Changing your iPhone screensaver is a simple process that allows you to personalize your device and reflect your style. Whether you want a stunning landscape photo, a captivating animation, or a cherished memory, this guide will walk you through the steps, covering various iOS versions and addressing common questions.
What is an iPhone Screensaver?
Before we dive into the how-to, let's clarify what we mean by an "iPhone screensaver." Many users mistakenly use this term interchangeably with a lock screen wallpaper. While both personalize your phone's visual appearance, they serve different purposes. The lock screen wallpaper is the image you see when your phone is locked. The term "screensaver," as traditionally understood, refers to an animated image or video that plays on your screen after a period of inactivity. Importantly, iPhones do not have screensavers in the traditional sense. What many users refer to as a screensaver is simply a dynamic wallpaper which changes the look of the lock screen and home screen, but doesn't automatically activate after a period of inactivity like traditional screensavers on other devices.
How to Change Your iPhone Lock Screen Wallpaper (Often Mistaken for a Screensaver)
This is the most common way to personalize your iPhone's visual appearance. Here's how to change your lock screen wallpaper, which many people call a screensaver:
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Locate the Photos App: Find the Photos app on your home screen. It typically features a multicolored flower icon.
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Select Your Image: Open the Photos app and browse your library to find the image you want to use as your wallpaper. You can choose from your own photos, screenshots, or images downloaded from the internet.
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Set as Wallpaper: Tap the image to open it full-screen. Then, tap the share icon (the square with an upward-pointing arrow). Select "Use as Wallpaper."
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Choose Your Style: You'll see options for "Perspective Zoom" (a parallax effect that makes the image appear to move slightly as you tilt your phone) and "Still." Choose your preferred style.
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Adjust and Set: You can adjust the position of the image by dragging it around the screen. Once you're happy with the placement, tap "Set." You'll then have the option to set the image as your lock screen, your home screen, or both.
Can I Use Live Photos as My Lock Screen Wallpaper?
Yes! Live Photos add an extra layer of dynamism to your lock screen. When you press and hold on your lock screen, the Live Photo will play briefly. The process is the same as above; just select a Live Photo from your library. iOS will automatically recognize it and give you the option to use it as a Live Photo wallpaper.
What about Animated Wallpapers?
While there aren't officially supported animated wallpapers in the traditional sense, certain third-party apps might offer some limited options, but be cautious about using such apps as they could have security or privacy implications.
How Often Does the Wallpaper Change?
The wallpaper doesn't change automatically unless you've set up a specific dynamic wallpaper which subtly changes its appearance over time, but it remains the same image. You'll need to manually change it if you want a different image.
Can I Use GIFs as Wallpapers?
No, directly using GIFs as wallpapers isn't officially supported by iOS. While some third-party apps claim to allow this, they often have limitations or might compromise your phone's security and performance.
Where can I find cool wallpapers?
Numerous websites and apps offer free and paid high-resolution wallpapers specifically designed for iPhones. Remember to always download from reputable sources to avoid malware or viruses.
This guide should provide you with all the essential information on changing your iPhone's lock screen wallpaper. Remember, while iPhones don't have traditional screensavers, customizing your lock screen gives you a similar degree of personalization.
