Depth Effect not working on iPhone: Here’s 10 Fixes

With iOS 16, the Lock Screen modification are one of the most loquacious feature. But even after adding an array of advanced features like Lock Screen Widget, it’s one of the most appealing and eye-grabbing feature known as Depth Effect. As it allows the subject of the image to get over the Timing on the Lock Screen. But at the end of the day, most iOS 16 users experienced a lock screen depth effect stopped working. 

And if you are one of those users, stew not! This troubleshooting guide will help you eliminate iPhone lock screen customization not working iOS 16.

Why Is Depth Effect Not Working On iPhone?

The cause of the Lock Screen Depth Effect Is Not Always Working varies from device to device. But the eminent reason behind the issue is mentioned below.

• Outdated OS.
• Multiple subjects in a photo.
• Widgets on the lock screen.

Suppose none of those is a matter of doubt. In that case, an unwanted device configuration behind the depth effect can be greyed out.  

iOS 16 Depth Effect Not Working, Complete Guide!

Ever since, the issue has been quite annoying, as you can’t be able to customize the iPhone’s Lock screen as per your need. This guide will help you by fixing the Depth Effect Not Working On iPhone Lock Screen Wallpaper In iOS 16 and make the Lock screen truly yours.

Method to Enable Depth Effect in iOS 16 Lock screen

Although the depth effect feature is automatically enabled for the compatible Wallpaper, some iOS 16 users found it disabled. It could be the reason of the depth effect of the clock is not always working. It will help if you reconfirm that your iPhone’s depth effect is enabled. Follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1 → Unlock the phone using the Face ID.

Step 2 → Keep pressing on the lock screen to highlight Customize.

Step 3 → Tap on Customize.

Step 4 → Select Three-Horizontal Dot.

Step 5 → Tap on the Depth Effect (the tick mark on the button ensures it is enabled). To apply the changes, select Done.

On condition, if it’s already enabled, try turning Off/On the Depth feature, as doing so will refresh it. 

Ensure You Carry Latest iPhone 

No official statement has been released regarding the Depth effect compatible iPhone Model. But as I know, it’s compatible with iPhone XS/XR or later. So if you carry an iPhone not mentioned in the compatibility list, then merely ignore this feature.

List Of Depth Effect Compatible iPhone Models,

• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE 2
• iPhone SE 3

Try To Add New Lock Screen for Depth Effect

In case if the right image is not selected, undoubtedly Depth effect will not work. In the view of fact, the depth effect is a combination of the image’s background and foreground. So it’s better to try your luck by adding the new lock screen and simply cut off the lock screen depth effect stopped working.

Note: The selected lock screen image should be captured in the Portrait Mode. 

Step 1 → Long press on the Lock Screen.

Step 2 → Tap on Plus Icon > Photos

Step 3 → Select Albums.

Step 4 → Swipe down to Media Types section and select Portrait. From the array of images, select the one you like. On the next screen, you will receive Loading… so wait until it goes off.

Now, the user can hit the Three Dots in the corner and click Enable depth effect to put the subject ahead of Time.   

Assure That subject Is Clearly Visible

Even after adding the new lock screen still, the depth effect issue persists. This can be due to multiple subjects or subject not visible in the photo. So it’s better to change it once again with an image having a clearly visible subject. And see if Depth Effect Not Working On iPhone Lock Screen Wallpaper In iOS 16 gets fixed! 

Sometimes, even when the subject is clearly visible the depth effect is greyed out; ultimately it means that the current position of subject in image is not compatible with feature. In this case, we suggest you to shoot a new image keeping depth effect in mind.

Try Removing All Widget

Undoubtedly, the widgets are fun on the lock screen, but you have to say goodbye if you want t use the Depth effect. As the fact is the image that is compatible with depth effect will get disturbed with a Widget. So to preserve every functionality and feature of iOS 16, removing widgets is better. Here are the steps to do so.

Step 1 → Keep pressing on the Lock Screen to highlight Customize Button.

Step 2 → Tap on Customize Button.

Step 3 → Select Widget Triangle to enter edit mode.

Step 4 → Hit on the Remove Icon present above every widget. 

After clearing out all the widgets, Depth effect not working will efficiently start working. 

Force Restart iPhone to Fix Depth Effect not working issue

Whenever you encounter common problems with the iPhone, I suggest restarting the iPhone. Oddly enough, many times, it works wonders to fix the issue. Guess what! I count this as a troubleshooting trick to fix Lock Screen Depth Effect Is Not Always Working.

Restart iPhone Without Home Button,

Step 1 → Press the Side and either Volume Key until the Power Off Menu is highlighted.

Step 2 → Then drag the slider to switch the device Off.

Wait for a couple of seconds and turn off the device by pressing the Side Key until the Apple Logo feature up.

Restart iPhone With Home Button,

Step 1 → Keep pressing the Side Button to highlight Power-Off Menu.

Step 2 → Now drag the slider to turn it off.

Hold for a couple of seconds and return it ON by pressing the Side Key until the Apple Logo appears on the screen.

Check iOS Version

Still, the Depth effect fails to work on iPhone, even after performing all troubleshooting steps. So it’s better to say that it could be due to a minor software bug. However, the best way to let out the bugs is to update OS (Settings > General > Software Update > Download And Install) of iPhone. 

Reset All Settings

While fixing the Depth effect problem on iPhone lock screen, this trick could sound odd to your ears. But still, I would recommend trying it; as of now, sudden or accidental tweaks in iPhone’s settings can be a culprit.

Step 1 → Navigate to Settings > General.

Step 2 → Choose Transfer Or Reset iPhone > Reset.

Step 3 → Tap on Reset All Settings.

Assure You Are Using. JPEG

Yes, you heard right! As of now, the image you are using with Depth Effect should be in. JPEG format. Not to mention, the other format is incompatible with iOS 16. First of all, let’s check the format of the image. 

Check Format Of Image

Step 1 → Navigate to the Photos Apps > Photo.

Step 2 → Click on the i Icon at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3 → Now verify the format of image under Camera Information Section. 

In case if no other format is mentioned, it means you are using an incompatible image.

Convert Unsupported Image

There are two ways to convert; one is using the Files App and another with the help of a third-party app. Here is how you can convert the image format on iPhone.

Step 1 → Head to the Photos App and select the desired photo.

Step 2 → Select Share Icon > Save A File and select the desired location of the photo.

Step 3 →  Hit Save.

Now exit the Photo App and navigate to the File App on your iPhone. Select the same image that we have recently saved.

Step 4 → Choose Quick Action > Convert Image.

Step 5 → Tap . JPEG > Original.

That’s it! Now your selected image has been converted to the .JPEG format. Try using it with Depth Effect and see if it works for you. 

Fixed iPhone Depth Effect Wallpaper Not Working Issue

Here we end up! Optimistically the Depth effect started working on iPhone lock screen after performing the tricks mentioned above. If yes, it would be great to know which trick worked for you by dropping it in the below comment box. And in case if the issue doesn’t go, submit a feedback report to Apple.

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