After updating to iOS 26 and WatchOS 26, I no longer have the option to see the watch battery in the battery widget of the iPhone 16 PM lock screen. It only shows the AirPods battery.
Apparently, the AirPods take priority over the watch, which is not very helpful.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: iOS26 - Missing AppleWatch battery widget for lock screen
iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 26
Go to edit lock screen Tap the widget twice and turn of automatic and choose what to show under units
Yes, somehow the widget only shows the battery status of the last used or connected device. If my AirPods are connected, it does not show the Apple Watch battery level. Looks like you can only use one battery widget at a time in iOS 26.
How to add and edit widgets on your iPhone - Apple Support
You should let Apple know about making that possible again by using the Feedback link:
Personally I like my Lock Screen better without showing any widgets.
My watch appears on the Lock Screen widgets. If you want it to always be the watch,
I hope this helps. Sometimes the automatic widget switching is a pain 😆
Still working on my iPhone 12 mini, iOS 26 and Ultra 2, watchOS 26 and AirPods Pro 2
Did you already try to delete the widget and reinstall it?
Same issue. It appears this also extends to my iPad Pro M4 and MacBook Pro M3. The watch battery widget functionality is broken or missing completely after iOS 26. It’s a Watch Ultra, all devices updated to iOS 26.
I am also experiencing the same issue where the Airpods which are in the case charging (even when at 100%) take priority to be displayed over other things like watch or phone which may be on lower battery%
Thank You! So glad I found your instructions. I was going crazy trying all kinds of things to get my Apple Watch battery percentage to show on the lock screen widget. At first, I didn’t think it would work because when I went to Disable Automatic, the only device listed was my iPhone. But when I selected the iphone, another list came up showing all my devices. Thanks again.
Not that one. The one on the lock screen
Same issue here
Thank you!!
I didn't know that you could change it like this, it works now!!
You’re welcome 😉
No luck. When tapping the widget icon while customizing the lock screen, it will not change from the AirPods to the Watch.
Same here. Now I only see my AirPods case stuck at 100% while charging. Before iOS 26, it used to switch between showing the AirPods when in use and the Apple Watch the rest of the time.
Thank you! I didn’t even think to tap on the widget again for another menu. Have a wonderful day kind stranger!
Are you tapping on it at this screen?
[Edited by Moderator]
Missing Apple Watch battery widget on iPhone Lock Screen after iOS 26 update
