What you need
Any iPhone running iOS 16 or later and a live wallpaper — you can grab thousands, free, from our wallpaper apps on the App Store.
How to set a live wallpaper (step by step)
- Download a live wallpaper app and save the wallpaper you like to your Photos.
- Open Settings → Wallpaper → Add New Wallpaper.
- Pick "Photos" and choose your saved live wallpaper.
- Make sure Live Photo is on (the little circular icon at the bottom is highlighted).
- Tap Add, then "Set as Wallpaper Pair."
- Press and hold the lock screen — the wallpaper plays when you touch and hold.
Tip: pick the right format
Live wallpapers need a Live Photo (a short motion clip), not a still image. Our wallpaper apps save them in the correct format automatically.
Live vs. still vs. video wallpapers
- Live wallpaper — plays a short motion when you touch and hold the lock screen.
- Still wallpaper — a single image, lightest on battery.
- Video / dynamic — full motion, great for the Always-On display on Pro models.
Save battery while keeping it beautiful
Live wallpapers only animate on touch, so they barely affect battery. For the Always-On display, a darker wallpaper uses less power on OLED iPhones.
Common questions
Are live wallpapers free?
Yes — our wallpaper apps offer thousands of free live and 4K wallpapers, with premium packs to remove ads and unlock HD.
Why won't my live wallpaper move?
Make sure it is saved as a Live Photo and that Live is enabled when you set it. Still images cannot animate.