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Dynamic wallpapers can change automatically based on the time of day using built-in features such as Dynamic Wallpapers, Focus Modes, and the Shortcuts app.
No third-party applications are required, as all settings and automation tools are available within iOS 16, 17, and 18.
Wallpaper schedules can be customized to reflect daily routines, visual preferences, and different times of the day.
iPhone's dynamic wallpapers change throughout the day, providing unique designs for dawn, dusk, and night. This creates an engaging and personalized Lock Screen experience. For iPhone 11 and later running iOS 16, 17, or 18, built-in features like the Shortcuts app make wallpaper changes easy and seamless.
Let’s take a look at how individuals can set dynamic iPhone wallpapers and what they have to offer.
Automatic responsive wallpapers brighten for daytime based on your spot on Earth, then mellow into night mode. Located in the ‘Wallpaper’ menu under ‘Weather & Astronomy’ and ‘Dynamic’ folders.
How to set them up:
Open Settings
Tap Wallpaper
Select Add New Wallpaper
Choose Weather & Astronomy or Dynamic
Pick a style such as:
Earth
Moon
Solar System
Weather-based wallpaper
Tap Add to apply it
These wallpapers use real-time data, including:
Your current location
Local sunrise and sunset times
Live weather conditions
Geographical activation tracks solar movement and shifts the wallpaper according to morning daylight and darker night shades. Manual changes are unnecessary, and the system manages updates fully.
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Focus Modes in iOS 16 and further integrate with wallpapers for unique Lock Screen setups per mode. Background adaptation aligns with daily schedules seamlessly.
You might use:
A clean, bright wallpaper for Work mode (9 AM – 6 PM)
A soft, relaxing image for Sleep mode (10 PM – 6 AM)
How to set it up:
Open Settings
Tap Focus
Choose Work, Sleep, or create a new mode
Tap Customize Lock Screen
Select a wallpaper
Set a schedule
Once Focus mode is turned on, the wallpaper changes automatically. It is a great option if you like your phone to match your mood and schedule.
From iOS 15 onward, Shortcuts provides granular hourly wallpaper scheduling on all modern iPhones, supporting custom transitions tied to routines, sunrise/sunset times, or user-defined intervals, with reliable execution.
Example setup:
Morning wallpaper at 7:00 AM
Sunset wallpaper at 6:00 PM
Night wallpaper at 10:00 PM
Steps to create automation:
Open Shortcuts
Go to Automation
Tap Create Personal Automation
Select Time of Day
Set the time
Add action and set Wallpaper
Choose your image
Turn off Ask Before Running
Repeat this for each time slot.
After that, your iPhone will change wallpapers every day on its own.
Live Wallpapers add a touch of motion to your lock screen. When you press the screen, the image comes to life through minimal movement. Some also adjust their look depending on the time of day.
You can use:
Apple’s built-in Live Wallpapers
Your own Live Photos
Wallpapers from apps like:
Zedge
Vellum
Themify
To apply a wallpaper from one of these apps:
Go to ‘Settings’ and click on ‘Wallpaper’. After this is done, confirm with ‘Add New Wallpaper.’
Select Live Photo
Choose an image
Set it as your Lock Screen
These look especially good on OLED models like the iPhone X, iPhone 11 Pro, and modern iPhone variants.
To keep your screen looking clean and easy to read:
Use bright images during the day
Switch to darker images at night
Avoid busy backgrounds
Keep widgets visible
Choose colors that match iOS text
Dark wallpapers also help save battery on OLED screens. That is a small bonus many users appreciate.
Also Read: How to Set Up the Apple TV Remote on Your iPhone or iPad
Dynamic wallpapers add fresh energy to an iPhone experience by syncing with surroundings, daily routines, and mood. If you use Apple’s built-in designs, Focus Mode pairings, or Shortcuts automation, the setup is quick, flexible, and easy, without the need for extra apps, technical skills, or complex settings.
Which iPhones support dynamic wallpapers?
Dynamic wallpapers function on iPhone 11 and newer models running iOS 16 or later. Compatibility covers iPhone 13, 15 series, and current generations.
How does location affect Earth wallpaper?
Earth wallpaper uses device location for realistic shifts. Hyderabad, India, displays bright morning daylight transitioning to darker night shades automatically.
What iOS versions enable Focus Mode wallpaper linking?
iOS 16 and newer allow wallpaper assignment to Focus Modes. Each mode receives unique Lock Screen designs matching daily routines.
Does iOS 18 differ from earlier versions?
iOS 18 adds color-shifting dynamic options in the wallpaper gallery. Core Earth and Astronomy features built on iOS 16 foundations.
Do Focus Modes override time-based shifts?
iOS 16+ prioritizes active Focus Mode wallpapers like Work or Sleep. Time dynamics resume once modes deactivate.
