How to set up a minimalist iPhone lock screen
A simple, plain black background that also saves battery.
Oct 26, 2025, 11:23 AM
Want to use your phone less? Try a minimalist lock screen.
A plain black background removes visual distractions and subtly reflects you. This creates a brief moment of self-awareness each time you pick up your phone.
Follow these steps to set up your minimalist lock screen with the built-in backgrounds on your iPhone:
Hold anywhere on your lock screen to enter lock screen editing mode.
Then swipe to the right end to add a new wallpaper.
Choose the "Color" option.
Choose black for the background color.
Close the color picker, then swipe to the "Solid" style.
Tap on the time display to change the style to "Solid" instead of "Glass."
Optionally, use the slider to make the time font thinner.
Click "Add" in the top right corner to finish adding this new lock screen.
We also recommend linking it to a Focus, such as naming it "Dumb Mode" or "Minimalist Mode," to activate with this lock screen.
This way, you can still enjoy your usual wallpapers when you’re not in that mode.
When you need a break from your phone, just switch to the minimalist screen.
