Live photo wallpaper not working on iPhone

Question

Level 1

17 points

Live photo wallpaper not working on iPhone

I discovered this a few months ago, and it persists despite several updates. Different iPhone versions have the same issue. Setting the wallpaper by editing the selected composition displays a dozen or so live photos selected by the system that can be used as wallpaper. Any other method of selecting a live photo results in setting a static photo and an error message about the live photo being invalid – the motion is too subtle. The photo can have any motion, and the error message still appears.

Resetting the phone and the system doesn't change anything.

Selecting a Live Photo from the gallery, as I mentioned, results in an error message.

How do I set a different wallpaper from a Live Photo than the ones the system suggests?

Regards

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Posted on Jul 9, 2025 5:53 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 9, 2025 11:47 AM in response to rainlow

Are you trying to set a live photo for you Lock Screen or Home Screen? You can set a Live Photo for your Lock Screen, but NOT your Home Screen --> Set a Live Photo as your Lock Screen wallpaper on your iPhone - Apple Support

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Answer 2

rainlow Author

Level 1

17 points

Jul 10, 2025 2:16 AM in response to lobsterghost1

Of course, I'm referring to the lock screen wallpaper. This advice might be useful for new iPhone owners, but in this thread, it's obvious and doesn't work.

Have you tested Live Photos on your iPhone?

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Answer 3

Jul 10, 2025 6:05 AM in response to rainlow

rainlow wrote:

Of course, I'm referring to the lock screen wallpaper. This advice might be useful for new iPhone owners, but in this thread, it's obvious and doesn't work.

Have you tested Live Photos on your iPhone?

I'm NOT a mind reader. You never suggested you were trying to use a live photo on your Lockscreen. You simply said "Live Photo wallpaper not working." I also can't possibly know how long you've owned or used an iPhone.

Since you'd rather chide me as opposed to understanding we are all volunteer users here doing our best to help users on this user to user only forum, you are welcome to contact Apple Support for more help.

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Answer 4

H1290

Level 6

10,143 points

Jul 10, 2025 6:24 AM in response to rainlow

Works for me. I select photos I took as Live Photos, making sure to avoid those suggested by the system, and it works like a charm. For most of them.

Some of the photos say “This type of motion is not supported for Wallpaper” or something like that, although I took it as a regular old Live Photo. So I’m not sure what Apple’s looking for in a Live Photo, for it to work. Are you seeing the same error message?

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Answer 5

Jul 10, 2025 6:40 AM in response to lobsterghost1

lobsterghost1 wrote:

rainlow wrote:

Of course, I'm referring to the lock screen wallpaper. This advice might be useful for new iPhone owners, but in this thread, it's obvious and doesn't work.

Have you tested Live Photos on your iPhone?

I'm NOT a mind reader. You never suggested you were trying to use a live photo on your Lockscreen. You simply said "Live Photo wallpaper not working." I also can't possibly know how long you've owned or used an iPhone.

Since you'd rather chide me as opposed to understanding we are all volunteer users here doing our best to help users on this user to user only forum, you are welcome to contact Apple Support for more help.

I forgot to add that it works fine for me as well. But I chose a photo I personally took as a Live Photo.

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Answer 6

rainlow Author

Level 1

17 points

Jul 10, 2025 8:53 AM in response to H1290

Yes, I see this message every time I manually select a live wallpaper photo from my photo gallery or when editing the lock screen. Only the live wallpaper photos suggested by the system work for me. I've tested up to five different iPhone models.

Interesting.

I apologize if I've upset anyone here; that's not my intention.

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