How to Delete Wallpaper on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Photo of author

By Matthew Simpson

If you’re looking to refresh your iPhone’s look, deleting an old or unwanted wallpaper is a great start. By accessing the settings on your device, you can easily change or remove the current wallpaper. It’s a straightforward process that involves a few simple taps, allowing you to customize your phone to better suit your style or mood.

How to Delete Wallpaper on iPhone

In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to delete your current wallpaper on your iPhone. These steps ensure that you can alter your device’s background without any hassle.

Step 1: Open Settings

To begin, locate the "Settings" app on your iPhone’s home screen and tap to open it.

The Settings app is where you’ll find all the customization options for your iPhone. It’s represented by the gray gear icon and is usually found on your first home screen, but you might need to swipe through to find it if you’ve moved it.

Step 2: Tap on Wallpaper

In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on "Wallpaper."

The wallpaper section allows you to manage both your lock screen and home screen backgrounds. It’s the hub for all your wallpaper adjustments and changes.

Step 3: Choose ‘Choose a New Wallpaper’

Tap the option that says "Choose a New Wallpaper."

This step takes you to a gallery where you can select new images or choose from Apple’s stock wallpapers. However, if your intention is to simply remove the current wallpaper, this step allows you to prepare for setting a new one instead.

Step 4: Select the Default Background Option

Select the "Stills" or "Dynamic" default option, but do not choose an image.

By setting a default, you effectively remove the personalized wallpaper. This action resets your wallpaper to one of the iPhone’s standard options.

Step 5: Set the Default Background as Your New Wallpaper

Finally, tap "Set" and choose either "Set Lock Screen," "Set Home Screen," or "Set Both."

This action finalizes the change, applying the new default wallpaper to the selected screens. Now, your old wallpaper is gone, and your iPhone sports a fresh, clean look.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your iPhone will display the default wallpaper you selected. The personalized wallpaper you previously used will be removed. This change will be applied to either your home screen, lock screen, or both, depending on your choice in the final step.

Tips for Deleting Wallpaper on iPhone

  • Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version to ensure all features work smoothly.
  • If you want to return to an old wallpaper, consider saving it in your photo gallery before deleting it.
  • Experiment with Apple’s dynamic wallpapers, which offer animations and shift with your device’s motion.
  • Consider setting separate wallpapers for your home and lock screens for a unique look.
  • Keep in mind that wallpapers can affect battery life, especially dynamic ones, so choose wisely if you’re concerned about energy use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retrieve a deleted wallpaper?

If you haven’t saved it in your photos, you can’t retrieve it once deleted. Always save wallpapers you might want back.

Will deleting wallpaper affect my app layout?

No, changing or deleting your wallpaper won’t alter your app layout.

How do I set a live wallpaper?

You can set a live wallpaper by selecting "Live" in the wallpaper settings and choosing a live photo.

Can I use my photos as wallpaper?

Absolutely! Choose "Photos" under the wallpaper settings to use your images.

Why does my wallpaper look different after I set it?

Your wallpaper might be automatically zoomed or adjusted to fit the screen. Use the "Perspective" or "Still" option to adjust it.

Summary

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Wallpaper.
  3. Choose ‘Choose a New Wallpaper’.
  4. Select default background option.
  5. Set the default background.

Conclusion

Changing or deleting your iPhone wallpaper is like giving your phone a fresh coat of paint. It’s a small change that can make a big difference to how you feel about using your device every day. Whether you’re updating to a new style or going back to a clean, default look, the steps are simple and quick. This tutorial has walked you through each step of the process, ensuring you have the guidance needed to customize your iPhone with ease.

Feel free to explore different wallpaper options or even create your own with personal photos or apps that offer unique designs. Remember, your iPhone is an extension of yourself and should reflect your personality or current vibe. If you’re interested in more ways to personalize your device, consider diving into the other customization options within the settings, such as adjusting your app icons or altering your display settings.

By regularly changing your wallpapers, you not only keep your phone’s appearance fresh but also give yourself a little mood boost every time you unlock your screen. So why not take a moment today to play around with the settings and find the perfect new look for your iPhone?