Change your iPhone screen saver with ease! Let’s learn in this step-by-step guide for iOS 16, 17, 18. Personalize your Lock Screen today.
If you’ve ever wanted to give your iPhone a new personality or simply keep things fresh and inspiring, updating your screen saver (spoiler: it’s really just your Lock Screen and Home Screen wallpaper) is the perfect place to start.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to transform your iPhone’s look, whether you lean toward the minimalist or love dynamic widgets and visual effects. Keep reading for a hands-on, easy-to-follow walkthrough that covers both basic and advanced customization options in iOS 16, iOS 17, and iOS 18.
Why Personalizing Your iPhone’s Screen Saver Feels so Good
First, let’s clear something up: on an iPhone, “screen saver” doesn’t work the way it does on computers. Instead, you get the creative freedom to design both your Lock Screen (the first thing you see when you wake your device) and your Home Screen (the background behind your apps). With iOS’s most recent updates, these spaces are now expressive canvases for your style, well-being, and even productivity routines.
Why does it matter? Because these custom touches do more than look good. They:
Spark positivity: Greet yourself with a cherished photo or color that energizes your morning.
Boost focus: Add widgets for quick reminders and calendar highlights, right where you need them.
Encourage change: Switch things up for seasons, moods, or new intentions.
Let’s demystify how it all works.
What Exactly Is the iPhone “Screen Saver”?
Before we dive in, here’s the quick Izoate breakdown:
Lock Screen Wallpaper: The image you see when your iPhone is locked.
Home Screen Wallpaper: The background behind your apps once you unlock your phone.
You can set both images separately (or even use a paired combo for both!). Plus, in iOS 16 and newer, you can:
- Create multiple Lock Screens with their own unique looks.
- Add widgets, change font and clock style, and even build Home Screens that blur, pop, or shift with your day.
- Animate your device with Live Photos, shuffle through entire albums, or link screens to specific Focus modes like Work or Sleep.
Isn’t it amazing how much you can express—before even opening an app?
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Screen Saver on iPhone
Personalizing your Lock Screen or Home Screen is as easy as a few taps. Follow along—and feel free to experiment as you go!
Changing Your Wallpaper from Settings (Universal for iOS 16, 17, 18)
Step 1: Open Settings
Begin by finding the Settings app (it’s the gray gear icon). If you don’t spot it instantly, swipe down from the middle of your Home Screen and search “Settings.”
Step 2: Tap Wallpaper
Scroll down and select Wallpaper. This is command central for all your background magic.
Step 3: Tap Add New Wallpaper (or Choose a New Wallpaper)
You’ll see your current selections; tap Add New Wallpaper to start fresh.
Step 4: Choose Your Style
Here’s where the creativity kicks in! You can:
- Pick from Apple’s stunning default galleries (Dynamic, Stills, Weather).
- Browse Featured Photos Apple curates just for you.
- Select Photo Shuffle to rotate through your favorites.
- Use an emoji collage (new and fun!).
- Or, upload anything from your photo library—including your own artwork or vacation memories.
Step 5: Set and Adjust
Once you’ve chosen an image, pinch to zoom or drag it for the perfect fit. Tap Set, and you’ll get the option:
- Set for Lock Screen,
- Home Screen,
- or Both.
Customizing Directly from the Lock Screen (iOS 16, 17, 18)
If you’re already looking at your Lock Screen, just:
- Press and hold anywhere on the screen until the gallery pops up.
- Tap Customize to edit the current wallpaper, or Add New for a totally fresh start.
- Make your pick, then modify the clock, widgets, and even the depth effect on supported photos.
- Swipe left or right to view and quickly switch between the multiple screens you’ve created.
Pro Tip: You can link each Lock Screen to a Focus Mode. This means your Work Lock Screen automatically appears during the workday, and your Personal Lock Screen can welcome you after hours.
Dive Deeper: Unlock Advanced Personalization Features
Apple isn’t kidding when they market iOS as the most personal smartphone experience. Let’s explore how to take things a little further.
Change Font, Color, and Clock Style
Tap the time. Experiment with fonts, colors, and weights until it fits your vibe—bold for clarity, pastel for a softer touch, or color-matched to your favorite background.
