The ability to set a video as wallpaper on your iPhone is back with iOS 17
The ability to add Depth Effects to photos set as your iPhone wallpaper adds a really cool element to the already great iPhone experience. But did you know you can use video, specifically Live Photos, for your wallpaper? It’s simple, and once you learn how, you’ll have tons of fun switching it up and trying different ones.
You need third-party software to turn an existing video into a Live Photo. There are lots of free options available, although Intolive is one of the most popular ones. You can also grab a video from TikTok and save it to your camera roll as a Live Photo.
Once you get the hang of using your own existing Live Photos, you can create your own Live Photos from longer videos using an optional app. For the purposes of this guide, I’m using Intolive, but there are other free options available.
The ability to use Live Photos as lock screen wallpaper on iPhone works on iPhone 6s models and later, including the latest phones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It was eliminated in iOS 16, reportedly because the long press on the lock screen to display the moving image interfered with the custom lock screen interface. But the feature is back with iOS 17, and you don't need to press and hold for the Live Photo to play: it just plays automatically. This is much to the delight of iPhone users who love having a more interactive wallpaper on their devices.
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
Christine is a freelance writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience in the tech and entertainment businesses. Holding a B.A. in Communications and Psychology, she’s passionate about technology and has reviewed, written about, tested, and researched hundreds of products and services through her career. Currently serving as a contributor to XDA, covering everything from iPhones to MacBooks, Christine loves to unwind with a good TV show and a glass of red wine at home.