iPhone is an incredibly versatile device, but it still has its shortcomings. One major drawback is that Apple didn’t allow iOS users to put the Calendar app on the home screen. To access the calendar, you have to open the app drawer, swipe to the left and find the app, which can take a lot of time. Fortunately, there’s more than one way to overcome this issue.
This blog post aims at helping iOS users put the Calendar on their home screen using various methods. We will highlight the pros and cons of each method to enable you to decide which option is the best for you.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before you start following any of the methods below, make sure that you have the following:
- An iPhone running iOS 14
- The Calendar app installed on your iPhone
- A working internet connection
What Requires Your Focus?
To put the Calendar on your home screen, you’ll need to focus on the following:
- Understanding the different methods available
- Assessing the pros and cons of each method
- Following the steps carefully without skipping any
- Choosing the most suitable method for your needs
Different Methods to Put Calendar on Home Screen on iPhone
Method 1: Using the Shortcuts App
Shortcuts is a powerful app developed by Apple that enables users to create custom shortcuts for various tasks. Follow these steps to create a shortcut to the Calendar app on your home screen:
1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
2. Tap the "+" icon in the top-right corner of the screen and select "Add Action"
3. Search for "Open App" and select it
4. Tap "Choose" and select the Calendar app from the list of available apps
5. Tap "Next" and enter a name for your shortcut (e.g. "Calendar")
6. Tap "Add to Home Screen" and choose a name for your shortcut (e.g. "Calendar")
7. Tap "Add" and the shortcut will be added to your home screen
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Customizable
- Can add other actions to the shortcut (e.g. open a specific calendar view)
Cons:
- You have to launch the Shortcuts app first to open the Calendar shortcut
Method 2: Using the “Add to Home Screen” Feature
iOS provides a built-in feature that allows you to add a website shortcut to your home screen. Follow these steps to add a shortcut to the Calendar app using this feature:
1. Open Safari on your iPhone
2. Go to "www.icloud.com" or "www.apple.com"
3. Tap the share button at the bottom of the screen
4. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen"
5. Rename the shortcut to "Calendar" and tap "Add"
6. The Calendar shortcut will be added to your home screen
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Quick access to the Calendar app
- You can add a specific calendar view as a shortcut
Cons:
- The Calendar shortcut opens the website version of iCloud or Apple instead of the Calendar app
- You need an Apple ID to access iCloud.com
Method 3: Using the Widgetsmith App
Widgetsmith is a third-party app that allows you to create customized widgets for your iPhone home screen. Follow these steps to use Widgetsmith to add a Calendar widget to your home screen:
1. Download Widgetsmith from the App Store
2. Open the app and tap "Add Widget"
3. Select "Small" (2×2) or "Medium" (4×2) size for your widget
4. Tap "Custom" and select "Calendar" from the list of widget types
5. Tap "Save" and then "Add Widget" again
6. Long-press the widget and tap "Edit Widget"
7. Customize the widget settings according to your preferences (e.g. choose the calendar view, text color, and font)
8. Tap "Done" and the widget will be added to your home screen
Pros:
- Customizable
- Allows you to view the calendar without opening the app
- Provides a wide range of widget options
Cons:
- You have to purchase the premium version of Widgetsmith to customize the background color
- You have to create a new widget for each calendar view you want to see
Why Can’t I Put Calendar on My Home Screen?
1. Apple doesn’t provide an option to add the Calendar app to the home screen by default
2. Some iOS versions don’t support the third-party apps mentioned above
3. Your iPhone might have a software issue that’s preventing you from adding shortcuts or widgets to your home screen
Fixes:
- Try updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection
- Contact Apple support for assistance if necessary
Implications and Recommendations
Adding the Calendar app to your home screen can significantly reduce the time and effort it takes to access it. However, each of the methods presented above has its limitations, so it’s crucial to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Based on our analysis, Method 1 (using the Shortcuts app) is the best option as it’s the most customizable and user-friendly. However, if you prefer to have a visual representation of your calendar, you might want to consider using Widgetsmith to add a widget to your home screen.
5 FAQs about Putting Calendar on Home Screen on iPhone
Q1. Can I change the icon for the Calendar shortcut?
A1. Yes, you can use a custom icon by downloading it from a website or creating it yourself using a photo editing tool.
Q2. Will any of these methods delete my Calendar data?
A2. No, none of the methods will delete your Calendar data. They only allow you to access the Calendar app more conveniently.
Q3. Can I use these methods on an iPad?
A3. Yes, you can use these methods on an iPad running iOS 14 or later.
Q4. Is there a way to add a specific calendar view to my home screen?
A4. Yes, you can add a specific calendar view by using the "Add to Home Screen" feature and appending the URL with the desired calendar view. For example, "www.icloud.com/calendar/day".
Q5. Do I have to pay for Widgetsmith?
A5. Widgetsmith offers a limited set of widgets for free, but you’ll have to purchase the premium version to unlock all features.
In Conclusion
Adding the Calendar app to the home screen on your iPhone is a simple process that can provide many benefits. In this blog, we’ve explored three different methods for achieving this goal, and we have also listed fixes to common issues you may encounter. Be sure to choose the method that best suits your needs and enjoy quick access to your calendar.