macOS Sonoma Desktop Widgets Not Working - 9 Fast Fixes

macOS Sonoma strengthens its Widgets feature, enabling adding iPhone Widgets to your desktop, introducing Widgets fade for better focus, and wealthing Widgets gallery.

However, many users have encountered different macOS Sonoma Widgets issues, like macOS Sonoma Widgets not working/responding, iPhone Widgets not working on Mac in macOS Sonoma, etc.

Relax! In this post, we will provide you with 9 easy and fast fixes to fight against them. Read on for details!

Why Is the macOS Sonoma Widget Not Working

The common reasons for macOS Sonoma Widgets not working collected from Mac users are listed below.

Take a look at them and check whether your Mac running macOS Sonoma has the same issue:

• Internet connectivity issue.
• Location Service issue.
• Corrupted/Incompatible app.
• System glitches.
• Apps designed for iPhone apps are not compatible with macOS.

The Common macOS Sonoma Widgets Issues

• Widgets not working/responding.
• Widgets are stuck on loading.
• Widgets loading slowly.
• Widgets not updating.
• Widget extension production quit unexpectedly.
• iPhone Widgets not working on Mac in macOS Sonoma.
• Auto light/dark mode doesn't work in Widgets.

How to Fix Widgets Not Working on macOS Sonoma

After checking the possible causes for Widgets not working on macOS Sonoma, let's go directly to their fast fixes!

1. Restart Your Mac

A simple restart can fix most of the occasional macOS system issues. It is worth a try since there would be no data loss. Restart and see whether this works.

2. Check Internet Connectivity

Internet connectivity can be a key factor for Widgets not updating. There are many apps in Widgets that need a network connection to update like Weather, Location Service, Mail, Safari, and Contacts widgets (receive or share photos).

Also, when you use widgets from your iPhone right on your Mac, your iPhone needs to be close to your Mac or on the same Wi-Fi for widgets to load the real-time update. In this case, make sure both your iPhone and Mac are in good internet condition.

3. Enable Location Services

"Location Service is Off" may get in the way of the Widgets to access your Weather information. Go to enable Location Services for Weather.

Here is how:

Go to Apple Menu＞System Settings＞Privacy & Security＞Location Service＞Enable Location Service＞Enable the Weather toggle.

4. Force Quit and Reopen Widgets

Force quit and reopen Widgets using Activity Monitor can help you fix some occasional Widgets issues, like Widgets crashes, Widgets stuck on loading, Widgets loading slowly, etc.

Here is how:

1. Open Activity Monitor.
2. Enter "widget" in the search box.
3. select all widget-related processes. (Press and hold Command to select multiple processes at the same time.)
4. Click the X button＞Force Quit.

5. Reset Notification Center/Widgets Using Terminal

Another way to fix Widgets not working/responding/crashes is to reset Widgets via Terminal.

But it's worth noting this will reset all widgets settings. Think twice before you apply this method.

Here is how:

1. Open Terminal via Spotlight.
2. Enter the following command and press the Enter key:

defaults delete com.apple.notificationcenterui; killall NotificationCenter

3. Click Allow when the popup shows.

6. Update macOS

The Widgets not working issue is common to hear in macOS Sonoma Beta. The official release will fix some known bugs of the Beta version.

As the official macOS Sonoma is available now, update macOS Sonoma Beta to macOS Sonoma immediately.

7. Update/Uninstall Apps

Just like what is mentioned in the macOS Sonoma Widgets not working reasons, app compatibility is of great importance for Widgets to work properly.

Update iPhone Apps: Go to App Store＞tap the name at the top right corner＞tap Update All.

Update Mac Apps: Go to App Store＞Updates＞Update All.

Check and update outdated/incompatible apps. If there is no update for the incompatible apps, you may have to consider uninstalling them.

8. Remove iPhone Apps that Caused Crashes

Some apps are designed for iPhones, so they may not be compatible with macOS. This can lead to macOS Sonoma Widgets not working if you have enabled Use iPhone widgets.

The corresponding solution to fix this is to remove those iPhone apps that caused crashes.

9. Delete and Re-add the Problematic Widgets

Some widgets may crash during use, try to delete and re-add the problematic widgets to fix this issue. Re-add it to see whether the new Widgets can work normally.

Here is how:

1. Click the time near the Control Center at the Menu Bar to bring up the Notification Center.
2. Click Edit Widgets at the bottom.
3. Click "-” to delete the problematic widgets.
4. Search for the widget you want to re-add and click it to add to the Desktop Widgets.

If you find Widgets not showing up, check Desktop & Dock settings and enable Show Widgets: Go to Apple Menu＞System Settings＞Desktop & Dock＞Enable Show Widgets.

Besides the 9 methods mentioned above, there are some attempts that may be helpful. For example, open the App via Widgets and close it, ensure Mac and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi, enter and exit safe mode, disable and then enable "Use iPhone Widgets", update your to iOS 17, and make sure the two devices are using the same Apple ID.

Bonus: How to Improve Your Mac Performance

In fact, whether it's widgets crash or apps crash, there is another key reason except incompatibility - not enough space.

To better your Mac performance in a time-saving and effort-saving way, you can use a third-party Mac cleaning tool.

BuhoCleaner is an easy-to-use and powerful Mac cleaner and Mac performance monitor. It helps you clean duplicate files, junk files, etc. in minutes!

Conclusion

After finishing reading this post, are you clear about how to fix the macOS Sonoma Widgets not working issue?

Go ahead and try these methods out!