How to Create a Custom Lock Screen on iOS 16 and Later

For years, the iPhone lock screen was a static, unchangeable interface. You could change the wallpaper, but the clock font, the layout, and the overall functionality remained strictly locked down by Apple. With the release of iOS 16, Apple completely overhauled the lock screen, introducing unprecedented levels of customization.

You can now change the font and color of the time, add glanceable widgets (like weather, battery levels, or calendar events), and create multiple unique lock screens that you can switch between depending on your mood or your current Focus mode.

This guide explains how to create and customize a new lock screen on your iPhone running iOS 16 or later.

How to Access the Lock Screen Editor

You customize your lock screen directly from the lock screen itself, not from within the main Settings app.

1. Wake your iPhone by tapping the screen or pressing the power button.
2. Ensure your phone is unlocked using Face ID or Touch ID (look for the open padlock icon at the top), but do not swipe up to go to the home screen. Stay on the lock screen.
3. Press and hold anywhere on the empty space of your lock screen for about two seconds.
4. The screen will zoom out, entering the Lock Screen gallery.
5. To create a brand new design, tap the blue + (Plus) button in the bottom right corner, or swipe all the way to the right and tap Add New.

Choosing a Wallpaper and Customizing the Look

Once you tap “Add New,” you will be presented with a wallpaper gallery.

1. Select a background. You can choose a photo from your own gallery, a dynamic Weather screen, an Astronomy layout, or simple solid colors and gradients.
2. Once the background is loaded, tap on the Time at the top of the screen.
3. A “Font & Color” menu will slide up. Here, you can choose from different typography styles for the clock and select a custom color to match your wallpaper.

How to Add Lock Screen Widgets

Widgets allow you to see live data without ever unlocking your phone.

1. Tap the rectangular Add Widgets box located directly below the time.
2. A menu will appear displaying all available widgets from both Apple and supported third-party apps.
3. Tap or drag the widgets you want to use into the widget box. You can fit up to four small square widgets, two wide rectangular widgets, or a combination of the two.
4. You can also tap the date area above the time to add a single, inline widget (like a stock ticker or your next alarm) next to the current date.

Saving and Applying Your New Lock Screen

1. When you are happy with your design, tap Add in the top right corner of the screen.
2. Apple will ask if you want to Set as Wallpaper Pair (meaning your home screen behind your apps will blur this same image) or Customize Home Screen (to choose a different background for your apps).
3. Make your selection, and your new custom lock screen is now active.

To switch back to your old lock screen or create another one, simply press and hold on the lock screen again to re-enter the gallery.