Skip to main content

Adding Widgets to Your Home or Lock Screen

The MTA app offers two widgets you can add to your home screen for quick access to real-time transit information: Upcoming Arrivals and Line Status. Both widgets update automatically so you always have the latest information at a glance.

Written by TS

Before adding widgets, make sure you have at least one favorite station, stop, subway line, or bus route saved in the MTA app. The Upcoming Arrivals widgets is based on your favorite subway station or bus stop. The Line Status widget is based on your favorite subway line or bus route.

iOS

Adding a home screen widget

  1. Long press on an empty area of your home screen until the apps start to jiggle.

  2. Tap the + or Edit button in the top left corner.

  3. Click Add Widget.

  4. Search for MTA or scroll to find the MTA app.

  5. Select the widget you want to add and choose a size, then tap Add Widget.

  6. The widget should appear with your first favorite. To configure a different station, tap on it now.

  7. Tap Done in the top right corner.

Note: The MTA app widgets display in the app's default colors. Widget appearance settings like tint or clear mode on iPhone are not supported.

A screenshot of an iPhone screen showing three MTA widgets: Upcoming arrivals at 14 St-Union Sq, service status for the J line, and upcoming arrivals for Union St/26 Av.

Adding a lock screen widget

  1. Swipe down from the top left of your home screen to see your lock screen.

  2. Hold your lock screen until it zooms out.

  3. Click Customize.

  4. Click the Lock Screen (the one on the left).

  5. Tap Add Widgets.

  6. Scroll to find the MTA app.

  7. The widget should appear with your first favorite. To configure a different station, double tap on it now.

  8. Tap Done in the top right corner.

To configure a widget on iPhone, long press on it and tap Edit Widget.

A screenshot of an iPhone screen showing two MTA widgets with transparent backgrounds and white text/subway route bullets.

Android

Adding a widget

  1. Long press on an empty area of your home screen.

  2. Tap Widgets.

  3. Scroll to find the MTA app and tap it to see available widgets.

  4. Touch and hold the widget you want, then drag it to where you'd like it on your home screen and lift your finger.

  5. Configure your widget on the next screen.

  6. Tap “Done” in the top right corner.

To configure a widget on Android after it’s set up, long press on it and tap the edit or settings option.

A screenshot of an iPhone screen showing three MTA widgets: Upcoming arrivals at Fulton St, service status for the 7 line, and service status for the R line.

Related Articles
What's Changed with the MTA App Update
Change What Your Widgets Show
Did this answer your question?