MacOS Sonoma has brought the convenience of adding iPhone widgets to your Mac, simplifying the access to essential information without the need to open individual apps. However, the efficiency of these widgets is compromised when they fail to work or load. To tackle this issue and guarantee real-time widget updates on your Mac, follow the steps below.
The Quick Fix: Restart Mac
One of the simplest and most effective methods to troubleshoot common Mac issues is to restart your device. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner, select “Restart,” and then open the notification center to check if widgets load successfully.
Remove and Re-Add Widgets
If a simple restart doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try removing and re-adding the widgets. Click the clock icon in the Mac menu bar, select “Edit Widgets” at the bottom, remove a widget by selecting the ‘–‘ icon beside it, and then drag and drop the same widget from the bottom widget panel to add it back.
Ensure a Stable Internet Connection
Certain Mac widgets depend on an active internet connection to load app data. If you face issues, ensure that your Mac is connected to the internet. In case of network problems, consult our troubleshooting guide for solutions.
Verify App Installation on Mac
Sometimes, uninstalling an app on your Mac may not remove its widgets from the notification panel. Continuously displaying a blank widget on the sidebar can be resolved by removing the existing widget, reinstalling the app from the App Store or web, and then adding widgets again.
Keep Your Apps Updated
Outdated apps on your Mac can also cause widgets to malfunction or fail to load. Open the Mac App Store and update all affected apps to the latest version to ensure compatibility with the widgets.
Reinstall Affected Apps
If you still encounter blank widgets, consider reinstalling the affected apps. Launch Finder on your Mac, select “Applications” from the sidebar, right-click on the app causing issues, choose “Move to Bin,” and then download and reinstall the app from the web or the Mac App Store.
Add Mac Widgets to Your Desktop (macOS Sonoma)
With the macOS Sonoma update, you have the option to add Mac widgets to your desktop. If you have installed the macOS Sonoma public beta, follow these steps: Click the Mac clock to open the notification center, drag and drop widgets onto the desktop, and ensure they function properly.
Check iCloud Space
Certain Mac apps require sufficient iCloud space to sync the latest data. Insufficient iCloud storage can prevent new notes or reminders from appearing on the Mac widget. Check your available iCloud space by clicking the Apple icon in the menu bar, opening System Settings, selecting your Apple ID, and then opening iCloud. Free up space or upgrade to an iCloud+ plan if necessary.
Reset Notification Center
Mac widgets reside in the notification center, which can be reset using Terminal to resolve any potential problems. Open Terminal on your Mac and run the following command: “defaults delete com.apple.notificationcenterui; killall NotificationCenter.” After running the command, close the app to complete the process.
Check Location Services
Certain Mac apps require location permission to update widgets with accurate information. Ensure that location services are enabled and grant the necessary permissions to the required apps. Go to Mac Settings, scroll to Privacy & Security, and select Location Services to manage the permissions.
Clear Mac Cache
A corrupt or bogus cache on your Mac can prevent widgets from loading correctly. Consider using third-party apps like CleanMyMac X or Onyx to find and remove cache files from your Mac, ensuring optimal widget performance. Note that CleanMyMac X is a paid solution. Download and install these apps from their respective websites.
Reset NVRAM (Intel Macs)
If none of the above solutions work, resetting NVRAM on your Mac, which stores system settings, can resolve general glitches. Follow these steps only for Intel-based Macs: Restart your Mac, continuously press the Command + Option + P + R keys, and release them when you hear the startup chime.
Update macOS
If widgets are still not working or loading, a software glitch could be the cause. Visit System Settings, select General, and then choose Software Update. Download and install the latest macOS build to ensure widgets function properly.
Conclusion
Widgets that fail to work or load can hinder your workflow and force you to frequently open apps for necessary information. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can overcome these issues and enjoy the benefits of real-time updates via widgets on your Mac.
FAQs
1. How do I troubleshoot Mac widgets not working?
Start by restarting your Mac and then follow the steps mentioned in this guide to resolve the issue.
2. What if my Mac widgets are not updating or showing any data?
Verify that you have an active internet connection, update the affected apps, and ensure sufficient iCloud space. Also, consider resetting the Notification Center and checking Location Services permissions.
3. Can I add iPhone widgets to my Mac?
With macOS Sonoma, you can now add your iPhone widgets to your Mac desktop for convenient access to relevant information.
4. How do I remove a widget from my Mac?
Click the clock icon in the Mac menu bar, select “Edit Widgets,” and choose the ‘–‘ icon beside the widget you wish to remove. You can then add the widget again by dragging and dropping it from the bottom widget panel.
5. What if my Mac widgets are still not working after following all the steps?
If all else fails, consider reinstalling the affected apps or resetting the NVRAM on your Intel-based Mac. Ensure that your macOS is regularly updated for optimal widget performance.
