How to Customise Lock Screen Quick Action Controls on iPhone in iOS 18

Ever since the release of iPhone X, the bottom corners of the iOS lock screen have been permanently assigned to two fixed shortcuts: the Flashlight on the left and the Camera on the right. For users who rarely use the flashlight or who frequently open the camera simply by swiping left across the screen, these buttons were redundant and prone to accidental activations in pockets. In iOS 18, Apple finally unlocked complete lock screen control customisation, allowing users to swap both corner shortcuts for any Control Centre utility, accessibility feature, or custom Shortcut.

What Can You Put on the iOS 18 Lock Screen?

You can replace either or both quick action slots with dozens of native tools, including:

• Communication & Audio: Shazam, Voice Memos, Translate, or Calculator.
• Connectivity & Productivity: Dark Mode toggle, Personal Hotspot, Timer, or Alarm.
• Accessibility: Magnifier, Live Speech, VoiceOver, or Hearing Devices.
• Third-Party Apps: Direct action controls exposed by installed third-party applications.
• Apple Shortcuts: Trigger any custom automation, smart home scene, or URL scheme with one tap.
• Blank Slots: Completely remove icons for a minimalist lock screen free of accidental triggers.

Step-by-Step: Replacing Lock Screen Quick Actions

Customising your lock screen controls takes only a few taps:

1. Unlock your iPhone with Face ID or Touch ID, but remain on the Lock Screen.
2. Touch and hold the Lock Screen wallpaper until the wallpaper carousel appears.
3. Tap the Customise button at the bottom of the active wallpaper.
4. Select the Lock Screen card on the left.
5. Locate the circular quick action buttons at the bottom corners. Notice the small grey – (minus) badge on each icon.
6. Tap the – badge to delete the existing control (e.g., removing the Flashlight).
7. Tap the empty + circle to open the controls gallery.
8. Scroll through available categories or search for your desired action (such as Calculator or Shazam).
9. Tap the control to assign it to that slot.
10. Tap Done in the top-right corner to save your layout.

Triggering Custom Workflows with Shortcuts

The most versatile option is assigning a custom Apple Shortcut to a lock screen slot:

1. Tap the + icon in the lock screen editor.
2. Search for and select Shortcut.
3. In the configuration prompt, select your preferred shortcut from your library (e.g., “Log Water Intake”, “Open Spotify”, or “Garage Door Open”).
4. Save your changes with Done.

Now, pressing and holding that lock screen icon executes your custom automation instantly without unlocking or entering the home screen.

Popular Lock Screen Control Combinations

Customising Lock Screen controls in iOS 18 transforms static shortcuts into responsive, task-tailored launchpads that align perfectly with your personal iPhone workflow.