How to Change the Clock on the iPhone Lock Screen

Did you know you can actually customize your iPhone's lock screen clock in all sorts of ways!? This time, I'll explain everything about the lock screen clock in detail!

What you'll learn in this article👇

• How to change the clock's texture (iOS 26 feature)
• How to change the clock's size (iOS 26 feature)
• How to display seconds on your lock screen clock
• How to change the clock's font, weight, and color
• "Standby Mode" lets you use it like a table clock

What You Can Do to Customize the Clock on Your iPhone Lock Screen

1. 【iOS 26】 Choose Your Clock Face Texture

Starting with iOS 26, you can now choose between two clock face textures: "Solid" and "Glass"! "Solid" retains the traditional design, while "Glass" features a translucent look.

2.【iOS 26】 Adjustable Clock Size

Starting with iOS 26, you can now change the size of the clock!

3. Choose from 6 clock fonts!

There are 6 clock fonts in total. They range from simple Gothic-style fonts to Mincho-style fonts.

4. Choose the font weight for your watch!

You can freely adjust the font weight using a slider. (※Some fonts may not allow size changes)

5. Change the watch color!

You can customize the color in detail using the grid, spectrum, and slider to suit your preferences.

【For iOS26】How to Customize the iPhone Clock

1. Hold on the lock screen.
2. Tap "Customize."

3. Tap the clock.
4. Tap the leftmost font. (Note: Clock size adjustment is not available with other fonts!)

5. Adjust the thickness.
6. Select the color.

7. Select either "Glass" or "Solid". (This time, I selected Glass!)
8. Tap the "×".

9. While holding the handle in the lower right corner, drag it downward.
10. Tap "Done" in the upper right corner.

11. It's done!

How to Display Seconds on the Lock Screen Clock

Actually, the stock clock app can't display the "seconds" on the lock screen! This time, I'll set it up using "WidgetClub".

1. Install WidgetClub.
Get the app here!
2. Once the app is open, tap the "Lock Screen" tab.

3. Tap the widget that displays seconds.
4. Adjust the font and size.

5. Tap "Set"
6. Select the frame where you want to set up the widget. That's it—your widget is ready! Next, let's add it to your lock screen.

7. Hold on the lock screen.
8. Tap "Customize."

9. Tap the widget area below the clock.
10. Tap "WidgetClub".

11. Tap the widget.
12. Tap the "×".

13. Tap the outer edge.
14. Tap "Done" in the upper-right corner.

15. All done!

By the way... starting with iOS 26, widget areas can now be moved not only "below the clock" but also to the "bottom of the screen"!

【For iOS18】How to Change the Font Thickness/Color of the Clock on Lock Screen

1. Hold down on the lock screen.
2. Tap the "Customize" at the bottom of the screen.

3. Select "Lock Screen" on the left side of the screen.
4. Tap the “Clock section”.

5. Customize it to your liking with "Font and Color" then tap the "×" button.
6. Tap "Done" in the upper right to save!

7. Completed!

Examples of changeable font thicknesses

*Note: Some fonts cannot change thickness

The subject pops out in front of the clock! You can change the clock position with the depth effect!

If the subject overlaps with the clock, you can use the "depth effect" where the subject appears to float in front of the clock. No special settings are required for the "depth effect."

When setting the wallpaper, simply position the subject to slightly overlap with the lock screen clock, and it will automatically be set!

Just by adding depth, the lock screen would instantly transform into a very stylish atmosphere. Try it with photos of your favorite person, pet, or beautiful architecture that looks like portrait photos.

There are many other features in iOS 17. If you want to know more details, please check the following articles as well!

Use the "StandBy" as a Table Clock

The "StandBy" mode in iOS 17 is a new feature that turns your iPhone into a convenient display when charging horizontally, showing useful widgets, photos, or stylish clocks... it transforms into a handy display.

After switching to StandBy mode, swipe to the rightmost screen to switch to the clock screen.

How to Use “StandBy” Mode

Preparation

If you're setting it up for the first time, some preparation is needed! Follow these steps to turn on StandBy mode.

1. Open "Settings" on your iPhone and tap "StandBy".
2. Turn ON the "StandBy" mode.

This completes the preparation. You only need to do this!

Next, switch to “StandBy” mode.

How to Switch to the “StandBy” Mode

1. Press the power button to go to the lock screen.
2. Turn your iPhone horizontally and plug in the charging cable.

3. Just wait, and the screen will switch to the “StandBy” mode.

(Note that StandBy mode won't activate unless the iPhone's side is perpendicular to the floor and in a horizontal position!)

▼ As shown below, using a proper smartphone stand while charging ensures a smooth transition to “StandBy” mode.

How to Display the Clock

1. After switching to “StandBy” mode, swipe to the rightmost screen to show the clock.
2. Swipe up and down to switch designs.

Check out this article for more detailed instructions on how to use “StandBy” mode.

For an Even More Stylish Lock Screen, Specialized Apps are Recommended

To make your lock screen even more stylish and convenient, setting up lock screen widgets is a must. Using the smartphone customization app "WidgetClub",  you can customize not only lock screen widgets but also make your home screen stylish!

If you want to make your smartphone even more stylish, be sure to check out this article.

Also, by adding widgets, you can make your lock screen even more stylishly customized.

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