DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
Cupertino desk3 min

How to Change or Remove the Picture on Your iPhone Lock Screen

Change the Lock Screen picture without deleting the original photo, or remove a saved wallpaper from the gallery on iOS 16 or later.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

You can change your iPhone Lock Screen picture without deleting the photo from your library. On iOS 16 or later, remove a saved wallpaper by opening the Lock Screen gallery, swiping up on the wallpaper, and tapping the trash icon. The steps differ on iOS 15 or earlier, so check your iOS version before deleting anything.

Change the picture on your iPhone Lock Screen

To use a different picture, add it as a wallpaper in Settings. This changes the appearance; it does not delete the original photo from Photos.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  1. Open Settings and tap Wallpaper.
  2. Tap Add New Wallpaper.
  3. Choose Photos to select a picture from your library, or choose another available wallpaper option.
  4. Adjust the wallpaper if you want, then tap Add.
  5. Choose Set as Wallpaper Pair to use the wallpaper on both the Lock Screen and Home Screen. To give the Home Screen a different appearance, tap Customize Home Screen and adjust it separately.

Apple documents this Settings route and the paired or separate screen choices in its wallpaper instructions. You can also open the Lock Screen gallery by touching and holding the Lock Screen, then use its add control to create a wallpaper.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Edit the current Lock Screen wallpaper

If you want to keep the current wallpaper but change its appearance, open the Lock Screen gallery: press the side button to show the Lock Screen, then touch and hold the screen. Swipe to the wallpaper you want to edit and tap Customize. Depending on the wallpaper, you may be able to reposition the photo, change its style or filter, or adjust the clock and widgets. The available controls vary by wallpaper type.

#1 Best Overall
SUPFINE Magnetic for iPhone 13 Case/iPhone 14 Case Black | With Screen Protector, Translucent Matte, Compatible with MagSafe, Military Grade Drop Proof, Rugged Shockproof Protective
  • Super Magnetic Attraction: Powerful built-in magnets, easier place-and-go wireless charging and compatible with MagSafe
  • Compatibility: Only compatible with iPhone 13/14; precise cutouts for easy access to all ports, buttons, sensors and cameras, soft and sensitive buttons with good response, are easy to press
  • Matte Translucent Back: Features a flexible TPU frame and a matte coating on the hard PC back to provide you with a premium touch and excellent grip, while the entire matte back coating perfectly blocks smudges, fingerprints and even scratches
  • Shock Protection: Passing military drop tests up to 10 feet, your device is effectively protected from violent impacts and drops
  • Check your phone model: Before you order, please confirm your phone model to find out which product is right for you

Remove a saved wallpaper from the gallery in iOS 16 or later

Deleting a wallpaper from the gallery is different from changing the active wallpaper. Apple documents this gallery deletion method for iOS 16 or later. Removing an entry from the gallery is not the same as deleting the original picture from Photos.

  1. Press the side button to show the Lock Screen.
  2. Touch and hold the Lock Screen to open the wallpaper gallery. Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode if prompted.
  3. Swipe to the wallpaper you want to remove.
  4. Swipe up on that wallpaper, tap the trash icon, then tap Delete This Wallpaper to confirm.

These are Apple Support’s steps in Create a custom iPhone Lock Screen. If the gallery does not appear, touch and hold the Lock Screen again and enter your passcode if asked.

Rank #2
miracase for iPhone 16e case & iPhone 17e Case for MagSafe [with 2×9H+ Screen Protectors] TOP Military-Grade Protection Shockproof with Velvet Touch for iPhone 16e/17e Phone Case 6.1", Matte Black
  • [Enhanced MagSafe Compatibility] Engineered exclusively for iPhone 16e case & iPhone 17e case: Built-in 38×N56+ Magnet System with an innovative Focus-Ring, delivering 60% stronger magnetic adhesion than other cases. Ensures perfect alignment for secure fast charging up to 25W with MagSafe or Qi wireless chargers and provides a stable hold on all MagSafe accessories.
  • [Military-Grade Drop Protection] Exceeds MIL-STD-810G military standards: Advanced Shockproof Tech at all four corners, internal 360° Airbags and 3-layer TPU cushioning bumper. This combination provides superior protection, safeguarding your phone from drops of up to 15 feet, verified by 6,500+ drop tests in 40+ different test environments.
  • [Complete & Machined Function] This phone case for iPhone 16e/17e protects your phone with 2 9H+ tempered glass screen protectors against scratches and a 1.5mm raised camera frame against impacts and lens damage, ensuring original image quality .The Machined, interchangeable side buttons made from Aerospace-Grade Aluminum are designed to resist dust and punctures and exude premium quality.
  • [Slim Design & Premium Feel] With our Shockproof Tech and Ergonomic Design, the iPhone 16e/iPhone 17e case masterfully balances a slim profile with optimal protection. The innovative Nano Coating ensures long-lasting scratch resistance and effectively blocks stains, like fingerprints, while the soft bumper offers a soft, silky, skin-friendly grip.
  • [Flawless Compatibility & Lifetime Support] Precision-engineered for the iPhone 16 e/ iPhone 17 e phone case (6.1-inch). Please verify your phone model before ordering. Our dedicated support team provides personalized, 24-hour assistance. Backed by a lifetime manufacturer's warranty that includes hassle-free replacements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If your iPhone is on iOS 15 or earlier

Apple’s Lock Screen gallery deletion instructions apply to iOS 16 or later. On older versions, set a different wallpaper through Settings rather than looking for the newer gallery deletion controls. Apple’s older-version guidance says to delete the wallpaper image through Photos if you want to delete that image. That removes the photo itself, so do not use that step if your goal is only to change the Lock Screen picture or remove a gallery entry while keeping the photo.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

See Apple Support’s instructions for deleting a wallpaper for the version distinction and older-version guidance.

