How to Set Live Photos and Videos as Lock Screen Wallpaper on iOS 17

In the latest iOS 17 update, Apple has brought back the ability to set Live Photos and videos as your lock screen wallpaper, allowing you to add a dynamic and personalized touch to your iPhone. Whether you want to relive a favorite moment or simply enjoy an animated background, this tutorial will guide you through the process.

Understanding Live Photos

iphone lockscreen

Before diving into the process, it’s crucial to understand Live Photos. They are essentially short video clips captured just before and after taking a photo. These clips bring your images to life and serve as the foundation for creating animated lock screen wallpapers.

Activating Live Photos:

Live Photos may not be enabled by default on your device. To activate them, follow these simple steps:

  • Open the Camera app.
  • Locate the circle icon in the upper right corner.
  • Tap the circle to enable Live Photos.

Keep in mind that Live Photos consume storage space as they include short video recordings. Each Live Photo will have an associated video clip.

Where Live Photos are Stored:

Live Photos are stored in your Camera Roll alongside regular photos. To access them, go to your Albums and select “Live Photos.” These albums will display both the static images and their corresponding video clips.

Using a Live Photo as Lock Screen Wallpaper:

Now that you have Live Photos enabled, it’s time to set one as your lock screen wallpaper. Here’s how:

  • Press and hold your lock screen to open the personalization menu.
  • Select the ‘+’ symbol to create a new lock screen.
  • Choose the fourth icon, which represents “Live Photo.”
  • Pick your preferred Live Photo.
  • Select whether you want it as the background for both the lock screen and home screen or just the lock screen.
  • Save your changes.

From this point forward, your lock screen will come to life with the animated Live Photo you’ve chosen. This effect is visible on the lock screen but not the home screen.

Using a Regular Video:

Live Photo as animated video on iOS lock screen

If you’re wondering whether you can use a standard video as your wallpaper, the answer is no using conventional methods. Regular videos aren’t recognized as Live Photos. However, there’s a workaround to convert videos into animated photos.

Converting Videos to Animated Photos:

Two methods can help you convert videos into animated photos suitable for lock screen wallpapers:

  • TikTok: Upload your video to TikTok, publish it, and then use the “save as Animated Photo” option.
  • intoLive: Use the intoLive app to convert videos into the correct format for wallpaper use. This app offers more customization options, including effects, text, and background music.

With these methods, you can bring any video to life on your lock screen, adding a unique touch to your iPhone’s appearance.

By following these steps and understanding Live Photos, you can personalize your iOS 17 device with animated lock screen wallpapers and even transform regular videos into captivating backgrounds. Enjoy the dynamic and fun experience every time you unlock your iPhone!