Guide to Modify Lock Screen Shortcuts on Your iPhone

With iOS 18, Apple is elevating the level of customization by allowing you to personalize your iPhone lock screen shortcuts. This exciting new feature enables you to replace the typical Camera and Flashlight shortcuts with your preferred alternatives, creating a more tailored lock screen experience. Let’s explore how you can make these changes and enrich your iPhone usage.

Customizing Your iPhone Lock Screen Shortcuts

Before proceeding, ensure your device is operating on iOS 18 or higher. To check your iOS version, navigate to Settings -> General -> About, and locate the iOS version section. To see if updates are available, visit General -> Software Update; any updates will be displayed here.

Once confirmed, wake your iPhone to access the lock screen. Press and hold it until you see the Customize button appear at the bottom. This is your gateway to changing your shortcuts!

On the following screen, tap on Lock screen.

You will see the current shortcuts marked with a – sign, indicating they are ready for removal. Tap the – signs on each shortcut to delete them. If you prefer to maintain a clean lock screen without shortcuts, simply hit Done in the upper right corner.

Removing default shortcuts on iPhone lock screen.

To add new shortcuts, select the + icon next to the first shortcut.

Tapping on + sign on iPhone lock screen to add new shortcuts.

Explore the wide range of options available. A noteworthy addition with iOS 18.4 is the Ambient Music feature, enabling you to add a shortcut to the lock screen for immediate access to calming sounds—great for quick relaxation without unlocking your phone!

Available controls for iPhone shortcuts on lock screen.

Additional shortcut options include launching any app available on your device, utilizing a QR code scanner, or activating the Translate feature. If you have apps installed such as ChatGPT, you can set up a shortcut to converse with the AI directly from the lock screen—an incredible time-saver!

Remember, the new shortcuts need to be activated with a long press.

Creating a Custom Lock Screen Shortcut

You can also create unique custom shortcuts to enhance your lock screen functionality. Utilize the Shortcuts app to design these personalized shortcuts. Following the iOS 18.4 update, a new option enables you to open specific conversations from the Messages app directly from your lock screen. Let’s walk through this process.

Launch the Shortcuts app on your iPhone and tap the + button in the upper right corner of the screen.

Next, input “Open conversation”in the Search Actions bar appearing on the New Shortcut page.

Select the relevant option once it appears, and then tap Conversation (highlighted in blue).

Now, pick the conversation you wish to add. This could be a dialogue with a close family member or friend, ensuring you can communicate easily without unlocking your device.

Selecting conversation from Messages app to add to shortcut on iPhone.

After selecting the conversation, press Done to save your shortcut.

Return to your lock screen and bring up the customization screen again. Remove one of your existing shortcuts, then tap the + button.

This time, choose Shortcut.

Selecting Shortcut option when adding lock screen shortcut on iPhone.

Tap the Choose button within the pop-up.

Locate and select the Open Conversation shortcut.

Tap anywhere on the screen to save, then hit Done.

Added shortcut view on lock screen on iPhone.

Your custom shortcut has now made its debut on your lock screen!

Conversation shortcut added to iPhone lock screen.

Changing the Icons of Custom Shortcuts

The default icon for opening a conversation is a Messages icon, but other custom shortcuts typically feature the standard Shortcuts icon. You can enhance visual clarity by changing the icon for easy recognition.

In the Shortcuts app, access your desired shortcut. For instance, selecting the Open Conversation shortcut, tap the small downward icon at the top and choose Choose Icon.

Navigate through the available options and select an alternative icon that better represents the specific context of the conversation you want to quick-launch. Hit Done to save your icon selection.

Once back on your lock screen, you’ll see the updated icon reflecting your customization!

If you’re interested in additional customization tips for your iPhone’s lock screen, check out our detailed post on various features. To explore further, you may also want to understand how to adjust other aspects of your iPhone’s appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I check if my iPhone is compatible with iOS 18?

To determine if your device supports iOS 18, navigate to Settings -> General -> About and look for the iOS version. If it’s lower than 18, consider updating your iPhone via General -> Software Update.

2. Can I revert to previous shortcuts after replacing them?

Yes, you can easily revert to the default shortcuts by removing the custom shortcuts and adding the original ones again through the lock screen customization settings.

3. What should I do if I can’t find the Shortcut I created?

If your created shortcut isn’t visible, ensure that it has been saved properly in the Shortcuts app. Open the app and check if it’s listed; if not, you might need to recreate it following the previous steps.

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