Where to Find Screensaver Settings on iPhone

On iPhone, the screensaver (called "Lock Screen" in Apple's terminology) is controlled through the Settings app. Open Settings, then tap Lock Screen. From there, you can choose a new design, add widgets, or change the style of the clock and date that appear when your phone is locked.

The Lock Screen is different from the Home Screen wallpaper — changing one does not change the other. If you want to update both, you will need to adjust them separately. The Lock Screen is what you see when your phone is asleep or locked; the Home Screen is what appears after you unlock it.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings and tap Lock Screen to change your iPhone screensaver design and appearance.
  • You can customize the clock style, add widgets, and change the background image or color from the Lock Screen menu.
  • Tap the preview at the top of the Lock Screen settings to see how your changes will look before saving them.
  • Some Lock Screen styles (like Weather or Astronomy) update automatically and do not require a static image.
  • If you want to change your Home Screen wallpaper as well, you must do that separately in Settings under Wallpaper.

Choosing a New Lock Screen Style

When you open Lock Screen settings, you will see a preview of your current design at the top. Below that are rows of available styles. Tap any style to select it — options include Color, Gradient, Weather, Astronomy, Emoji, and Photo Library, depending on your iPhone model and iOS version.

Each style offers different customization. Color and Gradient let you pick a solid color or blend. Weather and Astronomy update in real time. Emoji lets you choose which emoji appears. Photo Library lets you pick an image from your phone's photos. Tap the style you want, then customize the details (like which emoji or which photo) before tapping Set as Lock Screen at the bottom.

Customizing the Clock and Date Display

After you choose a style, you can change how the time and date appear on your Lock Screen. Tap the preview image at the top of the settings screen to open the customization panel. You will see options to change the clock font, size, and color.

Swipe left and right on the clock preview to cycle through different font styles. Some styles are bold and modern; others are thin and minimal. You can also adjust the color by tapping the color wheel icon. Once you are satisfied, tap Set as Lock Screen to save your changes.

Adding Widgets to Your Lock Screen

Widgets on your Lock Screen show live information — weather, calendar events, battery percentage, or reminders — without unlocking your phone. To add a widget, open Lock Screen settings and scroll down to the Widgets section. Tap the plus icon to add a new widget.

A menu will appear showing available widgets from your installed apps. Select the app whose widget you want to add (Weather, Calendar, Reminders, Battery, and others). Some widgets let you choose what information to display — for example, Calendar can show your next event or all-day events. Tap Add Widget to place it on your Lock Screen. You can add multiple widgets; they will stack and you can swipe between them on your locked screen.

Changing Your Lock Screen Background Image

If you chose Photo Library as your Lock Screen style, you can change which photo appears. Open Lock Screen settings, tap the preview at the top, and then tap the photo thumbnail. This opens your photo library. Select a different photo and tap Choose.

You can also change the photo's appearance by adjusting the blur or dimming. After selecting a photo, look for the filter icon (usually a circle with lines) to adjust how the image looks on your Lock Screen. Some photos work better with a slight blur or darker overlay so the clock remains readable.

Updating Your Home Screen Wallpaper Separately

Your Home Screen wallpaper is separate from your Lock Screen. If you want to change what appears behind your app icons, open Settings and tap Wallpaper. Then tap Add New Wallpaper and choose from Apple's built-in collections, your photo library, or dynamic options like Weather or Astronomy.

You can set the same image for both Lock Screen and Home Screen, or use different images for each. After selecting a wallpaper, you will see a preview. Tap Set and choose whether to explore it to the Lock Screen, Home Screen, or both.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Lock Screen changes do not appear to save, make sure you tapped Set as Lock Screen at the bottom of the customization screen. straightforward closing the settings app without tapping that button will discard your changes.

If a widget is not showing information (like Weather not displaying the current temperature), check that the app has permission to access location or other data. Open Settings, tap Privacy, and verify that the app has the permissions it needs. Some widgets also require an internet connection to update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have different Lock Screens for different times of day?

Yes. You can create multiple Lock Screens and set them to set up at specific times using Focus modes. Open Settings, tap Focus, create or select a Focus, then tap Lock Screen and choose which Lock Screen design to use when that Focus is active. For example, you could have a Work Lock Screen that activates during business hours.

Why does my Lock Screen look different than the preview?

The preview in settings may not show exactly how the Lock Screen looks on your actual device, especially if you have widgets stacked or if the image has transparency. Tap Set as Lock Screen and then lock your phone to see the real appearance. You can always go back and adjust it.

Can I use a live photo as my Lock Screen background?

Yes, if you select Photo Library as your Lock Screen style and choose a Live Photo from your library, it will play the short video when you press and hold your locked screen. The still image will display normally when the screen is locked.

What happens to my old Lock Screen when I change it?

Your previous Lock Screen design is not deleted — it is saved in your Lock Screen list. Open Lock Screen settings and scroll through the available designs to find it again if you want to switch back.

Do I need to restart my iPhone after changing the Lock Screen?

No. Changes to your Lock Screen take effect when ready. You should see the new design the next time your screen locks, or you can lock your phone manually to verify the change.