Step 1: Lock Your iPhone
Press the side button (on newer iPhones) or the top button (on older models) to lock your device.
Step 2: Long Press on the Lock Screen
Wake your iPhone by tapping the screen or pressing the side button. Then, press and hold on the Lock Screen to enter wallpaper selection mode. Unlock the wallpaper gallery using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Step 3: Swipe Up on the Wallpaper You Want to Delete
A new screen will display all your wallpapers. Locate the wallpaper you wish to remove and swipe up on it. A small trash can icon will appear at the top of the screen.
Step 4: Tap the Trash Can Icon
Tap the trash can to remove the wallpaper from your collection.
No working? Here are some tips:
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If the trash can isn’t appearing, ensure you're editing a wallpaper you added yourself. Default iOS wallpapers can’t be removed.
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If the swipe-up gesture isn’t working, restarting your phone and attempting again may work.
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Still stuck? Navigate to Settings > Wallpaper to manage wallpapers from there.
Step 5: Confirm Deletion
A confirmation pop-up will appear. Tap “Delete This Wallpaper” to finalize the removal. The wallpaper will be permanently deleted.
Note: Only wallpapers you've added can be deleted. Default iPhone wallpapers that come with iOS cannot be removed, but you can always set a new one over them.