4 Easy Steps to Delete Lock Screen Wallpapers on iOS 16

A step-by-step guide to removing wallpaper on your iPhone or iPad with iOS 16

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: January 26, 2025 Fact Checked

Do you want to delete old wallpapers from your iPhone or iPad? With the iOS 16 update, you can customize your lock screen with widgets, live wallpapers, and more. You can create multiple wallpapers and switch between them effortlessly. If you find that you have too many, or that you no longer want the wallpaper's aesthetic, you can easily delete it. This wikiHow will show you how to get rid of existing wallpapers on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or later.

Things You Should Know

Unlock your device, then long-press on the lock screen.
Swipe up on the wallpaper you want to delete, then tap the trash can icon.
Add a new wallpaper by tapping "+" or edit an existing one by tapping "Customize".

Steps

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Unlock your iPhone or iPad. If your iPhone is locked by Face ID and/or passcode, use it to unlock the device. You won't be able to make edits to your wallpaper if your device is locked.^{[1]
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- If you haven't already, make sure to update your iPhone. This wallpaper feature is only available on iOS 16 or later. If you don't have this update your device may be too old to update.
- Don't swipe-up to access your home screen. Stay on your lock screen.
If you have multiple wallpapers set, you'll be able to swipe left or right to view them.^{[2]
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You can delete any wallpaper as long as you have at least one left over.^{[3]
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Tap the trash can icon. This will be in red, located below the wallpaper. Your wallpaper will be deleted.^{[4]
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- Add a new wallpaper by tapping the blue + icon, or edit an existing one by tapping Customize.
- Add widgets such as the weather widget to display local temperatures on your lock screen.
- You can also set a new home screen wallpaper. There are plenty of ways to customize your layout with themes and widgets.

Community Q&A

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Question

Why is there no trash can icon when I swipe up?

Community Answer

Make sure you have more than one wallpaper on your phone. You need a wallpaper to switch to when you delete one.

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Question

Why can't I access the wallpaper edit mode?

Community Answer

You need to be running the iOS 16 for this feature to work. Head to settings to upgrade your iPhone's software.

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Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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