Are you wondering how do you delete wallpapers on iPhone now that Apple changed the menu? Yes, it’s not as obvious as it used to be, but once you know where to find the iPhone delete wallpaper function, it takes seconds.
Follow this quick step-by-step guide to delete wallpaper, iPhone style, in just a few minutes. And if you're looking for a fresh new look afterward, we’ll also point you to some of the best wallpaper apps to upgrade your screen instantly.
What is a Wallpaper?
Think of a wallpaper as your phone’s style statement. It’s the background that brings your iPhone’s Lock Screen experience and Home Screen to life, showing off your vibe and personality. Whether it’s a bold graphic, minimalist design, or a crisp photo, it sets the mood every time you unlock your device.
But wallpapers can get old fast. Whether you want to ditch an old image, accidentally set the wrong one, or just crave a fresh start, learning how to delete old wallpapers on iPhone makes it easy to keep your wallpaper gallery clean.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to delete wallpaper in iPhone step by step, plus what to do next if you want to change your look. We've got a game-changer for you: Zedge, the ultimate app for the most epic wallpapers, including stunning 4K iPhone wallpapers for a next-level display.
How to Delete a Wallpaper on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning up your iPhone’s wallpaper gallery takes just a few taps. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Lock Your iPhone
First things first, lock your phone. If it’s already locked, you’re good to go. If not, press the side button (on newer iPhones) or the top button (on older models) to lock it.
Step 2: Long Press on the Lock Screen
Wake your iPhone by tapping the screen or pressing the side button. Then, press and hold on the Lock Screen to enter wallpaper selection mode. Unlock the wallpaper gallery using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Step 3: Swipe Up on the Wallpaper You Want to Delete
A new screen will open with all of your different wallpapers. Find the wallpaper you no longer want and swipe up on it. A small trash can icon will appear at the top of the screen.
Step 4: Tap the Trash Can Icon
Tap the trash can to remove the wallpaper from your collection. If you don’t see the trash icon, make sure you’re swiping up on an individual wallpaper and not a pair (like one linked to Focus mode).
🛠 Having trouble?
- If the trash can isn’t appearing, double-check that you’re editing a wallpaper you added yourself—default iOS wallpapers can’t be removed.
- If the swipe-up gesture isn’t working, try restarting your phone and attempting again.
- Still stuck? Head to Settings > Wallpaper and manage wallpapers from there.
Step 5: Confirm Deletion
A confirmation pop-up will appear. Tap “Delete This Wallpaper” to finalize the removal. And that’s it! The wallpaper is gone for good.
Note: You can only delete additional wallpapers you've added. The default iPhone wallpapers that came with iOS cannot be removed, but you can always set a new one over them.
How to Delete Wallpaper on iPhone 14 Pro Max
If you’re specifically searching for how to delete wallpaper on iPhone 14 Pro Max, the steps are the same:
- Press the Side button to lock the phone
- Press and hold on the Lock Screen
- Swipe up on the wallpaper
- Tap the trash icon and confirm
The only difference is the button placement (Side button), not the deletion process.
Want a New Look After Deleting? Here’s How to Change It
After you remove a wallpaper, you’ll probably want to set a better one right away. If you’re looking up how to change wallpaper on iPhone easily, the quickest method is:
- Go to Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper
- Choose Photos, Color, Emoji, or another style
- Tap Add, then set Lock Screen, Home Screen, or both
And if you want motion instead of a still image, many users ask how to set a video as wallpaper on an iPhone. On iPhone, this usually means using a Live Photo-style wallpaper (since raw video files can’t be applied as wallpapers directly).
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FAQs
How do I remove wallpapers on iPhone?
Press and hold your Lock Screen, swipe up on the wallpaper you want to delete, tap the trash can, and confirm.
How do I delete wallpapers on iOS 17?
The process is the same as previous iOS versions: Long press on the Lock Screen, swipe up, tap the trash icon, and confirm.
How do I delete a Lock Screen wallpaper?
Just enter wallpaper selection mode by pressing and holding on the Lock Screen, then swipe up on the wallpaper you no longer want and tap delete.
Can I delete multiple wallpapers at once?
Currently, iOS only allows you to delete one wallpaper at a time through the Lock Screen. However, you can manage wallpapers by adding widgets or choosing from multiple photos in your Photos app.
Can I use my own photos as a new wallpaper?
Yes! When setting a new wallpaper, you can choose from your Photos app and customize your Home Screen and Lock Screen to your liking.
How to set wallpaper on iPhone after deleting?
Go to Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper, then choose a photo or style and apply it. This is the standard method for setting wallpaper on an iPhone.
How to change the background on an iPhone quickly?
Go to Settings > Wallpaper and add a new one. Once you’ve set a few favorites, you can switch between them from the Lock Screen wallpaper gallery.
How to set wallpaper on Apple Watch?
If you’re also updating your watch, how to set wallpaper on Apple Watch works differently. Apple Watch uses Watch Faces. The closest “wallpaper” option is a Photos watch face, where you choose images that rotate on your watch screen.