Google Android first created widgets in the year 2008. Since then, these small blocks of tiles have become a handy feature on our digital devices. It was the latest feature to roll out to iOS last year. As we all know, iOS did not invent them; however, we can safely say it executes them better than Android.
They have been hailed as being very productive for students and everyone else who has to keep up with many daily tasks. To make the most of them, you must know which are best for your iPad. Hence, this article will discuss the best widgets and tips for your iPad.
Keeping in mind that not all of them work well on an iPad, we have curated a list of the best and most productive widgets guaranteed to work for you. These will help you daily with all your tasks for the day.
RELATED: A Guide to iPadOS 15 Widgets and Home Screen Layout Customization
What are iPad widgets – Why do you need them?
iPad widgets are boxes and tiles you can place anywhere on your home screen. They show you the latest and current information from your favorite applications at a glance.
You can quickly view the weather, time, and calendar from your home screen without entering specific applications. This reduces your time on your phone and replaces it with productive tasks you can get done during that time.
Widgets on iPad have become a very famous tool for productivity. If you want to reduce your phone addiction and be able to finish essential tasks, they can help you to a great extent.
How to add widgets on iPad?
We understand you may be overwhelmed because widgets are a new feature on iOS. It can be a little tricky to add these small tiles to your home screen for increased productivity.
However, adding widgets to your iPad is a simple process. It is similar to how you would add them on your iPhone.
If you are still wondering how to get this done, follow these simple steps to use any widget on your iPad:
- Step 1: Press and hold any empty space on your home screen till all your applications begin to jiggle.
- Step 2: Click the “Add” button in the top left corner to enter the widget selection mode.
- Step 3: Select the application you want to have as a widget in the selection mode.
- Step 4: Once you have decided which widget to choose, click on the “Add Widge” button on the bottom with a “+” sign on the side.
- Step 5: You can place the widget wherever you want on the home screen. You can also adjust the size if you wish.
- Step 6: Once you are satisfied, tap “Done” in the top right corner
7 best widgets for your iPad
1. Maps Widget
With this latest feature on iOS, Google has recently rolled out new widgets for iPhone and iPad users.
There are two Maps widgets you can choose from. The first informs you about your area’s travel route and travel conditions. The second provides a Search Bar to look up directions via the map application and different shortcuts to reach your location. You get these shortcuts: Work, Gas, Home, and Restaurant.
Using these widgets is a simple task that will not take up much of your time. You can quickly add them to your home screen following the steps mentioned above for a hassle-free experience. It will result in convenience when you want to reach a location soon.
2. Shortcut Maker
Using shortcuts can make your everyday tasks easy. Whether it is adding a quick note or setting an immediate alarm, Shortcut Maker will help you with all of that.
You can use it in different ways. You can add a shortcut where clicking on it directs you to a specific profile on Twitter or leads you to a particular project on your notes application. The possibilities are endless. You can completely customize it to your needs.
However, using this at first can seem a little complicated because it is the latest feature on iOS. If you don’t know how to use this widget, don’t worry, you can follow these simple steps to create a shortcut instantly:
- Step 1: Download the Shortcut application from App Store on your iPad.
- Step 2: Open the Shortcut application on your iPad and tap “Create Shortcut”
- Step 3: You will be asked to add an “Action” in your Shortcut. Search for an action that suits your need. For example, re-directing to a specific note, opening your Twitter profile, etc.
- Step 4: After adding an “Action”, place your Shortcut widget wherever you like on the home screen. You will now be able to interact with it.
Shortcut maker is one of the best widgets for iPhone and iPad. It is easy to use and very convenient for small tasks.
RELATED: How to Create Keyboard Shortcuts on iPad for Typing Faster
3. Reminders Widget
Reminder Widget is a game changer for all iPad users who like having their tasks in front of them. It allows you to interact with your task list from your home screen without opening the application.
The reminder application on iOS is minimal, user-friendly, efficient, and completely free. To make the most of this application, you must create a widget for it on your iPad.
Creating a reminder widget is quick and easy. You can refer to the section above and understand how to add it to your home screen in a few seconds.
By interacting with the widget, you can also add tasks to your home screen. You can try setting different lists in the reminder application to make the most of this application.
