Add your first countdown widget
You don't need any technical skill — just CNDWN installed and a date to count down to.
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Download CNDWN
Get CNDWN for free from the App Store and open it.
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Create a countdown
Tap +, add a title and pick a date — or import an event straight from Calendar or Reminders.
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Long-press your Home Screen
Touch and hold any empty area of your Home Screen until the icons start to jiggle.
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Tap the + button
Tap the + in the top corner to open the widget gallery.
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Search for CNDWN
Type "CNDWN" in the search bar and select it from the results.
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Choose a size and add it
Swipe to pick small, medium or large, then tap Add Widget. Tap Done to finish — your countdown now lives on your Home Screen.
Want it on your Lock Screen or StandBy instead?
The flow is nearly identical. For the Lock Screen, long-press it, tap Customize, choose the widget area below the clock and search for CNDWN. For StandBy, simply charge your iPhone and turn it sideways — StandBy activates automatically once you've added a compatible countdown widget. Curious about the differences between all four widget types first? Read the full countdown widgets guide. Want a live, real-time countdown instead of a periodic widget? See how to add a countdown Live Activity.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add more than one countdown widget?
Yes. You can add as many CNDWN widgets as you like, each showing a different countdown, and mix sizes across your Home Screen.
Do CNDWN widgets update automatically?
Yes. Once a widget is added, it keeps counting down on its own — there is no need to reopen the app to refresh it.
Are the steps the same on iPad?
Yes. The process is nearly identical on iPadOS: long-press the Home Screen, tap the + button and search for CNDWN in the widget gallery.