If you’ve ever tried to make your iPhone 13 home screen look clean and aesthetic, you’ve probably run into one annoying issue: widgets aren’t actually transparent. You add a widget expecting it to blend perfectly with your wallpaper… and instead, you get a solid gray or blurred box. It ruins the whole vibe, right? A lot of users search for “How To Get Transparent Widget On iPhone 13” because they want that sleek, seamless look they’ve seen on Instagram or Pinterest.
I’ve played around with iPhone customization for years, and I remember feeling confused the first time I tried this. I thought, “Why doesn’t Apple just add a transparency option?” IMO, it’s one of those features that seems simple but isn’t built-in. After testing different apps, methods, and shortcuts, I found a reliable way to create that transparent effect. And in this article, I’ll walk you through it step by step.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to create a transparent-looking widget on your iPhone 13 without jailbreaking or risky tweaks. Let’s make your home screen look smooth and professional.
How To Get Transparent Widget On iPhone 13
There’s no native “transparent widget” setting on iPhone 13. Instead, you create a fake transparent effect using third-party widget apps and a matching screenshot of your wallpaper.
Here’s the short version:
- iOS does not support real transparent widgets
- You need a widget customization app (like Widgetsmith or Color Widgets)
- Take a screenshot of your empty home screen wallpaper
- Crop the screenshot to match the widget position
- Upload that image as the widget background
- Place the widget exactly where you planned
Safe & Practical Actions You Can Take Now:
- Update your iPhone 13 to the latest iOS version
- Choose a clean, static wallpaper (not live)
- Remove app icons temporarily for a clean screenshot
- Use trusted apps from the App Store only
That’s it. Now let’s break it down properly.
Why iPhone 13 Doesn’t Have True Transparent Widgets
Before we jump into the how-to steps, let’s clear something up.
Apple’s iOS design uses blurred backgrounds, not real transparency. Widgets sit on top of the wallpaper with a system-generated background layer. That’s why they don’t fully disappear into your wallpaper.
Apple prioritizes:
- Readability
- Consistency
- Battery efficiency
- System stability
So if you’re wondering, “Is there a hidden setting?” — the answer is no. The transparent effect is created manually.
Step-by-Step: How To Get Transparent Widget On iPhone 13
Now let’s do it the right way.
Step 1: Set Your Wallpaper First
Before doing anything else:
- Choose the wallpaper you want to use.
- Go to Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper
- Set it for the Home Screen.
- Turn off Perspective Zoom if available.
Make sure you’re 100% happy with this wallpaper because the transparent trick depends on it.
Step 2: Create an Empty Home Screen Page
You need a clean screenshot.
- Long-press on your home screen.
- Drag all apps to another page.
- Leave one page completely empty.
This gives you a clean background to work with.
Step 3: Take a Screenshot
Once the screen is empty:
- Press the Side Button + Volume Up button at the same time.
- Save the screenshot.
This screenshot will act as the “fake transparency” background.
Step 4: Download a Widget Customization App
You’ll need a trusted widget app. Popular options include:
- Widgetsmith
- Color Widgets
- Transparent Widget App
Search in the App Store and install one.
FYI: Most of these apps offer free basic features. Some advanced styles may require a premium version.
Step 5: Create a Custom Transparent Widget
Inside your chosen app:
- Select the widget size (Small, Medium, or Large).
- Choose custom background.
- Upload your screenshot.
- The app will ask where the widget will be placed.
- Select the correct grid position.
The app automatically crops the screenshot to match that position.
Step 6: Add the Widget to Your Home Screen
Now:
- Long-press the home screen.
- Tap the + icon in the top-left corner.
- Search for your widget app.
- Choose the widget size.
- Tap “Add Widget.”
- Place it exactly where you selected earlier.
If everything matches, the widget will blend perfectly into the wallpaper.
And just like that, you have a transparent-looking widget.
Common Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)
Even small errors can ruin the illusion.
Wrong Widget Placement
If you move the widget after adding it, the transparency won’t line up.
Solution: Always place it in the exact grid location selected inside the app.
Changing Wallpaper Later
If you switch wallpapers, the widget won’t match anymore.
Solution: Recreate the widget with a new screenshot.
Using Dynamic or Live Wallpapers
These move slightly, breaking the effect.
Solution: Use a static wallpaper only.
Best Widget Sizes for Transparent Effect
Not all sizes look equally good.
Small Widgets
Best for:
- Clock
- Date
- Minimal aesthetic layouts
They’re easier to align.
Medium Widgets
Great for:
- Calendar
- Weather
- Quote widgets
They create stronger visual impact.
Large Widgets
Best for:
- Photo display
- Minimal home screen layouts
But they require more precise alignment.
Does This Work on All iOS Versions?
Yes, as long as your iPhone 13 runs iOS 14 or later, because that’s when Apple introduced widgets.
However:
- App interface may vary
- Cropping alignment may differ slightly
- Some widget apps update frequently
Always keep apps updated.
Is This Safe for Your iPhone 13?
Yes. This method:
- Does NOT require jailbreaking
- Does NOT modify system files
- Does NOT void warranty
- Uses official App Store apps
You’re simply customizing visuals.
Can You Make Widgets Fully Transparent?
Short answer: No.
You can only create the illusion of transparency. The widget still exists; it just uses a matching image background.
In my opinion, Apple might introduce better customization in the future. But for now, this workaround is the best option.
Pro Tips for a Clean Aesthetic Setup
Want your home screen to look next-level?
Try this:
- Use matching app icon themes
- Stick to neutral wallpaper colors
- Keep 1–2 widgets max
- Use minimal text
- Hide extra app pages
Less clutter = more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make a widget actually transparent on iPhone 13?
No. iOS does not support true transparent widgets. You can only create a visual illusion using a cropped wallpaper image inside a widget app.
2. Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone 13?
Absolutely not. Jailbreaking is unnecessary and risky. The transparent widget effect works entirely through App Store apps and standard iOS features.
3. Why doesn’t my transparent widget line up correctly?
This usually happens because:
- The widget was placed in the wrong position
- The wallpaper was changed
- The screenshot was taken incorrectly
Recreate the screenshot and reassign the widget location.
4. Does transparent widget drain battery?
No. It uses the same amount of battery as a regular widget. The background image does not add significant battery usage.
5. Can I use this trick with dynamic wallpapers?
No. Dynamic or live wallpapers shift slightly, which breaks alignment. Always use a static image wallpaper for best results.
Final Thoughts
Customizing your iPhone 13 with transparent widgets is all about creating a clean illusion. Once you understand the screenshot-and-crop trick, it becomes super easy.
I think this is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your home screen without complicated tweaks. It’s safe, effective, and completely reversible.
Now that you know exactly how to get transparent widget on iPhone 13, go try it out and experiment with layouts. You might be surprised how much cleaner your phone feels with just one small visual change.
