How to Turn Your iPhone Lock Screen Into a Virtual Business Card

People light up when they see it. I press the side button, they open their camera, and we're connected before the small talk runs out.

If you're tired of reprinting cards every time your title or phone number changes, or you just want a memorable way to swap info at events, this is the simplest fix I know. Here's how to build one.

Want to skip the build? Grab my Figma template and jump to step 4.

Step 1: Decide where the QR code sends people

Before you design anything, decide what the scan should do. A few options worth considering:

1. LinkedIn (my pick). Best for professional networking. People can connect, see your background, and remember you later.
2. Your website. Good if your site does a strong job of selling what you do.
3. vCard. Saves your contact info straight into their phone with one tap.
4. App Store link. If you're a founder pushing an app, this drives installs on the spot.
5. Email or SMS. Pre-fills a message to you. Useful for inquiries, RSVPs, or support.
6. PDF. Good for a brochure, menu, or one-pager you want people to keep.

Pick one. You can always swap it later by regenerating the QR code.

Step 2: Find your iPhone's screen resolution

You need the right canvas size so the design looks crisp:

• iPhone 15/14 Pro Max: 1290 x 2796
• iPhone 15/14 Pro: 1179 x 2556
• iPhone 14/13: 1170 x 2532
• iPhone 14 Plus: 1284 x 2778
• iPhone 13 Mini: 1125 x 2436

Step 3: Design the wallpaper

Open Figma (or any design tool) and create a frame at your phone's resolution. If you have brand guidelines, use them. Otherwise, keep it simple: one background color, your logo, and breathing room around where the QR code will sit.

A few placement notes:

• Leave the top third clear for the time and date.
• Leave the bottom edge clear for the flashlight and camera buttons. If you use Focus modes, the focus name shows up between those two icons, so give your logo a little space above it.
• If you want to outline the widget area, take a screenshot of your lock screen during setup (when the widgets are highlighted) and use it as a reference layer.

Step 4: Generate the QR code

I use qr-code-generator.com. Paste your destination URL and download the SVG.

Tip: If you don't want to make an account, right-click the generated QR code, hit Inspect, copy the SVG element, and paste it directly into Figma. Works perfectly.

Place the QR code near the center of your design, away from the clock and the bottom widgets. Make sure nothing overlaps it.

Step 5: Add your branding

Drop in your logo or company name. I put mine just above the flashlight and camera buttons. Keep it clean. The QR code is the hero. Everything else is supporting cast.

Step 6: Export

Export your frame as a PNG at 3x resolution. AirDrop or email it to your phone.

Step 7: Set it as your lock screen

Open Photos, find the file, tap Share, and choose "Use as Wallpaper." I'd recommend tying it to a Work Focus mode so it shows up automatically when you're at events or in the office, and your normal wallpaper stays for everything else.

Why this works

I help service businesses fix the gaps between their website, leads, and sales, and this one falls into a category I love: small, free, and high-leverage. Most marketing problems aren't traffic problems. They're systems problems. This is a tiny system that turns every handshake into a tracked, frictionless connection without you reordering business cards every six months.

Try it before your next event. If the wallpaper sparks one good conversation, it's already paid for itself.

Resources

• Figma template
• QR code generator