Do you not want the same iPhone wallpaper every time, but one that automatically adapts to the situation? With iOS 16 it is possible. Below you can read how to change the background image based on the time or location.
iOS 16: Change wallpaper automatically
An iPhone wallpaper where you sip a beer is nice, but at work you may prefer to appear more professional. And wouldn’t it be nice that when you go to your favorite sports club, your lock screen is completely themed?
With iOS 16 you set it all up. The operating system was recently presented by Apple and is currently in beta. This means that there is plenty of testing. The software is expected to be available for everyone to install around mid-September.
In this article we already show what is possible with the wallpapers in iOS 16. We also explain step by step how it works, so make sure to visit this page again when the software is out.
1. Set a Focus and choose a wallpaper
With iOS 16 you can change which image shines on your lock screen depending on the time and location. To set this up, use the iPhone’s Focus function.
- Open the Settings app and tap ‘Focus’;
- Tap an existing focus, or create a new one. We choose the Focus ‘Work’;
- Under ‘Customize screens’, tap the lock screen (the left picture);
- Tap one of the lock screens Apple has prepared for you, or tap Gallery to create or add your own wallpaper.
2. Change iPhone wallpaper based on location
Now you want to determine when your chosen iPhone wallpaper can be seen. In this case, that is when you show up at work. This is how you set it up:
- Scroll down to your chosen Focus and tap ‘Add Automation’;
- Select the ‘Location’ option. With this, the Focus switches on automatically when you are in a certain place;
- Enter the address and tap Done.
From now on you don’t have to do anything; when you arrive at the office, the wallpaper will automatically change to your chosen background. If you leave the location again, the Focus will switch off automatically and your iPhone will go back to the wallpaper that is set by default.
Also read: The New Lockscreen Features in iOS 16 (and They’re Really Fun)
3. Change iPhone wallpaper based on time
Which wallpaper is visible can also depend on the time. This is useful, for example, if you prefer a dark background in the evening, because it is calmer for your eyes. Make sure you have followed step 1 on this page first: ‘Set a Focus and choose a wallpaper’. Then do the following:
- Scroll down to your chosen Focus and tap ‘Add Automation’;
- Select the ‘Location’ option. This turns the Focus on automatically between set times;
- Set a start and end time and tap the days to trigger the automation. Tap Done.
One more way
There is another way to make iPhone wallpaper change automatically. You do this from the iPhone’s lock screen, also known as the lock screen or lock screen.
- Long press your finger on the iPhone lock screen;
- You will land on the Collections page. Press the plus button at the bottom right;
- Choose a wallpaper and press ‘Done’.
- Tap ‘Focus’ under the wallpaper and choose a Focus.
The wallpaper you just chose will only be visible if you are in the chosen Focus mode. Do you want to set when the Focus is triggered? Go to ‘Settings>Focus’, select the desired Focus and adjust the options.