Changing the background picture on your iPhone can give your device a fresh and personalized look. Whether you want to use a favorite photo, a stunning landscape, or a cute picture of your pet, customizing your iPhone’s background is a simple and fun way to make it truly yours. In this blog post, we will guide you through different methods to change the background picture on your iPhone, so you can find the one that suits you best.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change the Background Picture on your iPhone
There are several reasons why you might want to change the background picture on your iPhone. Firstly, a new background picture can help personalize your device and make it reflect your style and personality. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or vibrant colors, changing your iPhone’s background allows you to express yourself. Additionally, regularly changing your background picture can bring a sense of freshness and novelty to your device, preventing it from feeling stale or boring. Lastly, the background picture is one of the most visible aspects of your iPhone, and changing it can enhance your overall user experience.
Method 1: Via the Settings App
Changing the background picture on your iPhone via the Settings app is the most straightforward method. Here’s how:
Step 1: Unlock your iPhone and navigate to the home screen.
Step 2: Tap on the "Settings" app, which is represented by a gray gear icon.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap on "Wallpaper".
Step 4: Choose a new wallpaper by tapping on "Choose a New Wallpaper".
Step 5: You can select a pre-loaded wallpaper by swiping through the options or tap on "All Photos" to choose one from your photo library.
Step 6: Once you’ve found the desired picture, tap on it to preview and customize.
Step 7: Crop the image if needed by dragging the frame or adjusting the zoom level.
Step 8: Choose whether you want the wallpaper to be set on the lock screen, home screen, or both by selecting the respective options.
Step 9: Tap on "Set" to apply the new wallpaper, or tap on "Cancel" to discard any changes.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to change the background picture.
2. Allows you to choose from a wide variety of pre-loaded wallpapers or your own photos.
3. Provides the option to customize and crop the image to fit your device’s screen perfectly.
Cons:
1. Limited to the options available in the Settings app, which may not cater to everyone’s preferences.
2. Inability to adjust brightness, contrast, or other image settings during the wallpaper selection process.
Method 2: Via the Photos App
Another way to change the background picture on your iPhone is through the Photos app. This method allows you to select a photo from your library and set it as the wallpaper directly. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the "Photos" app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Navigate to the photo you want to set as the wallpaper.
Step 3: Tap on the photo to open it in full screen.
Step 4: Tap on the share button, which is represented by a square with an upward arrow.
Step 5: Scroll down and tap on "Use as Wallpaper".
Step 6: Adjust the size and position of the image by dragging or zooming.
Step 7: Choose whether you want the wallpaper to be set on the lock screen, home screen, or both by selecting the respective options.
Step 8: Tap on "Set" to apply the new wallpaper, or tap on "Cancel" to discard any changes.
Pros:
1. Allows you to choose any photo from your library and set it as the wallpaper.
2. Provides the option to customize and crop the image to fit your device’s screen perfectly.
3. No need to navigate through multiple settings menus, as the option to set as wallpaper is directly accessible from the Photos app.
Cons:
1. Limited to using photos stored in your iPhone’s library, which may not offer as much variety as other methods.
2. Inability to adjust brightness, contrast, or other image settings during the wallpaper selection process.
Method 3: Via Third-Party Apps
If you’re looking for a wider range of options and customization features, using third-party wallpaper apps is a great choice. These apps offer a vast collection of high-quality wallpapers and allow you to tweak settings to suit your preferences. Here’s how to change the background picture on your iPhone using a third-party app:
Step 1: Install a wallpaper app from the App Store. Some popular options include "Unsplash", "Walli", and "Vellum".
Step 2: Open the app and explore the available wallpaper options.
Step 3: Once you’ve found a wallpaper you like, tap on it to view more details.
Step 4: Customize the wallpaper settings, such as brightness, contrast, or blur effect, if the app provides those options.
Step 5: Tap on the download or save button to save the wallpaper to your iPhone.
Step 6: Open the "Photos" app and locate the downloaded wallpaper.
Step 7: Follow the steps mentioned in Method 2 to set the downloaded wallpaper as your background picture.
Pros:
1. Provides access to a wide range of wallpapers from various categories and themes.
2. Offers customization options to tweak the appearance of the wallpaper according to your preferences.
3. Constant updates and new wallpapers ensure a fresh and diverse selection.
Cons:
1. Some wallpaper apps may require in-app purchases to access premium wallpapers or features.
2. Limited control over the image quality or resolution, depending on the app’s settings.
Method 4: Via the “Shortcuts” App
The "Shortcuts" app, which comes pre-installed on iPhones, offers a unique way to change your background picture. By creating a custom shortcut, you can automate the process of setting a new wallpaper without the need for manual steps. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the "Shortcuts" app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Tap on the "+" button to create a new shortcut.
