Apple introduced new customization options in the iOS 16 update. iPhone 14 Pro Max or other compatible models can turn their lock screen into a full-screen album art. However, this feature will only work on music streaming apps like YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple Music.
The company will add support for the feature in other digital music services. iOS 16 device users can return to the album art style in a single tap when listening to their favorite music. Previously, a miniature version of album art was displayed on the lock screen when playing music on the iPhone.
The small album art style contained a pause, resume playback, and option to play the next or previous track. However, you will get a larger music album art with the same feature in the iOS 16 update. The album art will be in your iPhone lock screen’s center with a separate small-sized music player.
Let’s learn the easy steps to enable the full-screen album art on iPhones that support iOS 16:
Quick Steps to Enable the Full-Screen Album Art in Your iPhone
It is important to mention that the full-screen music player is enabled by default in iOS 16. Thus, you don’t need to enable it to convert your lock screen into a full-screen album art. However, you must enable it manually if your iPhone shows a small music player screen.
The full-screen album art feature won’t work in iOS 15 or earlier versions. Hence, you must check whether your iPhone runs iOS 16 or later. If not, access the iOS settings and scroll down to “General”. Go to Software Update and choose “Install Now” if an update is available.
Select “Download and Install”, and your iPhone will install the iOS 16 software within 15-20 minutes. Follow these step-by-step instructions to enable the full-screen album art in your iPhone 14 model:
1. Open the Music Streaming app
Unlock your iPhone, go to the Home Screen, and check if you have added the music streaming app. If not, tap the App Library icon, go to the navigation panel, and write the music app’s name. Select the right app from the search results and tap on it to open.
2. Access the Lock Screen window
Browse the music streaming app’s album list and select the song you want to play. Additionally, you can play podcasts or any audio track from these applications. Lock your iPhone and press the power button gently to wake the device to view the Lock Screen.
3. Select the Music Album Art
You will see a small “Now Playing” widget on your iPhone’s lock screen. Tap on the music album art displayed next to the music duration section. The album art will appear larger on your iOS 16 device lock screen. Tap the album art to revert to the previous widget size.
What Happens When You Enable Full-Screen Album Art on Your iPhone?
Apple phones enlarge the album art for the currently played song on the iOS 16 lock screen. It identifies the music album art’s colour palette and uses the same colour in your iPhone lock screen for an aesthetic appearance.
Moreover, iPhones, after the iOS 16 update, changed the lock screen date colour with the album art. The Apple device also blurs the lock screen background in this iOS version. All these modifications make the full-screen music player screen look more appealing.
Can’t Enable the Full-Screen Album Art on your iOS 16 Device? Try these 4 Quick Fixes
Many iPhone users encountered technical problems after the iOS 16 update – the inability to enable the full-screen album art is one of them. The problem might be in the music streaming app if you can’t enlarge the album art.
An out-of-date music app can generate issues when enabling full-screen album art. Besides, you might have installed a corrupted app version. A temporary software glitch can also be the reason behind such an occurrence.
Implement the following solutions to fix the full-screen album art issue on the lock screen in iOS 16:
1. Force Quit the Music Streaming app
First, you should force quit the music streaming app to fix the full-album art problem. Do you use an iPhone with Face ID? Go to the iOS device’s Home Screen, swipe up from the bottom, and hold for a few seconds.
Swipe your finger horizontally to view all the opened apps on your iPhone. Find the music streaming app, and drag its preview card to force quit it.
However, the latest iPhone users must press the home button twice to access the app switcher. Swipe up to the music streaming app card to force quit it. Restart your iPhone, open the music app, lock your iPhone, and enjoy the full album art.
2. Update the Music Streaming app
An outdated music app can restrict you from enabling full-screen album art on your iPhone. Hence, updating the app can help you eliminate the problem easily. Open your iOS device’s App Store, go to the search field, and write the name of the music streaming app you use.
Did you see an Update option? A new update is available for the music streaming app. Thus, you must select the Update button to install its current version on your iPhone. Open the updated music streaming app and check if the full-screen album art error is solved.
3. Uninstall and Reinstall the Music app
It might be corrupted if the music app takes time to open or shows a black screen error. Uninstall this application from your iPhone and reinstall it from a reliable source like the App Store. Unlock your iOS device, locate the music app, and touch and hold the icon.
The music streaming app will start to jiggle. Choose “Remove App” from the pop-up menu and select “Delete App” to confirm your action. Access your iPhone App Store, write the music streaming app name, and tap “Get”.
Your iPhone will complete the music app installation within 2-3 minutes. However, having an unstable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection might take longer. Open the music streaming app, select an album, and play a song. Tap on the music album art, and it will cover your iPhone’s entire lock screen.
4. Update your Apple Phone’s Software
If updating or force quitting the music app doesn’t fix the problem. You must update the iPhone software. An unwanted software bug can prevent the iOS 16 device from enabling full-screen album art. So, you must install the latest software to remove the bug or glitches.
Access the Settings app from your iPhone 14 and scroll down to “General”. Go to the Software Update section and check if an update is available for the device. If yes, tap on the “Download and Install” option. Your iPhone screen will play the song and enlarge the music album art once you tap it.
Lastly, Restart your iPhone
Restarting your iPhone can fix this full-screen album art error easily. Press and hold the volume up or down and the power button simultaneously for 2-3 seconds. Release these iPhone buttons when you see the power menu on the screen.
Drag the power off slider to turn off your iOS 16 device. Press the power button after a few seconds and release it when the Apple logo appears. Open the music streaming app, play any music track, and tap on the art to display it on the lock screen.
