8 Proven Ways to Fix iOS 16 Depth Effect Not Working

It’s that time of the year again when the new iPhone variant is released, and it’s a rat race out there to see who can get it before everyone else. While the new iOS 16 has several enhanced features, the one that steals the show is the depth effect. This new feature enables users to split their wallpaper into several layers using AI-based image processing. What does that mean, you ask? Let’s elaborate on it a bit more in the following content.

However, after updating to the new iOS system, some users found they couldn’t use the depth effect feature on their devices. What a great pity! Therefore, to make users can enjoy this amazing feature, in this article, we will show you several proven ways to fix iOS 16 depth effect not working issue.

And you can check fixes to other common iOS 16 issues in this guide: How to Fix the iOS 16 Update Issues [Quick Fixes] >

What’s Depth Effect on iPhone?

The depth effect on iPhone enables you to adjust the focus of the components of your lock screen in such a way that some appear in front while others appear at the back. It gives the illusion of your wallpaper interacting with the widgets.

For instance, if you have an image of mountains, you can make them appear in front of the date and time. Something like this:

However, many people have faced the issue of the iOS 16 depth effect not working on their devices.

What could be the reason for this feature not working? And how can you fix it?

Let’s have a look!

Why Is My Depth Effect Not Working?

There could be several reasons for the iOS 16 depth effect not working on your iPhone.

Maybe your version of the iPhone does not support the depth effect feature, or the image you’re using as the wallpaper is incompatible with your iPhone version; therefore, it’s unable to apply the depth effect on it.

However, there could also be a background conflict or some glitch.

The good news is that it can be fixed regardless of why the depth effect isn’t working on your iPhone!

8 Ways to Fix iOS 16 Depth Effect Not Working

Below we have listed 8 proven ways to fix the depth effect and have it up and running in no time!

Method 1. Use Supported iPhone and Wallpapers

Before trying other methods to fix the iOS 16 depth effect, make sure your iPhone supports the depth effect.

If you have an iPhone from the 11, 12, 13, 14, or XS series, it should support the depth effect. However, if you have an iPhone 13 or previous variants, you might need to upgrade it to iOS 16 to enable the depth effect feature.

To check for updates:

1. Open Settings on your device > Find and choose General > Click on Software Update.
2. If there’s an update available, click on Upgrade to iOS 16 > Download and Install.

Once you have successfully upgraded to iOS 16, the depth effect feature will be available for you to use.

And if you have an iPhone 10 or lower, you might need to upgrade to a new iPhone version to enjoy the depth effect feature.

Method 2. Check If Depth Effect Is Activated

Once you have sorted whether your iPhone supports the depth effect and upgraded to iOS 16, it’s time to see if the depth effect is activated on your device. For this:

Step 1. Long-press on the locked iPhone screen until you see the “Unlock to Edit” option on top.

Step 2. Again press and hold the screen for the Face ID, passcode, or touch ID unlocking option to appear. This will unlock your iPhone and take you to the customization menu.

Step 3. Click on the (+) sign on the button-left corner, and select a wallpaper from the collections.

Step 4. Once you have selected a wallpaper, click on the 3 dots at the bottom left to see whether the depth effect is enabled or not. If there’s a tick next to it, it means it is enabled.

Method 3. Fix System Issues with AnyFix

If upgrading to iOS 16 and activating the depth effect feature does not fix the issue, you can use a third-party iOS system recovery tool like AnyFix – iOS System Recovery. As a professional iOS repairing tool, AnyFix can fix all big and small iOS-related issues, like frozen screen, stuck in recovery mode, etc., and can bring your device back to functioning normally in just a few minutes. And if you have problems with your iTunes, like iTunes won’t recognize iPhone issue, it can also help you out. It is safe, secure, and has guaranteed results. Most importantly, it will not erase your data while fixing iOS system.

Here’s a complete guide on how to use AnyFix to resolve the iOS 16 depth screen not working issue.

Step 1. Download and launch AnyFix on your PC. You will see 5 different options on the screen; however, select the “System Repair” option to fix the depth effect.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to your PC using a lightning-to-USB cable, after which you will see 4 more device-related options on the screen. Select “50+ iPhone Problems” and click “Start Now.”

