How to Send a Drawing to Someone's Lock Screen (iPhone & Android)

Want your drawing to show up on someone's lock screen the moment you send it? You need a lock screen widget app installed on both phones. Here's exactly how to do it with Tuyo — it takes about a minute and works between iPhone and Android.

#What you need

• Two phones: iPhone (iOS 17 or later) or Android (10 or later), in any combination
• The free Tuyo app on both
• Notifications turned on (that's how doodles are delivered instantly)

#Step 1: Install Tuyo and sign in

Download Tuyo from the App Store or Google Play and sign in with Apple, Google or email. Pick a name and your pen colour.

#Step 2: Connect with your person

Tap Invite and share your 6-letter code (for example TUYO42). Your partner opens Tuyo, taps Enter code, types it in, and you're connected. You can only be connected to one person at a time.

#Step 3: Add the widget to your lock screen

On iPhone

1. Touch and hold your Lock Screen, then tap Customize.
2. Tap Lock Screen, then the widget area under the clock.
3. Find Tuyo and add the rectangular widget (shows the latest doodle) and, if you like, the circular "send heart" or streak widgets.
4. Tap Done.

On Android

1. Long-press an empty spot on your home screen and tap Widgets.
2. Find Tuyo and drag the 4×2 widget onto your screen.
3. On Android 16 and newer you can also add Tuyo to the lock screen widget area.

Full walkthrough with pictures: how to add widgets to your iPhone lock screen.

#Step 4: Draw and send

Open Tuyo — you land straight on the canvas. Pick a colour and brush, draw something (a heart, a sun, a terrible cat), and tap Send. In about two seconds it appears on their lock screen widget. On iPhone 14 Pro and newer, they'll even see you drawing live in the Dynamic Island.

Need inspiration? Here are 60 cute things to draw for your boyfriend or girlfriend.

#Why isn't my drawing showing up?

• Notifications are off. Tuyo delivers doodles through notifications. Turn them on in Settings → Notifications → Tuyo.
• Low Power Mode is on (iPhone). iOS slows widget updates in Low Power Mode.
• Battery optimisation (Android). Allow Tuyo to run in the background in Settings → Battery.
• The widget was removed. Re-add it using step 3.
• Still stuck? Open the app once to force a refresh, or contact support.

#Can I send a drawing without an app?

Not to the lock screen itself. iOS and Android only let apps update widgets, so both people need the same app installed. The upside: once it's set up, you never have to open anything — the doodle is simply there when they pick up their phone.

#Frequently asked questions

#Can you draw on someone's lock screen?

Yes, with a lock screen widget app like Tuyo installed on both phones. Your drawing appears in their Tuyo widget on the lock screen within a couple of seconds.

#Does it work between iPhone and Android?

Yes. Tuyo works in any combination: iPhone to iPhone, Android to Android, or iPhone to Android.

#Is it free to send drawings to someone's lock screen?

Yes. Tuyo's free plan includes unlimited live doodles and all widgets. Tuyo+ adds photo doodles, premium brushes and unlimited memories.

#Can they see me drawing in real time?

On iPhone 14 Pro and newer, yes — the Dynamic Island shows your drawing live while you draw.