How to Set a Live Photo as iPhone Wallpaper (2023)

Apple offers free live wallpapers, or you can make your own Lock screen wallpaper from a Live Photo.

By Conner Carey Updated 02/01/2023

* This post is part of iPhone Life's Tip of the Day newsletter. Sign Up. *

How do you put a live picture on your Lock screen? Apple offers cool iPhone wallpapers for free, but you can also make your own Live Photo iPhone wallpapers. Here's how to activate live wallpaper so your iPhone background is animated!

Live Wallpaper looks like a normal iPhone background until you touch and hold the screen and see it's animated. Let's go over how to set a free live wallpaper from Apple or make your own live wallpapers.

How to Choose Free Live Wallpapers from Apple

Apple offers several free, cool wallpapers with each new iOS update, and at least four of them are live wallpapers. Let's learn how to find and set a live Lock screen wallpaper, Home screen wallpaper, or both (though the photo won't be animated on your Home screen). To learn more about how you can customize your iPhone, sign up for our Tip of the Day newsletter. Here's how to choose a moving wallpaper on an iPhone or iPad.

Open the Settings app.
Tap Wallpaper.
Tap Choose a New Wallpaper.
There are Dynamic, Stills, and Live options; tap Live.
Tap the Live option you like best, then make sure Live Photo is on (no diagonal bar across the icon).
Tap the Perspective Zoom icon to turn the feature off or on. (Perspective Zoom allows the iPhone wallpaper to move as you tilt your iPhone screen).
Tap Set to confirm your new Live wallpaper.
Tap Set Lock Screen, Set Home Screen, or Set Both. Tap Cancel if you've changed your mind about this wallpaper.

How to Make Your Own Live Wallpaper

If Apple's offerings aren't the cool iPhone wallpapers and backgrounds you want, you may be wondering, "how do I make a Live Photo wallpaper?" Here's how! Custom live or GIF wallpaper is easy to set up as Home screen wallpaper, Lock screen wallpaper, or both (though the photo won't be animated on your Home screen). Here's how to make moving wallpapers on an iPhone or iPad.

Open the Settings app, then tap Wallpaper and Choose a New Wallpaper as before.
Tap Live Photos.
Tap the Live Photo you want to use as your background.
Touch and hold the photo, then move your finger on your iPhone screen to change which part of the photo is on screen.
Make sure Live Photo is on (no diagonal bar across the icon).
Tap the Perspective Zoom icon to turn the feature off or on. (Perspective Zoom allows the iPhone wallpaper to move as you tilt your iPhone screen).
Tap Set.
Tap Set Lock Screen, Set Home Screen, or Set Both. Tap Cancel if you've changed your mind about this wallpaper.

Now you can firmly press your Lock screen whenever you want to bring the image to life. Did you know that Live Photos can also become video loops? For more tips on how to change iPad and iPhone wallpaper, read this!

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

Did you like this tip

Author Details

Conner Carey

Conner Carey's writing can be found at conpoet.com. She is currently writing a book, creating lots of content, and writing poetry via @conpoet on Instagram. She lives in an RV full-time with her mom, Jan and dog, Jodi as they slow-travel around the country.

Article Spotlight

Remote Device Management Has Never Been Easier

Managing smart devices is essential for businesses and schools, especially when operating remotely. Jamf Now is a cloud-based mobile device management system that oversees 20 million Apple devices worldwide. Jamf Now allows you to configure settings, add email accounts, download apps, and set up security measures for all of an organization's devices. You can try this for free with up to three devices and add more for just $2 per device, paid monthly.

Featured Products

This USB-C Mouse Is the Last You'll Ever Need to Buy

Do you love your mouse? If not, it may be time for an upgrade! The Wired PBT Mouse by Matias stands out from the crowd because it is made using higher-quality plastic. Instead of using cheap ABS, these mice feel luxurious with a unique satin feel and aluminum scroll wheel. Matias has over 20 years of experience creating universal keyboards that work on Macs, PCs, iPads, and other USB-C-compatible devices. If you love their keyboard, you’ll love their mice, available in black and white with either USB or USB-C. It is also extra secure and doesn’t require installing any drivers. Try it today!

Organize Your Life: Stop Scrambling Around for Cords & Cables

Keeping your tech safe and organized while you are on the go can be tough, but CASEBUDi Electronics Organizer Case has your back! These nylon bags keep your electronics from getting lost in large luggage and safely stored to prevent damage. Available in Midnight Black, Sunset Orange, Cool Grey Fog, and Bright Sky Blue, this compact bag is stylish and practical. This case is 9.5 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 3 inches tall, so it is small and lightweight, yet it fits cords, cables, charging blocks, and other small accessories with ease. Stop wasting time digging through your purse or bag once and for all!