📱 How to add a countdown widget on your iPhone

How to set it up

1. 1

   Install a countdown app

   iOS has no native countdown widget, so start with an app that offers widgets. NanoCount is free and offers widgets in every size. Install the app and create a countdown to the date you want to track.

2. 2

   Enter edit mode

   Touch and hold an empty area of your Home Screen until the app icons start to jiggle. You are now in edit mode.

3. 3

   Open the widget gallery

   Tap the plus button (+) in the top corner. The gallery opens with every app that offers widgets.

4. 4

   Pick your countdown app

   Scroll or search for your countdown app (such as NanoCount) and tap it to see the available widgets.

5. 5

   Choose a size

   Swipe through small, medium and large. Large widgets show several countdowns at once. Pick the style you want.

6. 6

   Add and place it

   Tap 'Add Widget', drag it into position and tap 'Done'. Your countdown now counts down live on your Home Screen.

Why a countdown widget?

A widget keeps your countdown in sight without opening an app. At a glance you see how many days are left until your holiday, birthday or deadline.

Because the widget updates itself, the number of days is always right, every time you pick up your phone.

A countdown on your Lock Screen

On iOS 16 and later you can put a countdown on your Lock Screen too. Touch and hold the Lock Screen, tap 'Customise' and choose 'Lock Screen'.

Tap the widget area under the clock, pick your countdown app and tap the widget to add it. Now you see the countdown the moment you pick up your iPhone, without unlocking.

The widget sizes explained

Small shows a single countdown, large and clear. Medium gives room for a bit more detail. Large shows several countdowns at once, handy when you track more than one moment.

In NanoCount the multi-widget, with several events in one widget, is free.

Live on your Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island

In the final day before your countdown, the counter appears live on your Lock Screen. On an iPhone 14 Pro or later you also see it in the Dynamic Island, down to the second.

Useful on New Year's Eve or just before a flight, when you would rather not unlock your phone each time to check.

Editing or removing the widget

Want a different countdown or style in the widget? Touch and hold the widget and choose 'Edit Widget'.

To remove it, touch and hold the widget and tap 'Remove Widget'.

Widget not showing or not updating?

No widget, or it is not updating? Open the app once so the countdown is saved, and check that your iOS is up to date.

If that does not help, remove the widget and add it again. Restarting your iPhone usually clears stubborn display issues.

Frequently asked questions

Does the iPhone have a built-in countdown widget?

No, iOS has no native countdown widget. You add one through an app that offers widgets, such as NanoCount.

How do I add a countdown to my Lock Screen?

Touch and hold the Lock Screen, tap 'Customise', choose the widget area under the clock and add your countdown app's widget. This works on iOS 16 and later.

Which iPhone and iOS does this work on?

Home Screen widgets work from iOS 14 and Lock Screen widgets from iOS 16. NanoCount requires iOS 17. The Dynamic Island works on iPhone 14 Pro and later.

Is a countdown widget free?

Yes. In NanoCount the widgets are free, including the multi-widget with several countdowns. Some premium styles are part of a one-time Pro version.

Can I show several countdowns in one widget?

Yes, with the large or multi-event widget. In NanoCount it is free.

Why is my widget not working or updating?

Open the app once so the countdown is saved, check that iOS is up to date, and re-add the widget if needed.

Can I edit the widget later?

Yes. Touch and hold the widget and choose 'Edit Widget' to pick a different countdown or style.