How to Customize iOS 18 Lock Screen Buttons

Apple's iOS 18 updates the Lock Screen by allowing users to swap out the permanent Flashlight and Camera icons for a broad selection of native utilities, Control Center toggles, and third-party shortcuts. This customization operates through the existing Lock Screen editing interface, providing an intuitive, modular menu to remove, assign, or entirely clear the two lower quick-action slots.

Accessing the Customization Mode

To open the editing interface, authenticate on your iPhone using Face ID or Touch ID, but remain on the Lock Screen. Press and hold any empty space on the display until the wallpaper gallery appears. Tap the Customize button at the bottom of the screen, then select the Lock Screen preview on the left.

Removing Default Shortcuts

Once inside the editor, the interface highlights customizable elements. At the bottom corners, where the Flashlight and Camera icons typically sit, each button now features a small minus (–) symbol.

  • Tapping the – icon removes the assigned tool.
  • Once removed, the slot turns into an empty circle containing a plus (+) symbol.
  • If you prefer a minimalist look without any shortcuts, you can leave these slots empty.

Tapping the + icon opens the new Controls Gallery, which groups available actions into searchable categories:

  • System Tools: Toggles for Dark Mode, Airplane Mode, Cellular Data, Personal Hotspot, and Low Power Mode.
  • Utilities: Quick access to the Calculator, Timer, Stopwatch, Magnifier, and Remote.
  • Accessibility: Functions such as Live Speech, AssistiveTouch, and Voice Memos.
  • Shortcuts & Third-Party Apps: Dedicated triggers created in the Shortcuts app, alongside supported actions from third-party applications utilizing Apple's Controls API.

You can scroll through the categorized list or use the search bar at the top of the gallery sheet to quickly find a specific command. Selecting a control immediately places it into the chosen slot.

Saving and Using the New Buttons

After configuring one or both buttons, tap Done in the top-right corner of the screen, then tap the Lock Screen once more to exit the editor.

The new buttons operate using the standard Lock Screen interaction: a deliberate, firm press accompanied by haptic feedback. This pressure requirement prevents accidental activations while the phone is in a pocket or bag.