The fastest currency conversion is the one you don’t even have to open an app for. iOS home-screen widgets put the rates you care about right where you’ll see them — glance and go. Here’s how to use them well.
Types of currency widgets
- Single-rate widget — one pair, big and clear (e.g. 1 USD → EUR). Best for travelers tracking home ↔ destination.
- Multi-currency list — several currencies at once, ideal if you juggle more than two.
- Chart widget — a 30- or 60-day trend line for a pair, so you can see where the rate is heading.
Currencies offers all three, so you can mix a compact single rate with a fuller list or a chart depending on your home-screen style.
How to add a widget on iPhone
- Touch and hold an empty area of the home screen until the apps jiggle.
- Tap the + in the top corner and search for Currencies.
- Pick a widget size/type, place it, then tap to choose the currency pair.
Widgets + alerts = hands-off rates
Widgets show the rate; rate alerts tell you when it hits a target. Together they mean you stay informed without ever manually checking. And because Currencies caches rates offline, your widget still shows the last known rate even with no signal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I show more than one currency in a widget?
Yes — the multi-currency list widget displays several pairs at once.
Do currency widgets update automatically?
They refresh with the latest rates when your phone is online, and show the last cached rate offline.
Is there a widget that shows rate history?
Yes, the chart widget shows a 30- or 60-day trend for any pair.