How to Blur or Unblur the Always-On Wallpaper

The Always-On display keeps a dimmed version of your Lock Screen visible when the iPhone is idle, and in iOS 26 you have direct control over how the wallpaper looks in that state. You can keep it gently blurred, show it unblurred in full detail, or hide it entirely so only the clock and notifications remain. This guide shows where the setting lives and how to choose the look that suits you.

Which iPhones have Always-On display

Always-On display is available on iPhone 14 Pro and newer Pro models. If your iPhone doesn’t have it, you won’t see the option described below — the screen simply turns off when idle rather than dimming to a low-power view. On supported models running iOS 26, the controls described here are available.

Where the setting lives

Apple puts the Always-On controls in the Display settings rather than the wallpaper picker:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Display & Brightness.
3. Scroll to Always On Display and tap it.
4. You’ll find the toggles for showing the wallpaper and notifications in the idle state.

From here you choose how the wallpaper is treated when the display dims.

Blur, unblur, or hide: what each option does

Each choice changes the idle screen’s character:

• Blurred wallpaper. The default-feeling look. Your wallpaper stays visible but softened, so the dimmed screen reads as calm and the clock stands out clearly. It’s the most legible balance for most photos.
• Unblurred wallpaper. The full image stays sharp in the idle state. This looks great with clean, simple wallpapers but can feel busy with detailed photos, since the dimmed brightness plus fine detail competes with the clock.
• Wallpaper hidden. The wallpaper drops away in the idle state, leaving the clock and any notifications on a dark background. This is the most minimal, lowest-distraction look and pairs naturally with a dark setup.

Turning the wallpaper off in the Always-On view does not change your normal Lock Screen — it only affects the dimmed idle state.

How to switch between them

Inside Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display, toggle Show Wallpaper on to display it and off to hide it. When the wallpaper is shown, iOS 26 presents it softened by default; if you prefer the sharp version, look for the option to show it unblurred in the same panel. The change applies immediately, so you can lock the phone, glance at the idle screen, and decide which you like.

Choosing a wallpaper that looks good dimmed

The Always-On view is dimmed and, when blurred, softened — so wallpapers that already have a calm composition tend to look best:

• Dark wallpapers sit beautifully in the idle state because the dimmed screen and deep tones blend, keeping the clock crisp. Start with the dark style collection, and if you’re on an OLED-equipped iPhone, see what makes an OLED wallpaper for why true blacks look so clean here.
• Minimalist wallpapers stay readable whether blurred or sharp, since there’s little fine detail to muddy. Browse minimalist styles.
• Detailed photos are best kept blurred in the Always-On view, or hidden, so the dimmed screen doesn’t feel cluttered.

You can find both in the main wallpaper library, which is organized so you can pick an image with the idle state in mind.

Battery and burn-in notes

The Always-On display is a low-power state by design. Hiding the wallpaper or using a darker, blurred image keeps fewer bright pixels lit, which is the gentlest option for a low-power idle view. If you prefer the unblurred look, that’s perfectly fine for everyday use — just know that a dark or blurred treatment is the lighter-touch choice.

FAQ

Where do I blur or unblur the Always-On wallpaper in iOS 26? Open Settings, then Display & Brightness, then Always On Display. The controls for showing, blurring, unblurring, or hiding the wallpaper are in that panel.

Why don’t I see the Always-On option? Always-On display is available on iPhone 14 Pro and newer Pro models. On iPhones without it, the screen turns off when idle instead of dimming, so there is no wallpaper setting to adjust.

Does hiding the Always-On wallpaper change my normal Lock Screen? No. Hiding or blurring the wallpaper only affects the dimmed idle state. Your regular Lock Screen wallpaper stays exactly as you set it.

Which look is best for battery? A hidden or dark, blurred wallpaper keeps fewer bright pixels lit in the idle state, making it the gentlest choice, though the unblurred view is fine for everyday use.

The takeaway

iOS 26 gives you full say over the Always-On wallpaper: keep it softly blurred for a calm, legible idle screen, show it unblurred for full detail, or hide it for the cleanest look. It all lives in Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display, and the best results come from pairing the setting with a dark or minimalist wallpaper.

Want wallpapers that look great whether sharp, blurred, or hidden? Get Wallpaper Hub on the App Store