With the launch of iOS 26, Apple has taken iPhone personalization to a whole new level. From AI-powered wallpapers to smarter widgets and deeper Focus Mode integration, your iPhone lock screen is now more than just a glance screen — it's an extension of your style, productivity, and mood.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to customize lock screen on iOS 26, step by step. This tutorial has you covered to enhance functionality with widgets or just want to refresh your phone’s look.
Part 1: How to Customize Lock Screen on iOS 26
- 1.1 Customize Lock Screen Wallpaper
- 1.2 Change Clock Font and Color
- 1.3 Add or Remove Widgets
- 1.4 Link Lock Screen to Focus Modes
- 1.5 Create Multiple Lock Screens
Part 2: What’s New in iOS 26 Lock Screen
Bonus: How to Unlock Phone Lock Screen If You Forgot PasscodeHOT
FAQs on Customizing Lock Screen on iPhone
Conclusion
Part 1: How to Customize Lock Screen on iOS 26
Before proceeding, you need to enter Lock Screen Edit Mode. To do so:
- Wake your iPhone and stay on the lock screen.
- Long press on the lock screen until the customization menu appears.
- Tap “Customize” to edit the current screen or tap the “+” icon to create a new one.
Now that you’re in edit mode, let’s explore what you can do.
1.1 Customize Lock Screen Wallpaper
iOS 26 introduces AI-generated wallpapers that change dynamically based on themes like nature, pets, travel, and memories. You can also select:
- Photo Shuffle from your library
- Dynamic Weather or Astronomy backgrounds
- Emoji and color gradient designs
- Live motion wallpapers (if supported)
Pro tip: Wallpapers now support depth effects, where the subject overlaps the time display for a layered look.
1.2 Change Clock Font and Color
One of the easiest yet most impactful ways to personalize your iPhone lock screen in iOS 26 is by changing the clock font and color. The time display is the centerpiece of your lock screen — and now, you have more control over how it looks than ever before. While in lock screen edit mode:
- Tap the time display.
- Choose from 8+ font styles (some exclusive to iOS 26)
- Adjust the color and tone, including gradient or multicolor options
This simple tweak can totally transform your lock screen’s aesthetic.
1.3 Add or Remove Widgets
Widgets are one of the most powerful tools introduced for the lock screen — and in iOS 26, they’ve become even more intelligent, interactive, and customizable. With just a few taps, you can turn your lock screen into a real-time dashboard for your most-used apps and info.To get started:
Tap the widget area above or below the clock to add:
- Calendar
- Weather
- Battery
- Fitness rings
- Reminders
New: Live Activity widgets and Smart Stacks in iOS 26
Swipe left on any widget to remove it or long-press to rearrange.
1.4 Link Lock Screen to Focus Modes
Link different lock screens to specific Focus Modes means your iPhone can automatically change its wallpaper, widgets, and overall lock screen setup based on the time of day, your location, or your current activity — like work, sleep, or personal time. This feature helps you stay organized and eliminate distractions by giving you the right information at the right moment.
You can assign a lock screen to a specific Focus Mode:
- Tap Focus at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose from Work, Sleep, Personal, etc.
Now, your lock screen, wallpaper, and widgets change automatically when Focus switches
1.5 Create Multiple Lock Screens
Want different looks for different moods, activities, or times of day? iOS 26 makes it easy to create and manage multiple lock screens, each with its own unique wallpaper, widgets, font style, and even Focus Mode. To customize your lock screen on iPhone:
- Wake your iPhone and long-press on the lock screen.
- Tap the “+” (plus) icon in the customization carousel.
- Choose a wallpaper option (Photos, AI suggestions, Emoji, Astronomy, etc.).
- Customize widgets, clock font, color, and Focus Mode as desired.
- Tap “Done” to save.
Each setup can have its own wallpaper, widgets, and linked Focus.
Part 2: What’s New in iOS 26 Lock Screen
iOS 26 lock screen is not just a cosmetic update, but a major leap in personalization, intelligence, and interactivity. Apple has refined and expanded what users can do with their lock screens, turning them into smart, expressive spaces tailored to your lifestyle. Let’s explore the standout features:
AI Wallpaper Suggestions
iOS 26 uses on-device intelligence to recommend personalized wallpapers based on your photo library, preferred themes (e.g., pets, travel, nature), or even past locations. These are refreshed dynamically to keep things fresh.
Live Stickers on Wallpaper
You can now add animated stickers directly to your lock screen wallpaper. These bring personality and motion to what used to be a static screen — and they even support tap-to-play effects.
Expanded Widget Support
Widgets are now smarter, more responsive, and support third-party live data. iOS 26 also introduces interactive widgets, meaning you can take actions (like marking tasks done or starting timers) right from the lock screen.
New Font and Layout Options
Apple has introduced more font styles for the clock display and allowed more flexibility in placement. You can now fine-tune how and where your time and date show up, giving you more visual control.
Multiple Lock Screen Automation
Seamlessly pair different lock screens with various Focus Modes, Shortcuts, or even time-of-day triggers. It’s the most versatile lock screen system iOS has ever had.
Smoother Animations & Transitions
Lock screen transitions are now more fluid, with Apple optimizing animations for speed and elegance — especially when switching screens or waking your device.
Bonus: How to Unlock Phone Lock Screen If You Forgot Passcode
Forgot your iPhone passcode and locked yourself out? You won’t be able to access your lock screen — customized or not. In such cases, you need a reliable tool to unlock your iPhone without a passcode. PassFab iPhone Unlock is a trusted solution to:
- Bypass iPhone lock screen without passcode
- Remove Apple ID or screen time password
- Support iOS 26 and the latest iPhones
- Easy-to-use, no tech knowledge required
*An OTG cable is required
Now let's learn how to use it to unlock your locked iPhone with PassFab iPhone Unlock:
Download and install PassFab iPhone Unlock on your PC. The primary interface has four important elements. To begin, click "Start" and then go to the next level.
Click on the "Next" button after connecting your iPad or iPhone 15 to the computer running PassFab iPhone Unlock.
Click "Download" to download the firmware package. If you already have your firmware downloaded, just upload it manually.
After downloading, click the "Start Remove" button to delete the password. After that, no password is required to use your iPhone 15.
FAQs on Customizing Lock Screen on iPhone
Can I use Live Photos on iOS 26 lock screen?
Yes, you can set Live Photos as wallpapers, and they animate when you press the screen (on supported models).
Does this work on iPhone SE or older models?
Lock screen customization is available on iPhone 8 and newer. However, some features like AI wallpapers or Live Stickers may require newer chips (A12 Bionic or later).
How many widgets can I add?
You can add up to 4 small widgets or 2 medium ones below the clock. The top widget row allows one narrow widget (like the date or weather).
Conclusion
Learn how to customize your lock screen on iOS 26 is not just fun — it's a way to make your iPhone truly yours. With new features like AI wallpapers, improved widgets, and Focus-linked screens, your lock screen can be both beautiful and functional.
And if you ever get locked out, tools like PassFab iPhone Unlock are here to help you get back in, stress-free.