The lock screen is the first thing you see when you pick up your iPhone—it sets the tone for your entire device experience. With Apple’s recent iOS updates, especially starting from iOS 16, iPhone users have been given more control than ever to personalize their lock screens with custom wallpapers, fonts, widgets, colors, and even multiple screens for different moods or focus modes.
Whether you want a clean look, a productivity-focused layout, or something totally aesthetic and artsy, this detailed guide will show you how to change your lock screen on iPhone step by step, with all the tricks and features available on modern iOS.
📱 What Is the Lock Screen on iPhone?
The lock screen is the screen you see when your iPhone is locked but turned on. It typically shows the time, date, notifications, and shortcuts like flashlight and camera. Apple has transformed this area into a customizable canvas where you can add photos, interactive widgets, font styles, and more.
🧭 Devices That Support Lock Screen Customization
You can fully customize your iPhone lock screen if you have:
- iOS 16 or later installed
- An iPhone 8 or newer (some features like Depth Effect may work best on newer models)
Older iPhones running earlier iOS versions won’t support all features, but you can still change the wallpaper.
🎨 How to Change iPhone Lock Screen – Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s start with the basics of how to create, customize, and switch between lock screens.
🔹 Step 1: Enter Lock Screen Customization Mode
- Wake your iPhone and stay on the lock screen.
- Press and hold on the screen (similar to how you’d change a watch face on Apple Watch).
- Tap the “+” icon to add a new lock screen, or tap Customize under an existing one.
This opens the customization panel.
🔹 Step 2: Choose Your Wallpaper
You can set a variety of lock screen backgrounds:
📸 Photo:
- Select from your camera roll.
- Apple automatically suggests featured photos (like pets or landscapes).
- You can enable the Depth Effect, which lets subjects pop over the clock for a layered look.
🌈 Color:
- Choose a solid or gradient background and adjust the tone.
🌍 Astronomy:
- Dynamic, real-time views of Earth, Moon, or Solar System.
🖼️ Emoji:
- Create a fun pattern with up to six emojis and choose a grid or spiral layout.
🖼️ Collections:
- Apple-curated designs with abstract art, bold color, and animations.
🔹 Step 3: Customize the Clock and Font
Tap the clock once in the customization panel to change:
- Font style (8 styles available)
- Font color
- Numerals (Arabic, Devanagari, etc.)
This adds a personal flair, whether you prefer minimalist, bold, or elegant fonts.
🔹 Step 4: Add Lock Screen Widgets
Below the clock, you can add widgets for quick info:
- Weather
- Calendar events
- Battery percentage
- Fitness rings
- Reminders
- Alarm clock
- Third-party app widgets (if supported)
Tap the widget area and choose up to 4 widgets. Some take up more space than others.
Above the clock, you can also tap to add a single-line widget, such as date, temperature, or another compact app tool.
🔹 Step 5: Use Filters and Styles (Optional)
Some wallpapers support filters and overlays:
- Swipe left or right while in customization mode to preview different color filters, black & white, or duotone effects.
This is especially useful if you want to match your lock screen to a color palette.
🔹 Step 6: Save and Apply Your Lock Screen
Once you’re satisfied:
- Tap Done (top right).
- Choose whether to set the same wallpaper for your Home Screen or customize it separately.
- Your new lock screen is now active!
🔁 How to Switch Between Multiple Lock Screens
You can create multiple lock screens—each with its own wallpaper, fonts, and widgets.
To switch:
- Wake your iPhone, then press and hold the lock screen.
- Swipe left or right to browse your saved lock screens.
- Tap to activate the one you want.
You can also link specific lock screens to Focus Modes, so your phone automatically changes layout based on your location, time of day, or activity.
🔒 How to Delete a Lock Screen
If you’ve created too many, here’s how to remove one:
- Press and hold on your lock screen.
- Swipe to the lock screen you want to delete.
- Swipe up and tap the red trash icon.
- Confirm deletion.
🛠️ How to Change Lock Screen From Settings (For Older iOS Versions)
If you’re on iOS 15 or earlier, you can still change the wallpaper, though without full customization.
🔹 Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Wallpaper.
- Tap Choose a New Wallpaper.
- Select from Dynamic, Stills, or your Photos.
- Tap Set, then choose Set Lock Screen, Home Screen, or both.
💡 Tips to Make Your Lock Screen More Useful
- Use Widgets Strategically
Add battery status, calendar events, or reminders to stay informed at a glance. - Keep It Readable
Avoid overly bright or detailed wallpapers that clash with text. - Match It With Focus Mode
For example, use a calm blue lock screen for Sleep Focus and a red one for Work Focus. - Highlight Loved Ones or Motivational Quotes
Set a lock screen photo of your child, pet, or a quote that energizes you daily. - Try the Emoji or Astronomy Options
These are fun and unique, especially for kids or space lovers.
🔐 What Doesn’t Change on the Lock Screen
Even with full customization, some lock screen elements remain consistent:
- Time and date format follow system settings.
- Notifications still appear in the lower part of the screen (can be adjusted in Settings > Notifications).
- The Flashlight and Camera buttons cannot be removed but can be disabled using Screen Time settings.
🔎 Lock Screen vs Home Screen – What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Lock Screen | Home Screen |
|---|---|---|
| Appears When | Device is locked | After unlocking your device |
| Custom Fonts/Clock | Yes (iOS 16+) | No |
| Widgets | Limited, below clock | Full-size widgets available |
| App Icons | No | Yes |
| Focus Mode Link | Yes | Yes |
Both screens can now have separate wallpapers and offer different levels of personalization.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I remove the flashlight and camera icons from the lock screen?
A: Not directly. However, you can disable access to Control Center and Camera from Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > Allowed Apps.
Q: Can I use live or animated wallpapers on the lock screen?
A: Live Photos are no longer interactive on iOS 16 lock screens. However, you can use dynamic wallpapers from Apple’s collection.
Q: How many lock screens can I create?
A: There’s no official limit, but for practical purposes, most users keep 5–10 variations.
Q: Will my lock screen widgets affect battery life?
A: Slightly, especially if using live widgets like weather or activity rings. But on modern iPhones, battery impact is minimal.
✅ Summary: How to Change Lock Screen on iPhone
| Task | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Enter lock screen edit mode | Press and hold on the lock screen |
| Change wallpaper | Tap “+” and choose photo, color, or collection |
| Customize font and clock | Tap clock > choose font style and color |
| Add widgets | Tap widget area > select from system/app tools |
| Set different lock/home screens | Choose “Customize Home Screen” when saving |
| Switch between screens | Swipe left/right in lock screen edit mode |
| Link to Focus Modes | Tap Focus icon during setup |
Final Thoughts
So, how do you change your lock screen on iPhone in 2025? It’s easier, richer, and more exciting than ever before. With a few taps, you can turn your iPhone from a plain digital tool into a personalized dashboard filled with style and function.
Whether you’re a minimalist, an artist, a productivity geek, or just someone who loves seeing their dog’s face every time they pick up their phone, iOS has the lock screen setup to match your vibe.
Explore, customize, and make it yours—after all, your iPhone should reflect you.
Would you like a visual step-by-step PDF or a guide on how to design lock screen wallpapers that fit perfectly?