Add Widgets for Information at a Glance
- Tap the widget area above or below the time to add quick-access tools: calendar events, fitness stats, battery level, reminders, and more.
- Drag them so your most important info is always front and center, no matter what you’re doing.
Photo Filters, Depth Effects, and Live Photos
- Swipe for creative photo filters—black & white, duotone, or studio-style lighting.
- For supported images, activate the Depth Effect for a cool 3D look—the clock can even float behind your subject!
- Select Live Photos to enjoy a burst of motion every time you tap to wake your Lock Screen.
Try Photo Shuffle for Effortless Variety
- From the wallpaper menu, select Photo Shuffle.
- Decide how often you’d like your images to change: on tap, on lock, hourly, or daily.
- Pick a curated album or hand-select the shots that keep you motivated and smiling.
Home Screen Perfection: Blur, Match, or Mismatch
You don’t have to use the same design everywhere. After you finish with your Lock Screen, tap Customize Home Screen.
You can use a separate photo, knock back a gentle blur (to highlight your apps), or even set a solid color to keep things minimal.
iOS 18 Exclusive: Quick Actions and Lock Screen Controls
If you’re on the latest iOS 18, the Lock Screen gets even smarter and quicker:
- Long-press on the Lock Screen, tap the minus sign on controls (like the camera or flashlight) to remove them.
- Tap the plus sign to add new features—Calculator, Translate, Quick Note, and more—right at your fingertips.
- These controls can be tailored per Lock Screen and combined with Focus Modes for a truly adaptive experience.
Curious about all available widget and customization options? Visit Apple’s iOS 18 Lock Screen Customization.
Always-On Display: Glance Without Wake (iPhone 14 Pro, 15 Pro+)
Own an iPhone 14 Pro or newer? With Always-On Display, your Lock Screen stays dimly visible—so you can check time, widgets, and notifications discreetly.
You control what stays visible (wallpaper, notifications, widgets) via Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display.
It turns off automatically at night, when your phone is face-down, or in Low Power Mode to save battery.
Official support for Always-On can be found here: Apple: About Always-On Display
Quick Tips for Wallpaper That Wows
We’re all about making knowledge clear and actionable. Here’s how to get the most from your new look:
- Use sharp, high-res images for clarity.
- Explore the Live Photo feature for a hint of magic each time you unlock.
- Try seasonal themes—switch backgrounds with your mood, holidays, or important goals.
- Organize your photo albums to simplify future customizations.
- Remember: dynamic and animated images look fantastic but may use more battery, especially on older devices.
FAQs: Your Top iPhone Screen Saver Questions
How do I change my iPhone’s screen saver, step by step?
Head to Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper, pick your image or style, set it for Lock Screen, Home Screen, or both, and you’re done.
Can I have different wallpapers for Lock Screen and Home Screen?
Yes! After choosing your image, select “Customize Home Screen” to mix things up or keep it coordinated.
How does Photo Shuffle work on iPhone?
Select Photo Shuffle, pick your favorite photos, choose how often to switch (on tap/lock/hourly/daily), and enjoy never seeing the same screen twice in a row.
Do dynamic or live wallpapers drain my battery?
A little—they’re animated, so they use more processing power than a still image. But with newer iPhones, the effect is minimal.
Can I use a video as my screen saver?
Not directly. iPhones support animated Live Photos as Lock Screen wallpapers, but not full-length videos.
Your Personalization Checklist
To recap and keep things actionable:
- Open Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper
- Explore and select from Apple’s rich options or your own photo library
- Take time tweaking colors, widgets, and layout
- Pick where you want your new look to show up: Lock Screen, Home Screen, or both
- Try adding multiple Lock Screens for different moods or Focus Modes
- Don’t forget to experiment—this is about what inspires and serves you
Make Your iPhone Uniquely Yours
From minimalist to maximalist, from calm and focused to joyful and quirky—your iPhone can reflect it all. Every customization is a conscious act of self-expression. At Izoate, our mission is simple: make every interaction with your device an opportunity to learn, adapt, and shine.
If you enjoyed these step-by-step tips, why not take the next step? Explore even more customization options: build your own widgets, set up ringtones, or organize your Home Screen for productivity and peace.
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