iPhone screensavers are called Lock Screen on newer models

Apple calls the image or design that appears when your iPhone is locked the Lock Screen, not a screensaver. On iPhones running iOS 16 or later, you can customize this with photos, colors, or dynamic designs. On older iPhones (iOS 15 and earlier), you can set a wallpaper that shows when the phone is locked, though the customization options are more limited.

The steps differ depending on which iOS version your phone runs. You can find your iOS version by opening Settings, tapping General, then About — the number next to "Software Version" is what you have.

Key Takeaways

  • iOS 16 and later: Open Settings, tap Wallpaper, select Add a New Wallpaper, choose a category or photo, customize it, then tap Set as Lock Screen.
  • iOS 15 and earlier: Open Settings, tap Wallpaper, choose a new wallpaper, then tap Set Lock Screen.
  • You can use photos from your camera roll, Apple's built-in collections, or dynamic designs that change throughout the day.
  • Lock Screen customization on newer iPhones also lets you add widgets and change the clock style and color.

Changing your Lock Screen on iOS 16 and later

Open the Settings app and tap Wallpaper. You will see thumbnails of your current Lock Screen and Home Screen wallpapers. Tap Add a New Wallpaper.

You now choose a source. You can pick from Apple's built-in collections (Emoji, Nature, Astronomy, Weather, and others), use a photo from your camera roll by tapping Photos, or create a solid color background. Select what you want.

Once you choose a photo or collection, you can customize it. For photos, you can adjust the zoom and position. For collections, you may see options to change the style or add effects. Tap Set as Lock Screen when you are satisfied. Your new Lock Screen takes effect when ready.

Changing your Lock Screen on iOS 15 and earlier

Open Settings and tap Wallpaper. You will see your current wallpaper. Tap Choose a New Wallpaper.

Select a source: Dynamic (animated backgrounds), Stills (static images), Live (photos that animate when you touch the screen), or Photos (your own pictures). Pick the one you want, then tap it to preview. Tap Set and choose Set Lock Screen. The change happens right away.

Using photos from your camera roll

Both iOS versions let you use your own photos. In Settings > Wallpaper, select Photos as your source. Browse to the photo you want and tap it. On iOS 16 and later, you can zoom and reposition the image before you tap Set as Lock Screen. On iOS 15 and earlier, tap Set and then Set Lock Screen.

If you want to use a photo that is not in your camera roll, you can save it first. Open the photo in any app (Messages, Mail, Safari, Photos), press and hold it, then tap Save Image. It will go into your camera roll and be available in Settings > Wallpaper > Photos.

Understanding dynamic and live wallpapers

Dynamic wallpapers are animated backgrounds that move or change. They are available in both iOS 16 and iOS 15. Apple's built-in collections like Astronomy (which shows a live view of Earth from space) and Weather (which displays your current conditions) are dynamic. These use a small amount of battery power because they animate, but the drain is minimal.

Live wallpapers (iOS 15 and earlier only) are photos that animate when you touch your Lock Screen. They are not available on iOS 16 and later because Apple redesigned how Lock Screen customization works. If you have iOS 16 or later and want movement, use a dynamic collection instead.

Customizing the clock and widgets on iOS 16 and later

iOS 16 introduced the ability to change the clock style and color on your Lock Screen, and to add small widgets below it. When you are setting up or editing your Lock Screen, you can tap the clock to change its font and color. Tap below the clock to add widgets — these show information like weather, calendar events, or battery percentage without unlocking your phone.

This level of customization is not available on iOS 15 and earlier. If you have an older iPhone, you can only change the background image or color.

Troubleshooting Lock Screen changes that do not appear

If you set a new Lock Screen but it does not show up, first check that you tapped Set as Lock Screen (not Set as Home Screen). Lock Screen and Home Screen are separate, and tapping the wrong one will change the wrong background.

If the change still does not appear, lock your phone by pressing the side button and volume button together (or the top button on older models), then unlock it. Sometimes the Lock Screen does not refresh until you lock and unlock the phone. If you are still not seeing the change, restart your iPhone by powering it off and back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a different Lock Screen and Home Screen?

Yes. When you set a wallpaper, you choose whether it applies to the Lock Screen, Home Screen, or both. On iOS 16 and later, you can tap Set as Lock Screen or Set as Home Screen. On iOS 15 and earlier, you tap Set and then choose which screen. Many people use different images for each.

Why does my Lock Screen look different after I update iOS?

Apple sometimes changes the default Lock Screen design with major iOS updates. Your custom wallpaper should stay, but the clock style or layout may shift. You can always go back to Settings > Wallpaper and re-customize it to your preference.

Do dynamic wallpapers drain my battery faster?

Dynamic wallpapers use slightly more battery than static images because they animate, but the difference is small — usually less than 1 percent per day. If battery life is a concern, use a static photo or solid color instead.

What if I want to go back to Apple's default Lock Screen?

Open Settings > Wallpaper, tap Add a New Wallpaper, choose one of Apple's built-in collections, and tap Set as Lock Screen. You can also reset your entire Lock Screen by going to Settings > General > Reset and tapping Reset All Settings, though this will also reset other preferences.