HEARTSEE GUIDE · 6 MIN READ

How to Add a Couples Widget to iPhone Lock Screen in 6 Steps

Add a HeartSee couples widget to the iPhone Lock Screen in six steps, pick a signal that is safe to show in public, and fix a widget that will not update.

Choose a Lock Screen-safe signal

The Lock Screen is visible before the phone is unlocked. Choose a compact signal you would be comfortable showing in public, such as days together, distance, or a countdown. Personal notes and relationship details may fit better on the Home Screen.

Review notification previews in iPhone Settings as well. A private widget does not make unrelated notification text private.

Open the Lock Screen editor

Lock Screen widgets need iOS 16 or later. HeartSee itself runs on iOS 15.1 or later, so on iOS 15 use the Home Screen widget instead. The steps below follow Apple’s Lock Screen instructions.

Wake the iPhone, then touch and hold the Lock Screen. Authenticate if asked.
Tap Customize, then choose Lock Screen.
Tap the widget area above or below the clock.
Find HeartSee in the widget picker.
Tap or drag the HeartSee design you want into an available slot.
Tap Done to save.

Check permissions and refresh behavior

Distance requires the relevant location permissions chosen by both partners. A countdown needs a confirmed date, and partner content requires a working connection. iOS controls widget refresh timing, so a short delay is normal.

Open HeartSee to confirm the underlying information is current. If the app is correct but the widget is not, restart the iPhone and use the dedicated widget troubleshooting guide.

Use visibility as a shared boundary

Ask before placing a partner’s words, mood, or distance on a visible screen. Each person can choose a different design and different level of visibility. Changing or removing a widget should always remain easy and should not be interpreted as rejection.

Revisit the choice before travel, work presentations, family events, or any situation where the Lock Screen may be shared.

Prefer compact, low-detail information.
Check notification preview settings.
Let each partner choose their own visibility.

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked questions

Does my partner need HeartSee too?

Yes. HeartSee is a paired app for two iPhones. Both partners install it and pair with the invite code, and the widget then shows your shared information.

Can the Lock Screen widget show the distance between us?

Yes, when both partners allow the Location access HeartSee asks for. The number is a recent snapshot, not a live feed, because iOS decides when widgets refresh.

Why is my Lock Screen widget not updating?

iOS schedules widget refreshes, so short delays are normal. Open HeartSee to check the information is current there, confirm both iPhones are online and the needed permissions are on, then restart the iPhone if the widget still shows old content.

Can other people see my Lock Screen widget?

Yes. The Lock Screen is visible before the phone is unlocked, so anyone who sees your iPhone can read the widget. Choose a low-detail signal such as days together and keep personal notes for the Home Screen or the app.

Which iOS version do I need?

Lock Screen widgets need iOS 16 or later. HeartSee runs on iOS 15.1 or later, so on iOS 15 you can use the Home Screen widget only.

Sources

iOS behavior in this guide follows Apple’s documentation. Menus can differ by iOS version.

Make the little moments easier to share.

HeartSee gives couples a private iPhone space for distance, widgets, moods, drawings, games, streaks, and memories.

Download on theApp Store