As the name itself suggests, “Smart Stack” is super handy. What makes it so useful is the ability to automatically rotate widgets depending on time and location. Hence, you can keep track of essential information right from the Home Screen on your iPhone. Sadly, Smart Rotate is not working on iPhone for a handful of users after the iOS 18 software update. If this issue has vexed you as well, you’ve arrived at the right spot to fix it.
Best Tips to Fix Smart Stack Not Working on iPhone in iOS 18/17
What’s ailing the Smart Stack on your iPhone? More often than not, it’s the restriction that hurts a widget stack. That means you can get rid of the problem by just lifting the restriction that you might have activated unknowingly. Beyond that, there might also be a software glitch and a random bug in the picture. Keeping all the culprits in mind, let’s look for ways to resolve the Smart Stack issues on your iPhone!
1. Reposition the Smart Stack
Some iPhone users have reported that the Smart Stack is not responding. If it’s unresponsive on your iOS device as well, I would recommend you reposition the stack on your home screen.
- To do so, just press and hold the Smart Stack until it starts jiggling. After that, drag the widget stack to a different location on the screen and drop it.
- Tap on the Done button at the upper-right corner of the screen to confirm.
2. Check Widget Stack Settings
Another important thing that you should do is to ensure that the widgets you would like to use have been added to the Smart Stack.
- Simply, press and hold on to the Smart Stack -> Edit Stack -> tap on the “+” icon in the top-left corner of the screen -> Now, choose the widgets you wish to include.

- Then, rearrange the widgets properly. Make sure to tap on Done at the top right corner of the screen to finish.
3. Ensure That “Smart Rotate” is Enabled
“Smart Rotate” helps the widgets in the Smart Stack to change dynamically depending on your usage pattern. So, be sure that this key feature is enabled.
- To get it done, press and hold the Smart Stack -> choose “Edit Stack” in the menu.
- Then, make sure “Smart Rotate” is enabled.
4. Restart Your iPhone
Many a time, just rebooting your iPhone can let you bring the ill-functioning smart widget back on track.
- Hold down both the side button and the volume up/down button at once -> drag the power off slider to shut down your iPhone.
- After waiting for a few moments, press and hold the side button to turn your iPhone back on.
5. Enable Location Services
Some widgets like weather and maps use location data to show the relevant information. Therefore, make sure you have allowed such widgets to access and use the location data.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone -> Privacy & Security -> Location Services -> Select the app in question (i.e. Google Maps) and then choose “While Using the App or Widgets”.
6. Remove and Re-Add Smart Stack
A good many iPhone users have stated that removing and re-adding the Smart Stack has worked in fixing the problem. Thus, it would be apt to give this solution a chance as well.
- Long-press on the Smart Stack until the contextual menu shows up -> choose “Remove Stack” in the menu.

- Tap on the “+” button at the top-left corner of the screen.
- Now, scroll down and choose Smart Stack.

7. Check for iOS Updates
If your iPhone is not updated, there is a good chance that the problem could be the aftereffect of a software bug.
- Dive into the Settings app -> General -> Software Update to check for and install the latest iteration of iOS.

8. Reset the Home Screen Layout
This one has allowed me to troubleshoot Smart Stack on a few occasions. Thus, I’m going to bank on this radical but effective tip to put the widget stack back in full-fledged form. Bear in mind that it will reset the home screen to its default layout. Thus, be ready to customize your Home Screen from scratch. Don’t worry, it won’t harm your apps or data.
- Navigate to the Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone -> Reset -> Reset Home Screen Layout.

That’s done! I hope your smart stack has started to work as expected. Now that you have overcome the hurdle, feel free to share your feedback and the tips that have done the magic for you.
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