How to Add a Widget to Your Android Device's Lock Screen

Want to see all your most important updates without the hassle of unlocking your device? With Android 4.2, users can add up to six different lock screen widgets for quick and easy access to their favorite widgets. If you're using a phone that has a pure version of the Android OS, like the Play edition phones or the Nexus 4, here's how you can quickly add widgets to your lock screen.  

1. Bring up your device's lock screen. 

2. Swipe or drag the clock widget sideways. If you drag from right to left, you will pull up the Camera app by default. Drag from left to right to bring the next widget into view. 

3. Tap the Plus icon to bring up a list of widgets available. 

4. Select your widget.

And you're done! Android 4.2 supports up to six lock screens, each accommodating one widget. To add another widget, just repeat steps two to four. If you want to remove a widget you added, simply tap and hold it until the screen zooms out, then drag the widget over to the cross that appears at the top of the screen. 

Cherlynn Low
Staff Writer
Cherlynn joined the Laptopmag team in June 2013 and has since been writing about all things tech and digital with a focus on mobile and Internet software development. She also edits and reports occasionally on video. She graduated with a M.S. in Journalism (Broadcast) from Columbia University in May 2013 and has been designing personal websites since 2001.