location on your home screen.
Customizing Widgets
Once you have added a widget to your home screen, you can customize it to suit your preferences. To customize a widget, long-press on it and select “Edit Widget”. This will open the widget’s customization options, where you can modify its settings, such as size, appearance, and functionality.
Some widgets also offer additional customization options, such as the ability to change the data source or choose a specific skin. To explore these options, tap on the widget’s settings icon (typically represented by a gear or pencil icon).
|
Widget Type Clock |
Customization Options Size, color, font |
|
Widget Type Weather |
Customization Options Location, temperature unit, background image |
|
Widget Type Calendar |
Customization Options Calendar view, event display |
Removing Widgets from Locked Widgets
Locked widgets are widgets that cannot be removed from the home screen using the standard methods. To remove a locked widget, you will need to use a third-party app. There are several different apps that can be used to remove locked widgets, such as Widget Remover and Apex Launcher. Here are the steps on how to remove a locked widget using Widget Remover:
- Download and install Widget Remover from the Google Play Store.
- Open Widget Remover and grant it permission to access your home screen.
- Select the locked widget that you want to remove.
- Tap the “Remove” button.
Once you have removed the locked widget, you can restart your home screen and it will be gone. You can also use Apex Launcher to remove locked widgets. Here are the steps on how to remove a locked widget using Apex Launcher:
- Download and install Apex Launcher from the Google Play Store.
- Open Apex Launcher and go to the home screen settings.
- Select the “Widgets” tab.
- Find the locked widget that you want to remove and tap on it.
- Tap the “Remove” button.
Once you have removed the locked widget, you can restart your home screen and it will be gone.
Disabling Widgets with Screen Time
If you’re concerned about your child’s screen time or widget usage, you can use the Screen Time feature in iOS to disable specific widgets. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap “Screen Time.”
- Tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
- Tap “Allowed Apps.”
- Tap the toggle switch next to “Widgets” to turn it off.
Once you’ve disabled widgets using Screen Time, your child will no longer be able to add or use widgets on their home screen.
| Device | iOS Version |
|---|---|
| iPhone | iOS 12 and later |
| iPad | iPadOS 13 and later |
Apple’s Native Method for Widget Removal
To remove widgets from the Home Screen using Apple’s built-in method, follow these steps:
1. Long-Press and “Jiggle” Mode
Long-press on any widget until all the icons on the Home Screen start to “jiggle”. This indicates that you’re in edit mode.
2. Tap the “X” in the Top-Left Corner
For standard Apple widgets, a small “X” button will appear in the top-left corner of each widget. Tap on this button to remove the widget.
3. Removing Third-Party Widgets
For third-party widgets, you may see a “Remove” button or a “Delete” button instead of an “X” in the top-left corner. Tap on this button to remove the widget.
4. Tap “Done”
Once you’ve removed all the unwanted widgets, tap on the “Done” button in the top-right corner of the Home Screen to exit edit mode.
Third-Party App Assistance for Widget Management
Third-party applications can enhance your widget management capabilities. These apps offer various features, from organizing and customizing widgets to providing additional functionality. Consider these popular options:
Widget Organizer
As the name suggests, Widget Organizer helps you arrange and manage widgets on your home screen. It provides a grid interface where you can drag and drop widgets to create a cohesive layout. You can also group widgets and place them into folders.
KWGT Kustom Widget Maker
KWGT allows you to create and customize your own widgets. It offers a range of themes and templates, but also empowers you to design unique widgets from scratch. You can control every aspect of your widget, including size, color, font, and behavior.
Sesame Shortcuts
Sesame Shortcuts provides a comprehensive search function for your home screen widgets. By typing in a query, you can quickly access specific widgets or actions. It also combines multiple widgets into a single shortcut, reducing clutter and simplifying widget usage.
| App Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Widget Organizer | Grid layout, widget grouping, and folder creation |
| KWGT Kustom Widget Maker | Custom widget creation and customization |
| Sesame Shortcuts | Home screen search, widget combination, and action shortcuts |
Troubleshooting Widget Removal Issues
1. Ensure Widget is not Pinned to Home Screen
Some devices allow users to pin widgets to the home screen, making them more difficult to remove. Check if the widget is pinned by long-pressing it and looking for a “Unpin” option.
2. Try Different Removal Method
There are multiple ways to remove widgets, including long-pressing and dragging them into the trash can, tapping the “Remove” button on the widget itself, or using the device’s home screen settings menu.
3. Restart Device
Restarting your device can clear temporary glitches or software conflicts that may prevent widget removal. Hold down the power button and select “Restart” or “Power Off.” Once the device restarts, try removing the widget again.
4. Check Compatibility
Some widgets may not be compatible with certain devices or operating system versions. Check the widget’s app store page or documentation to ensure it is compatible with your device.
5. Disable Third-Party Apps
Certain third-party apps may interfere with widget removal. Temporarily disable or uninstall any recently installed apps to see if it resolves the issue.
6. Update Operating System
Outdated operating systems may contain bugs that can affect widget functionality. Install the latest software updates to ensure your device is up-to-date and bug-free.
