Where to find the lock screen clock settings
The clock on your iPhone lock screen is controlled through the Lock Screen customization menu, not through the main Settings app. You reach it by long-pressing directly on your lock screen, which opens the editing interface where you can change the clock style, size, and color.
The clock itself cannot be moved to a different position on the lock screen — Apple fixes it at the top center. But you can change how it looks, and you can add or remove other information displayed around it, like the date or weather.
Key Takeaways
- Long-press your lock screen to open the customization menu; tapping the clock area lets you change its style and color.
- iPhone offers several clock styles including digital, analog, and monogram designs, each with different size and color options.
- You can add or remove the date, weather, and other widgets below the clock by tapping the plus icon during lock screen editing.
- Changes you make are saved to that specific lock screen; if you have multiple lock screens, each one has its own clock settings.
- The clock position itself cannot be moved — it always appears at the top center of the lock screen.
Steps to change the clock style and appearance
Start by long-pressing anywhere on your lock screen until the screen dims slightly and a menu appears at the bottom. Tap Customize to enter editing mode. The lock screen will show a plus icon at the bottom left and a pencil icon at the bottom right.
Tap directly on the clock display at the top of the screen. A panel will slide up showing you the available clock styles. Swipe left and right through the options to preview each one. The styles include a standard digital clock, an analog clock face, a large digital display, and a monogram style that shows your initials instead of numbers.
Once you select a style, tap on it to confirm. Then tap the color circle that appears below the clock preview to change the clock color. Swipe through the color options and tap your choice. When you are finished, tap Done in the top right corner to save your changes.
Adding or removing information around the clock
While you are in lock screen editing mode, you can add widgets below the clock — such as the date, weather, reminders, or calendar events. Tap the plus icon at the bottom left of the screen to see what widgets are available.
Scroll through the list and tap the widget you want to add. A preview will show how it looks on your lock screen. Tap Add Widget to place it below the clock. You can add multiple widgets; they will stack vertically. To remove a widget, enter editing mode again, tap the minus icon next to the widget, and confirm the removal.
Managing multiple lock screens with different clocks
If you have set up more than one lock screen in iOS, each one can have a different clock style and color. When you long-press and customize one lock screen, those changes explore only to that screen. Your other lock screens keep their own settings.
To switch between lock screens, long-press your current lock screen and swipe left to see thumbnails of your other screens. Tap the one you want to use, then customize it separately if you wish. This is useful if you want a straightforward digital clock on your work screen and an analog clock on your personal screen.
Clock styles available on current iPhone models
The clock styles offered depend on which iPhone model and iOS version you have. All current iPhones support at least a digital and analog option. Newer models (iPhone 14 and later) offer additional styles including a large digital display, a monogram style, and sometimes a Typographic style that displays the time in words.
Each style has its own color palette. Some styles offer a wider range of colors than others. If you do not see a style you remember from another device, check that your iPhone is running the latest iOS version — Apple adds new clock styles with major iOS updates.
Troubleshooting clock changes that do not appear
If you change the clock style or color but the change does not show on your lock screen, make sure you tapped Done to save. Changes are not saved if you exit editing mode without confirming. Long-press the lock screen again and check that your selection was recorded.
If the clock still shows the old style, restart your iPhone. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait a few seconds and press the side button again to turn it back on. After restart, your clock changes should display correctly.
What you cannot change about the lock screen clock
The clock position is fixed at the top center of the lock screen and cannot be moved. You also cannot hide the clock entirely — it will always appear on your lock screen. The time itself is controlled by your iPhone's system time, which syncs automatically with your carrier or Wi-Fi network.
If the time shown on your lock screen clock is incorrect, go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure Set Automatically is turned on. This ensures your iPhone pulls the correct time from your network rather than relying on a manual setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different clock on different lock screens?
Yes. Each lock screen you create can have its own clock style and color. Long-press to customize one lock screen, then swipe left to access another lock screen and customize it separately. This lets you have a straightforward digital clock on one screen and an analog clock on another.
Why is my clock color not changing?
Make sure you are tapping the color circle that appears after you select a clock style. Some clock styles have limited color options. If the color still does not change, exit editing mode by tapping Done, then long-press again and try selecting the color a second time.
Can I move the clock to a different position on the lock screen?
No. Apple fixes the clock position at the top center of every lock screen. You can change its style, size, and color, but not its location. You can add widgets below it, but the clock itself will always appear at the top.
What clock styles are available on my iPhone?
The available styles depend on your iPhone model and iOS version. Most iPhones offer digital and analog options. Newer models (iPhone 14 and later) may also offer large digital, monogram, or typographic styles. Long-press your lock screen and tap the clock to see which styles your device supports.
Does changing the lock screen clock affect the time shown in other apps?
No. Changing the clock style, color, or size on your lock screen only changes how it looks. The actual time on your iPhone, and the time displayed in the Clock app, Calendar, and other apps, remains the same and is controlled by your system settings.