Ditch the Static: How to Automate Your iPhone Wallpaper with iOS 14.3
Tired of the same old iPhone wallpaper? With the latest iOS 14.3 update, you can finally say goodbye to monotonous backgrounds and embrace a dynamic new look. The Shortcuts app now allows you to automate your wallpaper changes, cycling through your favorite images on a custom schedule. This means a fresh, personalized background every day, week, or even hour, without lifting a finger. Ready to give your iPhone a dynamic makeover? Let’s dive into the simple steps to set up automatic wallpaper changes on your iPhone.
Getting Started: The Essentials for Wallpaper Automation
To embark on your automated wallpaper journey, a few prerequisites are in order:
- iOS 14.3 or Higher: The wallpaper automation feature is exclusive to iOS 14.3 and later versions. So, make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version.
- Shortcuts App: The Shortcuts app is your command center for this process. If you haven’t already, download the Shortcuts app from the App Store.
- AutoWall Shortcut: This handy shortcut, specifically designed for automated wallpaper changes, will do the heavy lifting. We’ll provide a link to download it later.
Step-by-Step Guide to Automated Wallpaper Bliss
Now, let’s get into the detailed process of setting up your automated wallpaper:
Step 1: Enabling Untrusted Shortcuts
- Navigate to Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and select Shortcuts.
- Toggle on Allow Untrusted Shortcuts. This action grants the Shortcuts app permission to run shortcuts from external sources like websites.
Step 2: Downloading the AutoWall Shortcut
- Open your iPhone’s browser and visit the following link: https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/4d92015c23f44195937d1ecf0dbb83c8.
- On the website, tap on Get Shortcut. This will redirect you to the Shortcuts app.
- Scroll to the bottom of the pop-up and tap Add Untrusted Shortcut. This action imports the AutoWall shortcut into your Shortcuts app.
Step 3: Granting AutoWall Permissions
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Locate the AutoWall shortcut in the My Shortcuts section.
- Tap the three dots icon next to the AutoWall shortcut.
- Select Allow Access, and then tap OK to give the AutoWall shortcut permission to access all your photos.
Step 4: Choosing Your Wallpaper Album
- In the AutoWall shortcut, next to the Album field, choose the folder containing the images you want to use as your automatic wallpapers. This could be any folder from your iPhone’s Photos app.
- Once you’ve selected your desired folder, tap on Done to save the shortcut.
Step 5: Setting Up the Automation Process
- Go back to the Shortcuts app.
- Tap on Automation at the bottom.
- Select Create Personal Automation.
- Choose the Time of Day option from the list.
- Set the time and frequency for your automated wallpaper changes. You can choose to change your wallpaper hourly, daily, weekly, or even at specific times.
- Tap Next, then tap Add Action on the following screen.
- Search for the Run Shortcut action and select it.
- Tap on Shortcut and select AutoWall from the list of available shortcuts.
- Tap Next.
- Disable Ask Before Running to ensure that the automation triggers automatically without any prompt.
- Finally, tap Done.
Enjoy Your Dynamic Wallpapers!
Congratulations! You’ve just successfully set up automated wallpaper changes on your iPhone. Now, every time the time you set for the automation triggers, your iPhone’s homescreen and lockscreen wallpaper will magically update, transforming your device with different images from your selected album.
Tips for a Seamless Wallpaper Experience
Here’s a few tips for enhancing your automated wallpaper experience:
- Curate Your Album: Choose a collection of images that complement your preferences and aesthetic. Consider varying the size, aspect ratio, and overall style of images in your album for a more diverse and engaging wallpaper rotation.
- Experiment with Frequency: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different frequency settings to find what best suits your needs and visual preferences. A change every hour might be overwhelming, while a daily or weekly change could offer more of a surprise when you pick up your phone.
- Explore Other Automations: The Shortcuts app is brimming with possibilities beyond wallpaper changes. Discover a wide range of automations that can customize your iPhone experience, including triggering specific app actions at certain times, responding to your location, and much more.
Conclusion: Embrace Change, Embrace Dynamic Wallpapers
With the power of automated wallpaper changes, your iPhone can reflect your evolving personality and style. Say goodbye to static backgrounds and embrace the exciting world of dynamic wallpapers. It’s a simple adjustment that can make a big difference in how you interact with your device. So, unleash your creative spirit, personalize your iPhone’s aesthetic, and let the magic of automation bring a touch of dynamism to your digital world.
