Use case · countdowns
Using CannotWait for the dates that matter
The same app counts down to what is ahead and up from what already happened. Here is how to set it up for the most common cases, based on what the developer describes.
Based on the features in the App Store listing and the version 2.3 release notes, read on 2026-10-03.
A trip or holiday
Add the departure date and put the event in a Home Screen widget, or use the extra large iPhone widget if it is the one date you care about. Share a snapshot with the people travelling with you.
Birthdays and deadlines
Pin the birthday to the Lock Screen so it is visible each time you pick up your phone. For a deadline, open the event to see the time left in hours and minutes, not only days.
Days since an anniversary
Add a past date and CannotWait counts up from it. For past events it pulls matching photos from your Photo Library, so the anniversary comes with pictures from that day.
Hands-free
Ask Siri how many days are left until your vacation, or create a new event by voice. Events also appear in Spotlight, and the Shortcuts app can read them for your own automations.
| You want | What to do in CannotWait |
|---|---|
| Days until a trip | Add the departure date, put it in a Home Screen widget |
| A birthday you cannot miss | Add the date, pin it to the Lock Screen |
| A deadline | Add it and open the breakdown in hours and minutes |
| Days since an anniversary | Add the past date, see photo memories from it |
| A quick check | Ask Siri how many days are left |
| Automations | Read countdowns in the Shortcuts app |
Frequently asked questions
How do I put a countdown on my iPhone Lock Screen?
Add the event in CannotWait, then add the CannotWait widget to your Lock Screen and choose that event.
Can CannotWait show photos from an anniversary?
Yes. For past events it pulls matching photos from your Photo Library and builds a timeline.