Bored of the same old lock screen? iOS 26 just dropped, and it’s a customization game-changer. Ditch the predictability and dive into a world of personalized lock screen experiences. Prepare to meet a lock screen that’s uniquely YOU. Read on to unlock all the secrets!
Good to know : also check how to set up call back reminders on your iPhone running iOS 26.
1. Try the Liquid Glass-Style Clock
Ready to unlock your iPhone’s full potential? First, ensure you’re running the latest iOS 26. Dive intoSettings, navigate toGeneral, then tapSoftware Updateto unleash the newest features. Let’s get started!
Ready to personalize your iPhone’s lock screen? After updating, simply tap the power button to awaken your device. Then, press and hold any blank area on the lock screen until the customization magic appears below! Tap “Customize” to begin.
Tap on the clock at the top to view customization options.
Switch toGlassat the bottom.
Witness the transformation! Numbers, once static, now shimmer with Apple’s Liquid Glass design. They become ethereal, translucent forms, playfully mirroring and bending the light around them – a difference you can’t help but notice. Choose your hue, select your font, and watch the magic unfold.
When done, press theXto close theFont & Colorpop-up.
PressDonetosave the new look.
Tired of juggling your iPhone during calls? Discover the handsfree magic of having Siri announce callers and even read out your messages! This hidden iPhone feature will change the way you communicate. Setup is quick and easy – ditch the screen and let Siri handle it all. Learn how now!
2. Get the Stretched Out Clock Look
Want to bend time itself? iOS 26 lets you dramatically stretch the clock overlay, creating a surreal, eye-catching effect. But here’s the catch: this temporal trick only works on select photos. iOS needs headroom – space above your subject – to work its magic. No space, no stretching!
From your lock screen, once again open theCustomizepanel. Tap on the image thumbnail in the lower right corner.
“Ready to personalize? TapChoose Photoand dive into your gallery! Pick a picture that speaks to you, ideally one with some clear sky or open space up top – that’s where the magic happens!”
Clock font looking a little squished? If you’ve strayed from the default typeface, that stretch option is hiding from you. Here’s how to coax it back into existence.
Tap the clock to bring up the customization options. Now, first press on the globe icon.
Make sureArabic Westernis selected.
Then, switch to the first font option.
Now, you should be able to see the drag handle appear on your clock.
The clock, at its grandest, now dominates half your display. But, for a more subtle presence, shrink it down to a discreet ticker.
3. Move Lock Screen Widgets to the Bottom
iOS 26 shakes up your lock screen! Tired of widgets clinging to the top, under the clock? Now, they can chill at the bottom. Your screen, your rules.
Ready to jazz up your page? Head back to theCustomizepanel and unlock theAdd Widgetsmagic at the top. Now, unleash your inner designer and handpick the widgets that’ll make your site truly shine!
Tap, hold, and glide that widget frame all the way down – because, for now, bottom’s the only place to be!
Heads up! Stretching your top-aligned clock will smartly relocate widgets to the bottom for optimal viewing.
4. Use a Spatial Scene Wallpaper
Imagine transforming your favorite iPhone photos into immersive spatial wallpapers with iOS 26! Breathe life into your lock screen by converting cherished memories into stunning 2D or even mind-blowing 3D scenes.
Bring up the Customize screen and press on the image thumbnail once again. TapChoose phototo access your gallery.
Unleash your inner photographer! Swipe right at the top and dive intoSpatial Scene– a treasure trove of photoperfect inspiration waiting to be discovered.
Still no luck? Dive back into your photo gallery! If the Spatial Scene gods are smiling upon you, a tiny hexagonal icon will magically appear in the corner of your image. Give it a tap and BAM! Transform your ordinary photo into an extraordinary Spatial Scene.
To turn the effect off, tap the icon again.
FYI : don’t like the Liquid Glass animations in iOS 26? Here’s how to tone them down.
5. Add Animations When Playing Music
Unleash a vibrant visual symphony on your lock screen! Apple Music now pulsates with mesmerizing animations, turning every song into a captivating experience.
Music at your fingertips, even when your screen’s asleep. Fire up your favorite track on Apple Music, then let your iPhone doze off. Wake it, and like magic, the Now Playing bar will be waiting for you at the bottom. Instant control, always ready.
Unlock a mesmerizing experience: Tap the album art and watch it explode into a full-screen spectacle. Your favorite music now unleashes an animated canvas, transforming your lock screen into a vibrant portal to the artist’s world.
Animations AWOL? Let’s get them back! Dive intoSettings, thenAccessibility, and finally,Motion. The culprit?Reduce Motion. Flick that switch off and prepare to be dazzled!
Return toAccessibilityand tap onDisplay & Text Size. DisableIncrease Contrastfrom there.
Next, go toSettings ->Apps ->Musicand check ifAnimated Artis on.
Is your connection crawling? Before you throw your device across the room, check one tiny setting! Dive intoSettings, thenWiFi(orCellularif you’re out and about). Tap the network you’re using and make sureLow Data Modeis switchedoff. A simple flick could unleash the speed you’ve been missing!
Trouble seeing those animated album covers? I was too! This trick fixed it for me. Keep in mind, not all album art is animatedyet. Try artists with broader appeal – popularity often means more bells and whistles in their releases! Think mainstream artists for a higher chance of success.
Ready to unlock evenmoreiPhone magic? We’ve got the cheat codes to personalize those lock screen shortcuts – tap here and prepare to be amazed.
Thanks for reading How to Overhaul Your iPhone Lock Screen