Best Value
Sale
OtterBox iPhone 17e, 16e, 15, 14, & 13 Commuter Series Case - Black, Slim & Tough, Pocket-Friendly, with Port Protection - Thin & Protective iPhone Case, Dual-Layer, Impact Absorbing iPhone Case
  • PRECISION FIT FOR IPHONE 17e–13 – Expertly engineered to match the exact dimensions of iPhone 17e, 16e, 15, 14, and 13 for a secure, form‑fitting hold that stays confidently in place.
  • 3X MILITARY‑GRADE DROP PROTECTION – Dual‑layer construction engineered to withstand drops beyond everyday accidents, exceeding military drop standards for dependable daily defense.
  • SLIM, POCKET‑FRIENDLY PROTECTION – A streamlined profile with rubber‑gripped edges delivers a secure hold without bulk, while port covers help block dust and debris during daily use.
  • DUAL‑LAYER IMPACT DEFENSE – A shock‑absorbing soft inner layer cushions impacts while a rigid outer shell adds structure and durability, crafted a minimum of 35% recycled plastic.
  • TRUSTED OTTERBOX QUALITY – As America’s most trusted phone case brand, OtterBox pioneered military‑grade phone case protection and continues to raise the bar. With OtterBox every design is built for real‑world reliability and everyday readiness.
Rank #4
FNTCASE Magnetic for iPhone 16 Case, Clear | Fit for Magsafe, with Screen Protector, Military Grade Drop Protection Cover, Slim Phone Cases, Shockproof Bumper
  • Designed for iPhone 16: This case is only designed for iPhone 16 6.1 inch and does not support any other models
  • Strong Magnetic Attraction: Designed for iPhone 16 case with 38 N52 magnets for 2400g lock. Fully compatible with MagSafe chargers, magnetic car mounts & Qi wireless charging without signal drop
  • Tempered Glass Screen Protector: All-in-one set features a 9H tempered glass screen protector for iPhone 16 case. High-definition screen cover guards display against scratches while keeping touch response fast
  • Crystal Clear: Premium clear iPhone 16 case made with Bayer TPU & PC. Nano antioxidant layer resists yellowing, oil, and smudges, keeping your phone looking brand-new with lasting clarity
  • 10FT Military Grade Protection:10FT military drop protection for iPhone 16 case. Hard PC backplate, flexible shockproof TPU bumpers, and 4 corner airbags absorb heavy impacts from accidental falls
Rank #3
Sale
TORRAS for iPhone 17 Pro Case Crystal Clear, Upgraded Anti-Yellowing, 6.3'' | Military-Grade Protection, Ultra Transparent Slim Case for iPhone 17 Pro Phone Case, Soft Bumper, Anti-Scratch, Clear
  • [Compatibility] ✅Confirm your model: Only for iPhone 17 Pro. Not for ❌iPhone 17 Pro Max/ 17.
  • [Crystal Clear & Advanced Non-Yellowing] Designed for iPhone 17 Pro, this transparent case highlights your device's original beauty. Engineered with TORRAS Exclusive upgraded nano antioxidant coating and 2.0 BlueMolecule technology, it resists 99.9% yellowing caused by sweat and UV exposure. TORRAS exclusive Micro-dot design and vacuum-plated anti-fingerprint TPU material ensure a crystal-clear, bubble-free adhesion. Keep your clear case looking brand new, just like the day you unboxed it.
  • [Trusted Protection & Slim Profile] This phone case for iPhone 17 Pro provides everyday protection with TORRAS shock-absorbing TPU and Military-Grade Anti-fall Airbag Tech. A raised 2.5mm camera bezel and 1.5mm screen lip safeguard against scratches and drops. All within a sleek, 0.03-inch profile that preserves your phone's slim design, so you can showcase its pure, original beauty.
  • [Perfect Fit & Full Wireless Charging Support] Precision-cut for iPhone 17 Pro, it offers effortless access to all buttons and ports. The secure-grip side coating ensures a comfortable, non-slip hold. Most importantly, ultra-thin supports full wireless charging compatibility—no need to remove the case to power up.
  • [7-Year Craftsmanship & Over 7 Upgrades] TORRAS has pioneered clear case technology, relentlessly refining our materials through over 7 generations. This journey culminates in the case for iPhone 17 Pro — a testament to our craft. Experience the confidence that comes with eternal clarity, trusted by a community of over 191,011,197 users who choose enduring design.

Choose the action that matches what you want

Your goal What to do What happens
Use a different Lock Screen picture Add a wallpaper in Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper. The new wallpaper changes the appearance; the source photo remains in Photos.
Remove a saved wallpaper from the gallery On iOS 16 or later, open the gallery, swipe up on the wallpaper, tap the trash icon, and confirm. The wallpaper entry is removed from the gallery.
Delete the photo itself on iOS 15 or earlier Delete the image in Photos, as Apple’s older-version guidance describes. The image itself is deleted, not just its use as wallpaper.
Use different Lock Screen and Home Screen appearances When adding a wallpaper, choose Customize Home Screen. You can customize the Home Screen separately instead of applying a pair.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.