How to change the wallpaper on an iPhone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

You can use your own photo, a set of photos that shuffles through the day, or Apple's live designs such as weather and astronomy. The Lock Screen and Home Screen can match or differ.

Step by step

1. Open Settings and tap Wallpaper

   You see your current Lock Screen and Home Screen side by side.

   Done

2. Tap Add New Wallpaper

   A gallery opens with Photos, Photo Shuffle, Emoji, Weather, Astronomy and colour options.

   Done

3. Choose a photo or design

   For a photo, pinch to zoom and drag with two fingers to position it. Swipe left or right to try colour filters.

   Done

4. Tap Add

   It is in the top right corner.

   Done

5. Choose how the Home Screen looks

   Tap Set as Wallpaper Pair to use the same image on both, or Customise Home Screen to pick a colour, a blur or a different photo behind your apps.

   Done

Good to know

The quick way: touch and hold the Lock Screen, then tap the plus button, or swipe between the wallpapers you have saved.

To delete a wallpaper, touch and hold the Lock Screen, swipe up on the one you want to remove and tap the bin.

Each wallpaper can be linked to a Focus, so your work wallpaper appears when Work Focus turns on.

In short: Settings, Wallpaper, Add New Wallpaper, choose, Add.