How to Add a Countdown Widget to Your iPhone

An iPhone countdown widget keeps an upcoming date visible without requiring you to open a calendar and calculate the distance each time. The setup has two parts: create the event in a countdown app, then place the app’s widget on your screen.

Create the event first

In Orbit, add a name and date for the moment you want to track. Use a label that remains meaningful when it appears alone on a widget—“Japan trip” is clearer than “Vacation.” Choose a visual style and confirm whether you want to count down to the date or track progress through a longer period.

Add it to the Home Screen

Apple’s current process is:

1. Touch and hold an empty area of the Home Screen until items begin to move.
2. Tap Edit, then Add Widget.
3. Search for the app.
4. Choose a widget size and style.
5. Tap Add Widget, position it, and tap Done.

Apple maintains the latest steps in Add, edit, and remove widgets on iPhone.

Add a Lock Screen widget

Touch and hold the Lock Screen, choose Customize, select the Lock Screen, and tap the widget area. Add the Orbit widget, then save the updated Lock Screen. Available space and layout depend on the current iOS version and the other widgets already present.

Choose the right amount of information

Use a small widget for one priority date. Choose a larger layout when the progress ring, title, and remaining time all matter. Avoid filling the screen with many equal-priority countdowns; the most useful widget is the one you still notice next week.

If the widget does not appear

Open the app once after installation, confirm the event was saved, update iOS and the app, and restart the widget-adding flow. If content looks stale, open the app to allow it to refresh.

Orbit supports customizable progress-ring countdowns and widgets for moments such as birthdays, exams, trips, habits, and long-term goals.