How to Switch Between Lock Screens in iOS 16

Apple’s iOS 16 allows users to create and customize multiple Lock Screens with unique wallpapers, widgets, and font styles. This guide explains how to quickly switch between your saved Lock Screens directly from the display or automatically by linking them to specific Focus modes.

Switch Directly from the Lock Screen

  1. Unlock Your iPhone: Wake your device and unlock it using Face ID or Touch ID, but do not swipe up to go to the Home Screen.
  2. Press and Hold: Touch and hold an empty area on the Lock Screen until the wallpaper gallery editor opens.
  3. Swipe Through Options: Swipe left or right to browse your collection of saved Lock Screens.
  4. Select a Screen: Tap the Lock Screen you want to use, and it will immediately become your active display.

Switch Automatically Using Focus Modes

You can also set your Lock Screen to change automatically based on your activity, location, or time of day by linking it to a Focus mode:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Focus and select a profile (such as Work, Personal, or Sleep).
  3. Under the Customize Screens section, tap Choose under the Lock Screen preview image.
  4. Select the Lock Screen you want to associate with that Focus mode and tap Done.

Whenever that Focus mode turns on—either manually through the Control Center or automatically via a schedule—your iPhone will instantly switch to the linked Lock Screen.