How to Change the iPhone Lock Screen in iOS 16

In iOS 16, switching between different lock screens is a breeze. Here's the quickest method.

If, like me, you want to take advantage of the extra lock screen customization options offered by the latest iPhone OS, you'll want to know how to change your lock screen in iOS 16.

With iOS 16, you can not only design your own personalised lock screen, but also save and switch between them at any time. This way, you can make a variety of lock screens and use this guide to switch them up whenever the mood strikes.

Apple Watch users have been able to do something similar for a while now, using the iOS Watch app to create, save, and switch between watch faces. As an Apple Watch user, I'm a frequent face switcher, so I think this is a welcome addition to iOS and something I'll use frequently.

While there are several options, here is the simplest way to change your lock screen in iOS 16.

How to Customize Your iOS 16 Lock Screen

1. With your iPhone awake, long press on the lock screen.

2. In front of you will be a gallery of your available lock screens. Scroll from left to right until you find the one you're looking for.

3. Select the lock screen that you want to use. It has now become your new lock screen.

....

That's all there is to it. Isn't it simple?

Scroll all the way to the left in the gallery of available lock screens to find a blank lock screen with a Plus button. This is a quick way to make a new lock screen. In the bottom right corner of the gallery screen, there is also a Plus button. To make a new lock screen, tap one of these options.

Are you sick of your own lock screen? Swipe up to reveal a trash can icon. To remove the lock screen, tap it.

Each lock screen in your Gallery includes a Focus button. Tap the Focus button to associate that lock screen with a Focus mode. When you enable a Focus mode, the designated lock screen becomes your lock screen automatically, without you having to switch manually.

Entering Work mode, for example, will bring up the Work-specific lock screen.

At the bottom of the gallery of lock screens, there's also a Customize button. To edit the lock screen in front of you, tap the Customize button.

Then, using our guides on how to edit an iMessage in iOS 16 and how to undo send using iMessage on iPhone, you can learn how to take advantage of the new messaging features.