Cannot use space scene on iPhone how to fix?

iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 allow you to view almost any image as a 3D space scene, especially creating animated iPhone lock screen wallpapers . However, in some cases, you cannot use space scenes in Photos or as iPhone lock screen wallpapers. Here are some ways to fix the error of not being able to use space scenes on iPhone.

Turn on space scene mode on iPhone

The option to view photos as spatial scenes is turned on by default. However, if you don't see the hexagon button in the Photos app, you can't view this mode.

Go to Settings , select Applications below and then select the Photos app .

In the settings interface for the Photos application, scroll down and check if Control to create spatial photos is enabled , if not, it needs to be activated.

Then exit the Photos app and reopen it. You will now see the space scene icon in the photos section.

Use appropriate images

The Aerial Scene feature works best with photos that have a clear subject, or at least some recognizable subject matter, allowing for a 3D effect from a 2D image. Note that you can't use Aerial Scene with screenshots.

Do not enlarge the image

The space scene button will disappear for a photo in the Photos app if you've zoomed in on it. Just view the photo without zooming in, then tap the space scene button.

Turn off power saving mode on iPhone

Your 3D lock screen wallpaper won't move if your iPhone or iPad is in low power mode on iPhone . Turn off low power mode to set the moving space wallpaper on your lock screen.

Kareem Winters

Update 21 November 2025