How to Set and Use Live Wallpaper on Your iPhone (2024)

This article explains how to set live wallpapers on an iPhone by selecting Live Photos from the Photos library. The instructions in this article apply to iPhones operating iOS 17 and higher.

How to Set Live Wallpaper on iPhone

To set live wallpaper on your iPhone, follow these steps from your Wallpaper settings:

1. Tap Settings >Wallpaper.

2. Choose the the + (Plus) sign or Add New Wallpaper.

3. Tap Photos and search for or use the Live Photo filter to select an image.

   

   Motion may not be available for all live photos in your Photos library. If animation is unavailable for a selected image, you'll see a line through the Live Photo icon at the bottom of your screen.

4. Tap the crossed-out Live Photo icon in the bottom-left corner to reveal a Play symbol.

5. Choose Add when you're ready to save your work.

   See Also

   Set a Video as a Live WallPaper on iOS 17iPhone Live Wallpapers feature is not there in iOS 16: why Apple removed itWhy Is My Live Wallpaper Not Working on iPhone 12?How to Make a Video Into a Live Photo - Gazelle The Horn

   Before saving, use two fingers to hold the screen and move the focus, or pinch and zoom to crop or extend what you see.

6. Confirm how you'll use the wallpaper by tapping Set as Wallpaper Pair to duplicate the image on your Home Screen.

   

   Live wallpapers don't apply to the Home Screen; the image will be a still version of the same image if you chose Set as Wallpaper Pair. To choose another image or apply different effects, tap Customize Home Screen.

How to View Live Wallpaper on iPhone

Once you've set your new wallpaper, it's easy to see it in action.

Lock your phone by pressing the on/off button on the top or right side, depending on your model. Then tap and raise the phone and you'll see the photo in motion automatically.

Another Way to Set Live Photos as Wallpaper

A faster way to set a Live Photo as your wallpaper is to choose the photo directly from the Photos app.

1. Open your Photos app and choose Albums > Live Photos.

2. Tap a Live Photo to select it.

3. Select the Share icon at the bottom left of the photo and choose Use as Wallpaper.

   

   See Also

   How to Make a GIF Your Wallpaper: Mobile & Computer

4. Choose Add > Set as Wallpaper Pair or Customize Home Screen.

5. Go to the Home or Lock screen to view the new wallpaper. The Live Wallpaper will only animate on the Lock Screen.

Where to Get More Live Wallpapers for iPhone

If you enjoy Live Wallpapers and want more options beyond your Photos library, there are lots of sources of new images, including:

• Google: Search for something like "iPhone live wallpapers" (or similar terms) and you'll find a ton of sites offering free downloads.
• Apps: There are a lot of apps in the App Store with tons of free wallpapers. A few to check out include:
• Live Wallpaper 4K (free, with in-app purchases).
• Live Wallpapers Now (free, with in-app purchases).
• Wallpapers & Themes for Me (free).

What Are Live Wallpaper and Dynamic Wallpaper, and How Are They Different?

Live and Dynamic Wallpapers both add movement to your iPhone's Home and Lock screens.

While both of them deliver eye-catching animations, they're slightly different ways to change your iPhone wallpaper. Here's what makes them different:

Live Wallpapers

In older iOS versions, these wallpapers were still images until you long-pressed the screen. They were activated with a long press on the 3D Touch screen on the iPhone 6S and newer (or the models that simulated it in software).

In iOS 17, animations play automatically. No matter the iOS version, Live Wallpapers only work on the Lock screen.

Dynamic Wallpapers

In iOS 7 to iOS 15, Dynamic Wallpapers appeared as short, looped video clips on the Home and Lock screens. They didn't require the 3D Touch screen but were limited to the available options preloaded to the iPhone.