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How to change and customise your Lock Screen in iOS 16

iOS 16 is here, and with it comes the first big redesign of the iPhone’s Lock Screen in years. Here’s how to get the most from it.

If you’ve been one of the first to install iOS 16 on your device and want to learn more about how to customise the new iOS 16 Lock Screen, you’ve come to the right place.

Here we’ll look at adding extra information, changing the wallpaper and creating multiple Lock Screens.

What you’ll need:

  • iOS 16 works on the iPhone 8 and newer (we used an iPhone 13 Pro Max for this test)

The Short Version 

  • Hold down on the Lock Screen
  • Choose Customise
  • Choose your changes
  • Customise
  • Set the new Lock Screen
  1. Step
    1

    Hold down on the Lock Screen

    To enter the new Lock Screen customisation screen you’ll need to long press on the Lock Screen itself. Ensure you’re running iOS 16 for this to work properly.

  2. Step
    2

    Either choose Customise or tap the Plus sign

    You’ll now be taken to a new screen that allows you to either customise a current setup or create a new one entirely. You can have multiple Lock Screens always accessible, and these can even be set in different Focus mode settings. You can, for instance, have a Lock Screen for work or one for the night. For this guide, we’ll tap Customise.

  3. Step
    3

    Start customising

    You have a few options now. If you tap the time you’ll be able to change the font and colour, while tapping below the clock lets you add a few widgets – like a battery monitor or weather alert. If you want to change the background picture, tap the small photo icon in the bottom corner.

  4. Step
    4

    Set up a completely new Lock Screen

    Now let’s set up a completely new Lock Screen. Instead of tapping Customise, press the blue plus icon.

  5. Step
    5

    Choose your new Lock Screen

    Once you’ve tapped the blue plus icon you’ll be taken to a new gallery. This is full of pre-made Lock Screens, selected photos and various options. All of these pre-made screens can be edited or tweaked if you wish.

Troubleshooting

Does this work on the iPad too?

Nope. Apple hasn’t added the same Lock Screen features to the iPad it has with the iPhone. Hopefully we’ll see similar customisation added to the tablet in future years.

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