Shwidget 1.3.3

For those managing key performance indicators (KPIs) or essential data in Google Sheets who wish to monitor updates without the constant need to access the app, Shwidget presents an effective solution.

Shwidget is an iOS application designed to display specific cell values from Google Sheets directly on your device’s widgets. Through iOS’s widget update system, Shwidget provides real-time updates that allow users to monitor their crucial data seamlessly from their Home or Lock Screen, eliminating the necessity of manually checking the Sheets app.

Key Features:

• Automatic updates using iOS’s widget update system.
• Customization options with various widget sizes for both Home Screen and Lock Screen.
• Privacy-focused: No account creation required, ensuring data remains on your device.

Setting It Up

The setup process is straightforward. Users need to obtain the Sheet ID and specify the Cell IDs for the desired data. Titles for each value can also be added for enhanced clarity within the widget.

1. Find the Sheet ID: This can be located in the URL of your Google Sheet (the long string of characters that appears sans dashes).
2. Set Sharing Permissions: Configure the sheet to “Anyone with the link” with read-only access, allowing Shwidget to retrieve data securely.

Upon configuring these settings within the app, Shwidget will manage updates automatically through iOS’s background system.

Pro Tips:

• Finding the Sheet ID: Access your Google Sheet and note that the ID is situated as a lengthy string between slashes in the URL. Example: Link. Here, the Sheet ID is: 1CMvaCWBAsrAftZjT5nXlntTUsnmkkZDlxMkXhAd_sBs. Ensure to copy only this ID into the Shwidget app.
• Sharing Permissions: Confirm that the general access of your sheet is set to “Anyone with the link” with a role of “Viewer” to permit Shwidget access without compromising security settings.
• Error Handling: If a widget displays "ERROR empty cell?", it could indicate an empty cell, incorrect sharing settings, or a typographical error in the cell field. It's advisable to review these elements.
• Data Privacy: For users concerned about sensitive information, creating a separate “proxy” spreadsheet and using Google Sheets’ IMPORTRANGE function may be beneficial. This allows you to pull only necessary data into a shared spreadsheet accessible by Shwidget.

Example Setup:

A sample sheet can be tested with the following details: Sheet ID: 1CMvaCWBAsrAftZjT5nXlntTUsnmkkZDlxMkXhAd_sBs. Experiment with cell IDs such as D1, D2, D3, or E1-E7 to verify expected values.

Free vs Pro:

The free version of Shwidget facilitates one row or data field per widget. To incorporate additional rows, users have the option to upgrade to the KPI Lover subscription for enhanced functionality. The free version includes branding on the Home Screen widget and subject text on the Lock Screen widget which can be removed by subscribing. There are no hidden costs or gimmicks; just more features for an improved experience.

Your feedback is appreciated and can be sent directly to Mikko at mikko_a@appsipaja.fi.

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