Why Does My Lock Screen Keep Changing & How to Get It Back (iOS 17)

Some Lock Screens are designed to change throughout the day, showing you something different every time you look at your iPhone. It is also possible to set up your Lock Screen to change with Focus modes or accidentally swipe to a new Lock Screen while your phone is in your pocket.

Jump To:

• Why Does My Lock Screen Keep Changing Randomly
• How to Change Lock Screen iPhone & Adjust Lock Screen Settings
• Frequently Asked Questions about iPhone Lock Screen Changes

Why Does My Lock Screen Keep Changing Randomly?

If you’re wondering where your Lock Screen went, you are not alone! Many iPhone users experience their Lock Screen changing seemingly randomly. While it is possible that a technical glitch is causing your Lock Screen to change, there are several other possibilities for why this happens.

• If you have multiple Lock Screens, it is just as easy to accidentally switch it as it is to pocket dial a contact. The only surefire way to avoid this is to only have one Lock Screen, which is not always practical or fun.
• Photo album Lock Screens can be set to change daily, hourly, or even with every screen tap. These are designed to show you a different Lock Screen every time, but you can turn this off and pick a singular photo for you Lock Screen.
• Some Lock Screens are dynamic and will change on their own throughout the day and week, like the Weather Lock Screen.
• You can set particular Lock Screens for Focus modes so that your iPhone looks more professional and less distracting at work, for example. Focus modes can also be set to turn on automatically based on app use, time of day, and location. This means that your Lock Screen might change automatically when you arrive at a certain location due to the customized Focus Mode.

How to Change Lock Screen on iPhone & Adjust Lock Screen Settings

I’ve reviewed the many reasons why your Lock Screen might be changing. I’ll teach you how to change your Lock Screen and adjust your settings to keep your Lock Screen static.

Discover your iPhone's hidden features

Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

1. To change between Lock Screens, lock your phone, then long-press your Lock Screen. Swipe left or right to change to a different Lock Screen.
   
   
2. You can also make a new one by tapping the Plus icon and customizing existing ones by swiping to the one you wish to adjust and then selecting Customize. I'll pick my Lock Screen photos album option and show you how to change the frequency of changes.
   
   
3. Tap the More menu (three dots).
   
   
4. Here, you can pick your preferred frequency. Daily is the least regularly changing option.
   
   
5. Next, tap the albums icon.
   
   
6. Here, you can add photos or delete photos. The fewer photos you have, the fewer changes there will be. It is possible to delete all but one photo if you prefer. Or you can create a new single-photo Lock Screen from scratch.
   
   
7. If you want to remove a Lock Screen from a Focus mode, you'll have to go through the Focus mode settings and tap the - icon next to the Lock Screen.
   
   
8. To delete a Lock Screen, you need to long press your Lock Screen like you did in step one. Once your iPhone unlocks, swipe to the Lock Screen you wish to delete, then swipe up and tap the trash icon.