The list feature allows you to separate your reminders according to your projects. For example, you can maintain a separate list for your groceries and a separate list for your office tasks.
You can also add the reminder widget to your Today View Screen, which can be found by swiping right from your main home screen. To add the reminder widget, tap the “Edit” button at the bottom and add the reminder application.
4. Notes Widget
Notes widget comes in handy when you want to jot down a few quick ideas or bits of inspiration. You cannot always carry a pen and paper with you; with this widget, you don’t have to.
It can remain on your home screen at all times. Whenever you want to record something, maybe an address, you only have to click on the note’s tile, start typing, and that’s it.
Adding the notes widget to your main home screen is a simple process. Follow the steps mentioned above, and you should have it running in no time.
5. Widget Stacks
Widgets can take up a lot of space. If you don’t like to clutter your home screen, Widget Stacks is a great option. Your iPad will remain clean, and you will be able to use the functionality provided by widgets.
Fundamentally, Widget Stacks allow you to stack your widgets on top of each other so that all of them are located in one place without consuming more space on your home screen. But that’s not all there is to love, as you also get Smart Stack to combine the best of several widgets into one scrollable mega-widget.
For instance, if you tend to check your calendar and then the email app, Smart Stack allows you to bundle the two together, followed by your other actions during the day. Just as iPadOS allows you to add a custom home screen layout, you can even personalize Smart Stack by adding and removing widget with a simple long press.
To stack widgets, you can follow these steps:
- Step 1: Create a widget
- Step 2: Create another widget
- Step 3: Press and hold the second widget and drop it on top of the first.
You will now see these dots “:” next to your tile. It indicates there is more than one widget stacked on top of it. You can add as many as you like and enjoy your personalized stack.
6. Google Drive Widget
Google Drive can be an excellent platform to store all your personal and work-related files. If you are invested in this application and depend on it daily, we recommend using the Google Drive widget.
This will allow you to access all your essential files from your home screen without going into the application and selecting the specific file.
Adding this to your home screen is straightforward, and you can get it running in seconds; follow the steps mentioned above and add the Google Drive widget to your home screen without any hassle.
You can also customize it by pressing and holding the widget until you see an “Edit”option appear. Then, quickly select what folders or files you want displayed from your drive. Finally, you can interact with your files directly from your home screen.
7.Calendar Widget
Apple has one of the best built-in calendar widgets. Having it is a must for you if you use a digital calendar.
With Apple Calendar, you can differentiate your work calendar from your other calendar. You can use calendar widgets to have both calendars on your home screen, always in front of you.
Accomplishing this is easy. You can refer to the above section to understand how to add a widget. Then, repeat this process to select multiple calendars and have all of them displayed on your home screen.
It is that easy.
FAQs
Does using a widget on the iPad drain my battery?
Using widgets on your iPad does not drain your battery. It is because iOS has optimized them remarkably well. They only consume a fraction of your battery. Other than that, they don’t demand a lot of power.
However, this may depend on how many widgets you are using on your device. We recommend you stack them together so that less battery is consumed.
Besides that, you can safely use your favorite widgets for the iPad without worrying about any significant battery drain.
Do widgets take up a lot of storage?
No, widgets don’t usually take a lot of storage. They are very small files that work in the background. Its task is to offer you convenience and allow you to interact with an application without opening it.
You do not have to be worried because widgets will not consume a lot of your storage and slow down your iPad. They are optimized to work this way and simultaneously offer a satisfactory user experience.
What do I do if my widget stops working?
The simplest thing to do here would be to delete the widget and re-add it to your home screen. If it stops responding, try switching off your iPad and switching it back on. This should solve your problem.
Another reason your widget may not work is that you have not yet updated your software. Once you update your iPad to the latest software, you should no longer have such problems.
Wrapping up
Widgets have wholly revolutionized the iOS user interface. They have made it more intuitive and fun to work with. If you haven’t yet tried using them on your iPad, we recommend you do so immediately!
Once you start using them and see how productive and efficient they can be if used correctly, you will not want to go back. These best widgets and tips for iPad will surely help you get started.
We hope this article was informative and beneficial for you. Please do not feel shy to share it with your friends who want to know more about iPad widgets.
Add comment