7. Contact Device Manufacturer or App Developer
If you have tried all of the above steps and still encounter widget removal issues, contact the device manufacturer or app developer for further assistance.
8. Troubleshooting Third-Party Widget Removal
If the widget is from a third-party app, some additional troubleshooting steps may be necessary.
| Issue | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Widget not responding to long-press | Check if the widget is pinned or has custom removal instructions from the app developer. |
| “Remove” button does not appear | The widget may not support direct removal from the home screen. Try using the app’s settings menu to remove it. |
| Widget persists after removal | Restart your device and check again. If the issue persists, contact the app developer. |
Customizing Widgets for Reduced Home Screen Clutter
Widgets can be useful, but they can also clutter up your home screen. Here are a few tips for customizing widgets to reduce the clutter and keep your home screen organized.
Remove Unnecessary Widgets
The first step to reducing clutter is to remove any widgets that you don’t use. To do this, simply long-press on the widget and select “Remove” from the menu that appears.
Resize Widgets
Many widgets can be resized, making it possible to fit more widgets on your home screen without crowding it. To resize a widget, simply long-press on it and drag the corners of the widget to make it smaller or larger.
Use Stacked Widgets
Stacked widgets allow you to group multiple widgets together in a single space. This can be a great way to save space and reduce clutter on your home screen. To create a stacked widget, simply long-press on a widget and drag it on top of another widget.
Use App Shortcuts Instead of Widgets
App shortcuts provide quick access to specific actions within apps without taking up space on your home screen. To create an app shortcut, simply long-press on the app icon and select “Add to Home screen” from the menu that appears.
Use Gestures to Access Widgets
Some widgets can be accessed by swiping right or left on the home screen. This can be a great way to access widgets without having to clutter up your home screen with them.
Consider Using a Widget Manager App
There are a number of widget manager apps available in the Play Store that can help you organize and manage your widgets. These apps can make it easier to find and access the widgets you want, and they can also help you to reduce clutter on your home screen.
Disable Widget Suggestions
Widget suggestions can be helpful, but they can also clutter up your home screen. To disable widget suggestions, simply long-press on the widget and select “Turn off widget suggestions” from the menu that appears.
Use a Launcher That Supports Widget Customization
Some launchers, such as Nova Launcher and Action Launcher, allow for more customization of widgets than the stock launcher. This can give you more control over the size, layout, and appearance of your widgets.
Try Using a Grid-Based Home Screen
Grid-based home screens can make it easier to organize your widgets and keep your home screen looking neat. To enable a grid-based home screen, simply long-press on the home screen and select “Settings” from the menu that appears. Then, select “Grid size” and choose the grid size that you want.
Enhancing the Home Screen with Essential Widgets
Customizing your home screen with essential widgets can streamline your daily tasks and provide quick access to important information. Widgets offer a convenient way to display live updates, notifications, and controls on your home screen. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to remove unwanted widgets and optimize your home screen.
Removing Widgets from the Home Screen
To remove a widget from your home screen on Android devices:
- Tap and hold the widget you want to remove.
- Drag the widget to the “Remove” icon or the edge of your screen.
- Release the widget to remove it from the home screen.
On iOS devices:
- Tap and hold the widget you want to remove.
- Tap the “Remove Widget” button.
- Confirm the removal by tapping “Remove”.
Essential Widgets for Productivity
Here are some essential widgets that can enhance your productivity and efficiency:
| Widget | Description |
|---|---|
| Calendar | Displays upcoming events and appointments. |
| Notes | Provides quick access to create, edit, and access notes. |
| Weather | Offers current and future weather forecasts. |
| Clock | Shows the current time and allows setting alarms. |
| Battery Status | Displays battery percentage and remaining time. |
Customizing Widget Settings
Most widgets allow you to customize their settings to display specific information or adjust the widget’s size and appearance. To customize a widget, tap and hold the widget and select the “Settings” option.
Managing Widgets with Widgets Drawer
To organize your widgets and access them easily, some Android devices offer a “Widgets Drawer.” To open the widgets drawer, pinch the home screen or tap and hold on an empty space on your home screen. From the widgets drawer, you can add, remove, and rearrange widgets on your home screen.
How to Remove Widgets From Home Screen
Widgets are small app-like programs that can be added to your home screen to provide quick access to information or functionality. However, if you no longer want a widget on your home screen, it can be easily removed.
To remove a widget from the home screen, simply long-press on it until it begins to wiggle. Once it is wiggling, you can drag it to the top of the screen where the “Remove” button will appear. Then, drop the widget on the “Remove” button to delete it.
Another way to remove a widget is to go to the “Edit Home Screen” mode by pinching your fingers together on the home screen. Once in this mode, you can simply tap the “x” button in the corner of the widget to delete it.
People Also Ask
How to remove widgets from home screen on android?
Long-press on the widget until it begins to wiggle, then drag it to the top of the screen where the “Remove” button will appear.
How to remove widgets from home screen on iphone?
Go to the “Edit Home Screen” mode by pinching your fingers together on the home screen, then tap the “x” button in the corner of the widget to delete it.
How to remove widgets from home screen on mac?
Click on the widget and drag it to the bottom of the screen where the “Remove” button will appear.
