iPhone Depth Effect Greyed Out? Try These Simple Fixes

The Depth Effect on the iPhone Lock Screen adds a subtle 3D touch that makes your wallpaper pop. But sometimes, the option is greyed out or the subject doesn’t layer properly when setting your wallpaper. If the Depth Effect isn’t working on your iPhone, here’s why it happens and how to fix it.

Why Is the Depth Effect Not Working?

The Depth Effect places the clock behind the main subject of your wallpaper. Apple uses on-device machine learning to detect the subject and create a layered look, making it appear as if the time sits between the subject and the background.

While it usually works seamlessly, the feature can fail to activate for several reasons:

• Incompatible image: The Depth Effect only works with photos that have a clear subject in the foreground, such as portraits or images with one main focus.
• Subject placement: The subject should be near the center and reach into the clock area. If it’s too far off to the side or too small, the effect won’t apply.
• Low lighting or poor contrast: Dark or blurry images make it hard for the iPhone to separate the subject from the background.
• Outdated iOS version: Your device must be running a recent iOS version that supports Depth Effect wallpapers.
• Disabled setting: The Depth Effect toggle may be turned off while setting your wallpaper.

Now that you know what might be causing the issue, let’s go through the fixes.

How to Fix Depth Effect Wallpaper Not Working on iPhone

Here are seven reliable ways to restore the Depth Effect on your iPhone Lock Screen.

1. Check if Your iPhone Supports Depth Effect

The feature works on iPhones powered by the A12 Bionic chip or newer, including iPhone XR and later, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation).

If your iPhone is compatible but the effect still doesn’t show up, move on to the next steps.

2. Make Sure Depth Effect Is Enabled

The Depth Effect is on by default, but it’s best to double-check.

1. Unlock your iPhone using Touch ID or Face ID and stay on the Lock Screen.
2. Tap and hold an empty space on the Lock Screen.    
3. Tap Customize and select Lock Screen.
4. Now, tap the layer icon in the bottom left corner. For custom wallpapers, tap the three-dot icon. 
5. Check if the Depth Effect On has a tick mark next to it.
   

3. Remove Lock Screen Widgets

Widgets can block the Depth Effect. If you’ve added any to your Lock Screen, remove them and see if the effect returns.

1. Go to the wallpaper customizing screen using the steps above.  
2. Now, tap a widget in your widget area.
3. Select the (–) sign beside each widget to remove it.
   
   

4. Use a Supported Wallpaper

The Depth Effect only works when your photo has a clear, identifiable subject that reaches the clock area. It won’t apply to abstract, minimal, or overly busy images.

Portrait mode photos or Apple’s default wallpapers tend to work best. Make sure your chosen image is bright, sharp, and has enough contrast to highlight the main subject.

Check out: 20+ Stunning Depth Effect Wallpapers for iPhone

5. Reposition the Wallpaper

If your wallpaper isn’t aligned correctly, the Depth Effect may fail to trigger. You can easily reposition it:

1. Unlock your iPhone and stay on the Lock Screen.  
2. Tap and hold an empty area and select Lock Screen.
3. Tap Customize.
4. Select the wallpaper and then adjust it by pinching it in and out next to the clock area to see if the Depth Effect works.
5. Now, reposition the wallpaper as required while keeping an eye on the preview.
6. You can also swipe left to apply different filters and styles.
7. Tap Done to save the Lock Screen wallpaper.

6. Create a New Lock Screen

If adjustments don’t work, start fresh. Create a new Lock Screen and select a wallpaper that clearly meets all the Depth Effect criteria. This often resets whatever was blocking the feature.

7. Hard Reset Your iPhone

If none of the above fixes work, a force restart might help. It clears temporary glitches that could prevent the feature from activating.

After restarting, try applying different wallpapers. If the Depth Effect still won’t work, consider resetting your iPhone’s settings as a last resort.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, one of these steps helped you get the Depth Effect back on your iPhone Lock Screen. If not, make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version, as Apple often includes small fixes for wallpaper features in system updates.

Here are some more interesting reads for you: 

• iPhone Lock Screen wallpaper disappeared? 7 Fixes
• How to delete wallpaper on your iPhone
• How to make your iPhone Lock Screen wallpaper shuffle through photos