Did you know your iPhone can have a moving wallpaper? Not just a lazy shimmer, but an actual video with aesthetic loops, dreamy waves, anime edits, or whatever vibe you're feeling, right on your lock screen.
A lot of users search for how to set a video as wallpaper on iPhone, but iPhones don’t let you apply a raw video file as a wallpaper the same way you’d set a photo. The smart workaround is turning the clip into a Live Photo first, then setting it as a Lock Screen wallpaper.
If you’ve been wondering how to set a video as a wallpaper on iPhone, you can do it in minutes using apps that convert or provide Live Photos. Apps like Zedge, one of the best wallpaper apps, handle the heavy lifting so you can spend less time editing and more time flexing your phone screen.
Here’s how to do it fast.
Step 1: Download the Zedge App
Head to the App Store and download the Zedge app.
Zedge has a massive library of animated wallpapers, ready to use with no extra editing required. From neon loops to scenic waves, everything is pre-formatted as Live Photos that work perfectly with your iPhone.
This is exactly what you want if you’re trying to use video as wallpaper, iPhone style.
Step 2: Browse for a Video Wallpaper You Love
Once you're in the app, tap the Live Wallpapers category from the homepage or main menu. This opens up an entire feed of animated wallpapers, from calming ocean loops to bold anime edits.
Not sure what you’re looking for? Try using the search bar with keywords like:
- "Loop video"
- "Nature waves"
- "Aesthetic motion"
- "Anime edit"
Zedge makes it easy for iPhone users. Everything in this category is already in the right Live Photo format.
Step 3: Download Your Favorite
Once you’ve found a wallpaper you want, tap the download icon. Make sure you give Zedge access to your Camera Roll or Photos app.
The wallpaper will save directly to your Live Photos album.
Step 4: Set It as Your Wallpaper
Open Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper
- Tap Photos (or Live Photo, depending on iOS version/UI)
- Select your downloaded Live Photo
- Make sure Live Photo / Motion is enabled (if the toggle appears)
- Tap Add, then choose Set as Wallpaper Pair or customize Lock/Home
This is the easiest way to learn how to set a video as wallpaper on an iPhone without extra tools. When you apply it, choose Lock Screen (or pair it with a matching Home Screen still).
Note: The animation works only on the Lock Screen. On many iPhones, you’ll need to press and hold the Lock Screen (or use the supported interaction) to see it move.
Step 5: Bring Your Lock Screen to Life
If you’re searching for how to set video wallpaper on an iPhone, this step is the key: the motion works on the Lock Screen because iOS treats it as a Live Photo wallpaper, not a standard video file.
Every time you unlock your phone, it moves. It’s a simple way to add a little magic to your everyday scroll.
And the best part? You can switch it up anytime. There’s a whole library of live wallpapers waiting to match your mood.
Most Popular Zedge Video Wallpapers for iPhone
Looking for ready-made Live Wallpapers? Here are Zedge's most downloaded and highly rated options, all formatted for iPhone as Live Photos:
Want to Make Your Own Video Wallpaper?
If you’d rather use your own clip (instead of downloading one), you’re not alone. People often ask how to make their own phone wallpaper, especially for custom edits or personal videos.
To do it, use a converter app (like VideoToLive) to turn a clip into a Live Photo. That process is often described as video to live wallpaper iPhone, because you’re converting the video into the only “moving wallpaper” format iOS reliably supports.
Once it’s converted, you can add video as wallpaper on your iPhone in Settings, just like any Live Photo.
How to change wallpaper on iPhone easily
Here's a quick explanation on how to change wallpaper on iPhone easily: Go to Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper, then choose Photos, Color, Emoji, or one of Apple’s built-in styles.
How to change the background color on iPhone
Let's take a quick look at how to change the background color on an iPhone. If your goal is a solid color rather than an image, the process is simple: choose Color when adding a new wallpaper, then pick the shade you want.
How to delete wallpaper on iPhone
If you’ve tried a bunch of looks and want to know how to delete wallpaper on iPhone, the process is simple. Go to Settings > Wallpaper, open the wallpaper you want to remove, and tap Delete.
Why is my iPhone background black?
If you’re asking why my iPhone background is black, it’s usually one of these: you selected a black color wallpaper, your Lock Screen style changed, Dark Mode dimmed the wallpaper, or a Focus mode applied a different wallpaper. Re-adding your preferred wallpaper usually fixes it.
How to set wallpaper on Apple Watch
Want to know how to set wallpaper on an Apple Watch? You should know that the Apple Watch uses watch faces, not traditional wallpapers. To get a “wallpaper-like” background, choose a Photos watch face and select the images you want as the background.
Ready to Customize Your iPhone?
Live wallpapers add motion and personality to your lock screen without any hassle. With Zedge, you get thousands of pre-made, plug-and-play animated wallpapers, no editing required.
Download Zedge Now to give your phone a fresh look in seconds.
If you want to explore more ways to personalize your device, check out our guide on how to change your wallpaper on iPhone. Perfect for switching up your home and lock screens anytime.
FAQs
How do I set a video as my iPhone wallpaper?
You can't use raw video files directly, but converting them into Live Photos lets you use them as Lock Screen wallpapers. Zedge gives you pre-made Live Photos that are plug-and-play.
Can I use live wallpapers on my Home Screen?
Not yet. iOS only supports animation on the Lock Screen. The Home Screen stays static, but you can use a still from the same video for a matching look.
How do I make my own video wallpaper?
Use a third-party app like VideoToLive:
- Import your video
- Trim it to the desired length (5 seconds or less)
- Convert to Live Photo
- Set it in Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper
Or, skip the extra steps and browse Zedge.
Why isn't my Live Photo moving?
- You must press and hold the Lock Screen to animate
- Live Photo mode must be toggled on when setting the wallpaper
- Make sure your iPhone supports Live Photos (iPhone 6s and newer)
Can I delete a wallpaper I don't like?
Yes. Go to Settings > Wallpaper, swipe up on the one you want to remove, and hit delete. More on that here: How to delete wallpaper on iPhone
Can you set a video as your wallpaper on iPhone?
Yes, you can set a video as your wallpaper on an iPhone, but not as a normal video file. iOS needs it in a Live Photo-style format for the Lock Screen.
How to keep video as wallpaper in iphone
If you’re trying to figure out how to keep video as wallpaper in iphone, the main tip is to keep the Live Photo/Motion option enabled when you apply the wallpaper. If you switch wallpaper styles or turn off motion, it can stop animating.
How to set a video as wallpaper on iPhone iOS 16
People searching for how to set a video as wallpaper on iPhone iOS 16 usually run into the iOS 16 wallpaper changes. The fix is still the same: Live Photo wallpapers (from apps or converted) and applying them correctly in Settings.
How to set a video as wallpaper on iPhone iOS 26
You need to convert to Live Photo and use the Wallpaper settings rather than trying to apply a raw video file.