Quick answer
To set a live wallpaper on iPhone, open Settings → Wallpaper → Add New Wallpaper, tap Photos, choose a Live Photo, make sure the Live Photo button is on, and tap Add. Since iOS 17 it plays briefly every time you wake your iPhone. To use a video, convert it to a Live Photo first.
Set a Live Photo as your wallpaper
- Capture a Live Photo: in the Camera app, make sure the Live Photos button (concentric circles) has no slash, then take the photo. It records about 1.5 seconds before and after you tap the shutter.
- Open wallpaper settings: go to Settings → Wallpaper → Add New Wallpaper and tap Photos, or the Live Photos album.
- Choose and position: pick the Live Photo, then pinch and drag to frame it.
- Turn on motion: check that the Live Photo button at the bottom is on.
- Save: tap Add, then Set as Wallpaper Pair — or Customize Home Screen for a still Home Screen.
Wake your iPhone to see it play. It also works from the Lock Screen: touch and hold, tap +, and choose a Live Photo.
Turn a video into a live wallpaper
iOS can’t use a video file as a wallpaper directly, so convert it to a Live Photo first:
- Open our free video to live wallpaper tool on your iPhone.
- Upload a short clip (a few seconds works best) and download the Live Photo.
- Set it as your wallpaper with the steps above.
Live wallpaper not moving? Try this
- Turn off Low Power Mode: live wallpapers don’t animate while it’s on.
- Check the Live Photo button in the wallpaper editor is enabled.
- “Motion not available”: use a shorter clip with a steady camera and a clear subject.
- Update iOS: animated Lock Screen Live Photos need iOS 17 or later.
Tips for great live wallpapers
- Pick clips with gentle motion — water, clouds, a pet turning its head — rather than fast action.
- Keep the moving subject below the clock so the time stays readable.
- Prefer still images? Browse 4K and 8K iPhone wallpapers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I set a live wallpaper on iPhone?
Yes. Since iOS 17 you can use a Live Photo as your Lock Screen wallpaper. It plays briefly each time you wake the iPhone. On iOS 16 Live Photos can be used but do not animate.
Can I use a video as my iPhone wallpaper?
Not directly. Convert the video to a Live Photo first, for example with our free video to live wallpaper tool, then set the Live Photo as your wallpaper.
Why is my live wallpaper not moving?
Live wallpapers do not animate in Low Power Mode. Also check that the Live Photo button is on in the wallpaper editor; if iOS shows “Motion not available”, try a shorter, steadier clip.
Do live wallpapers drain the battery?
Only a little. The animation plays for a moment when you wake the iPhone, so the impact is much smaller than a video playing continuously.