How to add a Left widget on your iPad Lock Screen

iPad Lock Screen widgets let you see your Left countdowns the moment you wake your iPad - no unlock required. Left needs iPadOS 26 or later.

Step 1 - Create your event in Left

1. Open Left on your iPad.
2. Go to Ahead and tap + to add a date. For a habit, streak or Aim, use Since instead.
3. Give it a name and set the date.
4. Tap the checkmark to save.

Step 2 - Enter Lock Screen customisation mode

1. Wake your iPad and go to the Lock Screen (do not unlock).
2. Long-press on the Lock Screen until the Customise button appears at the bottom.
3. Tap Customise, then select Lock Screen (the left panel).

Step 3 - Add a Left widget

1. Tap Add Widgets, or the widgets already below the clock, to open the widget picker.
2. Search for or scroll to "Left".
3. Tap a Left widget to add it to the Lock Screen.
4. Tap Done when finished.

Step 4 - Select which event to display

1. Long-press the Lock Screen again and tap Customise.
2. Tap the Left widget on the Lock Screen.
3. For an Ahead widget, tap Select date and choose the date you want to show.
4. Tap Done.

Requirements

Left needs iPadOS 26 or later, so Lock Screen widgets work on any iPad that can run Left. To check for an update, go to Settings → General → Software Update.

Tip: multiple Lock Screen profiles

iPadOS supports multiple Lock Screen profiles, each with its own wallpaper and widget set. You can create a work-focused Lock Screen with a deadline countdown and a personal Lock Screen with an upcoming holiday - and switch between them from the Lock Screen long-press menu.