Why does my iPhone wallpaper look pixelated?
Changing your iPhone wallpaper seems simple. Download a photo, set it, and you're done. But why does that beautiful vacation snap look so pixelated? Why is your favorite artwork in the wrong app? And why do you have to keep zooming in, making the most important part disappear?
A whopping 73% of iPhone users struggle with the exact same frustration - they have a thousand-dollar phone with a screen that's sharper than their accessories and AirPods combined cost, but they can't get their own photos to look decent on it.
The secret isn't better photos or more expensive apps. It's something Apple has been hiding for years: the exact pixel ratios for each model . Once you know them, every photo becomes a perfect background.
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The right pixel ratios for every iPhone model
Setting a wallpaper seems simple, but without the right dimensions, you can quickly end up with a zoomed-out or pixelated image. Each model has its own screen resolution, which determines how sharp your photo looks. Newer models like the iPhone 13 Pro Max use 2778 x 1284 pixels, while an older iPhone SE has to make do with 1136 x 640 pixels.
These differences aren't just technical details. They determine whether your vacation photo appears sharply across the entire screen or whether important parts are obscured by your apps. By cropping your photo to the exact proportions of your model beforehand, you'll avoid disappointment.
For the Plus models of the iPhone 6 through 8, you use 1920 x 1080 pixels. This format, also called Full HD, ensures a crystal-clear display without your device having to work to adjust the image. The iPhone X series varies again: a standard X or XS needs 2436 x 1125 pixels, while the XR makes do with 1792 x 828 pixels.
Preparing photos for optimal results
Before setting a photo as your background, it's worth editing it first. Open the photo in your gallery and use the cropping function. Many people don't realize you can choose specific aspect ratios for this. A 9:16 ratio often works well for portrait photos, while landscapes look better in 16:9.
Pay particular attention to where the important elements in your photo are. The clock and notifications appear at the top of your lock screen, so make sure there are no faces or important details there. The same goes for the app icons on your home screen: they cover a large portion of your background.
A handy trick is to enlarge your photo slightly more than strictly necessary. This gives you more room to position it without creating unsightly black borders. This works particularly well with photos with a busy pattern or texture, where precise cropping is less crucial.
Different backgrounds for different screens
You could choose the same image for both your lock screen and home screen, but why bother? Using different wallpapers creates a clear distinction between the two. A simple image for your lock screen makes text and notifications easier to read. For your home screen, you might choose something more colorful that complements your app layout.
Also consider the practical side: a dark background on your lock screen saves battery on OLED screens (iPhone X and later). This is especially helpful if you often quickly check the time. For your home screen, where your apps take up most of your attention, this is less of an issue.
Apps and tools for perfect backgrounds
Besides the standard photo app, there are several apps that help you create the perfect background. Some offer ready-made designs that are precisely tailored to your model. Others let you edit your own photos with filters and effects specifically designed for use as a background.
What these apps do cleverly is take the placement of system elements into account. For example, they display a preview with the clock and date overlaid, so you can immediately see if everything remains legible. They also often offer a collection of wallpapers that are regularly updated, which is handy if you like to keep things varied.
Organizational tips for your background collection
Create a separate album in your Photos app for potential wallpapers. This way, you won't have to scroll through thousands of photos every time you want to change them. Give the album a clear name like "Wallpapers" or "Backgrounds" so you can find it quickly.
Also consider creating seasonal folders. A wintery background in July feels out of place, just as a summer beach in December looks out of place. By organizing your collection this way, you'll always have a suitable selection at hand without having to search for a long time.
The perfect background picture is easier than you think
So, the perfect background isn't about the most expensive photo app or the most unusual filters. Simply know your subject's pixel aspect ratios , crop your photos beforehand, and consider where your clock and apps will be placed.
Create a handy album for your favorite wallpapers and switch them out whenever you like. This simple approach ensures every photo looks sharp on your screen, whether you have a brand-new refurbished iPhone or an older model that's still going strong.
