Getting live weather updates directly on your phone is easy and convenient. With just a few taps, you can install a weather app that will provide real-time information about temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity and more. Weather apps utilize your phone’s GPS and internet connection to pinpoint your location and deliver hyperlocal weather data. Whether you’re trying to decide what to wear, if you need an umbrella, or want to know if the sun will come out later, a weather app can provide instant answers. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up weather apps on both iPhone and Android devices to put weather information at your fingertips.
What information do weather apps provide?
Weather apps can provide a wide range of real-time, localized weather data including:
- Current temperature
- “RealFeel” or “feels like” temperature
- Hourly temperature forecast
- 10-day temperature forecast
- Precipitation probability
- Current precipitation type (rain, snow, etc.)
- Precipitation forecast
- Wind speed and direction
- Humidity percentage
- Dew point
- UV index
- Sunrise/sunset times
- Air quality index
- Weather alerts and warnings
Advanced weather apps may also provide additional details like pressure system maps, radar maps, satellite maps and more. The depth of information will vary by app, but most basic weather apps will cover the essential real-time data like temperature, precipitation chance, wind and humidity at a minimum.
Should I use a pre-installed weather app or download one?
Both iPhone and Android devices come pre-loaded with basic weather apps – Weather on iPhone and Google Weather on Android. These apps provide current temperature, forecasts, alerts and more. However, there are also thousands of free and paid weather apps to choose from in the App Store and Google Play Store that offer more detailed information and features. Here’s an overview of your options:
Pre-installed weather apps
iPhone Weather App
- Comes pre-installed on iPhones
- Provides current temperature, 10-day forecast, precipitation
- Simple, minimalist design
- Lacks advanced features and customization
Google Weather App
- Pre-installed on most Android phones
- Current conditions, hourly + 10-day forecast
- Basic weather data only
- Minimal customization options
Downloaded weather apps
- Hundreds of free and paid apps available
- Advanced features like weather maps, air quality, storm tracking
- Customizable alerts, widgets, notifications
- Ad-free paid versions
- Can drain battery and use data if not optimized
In general, pre-installed apps provide just the basics, while downloaded apps offer more advanced features and customization. Downloaded apps may carry a small cost, but provide a richer weather experience overall.
How to set up weather apps on iPhone
Here are step-by-step instructions to start using the built-in Weather app or download a new weather app on your iPhone.
Using the pre-installed Weather app
The Weather app comes pre-loaded on all iPhones. To set it up:
- Open the Weather app from your Home Screen. It’s usually one of the default apps.
- The first time you open it, you’ll need to grant the app permission to access your location. Tap ‘Allow While Using App’ to enable location services.
- The Weather app will automatically detect your city based on GPS. You can add other cities by tapping the + icon and searching for a location.
- Swipe left and right to view the current weather, hourly forecast, 10-day forecast and maps.
- Tap the 3 lines in the bottom right to change temperature units (F/C) and enable notifications for weather alerts.
That’s it! The iPhone Weather app will now provide current conditions and forecasts specific to your location(s).
Downloading a new weather app
If you want advanced weather features, you can download a third-party app from the App Store. Here’s how:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap the Search tab at the bottom and search for “weather.” Popular options are AccuWeather, WeatherBug, Dark Sky, Weather Live and more.
- Tap on a weather app you want to install. View the details, screenshots and reviews.
- Tap Get to download the app for free or price shown.
- Once downloaded, open the app from your home screen. You’ll need to grant location permission.
- Allow push notifications if you want to receive weather alerts.
- Explore the app’s settings and features to customize the experience.
Paid weather apps often provide the most robust sets of features. However, excellent free weather apps like AccuWeather exist as well. Install a few different options to see which app provides the information you want in an interface you enjoy using.
How to set up weather apps on Android
It’s just as easy to start retrieving weather information on your Android device. Here’s how to get started with the built-in and downloaded weather apps.
Using the Google Weather app
The Google Weather app comes pre-installed on most Android phones. To set it up:
- Open the Google Weather app from your Home Screen or App Drawer. It may be one of your default apps.
- When first launched, allow the app to access your location.
- The app will automatically display weather for your current city based on GPS.
- To add a new city, tap the + icon and search for a location.
- Swipe left and right to view forecast data including precipitation chances.
- Open the side menu to change temperature units and see weather alerts.
The Google Weather app provides the bare essentials for your area. Continue reading if you want more robust weather tools.
Downloading an Android weather app
To install a third-party weather app from the Google Play Store:
- Open the Play Store app on your Android device.
- Search for “weather” apps. Top options include AccuWeather, WeatherBug, Weather Underground and more.
- Tap an app to see details like ratings, screenshots and features.
- Select Install to download the free app or purchase at the listed price.
- Open the newly installed weather app from your Home Screen.
- Allow location access when prompted so the app can provide local weather.
- Enable push notifications to receive weather alerts as needed.
- Spend some time customizing the app’s many settings and widgets.
Take advantage of Android’s open platform to find a weather app tailored for your needs. There are highly-rated free and paid options with designs ranging from minimal to data-rich.
Useful tips for getting the most from weather apps
Once you’ve installed a new weather app, here are some useful tips to maximize the experience:
- Allow push notifications for important weather alerts about severe storms, flooding, etc. in your area.
- Add a weather widget to your iPhone or Android home screen for at-a-glance data.
- View radar and satellite maps to see real-time precipitation and cloud cover.
- Check humidity levels and dew point for insight into muggy or oppressive conditions.
- View air quality index (AQI) if you have respiratory issues.
- See wind speed and direction for planning outdoor activities.
- Compare hourly forecasts between apps to identify trends.
Take full advantage of your weather app’s customizable settings, notifications and widgets. Optimizing these features helps deliver the weather information you need, when you need it.
Troubleshooting problems with weather apps
Weather apps rely on your phone’s location services and internet connectivity to provide accurate real-time data. Here are some common issues and fixes:
App not showing current location
- Ensure location services are enabled for the app in your phone’s settings.
- Check for GPS connectivity issues if outdoors.
- Manually enter your city in the app’s settings.
Forecast seems inaccurate
- Weather data can vary between sources. Try a different app.
- Give it 1-2 hours for major forecast changes to improve accuracy.
- Ensure the app is updating data and not “frozen”. Force close and restart it.
Not receiving weather alerts
- Verify notifications are enabled for the app in your phone’s settings.
- Make sure alerts are enabled in the app’s settings.
- Check for any deactivated billing subscriptions if using a paid app.
With location and notifications properly configured, weather apps should provide timely alerts and forecasts. Contact the app developer if problems persist.
Conclusion
Weather apps place real-time, hyperlocal weather data in the palm of your hand. With just a few taps, you can install AccuWeather, WeatherBug or any number of excellent weather apps optimized for Android and iPhone. These apps leverage your device’s GPS and internet to keep you informed of temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity and more throughout the day. Take advantage of customizable alerts, widgets and detailed weather maps to enhance your mobile weather experience. With weather information readily accessible on your phone, you’ll always be prepared for changing conditions.