How to Set Up Your Lock Screen in iOS 26

The iOS Lock Screen is the first interface you see when you turn on or wake an iPhone or iPad, showing the time, date, and recent notifications before you unlock the device. 

You can customize it as you wish. Here’s how to do this in iOS 26:

From your Lock Screen, touch and hold it until the “Customize” button appears. 

Tap the “Customize” button to modify your current Lock Screen, or tap the “Add” button to create a new one. 

Select a new wallpaper from the options available. You can also generate a 3D “Spatial Scene” from a compatible photo to add a depth effect. 

Tap on the time display to change the font, color, and transparency. 

Tap the existing widgets area or “Add Widgets” to place widgets like weather or battery status on your Lock Screen. 

Tap on a control like the flashlight to swap it for another available control. 

Pinch to zoom and drag to move your photo to your desired position. 

Tap “Add” or “Done” and then choose to “Set as Wallpaper Pair” or “Customize Home Screen” to finalize your new look.