Quick answer
To set a wallpaper in iOS 26, open Settings → Wallpaper → Add New Wallpaper, pick a photo or Collection, position it, then tap Add and Set as Wallpaper Pair. You can also touch and hold the Lock Screen and tap +. Liquid Glass styles live under Collections.
Updated for iOS 27
On iOS 27? Setting a wallpaper works the same way, and iOS 27 adds Extend for photos that don’t fit, Image Playground wallpapers, a compact clock, and a Liquid Glass slider in Settings → Appearance.
What’s new on the Lock Screen in iOS 26
iOS 26 arrived on September 15, 2025 with Liquid Glass across the Lock Screen, Home Screen, and system controls.
- Adaptive Time — the clock adapts around your photo subject and notifications.
- Spatial scenes — some photos gain a subtle 3D effect as you move the iPhone.
- Animated album art — Now Playing artwork interacts with the glass of the playback controls.
Compatibility
iOS 26 is available for iPhone 11 and newer (including iPhone SE 2nd generation and later). Update via Settings → General → Software Update.
Set a wallpaper from Settings
- Open Settings and tap Wallpaper.
- Tap Add New Wallpaper or select an existing pair to edit.
- Choose a category such as Photos, Featured, or Collections.
- Pinch to zoom and drag to position. Adjust depth and style where available.
- Tap Add, then choose Set as Wallpaper Pair or customize Lock and Home individually.
Set a wallpaper from the Lock Screen
- Wake your iPhone and touch and hold the Lock Screen.
- Tap + to add a new wallpaper or Customize to edit the current one.
- Pick a source (Photos, Featured, Collections) and select your image or style.
- Adjust crop, color, and depth, then tap Done.
About Liquid Glass on the Lock Screen
Liquid Glass reflects and refracts what is underneath in real time. On the Lock Screen the time is crafted from Liquid Glass so it can sit behind your photo subject.
Try a Liquid Glass wallpaper
- From the Lock Screen, touch and hold, tap +, and open Collections.
- Select a Liquid Glass wallpaper and pick a colorway that complements your widgets.
- Fine-tune contrast and vibrancy, then tap Done.
On iOS 27 you can also tune glass tint globally — see the Liquid Glass slider guide.
Tips for a great result
- Prefer high-resolution images with a clear focal point in the lower two-thirds of the frame.
- Check clock and widget readability against busy textures.
- Darker tones save battery on OLED and stay readable on Always-On.
- Browse 4K and 8K wallpapers sized for modern iPhones.
Frequently asked questions
Can I set different wallpapers for Lock and Home?
Yes. After choosing a wallpaper, select Customize Home Screen to pick a different image, color, or blur for the Home Screen.
Where can I find Liquid Glass wallpapers?
In the Lock Screen editor, open Collections and look for Liquid Glass styles. ON Lock Screen also has Liquid Glass–optimised packs in the app.
Which iPhones support iOS 26?
iPhone 11 and newer (including iPhone SE 2nd generation and later) can install iOS 26.
What changed for wallpapers in iOS 27?
Setting a wallpaper works the same way. iOS 27 adds Extend for photos that do not fit, Image Playground backgrounds, a compact clock, and a Liquid Glass slider in Settings → Appearance.