Mac desktop widgets give you quick access to information and controls without opening a full app. You can add widgets to the desktop or Notification Center, resize and rearrange them, use interactive controls, and display compatible iPhone widgets on your Mac.
Quick Answer
To add a widget to your Mac desktop, Control-click an empty area of the desktop, choose Edit Widgets, select an app, and click a widget size. You can also add widgets to Notification Center by opening it, scrolling to the bottom, and choosing Edit Widgets.
To customize widgets, drag them to a new location, choose a different size when editing, and use System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Widgets to control whether widgets appear on the desktop, in Notification Center, or in a muted appearance.
What You Need to Know About Mac Widgets
Widgets are small, glanceable panels that show information from an app. Depending on the widget, you may see a calendar, weather forecast, reminders, battery levels, news, clock, photos, or other information.
Mac widgets can appear in two places:
- Desktop: Widgets remain visible on your desktop when no window is covering them.
- Notification Center: Widgets appear in the panel that opens when you click the date and time in the menu bar.
Some widgets are interactive. For example, you may be able to mark a reminder complete, pause media, turn a Home accessory on or off, or check off an item without opening the associated app. Available actions depend on the app and widget.
How to Add a Widget to the Mac Desktop
You can add desktop widgets from the desktop itself. This is usually the quickest way to create a group of Mac desktop widgets.
- Click an empty area of the desktop.
- Control-click the desktop, or click the desktop with two fingers on a trackpad.
- Choose Edit Widgets.
- In the widget gallery, browse the available widgets or select an app from the list.
- Click a widget to view its available sizes.
- Click the size you want.
- Click the widget, or drag it to the desktop.
- When you finish, click Done.
Widgets are generally arranged automatically around existing desktop items. You can move them after adding them.
Add a Widget by Dragging It
The widget gallery also lets you place a widget directly where you want it:
- Control-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Choose Edit Widgets.
- Find the widget you want.
- Drag the widget from the gallery to an open area of the desktop.
- Click Done.
If there is not enough room, macOS may place the widget in another available position.
How to Add a Widget to Notification Center
Notification Center is useful if you want widgets available without keeping them visible on the desktop.
- Click the date and time in the menu bar to open Notification Center.
- Scroll to the bottom of the widget area.
- Click Edit Widgets.
- Browse the widget gallery or choose an app.
- Select a widget size.
- Click the widget to add it to Notification Center, or drag it into the widget area.
- Click Done.
You can add different widgets to Notification Center and the desktop. The same widget may also be available in both places, depending on the app.
How to Move and Rearrange Widgets
You can rearrange widgets after adding them.
Move a Desktop Widget
- Click and hold the widget.
- Drag it to a new location.
- Release the widget when it is positioned where you want it.
You may need to move other widgets or desktop items to create space.
Move a Notification Center Widget
- Open Notification Center by clicking the date and time in the menu bar.
- Click and hold the widget.
- Drag it up or down.
- Release it in the desired position.
If dragging does not work immediately, open the widget editor by scrolling down and choosing Edit Widgets, then rearrange the widgets there.
How to Change a Widget’s Size
Many widgets are available in more than one size. Larger widgets usually show more information, while smaller widgets take up less space.
- Control-click the widget.
- If multiple sizes are available, choose Small, Medium, or Large.
- The widget changes size immediately.
You can also change a widget’s size while adding it:
- Open the widget editor.
- Select the app that provides the widget.
- Choose the size you want.
- Add the widget to the desktop or Notification Center.
Not every widget supports every size. If a size option is missing, that widget does not provide it.
How to Use Interactive Widgets
Interactive widgets let you perform simple actions directly from the widget. The exact controls vary by app.
Examples may include:
- Checking off a reminder
- Marking a task as complete
- Starting or pausing media
- Changing playback
- Controlling compatible Home accessories
- Viewing or changing certain settings
- Navigating items within a widget
To use an interactive control, click the button, checkbox, or other control inside the widget. You may need to click a specific part of the widget rather than the entire panel.
Some widgets are informational only. Clicking one may open the related app instead of performing an action in the widget.
If a Widget Opens an App Instead
A widget may open its app when you click an area that is not interactive. This is normal behavior. Look for a checkbox, button, arrow, playback control, or other clearly interactive element.
If the widget still does not respond, make sure the related app is installed and set up. Some widgets also require access to your calendars, reminders, location, media library, or other information.
How to Display iPhone Widgets on a Mac
A Mac can display compatible widgets from apps installed on your iPhone, even when the corresponding Mac app is not installed. These are called iPhone widgets on Mac.
For this feature to work, your iPhone and Mac generally need to:
- Use the same Apple Account
- Have Wi-Fi enabled
- Be near each other
- Meet Apple’s software and hardware requirements for widget sharing
- Have the relevant iPhone app and widget available
Your iPhone may also need to be nearby and locked for the feature to work correctly.
Add an iPhone Widget to the Mac
- Control-click an empty area of the Mac desktop.
- Choose Edit Widgets.
- Browse the widget gallery or select an app.
- Look for widgets identified as coming from your iPhone.
- Select the widget size you want.
- Click or drag the widget onto the desktop.
- Click Done.
You can also add an available iPhone widget to Notification Center by opening Notification Center and choosing Edit Widgets.
How to Identify an iPhone Widget
The widget gallery indicates when a widget comes from your iPhone. The exact label or appearance may vary depending on the app and system configuration.
An iPhone widget may not provide exactly the same controls as a Mac widget. Some features can also depend on whether the app supports the widget on the iPhone and whether the iPhone is available.
