Days Together Counter on Your iPhone Lock Screen: How to Set One Up
Ask someone how long they've been with their partner and you'll get "um, three years? Three and a half?" followed by a quiet panic.
A days-together counter fixes that. It's a number on your Lock Screen that goes up by one every day, and it's weirdly lovely to glance at.
Here's the short answer, then the details: on iOS 16 or later, you add a counter as a Lock Screen widget from an app that provides one. Steps are right below.
How to add a days-together counter to your Lock Screen
- Install an app that offers a Lock Screen counter widget (we cover what to look for below).
- Wake your iPhone, then touch and hold the Lock Screen until the Customize button appears.
- Tap Customize, then choose Lock Screen.
- Tap the widget area under the time and pick the counter widget from the list.
- Tap Done. The count shows up every time you wake your phone.
Lock Screen widgets have limited space, so expect a compact number rather than a big poster. That's a feature: it's quiet, and nobody beside you gets a full anniversary announcement.
What to look for in a relationship day counter
- A real Lock Screen widget. Plenty of counter apps only offer Home Screen widgets. That works, but it's a screen you see less often than the one you wake up to.
- Easy date setup. You should enter your date once and never think about it again.
- Nothing you don't need. A day counter shouldn't need your contacts, your location or a stack of permissions. Read the app's privacy details on its App Store page.
- Fair pricing. Check what's free and what's behind a subscription before you commit.
Twoodle's Days Together widget
Twoodle is an iPhone app for couples that sends doodles to a partner's Home Screen widget, with Lock Screen widgets for love notes and days together. The Days Together widget sits on the Lock Screen and counts your days as a couple.
It's one piece of a bigger set: the same app also has a Love Note widget (Lock Screen or Home Screen), moods, nudges, a gallery, important dates, and a live canvas to draw on together. If all you want is a counter, that may be more app than you need, and that's fine.
Want the counter and the doodles?
Free to download for iPhone. Twoodle Pro unlocks pairing; one subscription covers both of you.
Get TwoodleWhen a simpler counter is the better pick
- You only want a number. A single-purpose counter app is lighter and may cost less.
- You use Android. Twoodle is iPhone only, iOS 18 or later.
- You don't want to pair with anyone. Pairing is Twoodle's whole point. If you're setting up a private counter on your own, a standalone app fits better.
Milestones worth a doodle
A counter gives you excuses. Some day counts and what they roughly equal:
| Day count | About |
|---|---|
| 100 days | 3 months and a bit |
| 365 days | 1 year |
| 500 days | 1 year, 4 months, 2 weeks |
| 1,000 days | 2 years, 9 months |
When the number rolls over, send a doodle. It doesn't need to be good. It really, really doesn't. A stick figure holding a "500" sign is a perfectly respectable love language. Here's how drawing to your partner's widgets works.
FAQ
Can I put a days together counter on my iPhone Lock Screen?
Yes, on iOS 16 or later. Touch and hold the Lock Screen, tap Customize, choose Lock Screen, and add a counter widget from an app that provides one.
Does Twoodle have a days together counter?
Yes. The Days Together widget sits on the Lock Screen and counts your days as a couple.
Is there an Android version?
No. Twoodle is iPhone only, iOS 18 or later.
How many days is 1,000 days together?
About 2 years and 9 months.
Comparing apps? See our roundup of the best couples widget apps for iPhone, or the noteit and LokLok alternatives guide.
P.S. Go on, do the math on your own number. Then put it where you'll see it.