Wallpaper Limit Reached To create a new wallpaper, you need to delete one first in iOS 18

The “Wallpaper Limit Reached. To create a new wallpaper, you need to delete one first” error in iOS 18 occurs when you’ve hit the system’s cap on stored wallpaper configurations (typically around 200 lock screen setups or 50 wallpapers per lock screen, based on prior iOS limits).

This can persist even after deleting wallpapers due to a glitch or linked Focus modes.

Below is a step-by-step guide to fix this issue on your iPhone running iOS 18:-

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Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Delete Existing Wallpapers

• Access Wallpaper Gallery:
• Lock your iPhone (press the side button).
• Wake the screen, then long-press the lock screen (don’t swipe up to the home screen).
• Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode if prompted.
• Delete Wallpapers:
• Swipe left/right to view your wallpapers.
• For each unwanted wallpaper, swipe up on it > Tap the red Trash icon > Confirm with Delete This Wallpaper.
• Delete at least 5-10 to ensure you’re below the limit.
• Note: You must keep at least one wallpaper—iOS won’t let you delete the last one.

Step 2: Check and Unlink Focus Modes

• Why: Wallpapers tied to Focus modes (e.g., Work, Sleep) count toward the limit and may not delete properly if linked.
• How:
• Long-press the lock screen again.
• Swipe to a wallpaper > Tap the Focus button (if visible) below the preview.
• If a Focus is linked (e.g., “Work” is checked), tap it to unlink (uncheck it).
• Repeat for all wallpapers.
• Alternative:
• Go to Settings > Focus.
• Select each Focus (e.g., Do Not Disturb, Personal).
• Tap Edit under “Customize Screens” > Choose a non-custom wallpaper (e.g., a default iOS 18 option) or unlink entirely.
• Delete Again: Return to the lock screen gallery and delete any unlinked wallpapers.

Step 3: Force Restart the iPhone

• Why: Clears temporary glitches that may cause the limit error to persist.
• How (iPhone 8 and later, including iPhone 16):
• Press and release Volume Up.
• Press and release Volume Down.
• Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears (~10 seconds).
• Test: After reboot, try adding a new wallpaper (see Step 5).

Step 4: Reset Wallpaper Settings

• If Deletion Fails:
• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
• Enter your passcode.
• Confirm reset—this clears system settings (including wallpapers) but keeps your data (apps, photos, etc.).
• Note: You’ll need to reconfigure Wi-Fi, notifications, and other settings.
• Outcome: Resets the wallpaper gallery to default, removing custom setups.

Step 5: Add a New Wallpaper

• Try Adding:
• Lock iPhone, long-press the lock screen.
• Tap the blue + button (bottom-right).
• Select a new wallpaper (e.g., Photos, Dynamic, or a default iOS 18 option).
• Customize (add widgets, adjust blur, etc.) > Tap Add > Choose Set as Wallpaper Pair or Customize Home Screen.
• Success: If it saves without the error, the issue is resolved.

Step 6: Advanced Fix (If Still Stuck)

• Create a New Focus Profile:
• Some users report old Focus profiles from iOS 17 or earlier cause conflicts.
• Go to Settings > Focus > + (top-right).
• Create a new Focus (e.g., “Test”) > Skip customization.
• Assign a new wallpaper to it:
  • Long-press lock screen > + > Create wallpaper > Link to the new Focus.
• Delete old Focus profiles:
  • Settings > Focus > Select old Focus > Delete Focus.
• Backup and Restore (Last Resort):
• If nothing works, back up to iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now).
• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
• Restore from backup during setup—this clears corrupted wallpaper data but is time-consuming.

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