Turn Off iPhone Widgets on the Mac
If you do not want iPhone widgets to appear in the gallery:
- Open the Apple menu.
- Choose System Settings.
- Click Desktop & Dock in the sidebar.
- Scroll to the Widgets section.
- Turn off Use iPhone widgets.
If you do not see this option, your Mac, iPhone, account setup, or current system configuration may not support the feature.
How to Control Widget Appearance
macOS can change how desktop widgets look depending on whether windows are active. You can also choose where widgets appear.
- Open the Apple menu.
- Choose System Settings.
- Click Desktop & Dock.
- Scroll to the Widgets section.
Depending on your Mac and system configuration, you may see options for:
- Showing widgets on the desktop
- Showing widgets in Notification Center
- Using iPhone widgets
- Choosing a widget style or appearance
Choose a Widget Style
The Widget style setting controls how widgets appear on the desktop. Available choices can include:
- Automatic: macOS adjusts the appearance based on whether you are actively using another window.
- Monochrome: Widgets use a more muted, single-color appearance.
- Full-color: Widgets retain their color when available.
Select the appearance you prefer. This changes how widgets are displayed, not the information they provide.
Show Widgets on the Desktop
In System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Widgets, use the setting for showing widgets on the desktop to turn desktop widgets on or off.
Turning off desktop widgets does not necessarily remove them from Notification Center. It controls their visibility on the desktop.
Show Widgets in Notification Center
Use the corresponding Notification Center setting if you want widgets available there. This can be useful when you prefer a cleaner desktop but still want quick access to widget information.
How to Remove a Widget
Removing a widget does not delete the associated app or its data. It only removes the widget from the desktop or Notification Center.
Remove a Desktop Widget
- Control-click the widget.
- Choose Remove Widget.
Alternatively:
- Control-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Choose Edit Widgets.
- Move the pointer over the widget.
- Click the Remove button, if shown.
- Click Done.
Remove a Notification Center Widget
- Open Notification Center by clicking the date and time in the menu bar.
- Control-click the widget.
- Choose Remove Widget.
You can add the widget again later from Edit Widgets.
How to Customize a Widget’s Information
Some widgets let you change what they display. For example, a weather widget may let you select a location, while a clock widget may let you choose a city.
- Control-click the widget.
- Choose Edit [Widget Name], if that option is available.
- Change the available settings.
- Click outside the widget or choose Done, depending on the widget.
Not all widgets can be customized. If Edit is not available, the widget may use information configured in its associated app.
For example, you may need to open Calendar, Reminders, Weather, or another app to change the source information shown by the widget.
Troubleshooting Mac Widgets
The Edit Widgets option is missing
Make sure you are clicking an empty area of the desktop or opening Notification Center first. The widget editor appears in those locations, not in every context menu.
Also check System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Widgets to confirm that widgets are enabled for the location you are using.
A widget is not available
The app may not provide a widget for Mac, or the widget may require an updated version of the app. Open the associated app and check whether it is installed, configured, and signed in where necessary.
For iPhone widgets, verify that the iPhone and Mac use the same Apple Account and that the iPhone is nearby with Wi-Fi enabled.
An iPhone widget does not appear
Check the following:
- Confirm that Use iPhone widgets is enabled in System Settings > Desktop & Dock.
- Make sure the iPhone and Mac use the same Apple Account.
- Keep the iPhone nearby and connected to Wi-Fi.
- Check that the app provides a widget on the iPhone.
- Restart the iPhone or Mac if the widget gallery still does not update.
A widget shows outdated information
Open the related app to allow it to refresh. Also check your internet connection and the permissions required by the app.
Location-based widgets may require location access. Calendar and reminder widgets may require access to the relevant accounts or lists.
A widget is unresponsive
Click a specific control rather than the widget background. If it still does not respond, open the associated app and confirm that it is working normally.
You can also remove the widget and add it again. Removing the widget does not remove the app or delete its data.
Widgets are covering desktop items
Move the widgets to another area of the desktop or remove widgets you do not use. You can also turn off desktop widgets in System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Widgets while keeping Notification Center widgets available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put widgets anywhere on a Mac desktop?
You can drag widgets to available areas of the desktop. macOS may adjust their position to fit around other widgets, desktop icons, and system layout rules.
Can I use iPhone widgets without installing the iPhone app on my Mac?
Yes, compatible iPhone widgets can appear on a Mac even when the corresponding app is not installed on the Mac. The iPhone and Mac must meet the requirements for widget sharing.
Do Mac widgets use a lot of space?
Widget sizes vary. Choose Small for a compact view, Medium for more information, or Large when you need additional details. Some widgets offer only certain sizes.
Can I put the same widget on the desktop and in Notification Center?
In many cases, yes. Add the widget separately to each location through Edit Widgets. The available behavior can vary by widget.
Does removing a widget delete its app or information?
No. Removing a widget only removes that widget from the desktop or Notification Center. It does not uninstall the app or delete its data.
Why do some widgets look faded?
macOS can use a muted appearance when you are working in another window. Check System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Widgets and review the widget appearance options.
Can I interact with every widget?
No. Some widgets only display information. Interactive controls are available only when the widget’s app supports them.
How do I restore a removed widget?
Open the widget editor by choosing Edit Widgets on the desktop or at the bottom of Notification Center. Find the app and add the widget again.
Final Thoughts
Mac widgets provide quick access to useful information without requiring you to open several apps. Add frequently used widgets to the desktop for constant visibility, or keep them in Notification Center for a less cluttered workspace. You can resize, rearrange, customize, and remove widgets at any time, while compatible iPhone widgets expand the options available on your Mac.