what to know
- From settings: Wallpapers > Add new wallpaper > Photos > Select a live photo > Customize it.
- From the lock screen: Touch and hold the screen > tap Customize or + (plus sign) to add a new wallpaper.
This article explains how to set a live wallpaper on iPhone by selecting a live photo from your photo library. The instructions in this article are for iPhones running iOS 17 and later.
If you are using iOS 16, live wallpapers are not available on the lock screen. If you are using iOS 15 or earlier and your device supports wallpaper presets, navigate to Wallpaper > Dynamic or Live . Select an option, preview and set it, then choose Set Lock Screen , Set Home Screen , or Set Both .
To set up a live wallpaper on your iPhone, follow these steps in the wallpaper settings:
Click Settings > Wallpapers .
Select + (plus sign) or add new wallpaper .
Click on a photo and search or use live photo filters to select an image.
Dynamic effects may not be available for all live photos in your photo library. If animation isn't available for the selected image, you'll see a line through the Live Photos icon at the bottom of the screen.
Click on the crossed out Live Photos icon in the lower left corner to reveal the play symbol.
When you're ready to save your work, select Add .
Before saving, hold down the screen with two fingers and move the focus, or pinch and zoom to crop or expand what you see.
Click the Set as wallpaper pair to copy the image on your home screen and confirm how to use the wallpaper.
Live wallpapers are not available for home screens; if you choose to set as a wallpaper pair, the image will be a static version of the same image. To choose a different image or apply different effects, tap Customize Home Screen .
Once you've set your new wallpaper, it's easy to see how it will look in action.
Depending on your model, press the on/off button on the top or right side to lock your phone. Then tap and hold up your phone and you'll automatically see the animated photo.
A faster way to set a live photo as wallpaper is to select the photo directly from the Photos app.
Open the Photos app and select Albums > Live Photos .
Click on a live photo to select it.
Select the share icon in the lower left corner of the photo and select Use as wallpaper .
Select Add > Set as wallpaper pair or Customize home screen .
Go to your home screen or lock screen to see new wallpapers. Live wallpapers only animate on the lock screen.
If you like live wallpapers and want more options beyond your photo gallery, there are many sources of new images, including:
- Google : Search for something like "iPhone live wallpaper" (or a similar term) and you'll find plenty of sites offering free downloads.
- Apps : There are a lot of apps in the App Store with tons of free wallpapers. Some things to check include:
- Live Wallpapers 4K (Free, with in-app purchases).
- Live wallpaper now (free, with in-app purchases).
- My wallpapers and themes (free).
Both live wallpapers and live wallpapers can add movement to your iPhone's home screen and lock screen.
While they both offer eye-catching animations, they have slightly different ways of changing your iPhone wallpaper. Here's how they differ:
In older iOS versions, these wallpapers were static images until you long-pressed the screen. They're activated by long-pressing the 3D touch screen on iPhone 6S and later (or models that emulate it in software).
In iOS 17, animations play automatically. Regardless of the iOS version, live wallpapers can only be used on the lock screen.
In iOS 7 through iOS 15, live wallpapers appear as short looping video clips on the Home and Lock screens. They don't require a 3D touch screen, but are limited to the available options that come pre-installed on the iPhone.
FAQLive wallpapers won't work if your iPhone is in low-power mode. To turn it off, go to Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode . You may also want to check your iOS version to confirm the wallpaper settings available on your device.
To edit a Live Photo on iPhone, open Photos and select Edit > Live to make adjustments, such as setting a key photo. On your Mac, open the Photos app, double-click the Live Photo, and select Edit in the upper right corner.
