Wallpapers give our iOS devices a personal touch, and Apple’s iOS 16 offers an even more extensive array of customization options. But what if you want to declutter your collection of wallpapers or simply remove a particular image? This article will guide you through the process of how to delete a wallpaper on iOS 16, providing clear and simple steps.
Types of Wallpapers on iOS 16
Before diving into the deletion process, it’s essential to understand the types of wallpapers available on iOS 16:
Pre-installed Wallpapers
These are the wallpapers that come pre-loaded on your iOS device. You can’t delete these, but you can replace them.
Downloaded or Custom Wallpapers
These are the wallpapers you’ve added to your device, either by downloading them from the internet or using your own photos.
Deleting Custom Wallpapers from Photos App
Step 1: Locate the Wallpaper
Open your Photos app and find the image you’ve set as a wallpaper.
Step 2: Delete the Image
Tap the trash icon to delete the photo. Confirm the deletion.
Step 3: Empty the Trash
Go to the “Recently Deleted” album and remove the image permanently by tapping “Delete All,” or select the image and hit “Delete.”
Deleting Downloaded Wallpapers
Step 1: Locate the Wallpaper
Find where the downloaded wallpaper is stored. This could be in your Photos app or a third-party application.
Step 2: Delete the File
Follow the appropriate deletion method based on where the wallpaper is stored.
Reverting to a Default Wallpaper
Step 1: Open Settings
Go to your device’s Settings > Wallpaper > Choose a New Wallpaper.
Step 2: Select Default
Pick one of the pre-installed wallpapers.
Step 3: Set as Wallpaper
Tap “Set” and choose whether you want it set for your home screen, lock screen, or both.
FAQs
Can I delete pre-installed wallpapers on iOS 16?
No, you can’t delete pre-installed wallpapers. However, you can easily replace them.
Will deleting a wallpaper from the Photos app remove it from my screen?
Yes, deleting a wallpaper from the Photos app will remove it from being actively set on your device, reverting it back to a default one.
How do I delete wallpapers downloaded from third-party apps?
If the wallpaper is stored in a third-party app, you’ll need to follow the deletion process within that specific app.
What happens when I delete a wallpaper set for both the home screen and lock screen?
Deleting a wallpaper set for both screens will revert both to the default wallpaper after the deletion.
Can I recover a deleted wallpaper?
If you have deleted a wallpaper from the Photos app, it will move to the “Recently Deleted” folder where you have 30 days to recover it.
Conclusion
Deleting a wallpaper on iOS 16 is straightforward if it’s a custom or downloaded wallpaper. You can easily manage this through the Photos app or via third-party apps where the wallpaper might be stored. Pre-installed wallpapers can’t be deleted, but you can always replace them with a new image to give your device a fresh look.