What You Need to Know
- Apple changed how to delete wallpaper on your iPhone with the release of IOS16
- The new method can be convoluted and confusing
- Delete wallpaper from the lock screen
Introduction
When Apple released IOS16 in September 2022, they changed how to delete wallpaper from your iPhone. In prior versions, this was done by tapping Wallpaper under settings. However, you now handle this by using the iPhone lock screen. Many iPhone owners have complained that deleting wallpaper is now confusing and convoluted. But fear not! We have you covered, just follow these easy steps.
How to Delete Wallpaper on your iPhone
In version IOS 16 and later, we no longer delete wallpaper in the wallpaper settings. Instead, we delete wallpaper from the iPhone lock screen. Follow these steps.
Delete wallpaper on iPhone with Face ID or Touch enabled
- Make sure you have Face ID or touch enabled to unlock your iPhone, and then lock your iPhone.
- Press and hold your finger on the lock screen
- The wallpaper customization screen will open
- Scroll left or right to find the wallpaper you want to delete
- Swipe up on the wallpaper you want to delete and a red trash can will appear
- Tap the trash can to delete the wallpaper
If you do not have Face ID or Touch enabled, the instructions to delete wallpaper are slightly different.
Deleting wallpaper on iPhone using your passcode
When Face ID or Touch is disabled, but you still have a passcode, you need to first unlock the phone with your passcode before you can delete the wallpaper on your iPhone.
- First, unlock your iPhone with the passcode
- Next, swipe down from the “notch” or “Dynamic Island” on your iPhone
- This will open the lock screen.
- Press and hold your finger on the lock screen
- The wallpaper customization screen will open
- Scroll left or right to find the wallpaper you want to delete
- Swipe up on the wallpaper you want to delete and a red trash can will appear
- Tap the trash can to delete the wallpaper
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple’s iOS 16 introduced a new method for deleting wallpaper from your iPhone, moving away from the traditional settings menu to a more interactive approach via the lock screen. While this change has been perceived as confusing and convoluted by many users, the process can be straightforward once you understand the steps.
Whether you have Face ID, Touch ID, or just a passcode, deleting wallpaper involves a few simple actions on your lock screen. By pressing and holding the lock screen, navigating to the desired wallpaper, and then using the swipe and tap gesture to remove it, you can efficiently manage your iPhone’s wallpapers.
If you’d like more information regarding how to customize the wallpaper on your iPhone, read or article on how to change your wallpaper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can’t I access the wallpaper edit mode?
The wallpaper edit mode was released with IOS16. Upgrade to the latest version of IOS to access this feature.
Why is the trash icon missing when I swipe up on the wallpaper?
You need to have an alternate wallpaper setup in order to delete an existing wallpaper. If you do not have an alternate that your iPhone can use as a default, you will not be able to delete the existing wallpaper.
Jim is an entrepreneur and technology enthusiast who has over 20 years of experience in the technology field. Over the course of his career he has held numerous tech leadership roles.
Currently, he owns Smarter Tech Talk, a platform he launched in September 2023, dedicated to offering detailed analyses of consumer technology and applications. With this venture he hopes to use his deep expertise and passion for technology to provide others practical advice and guide them through todays complex technology landscape.