Fix Live Wallpapers Not Working on iPhone (iOS 18.3/17.7)

Willing to set up the Live Wallpapers of the waves hitting the lava rock of Hawaiian island – and suddenly got stunned as live wallpapers not working on iPhone after updating to the latest iOS version or for some other reason. So here are some of the troubleshooting tricks that can help you to get rid of it. 

Why Apple Removed Live Wallpaper on iOS 16?

The Live Wallpaper was introduced back with iOS 11, but later it was removed on iOS 16 along with Dynamic Wallpaper. To see the Live Wallpaper in motion, users have to Long Press the screen, which eventually leads to access to the customizable Lock Screen Menu, unlike the Apple Watch. Additionally, Live Wallpaper never animates unless you long press, which was completely pointless, instead it should be buried in settings. And that’s triggered the issue. 

However, to carry with the Lock Screen Customization feature, either iPhone has to add the new gesture or let the Animated Wallpaper thoroughly since both of them come to an action using same Long Press. Thus to maintain a plethora of features, the company quietly took action to remove them.

Live Wallpapers Not Working issue

Here in this article, we show eight different ways to fix iOS live background features not working. 

Key Takeaways 

  • Apple has disabled the capabilities of configuring Live Photos on devices updated with iOS 16. However, there is no reason mentioned for it, but possibility it was one of the reasons for Battery Draining. Secondly, Apple allows users to change Wallpaper directly from the lock screen by firmly long pressing on screen. 
  • Keep note; Live Wallpaper only works on Lock Screen. 
  • The selected Image should be Live Photo or default Live Photo Wallpaper.
  • iPhone SE 1st Gen isn’t compatible with Live Wallpaper. Besides this, iPhone with Haptic and 3D touch works with Live Wallpaper. This feature isn’t available on the iPod and iPad.

Ensure The Selected Photo For Live Wallpaper Is Live

First, ensure that you are using the Live Wallpaper or Live Photos captured using an iPhone camera. To ensure it, follow the steps below. 

For default Live Wallpaper

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Wallpaper. 
  3. Select Choose New Wallpaper.
  4. Choose Live. Next, tap and hold on the screen to see animate. When you are done, select Set.

Further select the Image you want to set it as, Set Lock Screen, Set Home Screen, or Set Both.

And for the Live Photo you have captured using your iPhone’s camera, navigate to the Photos App, and choose Albums. Next, scroll down and select Live Photos. Next, choose Image you want to set as a Live Wallpaper. Next, select the Share Icon, tap Use A Wallpaper, and follow on-screen prompts. 

Try Using Different Wallpaper

There are chances where the rely on the Live Wallpaper you currently use. In this scenario, we recommend using different Live Wallpaper. The procedure is same as mentioned above in the ensure the selected photo for live wallpaper is live. That’s It!

Restart iPhone

Seems to be petty solutions, but found to be effective if any minor within software is causing the issues, including live wallpaper not working. To restart the iPhone, follow the steps below.

iPhone With Face ID: Press the either Volume Button and Power Button until the Power Off screen appears. Drag the Power Off slider to turn off the device. Next, press the Power Button until Apple Logo appears.

iPhone With Home Button: Press the Power Button until the Power Off screen appears. Drag the Power Off slider to turn off the device. Next, press the Power Button until Apple Logo appears.

Disable Low Power Mode

When the iPhone device reaches 20%, the screen prompts to enable Low Power Mode. There might be a chance you enable it and further forget to disable the feature. Here is how you can turn off low-power mode.

  1. Go to the Settings App.
  2. Choose Battery.
  3. Tap on the toggle next to Low Power Mode.
  • Battery icon White Color on top Status bar = Low Power Mode OFF
  • Battery icon Yellow Color on top Status bar = Low Power Mode ON

That’s It!

Disable Reduce Motion

The feature firmly decreases the motion of the user interface. Thus it’s difficult for Live Wallpaper to work. Follow the below steps to disable it.

  1. Navigate to the Settings.
  2. Tap Accessibility.
  3. Next, hit Motion.

Now turn off the toggle next to the Reduce Motion. 

Change The Haptic Touch’s Touch Duration

Try changing the haptic touch duration to fix the issue (Live wallpaper stopped working on iPhone).

  1. Navigate to the Settings.
  2. Select Accessibility.
  3. Tap Touch.
  4. Select 3D or Haptic Touch, depending on your iPhone. 

For 3D touch, enable the feature and further drag the slider to decrease the sensitivity level. Conversely, for Haptic Touch, select the Slow Duration Speed. 

Turn On Auto-Play Video And Live Wallpaper

iOS offers a pre-defined feature that allows auto-play video and live photos. But if the feature is turned off, Live Wallpaper won’t work on iPhone. Here are the steps to be followed.  

  1. Navigate to the Settings App.
  2. From there, search and select Photos.

At last, tap on the toggle to enable Auto Play Video And Live Wallpaper. 

Check For The Software Update

If your device consumes an outdated version of iOS, it can eventually lead to various issues, including iPhone live wallpaper not working. To check for availability of the update, follow the steps below.

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Choose General.
  3. Tap Software Update.

Let the system check for updates; tap Download And Install if available. 

Tip: Follow our guide if your iPhone stuck on Update Requested. 

Bottom Line

That’s all! With these simple to-perform and practical steps, you can effectively fix iPhone live wallpaper not working. However, for iOS 16, the feature has been removed, but fret not; there are chances that Apple will add a separate gesture for either live wallpaper or a customizable lock screen menu in the future iOS 17 update.

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at [email protected] or through (Facebook)

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