Step 3. You will be shown 3 repair options. To fix the iOS 16 depth effect not working issue, we will use Standard Repair; therefore, select “Standard Repair” and follow the on-screen instructions on your iPhone to enter Recovery Mode.

Step 4. Now AnyFix will automatically detect your iPhone model and version. Click “Download” to download the firmware corresponding to your iPhone model. After that, click “Fix Now” to proceed with the system repair.

Step 5. It will take a few minutes for the repair process to complete, after which you will get a notification on your PC. AnyFix will restart your iPhone, so make sure not to unplug the device from the PC before it is done restarting.

Once the repair process is complete and your iPhone has been restarted, the depth effect feature should be fixed and working on your device.

Method 4. Remove Lock Screen Widgets

Sometimes the widgets on your lock screen can come in the way of the depth screen working correctly. The widgets might be unsupported or could have a possible glitch; however, removing them helps to get your depth effect feature functioning again.

To remove lock screen widgets:

Step 1. Press and hold on the locked screen until you see the “Unlock to Edit” on the top of your screen.

Step 2. Again long-press the screen for the Face ID, passcode, or touch ID unlocking option to appear. Enter your passcode to unlock your iPhone and take you to the customization menu.

Step 3. Click on “Customize” and press the widget you want to remove.

Step 4. A small minus sign will appear on the top-left corner of the widget. Click on it to remove the widget.

If removing the widgets does not fix your depth effect feature, try the next method on our list.

Method 5. Change Wallpaper to a Supported One

The depth effect works on wallpapers with a clear and identifiable subject, like a person, animal, or object that stands out. However, if you’re using a wallpaper with too many objects, the depth effect won’t be able to focus on the primary one. Similarly, if you’re using an image with an abstract design, the depth effect won’t work.

Therefore, choose a wallpaper from iPhone’s built-in collection that supports depth effect, or choose a customized image from your gallery in portrait mode.

Here’s how to change your wallpaper:

1. Launch Settings on your iPhone > Click on Wallpaper > Tap on Add New Wallpaper.
2. Select the wallpaper you want from the suggestions, and tap “Add” on the top-right corner of the screen. Make sure the depth effect feature supports it.

Method 6. Convert Wallpaper to JPEG Format

Another proven way to fix the iOS 16 depth effect not working is to convert the wallpaper to JPEG format.

The depth effect feature only works with images in JPEG format; therefore, check whether the wallpaper image is in the said format or not. Here’s how:

1. Go to Photos and click on the image you want to see the format of.
2. Once the image is open, swipe up to view its details.

As you can see, the image displayed is in HEIF format; thus, it is incompatible with the depth effect feature. For the depth effect to work on this image, we will have to convert it to JPEG format.

Following are the steps for it:

Step 1. Open the image from Photos, and tap on “Share > Copy Photo.”

Step 2. Now open Files and go to “On My iPhone.”

Step 3. Long-press and select “Paste” to paste the copied image.

Step 4. The image will now be converted to JPEG format.

Converting the wallpaper image to JPEG will make it compatible with the depth effect feature. However, if this method does not work, you can try the next on our list.

Method 7. Restart Your iPhone

If nothing else works, restarting your iPhone might just do the trick. Here’s how to restart your iPhone:

1. Press and hold the volume down and power button simultaneously till you see the “Slide to Power Off” slider.
2. Now press and hold the power button to turn on your iPhone.

If the iOS 16 depth effect is still not working, it’s time to try one last solution.

Method 8. Reset All Settings on iPhone

Resetting all settings on iPhone is the last resort to fix any system glitch. This will reset all the iPhone settings to default, and you can set up your device as new. However, this might erase all data from your iPhone; therefore, we recommend creating a backup before resetting.

To reset all settings:

1. Go to “Settings > General > Transfer or Reset Phone.”
2. Now tap “Reset > Reset All Settings” and enter your passcode when prompted.

The Bottom Line

Upgrading to the new iOS version has its perks, as you experience new and improved features. However, sometimes new features don’t work on our iPhones, just like the iOS 16 depth effect not working due to compatibility issues or other reasons. We have listed the potential reasons for the new depth effect feature not working on your device, complete with 8 proven ways to fix this issue. And the most recommended method is to use AnyFix, because you can fix this problem in simple clicks and no data will be erased. Have you also faced this issue? If yes, then which method worked for you? Tell us about it in the comments.