How to customise the Lock Screen on an iPhone

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

The Lock Screen can show your own photo, a different clock design and small widgets such as weather, battery or your next appointment. You can keep several Lock Screens and switch between them.

Step by step

1. Touch and hold the Lock Screen

   Wake the iPhone, let Face ID unlock it without swiping up, then touch and hold the screen until the Lock Screen gallery appears.

   Done

2. Tap the Add New button

   It is the blue plus. To change the current Lock Screen instead, tap Customise.

   Done

3. Choose a wallpaper

   Pick one of your photos, a shuffle of photos, or one of Apple's designs.

   Done

4. Change the clock

   Tap the time to choose a style and colour. On recent versions you can also drag the corner of the clock to make it larger.

   Done

5. Add widgets

   Tap the widget area, choose widgets and drag them into place.

   Done

6. Tap Done, then Set as Wallpaper Pair

   The Home Screen gets a matching wallpaper. Choose Customise Home Screen if you want a different one there.

   Done

Good to know

To switch between Lock Screens, touch and hold the Lock Screen and swipe left or right.

To delete one, swipe up on it in the gallery and tap the bin.

A Lock Screen can be linked to a Focus. Tap Focus at the bottom of the gallery, and that screen appears whenever the Focus is on.

The two buttons at the bottom corners can be changed as well: tap one while customising to swap the torch or camera for another control.

In short: Hold the Lock Screen, Add New, pick wallpaper, clock and widgets, Done.