Apple’s move from a one-size-fits-all approach to embracing customization marks a significant shift in how we interact with ouriPhones. Initially, the company kept a tight lid on customization, offering only basic options like changing wallpapers and ringtones. This simplicity was part of Apple’s appeal, ensuring a consistent user experience across all devices.
Yet, as technology evolved, so did our expectations for personalization. Users wanted their devices to reflect their personal style and preferences, includingcustomizing the lock screen and home screen. One of those personalization options is to create your own iPhone live wallpapers usinglive photos.

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Welcome to the world of iPhone Live Wallpapers
Customize your device with ease
A live wallpaper is a wallpaper that animates when you tap on the lock screen. It adds another level to the look of your wallpaper, beyond just static photos. The feature uses a long-standing iPhone feature called Live Photos, which takes a few seconds of video each time you take a photo. If you already have some live photos that you love, the process of turning them into a wallpaper is simple. But, if you haven’t shot any live photos, you may also use a third-party app to convert a video into a live photo.
Live wallpaper is just one of the ways iOS users can customize their devices. The launch of widgets with iOS 14 was a game-changer, allowing users to personalize theirhome screensand lock screens with various tools and information for the first time. In the fall of 2024, Apple willintroduce a long list of new customization features with iOS 18.

The ability to set live photo backgrounds, aka live wallpapers, is a customization feature that iPhone users don’t have to wait for – turning the lock screen into a dynamic, personal showcase. This feature lets users animate their iPhones with their favorite moments and visuals, adding a layer of personal touch. Here’s how to make a live wallpaper on iPhone.
What are live wallpapers on your iPhone?
Live wallpapers animate when you press and hold your lock screen
Live wallpapers are essentiallyApple’s live photos– dynamic backgrounds that animate when you press and hold your lock screen. Thesewallpapersturn your lock screen into something more engaging than a static image. Setting a live wallpaper allows you to add a personal touch to your iPhones, bringing favorite moments to life right on your lock screen.
It’s a simple yet effective way to personalize your device, making it feel more unique and interactive. You can choose from Apple’s built-in live wallpapers or create your own from videos you’ve taken or downloaded.

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Live wallpapers only work on the lock screen – not the home screen.

How to make a live wallpaper on iPhone
The easiest way to create a live wallpaper on an iPhone is to use an existing Live photo
Transforming your iPhone’s lock screen into a dynamic display is a great way to personalize your device. Unlike a regular wallpaper, a live wallpaper animates when you tap the iPhone’s lock screen. Because these wallpapers only animate when tapped, it won’t add a huge drain on your device’s battery life.
Here’s how you’re able to create a live wallpaper from a video, including those special moments you’ve captured or downloaded. Also, if you want to really take things up a notch, there’s more you can do. Thanks to some changes in the last couple of years, you can now completely change your phone’s aesthetic byfollowing our iPhone home screen customization guide.

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How to make a live iPhone wallpaper using a video
You’ll need a third-party app, but you can make Live Wallpapers from a video
If you don’t already have a great Live Photo, you can use a video or even a TikTok. However, the process is a bit more complex. Here’s how to turn a video into a live wallpaper.
Alternatively, you’re able to also download a TikTok as a live photo to use as a wallpaper, though you should be careful not to use copyrighted work.
Check out Apple’ssupport page hereabout how to set live photos as your wallpaper, if you need more help.
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Q: Can I use any video as a live wallpaper on my iPhone?
Yes, you can use any video from your camera roll or downloaded content. Just convert the video into a live photo using apps like intoLive.
Q: Do live wallpapers drain battery life on the iPhone?
Live wallpapers can consume more battery than static wallpapers because they engage the device’s processor and screen more intensively when activated. However, the impact is minimal and most noticeable if you frequently activate the live wallpaper.
Q: Are live wallpapers available on all iPhone models?
Live wallpapers are supported on iPhone 6s and later models, excluding the first-generation iPhone SE. These devices must run on iOS version that supports live wallpapers.
Q: Can live wallpapers be used on both the lock screen and home screen?
Live wallpapers are designed exclusively for the lock screen. The home screen does not support the live photo animation feature and will display the selected live photo as a static image.