hello everyone! here are the steps to make your homescreen theme change using focus modes!
1. first, make sure you have at least iOS16 installed.
2. create a wallpaper pair and add your preferred lock and homescreen wallpaper.
3. if you want the icons to change as well, you will need to install custom icons with a different set up on every page. I actually draw my own icon themes and I like to use shortcuts to install the custom covers for the app icons! you could also use a third party app like handy theme.
4. once you're done with the set up, go to your settings app and go to focus.
5. from here, create a new focus mode (add a name, label, color).
6. in the next step, you will be able to select which wallpaper pair and which pages you would like to show up when this focus mode is turned on. you could also add a timed schedule for your focus mode using smart activation.
once you have completed these steps, you're finished! it's quite a long process to set everything up, but I promise it's worth it! good luck ✨
... Read moreI've been absolutely loving the freedom iOS 16 (and now iOS 17!) gives us to truly customize our iPhones. While the original guide gives you the perfect steps, I wanted to share a bit more from my own journey into dynamic themes, especially for those looking to dive deeper or troubleshoot.
One of the biggest 'aha!' moments for me was realizing that Focus Modes aren't just for silencing notifications or boosting productivity. They're actually the secret sauce for a truly dynamic homescreen! Instead of manually changing icons and wallpapers every time I want a new look, I've set up several Focus Modes, each linked to a completely different aesthetic. For instance, I have an 'Autumn' mode that instantly transforms my phone with fall-colored app icons and a beautiful landscape wallpaper, just like you see in some of my screenshots. When I'm feeling a lighter vibe, my 'Sakura' mode switches everything to a delightful pink, cherry blossom theme with a cute bunny wallpaper. It's like having multiple iPhones in one!
Getting your custom icons just right is probably the most time-consuming part, but it's incredibly rewarding. I personally love using the Shortcuts app because it allows for incredible flexibility. Here’s a quick rundown of how I approach it for each theme: I'll download or create a set of app icons (think pastel app icons for a 'bakery theme' or vibrant ones for a summer look). Then, for each app I want to customize, I create a new shortcut: 'Open App,' choose the app, then add it to the Home Screen. This is where you can select your custom icon from your photos. Yes, it's repetitive, but once it's done for one Focus Mode, you can duplicate and tweak for others. Third-party apps like Handy Theme can definitely speed up this process if you prefer a more streamlined approach.
Beyond icons, don't forget your wallpaper pairs! The trick is finding lock screen and home screen images that complement each other or tell a story. For my autumnal theme, I chose a warm, cozy lock screen and a matching vibrant fall scene for my home screen. It creates such a cohesive feel when you tap your focus mode and everything just *flows*. And while the article focuses on icons and wallpapers, remember that widgets can also be customized to match your theme, adding another layer of personalization. I love using widgetsmith or similar apps to create themed widgets that blend seamlessly with my 'bakery' or 'autumn' aesthetics.
Managing multiple themes might seem daunting at first, but organization is key. I name my Focus Modes clearly (e.g., 'Bakery Theme,' 'Sakura Vibes,' 'Autumn Cozy') so I can quickly switch between them from the Control Center. It's genuinely a one-tap transformation, as highlighted in the images! If you're finding your icons aren't changing, double-check that you've linked the correct icon pages to your chosen Focus Mode in the settings menu. Also, ensure your iOS version is at least 16; this feature isn't available on older versions. And for those with both an iPhone and an iPad, remember you can set up different themes for each device or sync them for a unified experience across your ecosystem! It makes my tablet look just as personalized as my phone.
It feels like a small effort for a huge payoff in daily satisfaction. Every time I switch my iPhone's look to match my mood or the season, it brings a little smile to my face. Give it a try, and you'll see why it's worth the initial setup!