iOS offers a range of intuitive customization features for iPhones, including an automatic zoom function that adjusts images to fit the Wallpaper or Lock Screen sizing. While this feature is designed to simplify wallpaper resizing, it can sometimes distort correctly proportioned images, making them unsuitable for use.

By resizing and saving your wallpaper to the correct dimensions in advance, you can ensure a seamless fit and avoid unnecessary adjustments—allowing you to quickly return to messaging, web browsing, and calls. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of converting a square photo to properly fit an iPhone Wallpaper or Lock Screen while maintaining image quality.

Steps:

1. Upload photo to the resize tool
2. Resize photo to 9:16
3. Decorate photo (optional)
4. Export and download
5. Change wallpaper

Step One: Open the Resize Tool

To begin, open Kapwing’s image resizer tool on your iPhone. This tool efficiently scales photos to the correct proportions while preserving image quality and is free to use across all devices.

For a smoother editing experience, it’s recommended to sign in or create a free account before making adjustments. With an account, you can sign up using any email, store and edit content for up to two days, and export images without watermarks. Tap the Get Started button to launch the editor, then select the 9:16 aspect ratio under the Blank Canvas option.

Step Two: Add Image to Your Background

Tap the Media heading in the bottom left corner of the Studio, then paste an image link or tap Click to Upload to add a photo from your photo library. You can tap and drag the photo to change the position and drag the corners to scale the size.

Once you have added your image, Kapwing will automatically add a blurred version of the photo in the background to remove any unnecessary blank space.

If you wish to change the background color, tap the background itself, then select the Background option beneath - where you will be presented a range of color options.

To change the background color, tap a preset color from the available collection or enter a hex color code to insert your own custom shade.

Step Three: Decorate Photo (optional)

This step isn’t necessary, but you can add flair to your photo by using the intuitive graphic design tools available in the editor. Each tool is designed to make content creation easy for users of all skill levels. For example, you can upload photos from your device to use as a background or browse images within the editor.

Tap the Images tab on the bottom of the screen to access a library of public domain images. Users can also generate complex AI Images in this tab by typing simple prompts related to their image. Use the search bar to type descriptive terms, then tap Search to generate results.

You can also add text to create an inspirational or sentimental wallpaper, and add shapes in the Elements tab – including stars, arrows, abstract circles, hearts, speech bubbles, and more. Adjust the color, size, opacity, and position and overlap elements to combine shapes. Try adding a filter if you want to give your wallpaper a new feel!

Step Four: Export and Download

When you are finished editing your photo, tap the export image button at the top of the resize tool, then tap the download button to save it to your iPhone.

Step Five: Change Wallpaper

Now it’s time for your resized wallpaper to make its debut on your iPhone Wallpaper or Lock Screen. Once saved, open the photo library, find the photo in your collection, and tap the share button to bring up the options menu shown. Tap Use as Wallpaper followed by Add, and choose which screen you would like to display the photo.

You can take iPhone customization a step further by making custom aesthetic wallpapers and app covers reflecting your personality and interests. Explore the related articles below to resize images for additional platforms, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to learn more about Kapwing, an online video editor where you can create and share your story.