Changing your iPhone’s lock screen photo is a simple way to personalize your device. Whether you want to use one of your own photos or choose from Apple’s curated selection, this guide provides step-by-step instructions for customizing your lock screen wallpaper.
Changing Your Lock Screen Wallpaper
There are two primary ways to change your lock screen photo: through the Settings app and directly from the Lock Screen itself.
Changing from the Settings App
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Wallpaper.
- Tap on Add New Wallpaper.
Navigating to the Add New Wallpaper section in iPhone settings
- Choose a source for your new wallpaper:
- Photos: Select a picture from your photo library.
- People: Choose a photo featuring a person.
- Photo Shuffle: Create a rotating selection of photos.
- Live Photo: Use a Live Photo as your wallpaper.
- Preset categories like Weather & Astronomy, Emoji, or Color.
- Customize your chosen wallpaper (more on this below).
- Tap Add.
- Choose Set as Wallpaper Pair for both Lock Screen and Home Screen, or Customize Home Screen for a separate Home Screen wallpaper.
Changing from the Lock Screen
- Touch and hold your Lock Screen.
- Swipe left or right to browse existing wallpapers.
- Tap the Add button to choose a new wallpaper.
You can also link a wallpaper to a specific Focus mode, customize existing wallpapers, or delete a wallpaper by swiping up and tapping the trash icon. If Face ID fails to unlock the wallpaper gallery, retry touching and holding the Lock Screen and enter your passcode.
Customizing Your Lock Screen Wallpaper
iOS offers extensive customization options for your lock screen:
Adding Widgets
- Go to Settings > Wallpaper.
- Tap Customize below the Lock Screen preview.
- Tap the boxes above and below the time to add widgets like Calendar, Clock, Weather, Fitness, or Reminders.
Changing Font and Color
- In the customization view, tap the time to adjust its font and color.
Applying Filters and Styles
- Swipe left or right to try different photo styles like Black & White.
- Tap the More button (three dots) for additional options, including Depth Effect (layering with the subject of your photo – not available with widgets).
Adjusting Photo Position
Pinch and drag your photo to crop and move it.
Managing Lock Screen Controls (iOS 18 and later)
- Tap the minus button on existing controls to remove them.
- Tap the plus button to add new controls like Flashlight, Camera, Ping My Watch, or Quick Note.
Setting a Photo Shuffle
- Navigate to Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper.
- Select Photo Shuffle.
- Set the frequency for photo changes (On Tap, On Lock, Hourly, or Daily).
- Choose the set of photos for the shuffle.
- Tap Done.
By following these steps, you can easily personalize your iPhone’s lock screen with your favorite photos and customize it to fit your style and needs.
