
Welcome to the era of personalization with Apple’s iOS 16, an update that significantly amplifies your iPhone’s customization capabilities, especially in terms of your lock screen. Your lock screen no longer needs to be a generic, one-size-fits-all format, as iOS 16 offers a dynamic range of options, allowing your creativity to shine through. From the ability to revamp the background picture to modifying the entire lock screen aesthetics such as fonts, and widgets we are given a lot of options to express ourselves. Similarly, the ability to customize your iPhone lock screen with uniquely designed wallpapers fuelled by emojis, your lock screen can truly reflect your style.
With the iOS 16 update, you are no longer a passive user but an active participant in crafting your iPhone experience. Gone are the days when your iPhone’s lock screen mirrored everyone else’s. The ability to make these customizations enhances your interaction with your device. It also reinforces the personal relationship that you share with it. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to customize your iPhone lock screen for iOS 16 providing you with a unique medium of digital expression.
It’s All in the Lock Screen: How to Edit
iOS 16 introduces an exciting twist on lock screen customization, building on what existed in previous versions. Now, direct customization from the lock screen is possible. Here are the steps to guide you on your customization journey.
- Initiating Lock Screen Picker
Start by pressing and holding any blank space on your lock screen. This action triggers the new lock screen picker.
- Navigating the Lock Screen Picker
Once in the picker, tap on ‘Customize‘ to modify your current lock screen or hit the plus sign at the bottom right to start fresh.
- Lock Screen Customization Menu
Within the lock screen customization menu, you’re free to select your preferred wallpaper, choose widgets, and play with font options.
- Saving Your Configuration
Once you’re satisfied with your configuration, tap ‘Done‘ to save it. If you want your lock screen wallpaper to match your home screen, select ‘Set As Wallpaper Pair.’ For further home screen customization options, select ‘Customize home screen.’
For those who love variety, iOS 16 makes it easy to switch between lock screens. Swipe sideways in the lock screen picker or link a specific lock screen to a Focus mode.
Breathe Life into Your Lock Screen with Widgets
The return of widgets to the lock screen with iOS 16 will be a delight for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max users, as these devices sport an always-on display. Third-party apps have already started rolling out with support for this new system. Here’s how to add widgets to your iOS 16 lock screen:
- Customization Initiation: Press and hold on your lock screen and tap the ‘Customize‘ button. Select your lock screen when prompted.
- Widget Selection: Pull up the widget picker by tapping the widget space just under the clock. Choose up to four widgets in any combination that suits you.
- Saving Your Widget Selection: Save your widget selection by tapping ‘Done.’

Spice up Your Lock Screen with Photo Shuffle
One exciting addition to iOS 16 is the Photo Shuffle feature, which allows your iPhone to automatically cycle through selected photos on your lock screen. Here’s how to set it up:
- Add New Wallpaper: Press and hold on your lock screen and tap the blue plus button.
- Select Photo Shuffle: Under ‘Add New Wallpaper,’ tap ‘Photo Shuffle.’
- Select Photos: Choose either ‘Select Photos Manually‘ to pick the photos yourself or ‘Use Featured Photos‘ for iOS-selected photos. Your photos will then change at predetermined intervals.
Personalize Your Lock Screen with Emoji
Apple’s iOS 16 introduces a novel emoji lock screen feature. You can construct a wallpaper using up to six emojis and pattern them with different layouts.
- Add New Wallpaper: Press and hold on your lock screen and tap the blue plus button.
- Select Emoji: On the ‘Add New Wallpaper’ page, tap ‘Emoji.’
- Choose Your Emoji: You’ll be presented with a preselected emoji. You can delete it and add up to six of your own.
- Select a Layout: After picking your emojis, you can now choose a layout and a background color. Options include small grid, medium grid, large grid, rings, and spiral, each with its unique design.
- Save Your Design: Tap ‘Done‘ to save your personalized emoji lock screen.

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Concluding Points
As we wrap up, it’s essential to acknowledge that while iOS 16 is not an entire revamp like Android 12, it does bring about significant changes in how users interact with their iPhones. The new release gives iPhone users the opportunity to personalize their devices like never before, emphasizing the feeling of ownership and individuality. The changes in iOS 16, particularly with the ability to customize your iPhone lock screen, indicate Apple’s commitment to improving user experience. It also ensures that its operating system is not just functional but also a platform for self-expression.
Sure, getting the hang of the new features might take a bit of time, but once you’ve mastered them, you’ll find that they make your iPhone experience much more personalized and enjoyable. The modifications made in iOS 16.1 have simplified the previously complex process of changing your home screen, making customization more accessible. Remember, your iPhone is not just a device; it’s a digital extension of yourself, and with iOS 16, you have the power to make it reflect your personality and style. Embrace this power, and take your iPhone experience to a new, personalized level.