Custom lock-screen and Notifications

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Level 1

8 points

Custom lock-screen and Notifications

I've created custom lock-screens for my family's devices by adding contact information and "If lost, please contact..." This has come in handy several times, as I'm sure it has for many others. The last time got me thinking about what would happen if someone called or texted or there was some other notification that stays on the lock-screen and doesn't allow the wallpaper behind it (the one with the contact details) to show. I know notifications can be turned off, but then you lose some of the contact functionality that allows you to quickly check if a message is a critical one or something to be looked at later. Is there a way to allow for notifications on a lock-screen such that the wallpaper isn't obscured... allowing both the information on the wallpaper and the notification to both be seen while the phone is locked?

iPhone 6, iOS 9.3.1

Posted on Apr 28, 2016 10:54 AM

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Answer 1

dsdive Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2016 11:25 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

Tbought about that, but the problem isn't that the information on the lock-screen is covered up by the information in the notification... it's that the notification causes the wallpaper itself to be completely covered up by a slightly opaque black background, probably to better see the notification information. And while the None, Banners, or Alerts setting is for when the phone is unlocked, there is a setting to allow previews, which is turned off. So irrespective of the size of the notification, the image behind is covered. I'm attaching two screenshots that clarify- on the left is a background with some basic text to simulate an actual lost and found message. The right is what the lock screen looks like when a text comes in and the notification is displayed.

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Answer 2

javaliga

Level 10

119,907 points

Apr 28, 2016 12:16 PM in response to dsdive

Do you also use the "Lost Mode" feature?

iCloud: Use Lost Mode

What is Lost Mode?

Lost Mode locks your device with a passcode so that others can’t access your personal information. When your device is in Lost Mode:

You can display a custom message on the screen. For example, you may want to indicate that the device is lost or how to contact you.

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Answer 3

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

231,500 points

Apr 28, 2016 10:57 AM in response to dsdive

There are multiple types of notifications, None, Banners, or Alerts. Banners just displays a small amount of information on the screen, whereas an Alert requires user interaction before you can continue on the device. If notifications are set to banners, you shouldn't have a problem unless you have made the amount of information so "busy" that it cannot be read. Put important information towards the bottom of the lock screen, which will help.

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Answer 4

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

231,500 points

Apr 28, 2016 1:37 PM in response to dsdive

I re-checked after receiving a text notification, and there is no way to get past the full page getting blurred out, and there is no way to increase the transparency either. You can look at what javaliga has provided you, or you can also look at the Medical ID section of the Health App, which will display a link on the lock screen for someone to call if they found the person/device in trouble. It could work for the device as well. That will show when you swipe the screen below the lock settings, whereas the lock/home screen will not.

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