Step 3: Tap on "Add Action".
Step 4: In the search bar, type "Set Wallpaper" and select the "Set Wallpaper" action.
Step 5: Customize the shortcut by choosing whether you want to change the lock screen, home screen, or both.
Step 6: Tap on the "Choose" button to select a photo from your library or use the "Take Photo" action to capture a new image.
Step 7: Tap on "Next" to proceed.
Step 8: Name the shortcut and optionally add an icon for easier identification.
Step 9: Tap on "Done" to save the shortcut.
Step 10: To change the background picture, open the "Shortcuts" app and tap on the shortcut you created.
Pros:
1. Automates the process of changing the background picture with just a single tap.
2. Allows you to set a specific photo or image as the wallpaper.
3. Can be customized to change the lock screen, home screen, or both simultaneously.
Cons:
1. Requires knowledge and basic understanding of the "Shortcuts" app to create and use the shortcut.
2. Limited to using photos stored in your iPhone’s library, similar to the Photos app method.
What to Do If You Can’t Change The Background Picture
If you encounter difficulties or cannot change the background picture on your iPhone, try the following fixes:
Q1: What should I do if the "Set Wallpaper" option is grayed out in the Settings app?
A: In this case, make sure that "Reduce Motion" is disabled in the iPhone’s "Accessibility" settings. This option can restrict certain wallpaper-related features.
Q2: What can I do if the chosen wallpaper appears blurry or pixelated?
A: To ensure a high-quality wallpaper, try using images with higher resolutions or those specifically designed for iPhone backgrounds. Avoid zooming in too much during the wallpaper selection process.
Q3: Why can’t I see the wallpaper I downloaded from a third-party app in the Photos app?
A: It’s possible that the downloaded wallpaper is stored in the app’s own library. Check if the app provides a "Save to Photos" or "Export to Photos" option to transfer the image to your iPhone’s library.
Q4: What do I do if my iPhone freezes or becomes unresponsive after changing the background picture?
A: Restart your iPhone by holding down the power button and sliding the "Power Off" slider. This can resolve temporary software glitches that may have been caused by the background picture change.
Bonus Tips
1. Explore Live Photos: If you have an iPhone that supports Live Photos, consider using them as your background pictures. These dynamic wallpapers can add an extra touch of life to your device’s home screen.
2. Create Photo Albums: To easily access a collection of wallpapers, create a dedicated album in the Photos app. This way, you can quickly switch between different backgrounds without searching through the entire library.
3. Try Wallpaper Widgets: iOS 14 introduces widgets that can display useful information and provide quick access to apps. Some third-party wallpaper apps offer widgets that showcase a new wallpaper every day, allowing you to discover fresh options effortlessly.
5 FAQs
Q1: How do I delete a wallpaper that I no longer want on my iPhone?
A: To delete a wallpaper from your iPhone, navigate to the "Settings" app, tap on "Wallpaper", select the wallpaper you want to delete, and choose "Remove Wallpaper".
Q2: Can I set different wallpapers for my lock screen and home screen?
A: Yes, you can set different wallpapers for the lock screen and home screen by choosing the respective options during the wallpaper selection process.
Q3: Are there any apps that automatically change the wallpaper on my iPhone?
A: Yes, there are apps available on the App Store that provide automated wallpapers. These apps can change your background picture periodically or based on a specific schedule.
Q4: Can I use animated wallpapers on my iPhone?
A: Starting from iOS 14.3, iPhone users can set animated wallpapers on their devices. These wallpapers can add movement and interactivity to your background.
Q5: How can I preserve the quality of the wallpaper image on my iPhone?
A: To ensure the best quality, use high-resolution images that match your iPhone’s display specifications. Avoid zooming in too much during the wallpaper selection process, as it can result in pixelation or blurriness.
Final Thoughts
Changing the background picture on your iPhone can be a fun and creative way to personalize your device. Whether you prefer a simple image, a stunning photograph, or a dynamic Live Photo, the methods outlined in this blog post can help you achieve your desired look effortlessly. From the straightforward Settings app to the exciting possibilities offered by third-party wallpaper apps, you have a wide range of options to choose from. So go ahead, explore new wallpapers, and make your iPhone uniquely yours.