Tech

How to Change Screen Saver on iPhone

Screen savers add a personalized touch to your iPhone, turning the mundane lock screen into a canvas for your favorite images or Apple’s dynamic designs. But if you’re unsure how to switch your screen saver, worry not. This article is a step-by-step guide to help you personalize your iPhone’s screen saver effortlessly.

Understanding the Basics

Firstly, it’s essential to clarify that iPhones don’t have traditional “screen savers” as you might find on a computer. The terms commonly used are “Lock Screen” and “Home Screen” wallpapers, which appear when your device is locked or behind your app icons, respectively.

Changing Your Lock Screen Wallpaper

Step 1: Access Settings

  1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and select “Wallpaper.”

Step 2: Choose a New Wallpaper

  1. Tap on “Choose a New Wallpaper.”
  2. You can select from Dynamic, Stills, or Live categories or choose from your Photos.

Step 3: Set the Wallpaper

  1. After selecting an image, you can move it around or pinch to zoom.
  2. Tap on “Set,” and then choose “Set Lock Screen.”

Congratulations! You’ve successfully changed your Lock Screen wallpaper.

Personalizing Your Home Screen Wallpaper

The steps to change your Home Screen wallpaper are almost identical to those for changing your Lock Screen wallpaper. The only difference is in the final step:

  1. Tap on “Set,” and then choose “Set Home Screen.”

Using Live or Dynamic Wallpapers

  • Dynamic Wallpapers: These are animated wallpapers that move underneath your app icons. Simply choose “Dynamic” in the wallpaper options.
  • Live Wallpapers: If you press and hold the Lock Screen, these wallpapers show short animations. Choose “Live” in the wallpaper options and select your desired animation.

Making Your Own Custom Wallpaper

If none of the pre-made options tickle your fancy, you can always create a custom wallpaper:

  1. Open the Photos app and select the image you’d like to use.
  2. Tap the “Share” button and then choose “Use as Wallpaper.”
  3. Move the image to fit the frame, and tap “Set.”
  4. Choose “Set Home Screen” or “Set Lock Screen.”

FAQs

Can I set a different wallpaper for each screen?

As of the most recent update up to September 2021, iOS does not natively support different wallpapers for each home screen.

Can I use a GIF as a wallpaper?

No, iOS does not support GIF images as wallpapers. However, you can use Live Photos, which are somewhat similar.

Can I set a video as my wallpaper?

iOS does not support video wallpapers. You can, however, use Live Photos, which are essentially very short video clips.

Can third-party apps change my wallpaper automatically?

There are third-party apps that claim to auto-change wallpapers, but they usually require you to run the app in the background, consuming battery life.

Conclusion

Changing your iPhone’s screen saver, or rather its Lock Screen and Home Screen wallpapers, is a quick and easy process. It’s an effortless way to personalize your device and make it uniquely yours. Whether you opt for a still image, a dynamic background, or a live photo, the options are nearly limitless.