How to Delete Wallpaper on iPhone: A Simple Guide
If you’ve been wondering how to delete wallpaper on iPhone, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users love customizing their lock screen and home screen but get confused when trying to remove or reset wallpapers. Whether it’s an old photo, a dynamic wallpaper, or one of those new iOS lock screen styles — I’ve got your back.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to delete wallpapers on your iPhone (especially after iOS 16 and newer updates). Let’s clean up that screen!
Why Would You Want to Delete a Wallpaper?
You might want to delete a wallpaper on iPhone for several reasons:
- You’re tired of seeing the same lock screen image.
- You accidentally created multiple lock screen sets.
- You want a clean, default look again.
- You’re organizing your home screen setup.
Whatever your reason, deleting it is easy once you know how.
How to Delete Wallpaper on iPhone (iOS 16 & iOS 17)
With the latest iOS updates, Apple introduced a Lock Screen customization menu that allows you to have multiple wallpapers saved. Here’s how to delete them.
Step-by-Step: Delete Lock Screen Wallpaper
- Wake your iPhone (don’t unlock it).
- Long-press the lock screen (touch and hold anywhere on the screen).
- You’ll now enter the Lock Screen gallery view.
- Swipe left or right to see all your saved wallpaper setups.
- When you find the one you want to delete, swipe up on it.
- Tap the red Trash Bin icon 🗑.
- Tap Delete This Wallpaper to confirm.
That’s it. It’s gone!
Tip: You can repeat this process to remove any unwanted lock screens you’ve created.
Deleting Home Screen Wallpaper Only
If you’re only trying to reset or delete your home screen wallpaper (not the lock screen), follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Wallpaper.
- Select Customize under the Home Screen preview.
- Tap Color, Gradient, or Blur if you want a cleaner look.
- If you want to set no image at all, pick Solid Color and use white, black, or any neutral background.
iOS doesn’t allow a completely “blank” home screen wallpaper, but this is the closest workaround.
Bonus: Remove Dynamic or Live Wallpapers
Want to remove a Live Photo or Dynamic wallpaper that’s eating up battery?
- Open Settings > Wallpaper.
- Tap Customize under the Lock Screen or Home Screen.
- Choose a new still image or basic color.
- Tap Done.
Live wallpapers will now be disabled or replaced.
What If “Delete” Option Isn’t Showing?
Sometimes, users can’t find the trash icon or delete option. If that’s the case:
- Make sure your iPhone is updated to at least iOS 16.
- If you’re using an older iPhone (iPhone 7, 8, etc.), Lock Screen customization might not work the same way.
- Try restarting your device, then long-press the lock screen again.
Can You Remove All Wallpapers at Once?
There’s no official “delete all wallpapers” button, but here’s what you can do:
- Long-press your lock screen.
- Swipe through and delete each saved wallpaper one by one using the steps above.
- Set a default Apple wallpaper if you want a minimalist look.
What About Lock Screen Widgets?
If you’re cleaning up wallpapers to remove widgets, follow this:
- Long-press the lock screen.
- Tap Customize.
- Tap the widget area and hit the “-” icon to remove any widget.
- Tap Done.
This keeps your wallpaper but removes distractions.
Extra Tips to Customize Your iPhone Look
While you’re at it, here are some aesthetic tips:
- Use a focus mode wallpaper that changes with time of day.
- Try depth effect wallpapers (portrait photos).
- Pair lock screens with widgets and themes.
Compatible Devices for iOS 16+ Lock Screen Deletion
You need an iPhone that supports the latest iOS. This includes:
- iPhone 14 / 14 Pro
- iPhone 13 / 13 Mini / Pro / Pro Max
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone X / XS / XR
- iPhone SE (2nd gen or newer)
If you’re on an iPhone 8 or below, the experience will be more limited.
FAQs – How to Delete Wallpaper on iPhone
Q1. Can I go back to the default wallpaper?
Yes. Open Settings > Wallpaper, tap Add New Wallpaper, and choose one of the built-in Apple defaults.
Q2. Does deleting a wallpaper remove the photo from my gallery?
No. The image will stay in your Photos app unless you delete it separately.
Q3. Can I use Live Photos again later?
Absolutely! Just add them again via Customize > Photos > Live.
Q4. Why don’t I see the delete button?
Make sure you’re pressing on the lock screen itself (not inside Settings) and swipe up on the preview to see the trash icon.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how to delete wallpaper on iPhone, whether it’s a custom lock screen, dynamic wallpaper, or a home screen image. The process is simple once you get used to Apple’s latest interface.
So go ahead, clean up your lock screens and start fresh!