How to Delete Wallpaper on iPhone?

We have all experienced this, going through a whole clutter of wallpapers on our iPhone, some cool, the others experimentation, some old fashioned, and perhaps some being added due to curiosity. With the release of iOS 16, Apple allowed customers the liberty to use and design various lock screen wallpaper designs, and this new customization has brought in a completely new dimension of personalization. However, with this freedom, there is another form of clutter also.

You are not the only one who is wondering how to delete wallpaper on iPhone. It is one of these little but rather puzzling things in the eyes of many users. And, although Apple does provide us with the means to handle wallpapers, it has placed the delete feature in a place that is not very obvious. However, have no fear everything will be explained step by step.

In this extended guide, we’ll cover:

• Why you may want to delete wallpapers
• Step-by-step instructions
• Tips for managing lock and home screen designs
• What to do if the delete option isn’t showing
• Backup suggestions
• Common mistakes
• Hidden tricks many users miss

By the end, you’ll know everything there is to know about deleting and organizing wallpapers on your iPhone.

Why Would You Want to Delete Wallpapers on iPhone?

A major redesign of the lock screen that Apple did with iOS 16 was this capability to make lock screens and home screen pairs and to switch between them that many users did not necessarily know they wanted. This was a radical departure with the old, fixed wallpaper system.

The issue is this: once you begin playing around with all the new features (widgets, fonts, filters, backgrounds), you have a collection of wallpapers that you are no longer using. And there is not any use of keeping things that will clutter your device experience?

Either you are looking to purge your home-screen clutter, streamline your digital existence, or simply clear that 2 a.m. wallpaper you created, fewer wallpapers on your iPhone can make your mobile a little more insular.

A Quick Overview: How Wallpaper Works in iOS 16 and Beyond

Before iOS 16, your iPhone had only one lock screen and one home screen wallpaper at a time. If you wanted to change it, you went into Settings, picked a photo, and applied it. That’s it.

Now, with iOS 16 and later versions like iOS 17 and 18, things are much more dynamic:

• You can create multiple lock screen setups, each with its own style, widgets, and fonts.
• Each lock screen can be linked to a specific Focus Mode, which changes throughout the day based on your schedule.
• You can swipe between wallpapers right from the lock screen itself.
• Each lock screen also creates a paired home screen background that can be further customized.

The result? You end up creating many combinations—sometimes without even realizing it. And that’s when managing (and deleting) them becomes important.

Step-by-Step: How to Delete Wallpaper on iPhone

Here’s the clean, no-nonsense way to get rid of any unwanted lock screen wallpaper.

Step 1: Unlock Your iPhone

You must be on the lock screen to begin this process—not your home screen. Use Face ID, Touch ID, or enter your passcode to unlock your phone, but don’t swipe up or go to the home screen just yet.

Stay right there.

Step 2: Long-Press on the Lock Screen

This is the “entry point” into wallpaper management. Press and hold anywhere on the lock screen (you can hold on the clock, wallpaper, or empty space—it doesn’t matter).

The screen will zoom out, and you’ll enter the lock screen customization gallery. You’ll see all the lock screen wallpapers you’ve created lined up horizontally.

Step 3: Browse Through Your Lock Screens

Swipe left or right to browse through the list of wallpapers. Each wallpaper includes your background image, widgets, and clock style.

When you find the one you want to remove, pause on it. Make sure you don’t tap “Customize”—you want to swipe it up, not edit it.

Step 4: Swipe Up to Reveal the Trash Icon

Once you’re on the wallpaper you want to delete, gently swipe up on that wallpaper card. It’s similar to how you close apps in the app switcher.

A red trash can icon will appear above the wallpaper preview.

Tap the trash can icon.

Step 5: Confirm Deletion

You’ll see a pop-up that says:
 “Delete This Wallpaper?”
 Tap Delete This Wallpaper, and it’s gone. That lock screen and its associated home screen setup are removed from your device.

And that’s all there is to it. You can repeat this process for as many wallpapers as you want.

Can You Delete Your Active Wallpaper?

