Open the Lock Screen editor
Touch and hold the Lock Screen. To edit an existing design, swipe to it and choose Customize. Apple’s guide also describes creating another Lock Screen with the add control. Choose the existing screen first if the goal is a small clock adjustment rather than a new wallpaper.
Select the time
Tap the displayed time to reveal its font and appearance options. Choose among the controls offered for that wallpaper. Apple notes that available customization depends on the wallpaper; the presence of one clock treatment in a screenshot does not establish the same choices on every screen.
Separate clock height from font choice
Apple’s current guide describes dragging the lower-right clock corner to increase its height. Treat a size change and a family change as separate design decisions. A tall clock can compete with a face or other important part of the photograph even when its numerals are attractive.
Choose for quick reading
Compare the numerals against both the brightest and darkest areas behind them. Keep enough visual separation from widgets to read the time at a glance. For paragraphs and app labels, use the separate iPhone text-size guide.
Your questions, answered.
Does installing a document font change the Lock Screen clock?
Apple documents the clock choices inside the Lock Screen editor. Document-font installation and the clock’s built-in choices are separate workflows.
Why are my clock controls different?
Apple says available Lock Screen options depend on the chosen wallpaper. Consult the guide matching your installed iOS version.
Sources & background
Sources supporting this page’s explanations. Practical examples are our editorial suggestions.