4 Fixes for Lock Screen Photo Shuffle Not Working on iPhone

Quick Tips

• Ensure that the set photos shuffle frequency isn’t too long and that you’ve allowed the Photos app to show featured content.
• You can also try selecting your photos manually for the lock screen shuffle to see if that resolves the issue.
• If nothing works, consider removing your current lock screen and setting up a new one from scratch.

Try Basic Fixes

• Force reboot your iPhone: If your iPhone becomes stuck on the loading or processing icon when you tap the Photo Shuffle option, it might be a minor glitch. To resolve this, press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button. After that, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Once your iPhone boots up, check if the Photo Shuffle option works.
• Install iOS updates: The issue of photos not shuffling may be limited to the iOS build that your iPhone is running. Open the Settings app and head to General > Software Update to download and install pending updates. Following that, the lock screen photo shuffle should work on your iPhone.

Fix 1: Check Photo Shuffle Frequency

Another thing you should do is check the lock screen’s photo shuffle frequency and make sure it is set to your liking. For instance, if you want the photos to change every hour, but are currently set to change daily, you will need to modify the frequency.

Step 1: Unlock your iPhone with Face ID and then long-press on your lock screen to edit it.

Step 2: Tap the Customize button at the bottom and select Lock Screen.

Step 3: Tap the three horizontal dots menu icon at the bottom-right corner and select your preferred option under Shuffle Frequency: Daily, Hourly, On Lock, or On Tap.

Step 4: Tap Done at the top-right corner to save changes.

Fix 2: Enable the Show Featured Content Option

Another reason the photo shuffle for lock screen wallpapers may stop working is if you have prevented your iPhone from showing featured content. To change that, open the Settings app and scroll down to tap on Photos. Then, enable the toggle next to Show Featured Content in the following menu.

Fix 3: Select Photos Manually for Photo Shuffle

It is important to note that your iPhone needs time to set your selected photos for shuffle. If your iPhone keeps showing you the “Photo Shuffle is Processing” message, it could be because you have selected too many photos. You can wait for your iPhone to finish processing or select fewer photos using the steps below.

Step 1: Unlock your iPhone and long press on your lock screen.

Step 2: Tap the plus icon in the bottom right corner and select the Photo Shuffle option.

Step 3: Tap the Select Photos Manually option and then choose the photos you want to use. Then, tap Add in the top right corner.

After you complete the above steps, your iPhone needs to automatically shuffle the lock screen wallpaper.

Fix 4: Remove the Lock Screen and Set It Up Again

Another possible solution to the photo shuffle issue is to remove the problematic lock screen and set it up again. Here are the steps for the same.

Step 1: Unlock your iPhone and long press on the screen to access the lock screen gallery. Locate the photo shuffle lock screen that is not working and swipe up on it.

Step 2: Tap the trash icon and select Delete This Wallpaper to confirm the action.

Step 3: Tap the plus icon in the bottom right corner and select the Photo Shuffle option.

Step 4: Tap Use Featured Photos for an automatic photo shuffle. Alternatively, if you want to pick photos manually, tap on Select Photos Manually. After that, select the photos you want and tap Add.