iOS offers a blur effect for your home screen wallpaper, enhancing the visibility of app icons. Yet, some users report issues with this feature on their iPhones.
In this guide, I’ll demonstrate several methods to enable the wallpaper blur effect on your iPhone.
Let’s get started!
TL;DR Version
If wallpaper blur is not working, try these fixes:
1. Refresh Blur Effect Setting
If the blur effect isn’t working on your wallpaper, it might be due to temporary glitches. Resetting the blur option can force the system to reapply it.
Here’s how to reset the blur option:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap on Wallpaper.
- Select the Home Screen icon to customize your current wallpaper.
- Disable the Blur effect by tapping the Blur icon.
- Tap Done to save changes.
- Access the app switcher by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
- Close the Settings app by swiping it upwards off the screen.
- Wait for 10-15 seconds, then return to Settings > Wallpaper > Home Screen to reactivate the Blur Effect.
Check your home screen to see if the blur effect is now functioning.
2. Restart Your iPhone
If the blur effect isn’t working, try disabling it, restarting your device, and then re-enabling it. This method addresses potential system bugs affecting the blur effect.
- If you’re using an iPhone with Face ID, here’s how you can restart it:
- Hold the Volume Down and Side buttons until the ‘Slide to Power Off’ prompt appears.
- Now, drag the slider to the right and wait for 30 seconds.
- Press the Side button afterward to turn on your device.
If you’re using an iPhone with Face ID, here’s how you can restart it:
- Hold the Volume Down and Side buttons until the ‘Slide to Power Off’ prompt appears.
- Now, drag the slider to the right and wait for 30 seconds.
- Press the Side button afterward to turn on your device.
This process helps to reset the system, potentially resolving issues with the blur effect.
3. Apply the Same Image for Home and Lock Screens
Some users have reported that having different images for the home and lock screens can disable the blur effect on iPhones.
If you’re currently using different wallpapers for these screens, this might be why the blur effect isn’t functioning.
To test this, set the same image for both your home and lock screens and check if the blur effect activates.
4. Turn Off ‘Reduce Transparency’ Setting
The ‘Reduce Transparency’ accessibility feature on your iPhone, which limits transparency and blur effects, might interfere with the wallpaper blur effect. Disabling it could resolve the issue.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Accessibility > Display & Text Size.
- Locate Reduce Transparency and turn off the toggle switch.
5. Update Your iPhone to the Latest Version
If the previous methods don’t resolve the issue, it could be due to a system glitch. Updating to the latest version of iOS can help fix these errors.
To update:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to General > Software Update.
- If there’s an update available, select Download and Install.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
Important Notes:
- Your iPhone may restart multiple times during the update.
- Ensure it’s at least 50% charged or keep it connected to a charger.
- Allow around 15 minutes for the update, especially for major updates (e.g., iOS 15 to iOS 16).
To enable automatic updates:
- In Settings, navigate to General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
- Enable Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates.
FAQs
Why is my wallpaper blur not working?
The malfunction of the wallpaper blur feature could be attributed to various factors. Temporary glitches within iOS or incorrect settings, such as the ‘Reduce Transparency’ option being enabled, are common causes. To resolve this, try refreshing the blur effect and ensure that ‘Reduce Transparency’ is disabled on your iPhone.
How do I blur the Home Screen on my iPhone?
To apply a blur effect to your home screen wallpaper, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Select Wallpaper.
- Tap the Home Screen icon to modify your current wallpaper.
- Activate the blur effect by tapping the Blur icon.
Why does iOS 17 blur the top of my wallpaper?
In iOS 17, wallpapers are optimized to fit your screen more effectively. If your wallpaper image is too small for your display, it may result in a blur effect at the top. Using an image with the appropriate size for your screen can help avoid this issue.
How do you blur the background on iOS?
To capture images with a blurred background or depth effect on iOS, use Portrait mode:
- Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
- Choose Portrait mode.
- Follow any on-screen tips, such as framing your subject within the yellow portrait box.
Important Notes:
- On compatible iPhones, you can tap 1x, 2x, or 3x to toggle between zoom levels.
- iPhone 15 users can zoom in and out by pinching the screen.
