Start a Live Activity in five steps
A Live Activity is the most immediate way to watch a countdown — no unlocking your phone required.
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Check your iOS version
Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 16.1 or later — Live Activities require it. Check under Settings > General > Software Update.
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Turn on Live Activities for CNDWN
Open Settings, scroll to CNDWN and make sure Live Activities is switched on (it is on by default).
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Open a countdown in CNDWN
Open the app and select the countdown you want to follow live.
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Start the Live Activity
Tap Start Live Activity on the countdown. It will appear right away.
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Lock your phone to see it
Lock your iPhone to see the live countdown on the Lock Screen, and in the Dynamic Island if your model has one.
Live Activity vs widget: which should you use?
A widget is always there, quietly counting down on your Home Screen or Lock Screen. A Live Activity is more temporary and immediate — great for the final hours or minutes before an event, when you want the countdown front and center in the Dynamic Island. Many people use both: a widget for the long run-up, and a Live Activity on the big day. Not sure which widget type fits you? See the full countdown widgets guide or learn how to add a countdown widget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a widget and a Live Activity?
A widget sits on your Home Screen, Lock Screen or in StandBy and updates periodically. A Live Activity is a real-time, temporary display that appears on the Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island while an event is actively approaching or in progress.
Does a Live Activity drain my battery?
No. Live Activities are designed by Apple to be power-efficient — the system manages how and when they refresh, so running one has minimal impact on battery life.
Which iPhones show the Dynamic Island?
The Dynamic Island is available on iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max and later Pro and standard models with the same hardware. Other iPhones running iOS 16.1 or later still show Live Activities on the Lock Screen.