The iPhone Lock Screen can show more than a wallpaper. You can change the photo, choose a clock font and color, add widgets, create several Lock Screens, and link one to a Focus mode so the look changes automatically.
These options require iOS 16 or later.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want a different Lock Screen image, useful weather or calendar widgets, a new clock style, or separate work and personal Lock Screens.
Create a New Lock Screen
- Wake the iPhone and touch and hold the Lock Screen.
- Tap Customize, then choose Lock Screen if asked, or tap the plus button to create a new one.
- Pick a wallpaper category such as Photos, People, Photo Shuffle, Emoji, Weather, Astronomy, Color, or Gradient.
- For a photo, pinch and drag to frame it.
- Tap the clock to choose a font and color.
- Tap the widget area above or below the clock to add widgets.
- Tap Add, then decide whether to use the same style for the Home Screen.
Edit the Current Lock Screen
- Touch and hold the Lock Screen and tap Customize.
- Tap Lock Screen.
- Tap a widget area to remove or add widgets. Weather, Calendar, Reminders, Batteries, and Photos are common useful choices.
- Tap the clock to change font or color.
- Tap the photo area to adjust or replace the wallpaper.
- Tap Done to save.
Use Multiple Lock Screens
- Touch and hold the Lock Screen and tap the plus button to create another design.
- Swipe left or right in the Lock Screen carousel to switch manually.
- Tap Focus under a Lock Screen to link it with Work, Personal, Sleep, or another Focus mode.
- To delete one, swipe up on it in the carousel and tap the trash icon.
Troubleshooting and Extras
Depth Effect
Some photos let the subject appear in front of the clock. If the option is missing, the photo may not have enough subject separation or contrast.
Live Photos
A Live Photo Lock Screen can play a short motion clip when you touch and hold it. You can choose the still frame from the photo editing screen.
Empty Widgets
If a widget says No Data, open the related app once and check its permissions. Weather widgets often need Location Services enabled.
Customize Does Not Appear
Make sure you are on the actual Lock Screen and authenticate if your iPhone asks. Some setups require Face ID or passcode before editing.
Sources
- Apple Support: Change the Lock Screen on iPhone
- Apple Support: Use widgets on iPhone
- Apple Support: Set up multiple Lock Screens on iPhone