Yes, you can delete the currently active lock screen wallpaper. Just remember: once you do, your iPhone will automatically select another wallpaper from the list as the new active one.

You’ll never be left without a wallpaper—Apple just shifts to the next saved design.

If you’ve only saved one wallpaper setup and try to delete it, you may be prompted to add a new one before proceeding.

How to Manage Your Home Screen Wallpaper Separately

While deleting lock screens is straightforward, managing your home screen wallpaper has a slightly different flow.

Every time you create a new lock screen, Apple creates a matching home screen. But you don’t have to stick with the default image or style. Here’s how you can manage it:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Wallpaper.
3. You’ll see your current Lock Screen and Home Screen previews.
4. Tap Customize under Home Screen.
5. You can now choose to:
   
   Use a solid color.
   Apply a gradient.
   Blur the lock screen photo.
   Or pick a different photo entirely.

While you can customize the home screen design, you cannot delete home screen wallpapers independently. They’re tied to their lock screen counterparts. So if you want to get rid of a home screen setup, delete its lock screen from the lock screen gallery.

Common Issues: Why Can’t I Delete My Wallpaper?

If you’re following the steps and still not seeing the delete option, here are some reasons why:

• You’re not on the lock screen: You must enter wallpaper management via long-press on the lock screen itself—not through the Settings app.
• You’re not unlocked: If your phone is still locked, the edit/delete options won’t show up.
• You’re using an outdated iOS version: These features only exist in iOS 16 and later.
• Bugs or glitches: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix strange issues with the gallery.

Try restarting your device, updating your iOS software, and confirming that you’re following the steps on the lock screen itself—not the home screen.

Can You Recover a Deleted Wallpaper?

Unfortunately, no. Apple doesn’t currently offer a “Recently Deleted” folder for wallpapers like they do for photos or notes.

If you delete a wallpaper, it’s gone permanently—unless you re-create it manually. That means:

• Re-selecting the same background image
• Re-adding any widgets you used
• Resetting font size, colors, and effects
• Re-linking to Focus Modes (if you used any)

For that reason, it’s a good idea to screenshot any lock screens you love before deleting them. This way, you have a reference if you ever want to recreate the look later.

Tips for Managing Your Wallpaper Like a Pro

Here are some ways to keep your lock screen gallery neat and personalized without getting overwhelmed:

• Limit yourself to 3–5 lock screens: This keeps things fresh without creating clutter.
• Assign wallpapers to Focus Modes: This automates which wallpaper appears when you’re working, sleeping, driving, or relaxing.
• Use Apple’s built-in themes: Wallpapers like Astronomy, Emoji, or Weather update dynamically and save space.
• Avoid duplicating designs: If you’re creating similar-looking wallpapers with tiny differences, consider narrowing down to the best one.
• Refresh monthly: Every few weeks, clean out wallpapers you no longer use.
  

Managing wallpapers can be fun, but like anything else on your device, it works best when kept tidy.

Advanced Trick: Create a “Minimal Mode” Lock Screen

If you’re a fan of productivity and a distraction-free environment, consider creating a minimalist lock screen:

1. Use a simple gradient or black background.
2. Remove all widgets.
3. Use the thinnest clock font available.
4. Link it to a Focus Mode like “Work” or “Quiet Time.”
   

This setup can act like a digital detox screen—clean, simple, and great for mindfulness. If you ever want to clear visual noise, this is the way to go.

And yes—if you ever get bored of it, you now know how to delete it in two taps.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to delete wallpaper on iPhone isn’t just a small tech tip—it’s part of the larger process of managing your digital life. Apple has made lock screen customization incredibly powerful, but with great power comes a little extra responsibility.

Cleaning up old designs, trimming down unused wallpapers, and staying organized helps your phone feel faster and more personal. It ensures you only see the visuals that matter to you—and removes the distractions that don’t.

So go ahead. Long-press that lock screen. Swipe through your creations. And don’t be afraid to tap that little trash can. Your iPhone deserves a clean, focused look—just like you.

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Biswajit Raskhit

Biswajit Rakshit is a professional blogger and writer. He loves to write on various topics.