Tech

How To Delete Wallpaper On iOS 16: 3 Simple Steps

Follow these simple steps on your device...

This guide explains how to delete a lock screen and home screen wallpaper on iPhone (iOS 16).

As with all previous major software updates, iOS 16 brings with it a plethora of new features designed to enhance the iPhone user experience. From the revamped lock screen to the streamlined Focus tool, iOS 16 moves Apple’s mobile operating system forward in many ways.

The first thing many users will notice about iOS 16 is the redesigned lock screen. iOS 16 also adds in extensive lock screen customization which includes the ability to create multiple lock screens and wallpapers to switch between.

They can each feature different wallpapers, clock faces and fonts, lock screen widgets, and a dynamic depth effect. This is super useful, and allows you to make better use of the iPhone lock screen interface than ever before.

How to delete wallpaper on iOS 16 iPhone - Screenshot showing wallpaper gallery
The new wallpaper/lock screen gallery in iOS 16.

If you’re still experimenting with iOS 16, you may have already created a few different lock screens just to test the new feature out.

If that’s the case, you’re probably wondering how you can delete any you don’t want to keep. Maybe you added a few too many widgets, don’t like how the clock looks, or are simply bored of an unwanted wallpaper.

Keep reading to find out how to delete a wallpaper on iOS 16…

How To Delete Wallpaper On iPhone (iOS 16)

Thankfully, deleting a wallpaper/lock screen on iOS 16 isn’t complicated. But it isn’t particularly obvious either, especially if you’re still getting used to the latest version of iOS.

This method is universal for any iPhone devices running iOS 16.

Screenshot showing how to delete wallpaper on iOS 16 iPhone.
Swipe up and tap the red trash can icon.

This is how to delete a wallpaper on iPhone (iOS 16):

  1. Unlock your iPhone using Face ID, Touch ID, or by entering your passcode. Start by long pressing on the lock screen. You will see each wallpaper/lock screen you have created.
  2. Find the wallpaper/lock screen you want to delete and swipe up.
  3. Tap the red trash can icon below the chosen wallpaper. Confirm deletion by tapping “Delete This Wallpaper” button when prompted.
Screenshot showing how to delete wallpaper on iOS 16 iPhone
Tap “Delete This Wallpaper” to confirm.

And that’s it – you’ve successfully deleted your home screen and/or lock screen wallpaper.

It is also possible to make changes to you lock screen and home screen wallpaper by going to the Settings app and selecting ‘Wallpaper’. From here, you can switch between other lock screens, delete old wallpapers, and make new ones. There are a number of different wallpaper options to customise in this menu.

If you’d like to create a new wallpaper/lock screen (complete with a different background, widgets, and clock) simply follow the same steps but select the “Customize” or “+” options instead. From here, you can choose a new background from the wallpaper gallery.

What else is new in iOS 16?

Alongside the significant revamp to the lock screen and home screen, iOS 16 for iPhones and iPads introduced a host of other user-first features.

For starters, the redesigned App Library makes it easier to manage apps and organise them to your liking. Privacy and security was also bolstered in iOS 16. With increased app tracking transparency, users have more control over their data so they can make informed choices about app permissions.

The introduction of Passkey, a secure login method that uses biometrics, ensures simple and secure access to apps and websites. Siri is also better than ever with improved language tracking and the ability to complete more advanced tasks.

The Messages app also got several enhancements. These include collaborative features like shared task lists and calendars, as well as improved search capabilities. iOS 16 also prioritises accessibility, with more voice control options, advanced display settings, and better support for hearing aids.

With its extensive range of new features, iOS 16 delivers a thorough upgrade that improves customisation, communication, privacy, and accessibility that caters to the diverse needs of Apple iPhone and iPad users.

Did you find this guide on how to delete a lock screen wallpaper on iPhone (iOS 16) useful? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Tech articles…

Joe Harby

About Author

Joe is one of the editors and founders of Downtime Bros and an accredited critic. He has more than a decade of experience in journalism and communications. He is passionate about everything in the worlds of gaming, movies, and TV, as demonstrated by the countless words he has written about them. He is overly proud of his Bloodborne platinum trophy and plays too much Call of Duty. Follow him on Twitter and check out his reviews on OpenCritic.

4 Comments

  1. Abel

    17 May 2023 11:44 BST

    Thanks very much! I would have not found this on my own for sure!

  2. Albert

    17 May 2023 11:44 BST

    This does not work on a Iphone XR .There is no way to swipe up and delete a wallpaper/lock screen as well as no other way to access them.

  3. Chuck

    17 May 2023 11:44 BST

    Great directions. Others could not explain it better 🚀

  4. Burnapple

    17 May 2023 11:44 BST

    We don’t want to delete wallpapers we want Apple to stop changing our wallpapers every time we touch our phones. Seriously whoever allowed this “feature” into an update should be fired.

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