1. Open Settings and go to Accessibility

Tap the Settings app on your iPhone's home screen to get started with bringing back the volume bar.

Scroll down until you see "Accessibility" and tap on it to open the accessibility menu. This section contains various features designed to make your iPhone easier to use, including the option to restore the lock screen volume bar.

2. Find the Audio & Visual section

Look for the "Hearing" category within Accessibility settings and you'll see several options listed underneath it.

Tap on "Audio & Visual" which contains settings related to how your iPhone handles sound and visual feedback. The "Always Show Volume Control" option is located within this Audio & Visual submenu.

3. Toggle on "Always Show Volume Control"

Find the "Always Show Volume Control" option in the Audio & Visual menu and you'll see a toggle switch next to it.

Tap the toggle to turn it on — it should turn green when enabled. Once enabled, the setting takes effect immediately and will work the next time you adjust volume while your phone is locked.

4. Test your new lock screen volume bar

Lock your iPhone and start playing some music or a podcast to test the restored volume bar functionality. Press either volume button on the side of your phone and you should now see the familiar volume slider appear on your lock screen.

Try sliding the volume bar with your finger to make precise adjustments rather than being limited to the fixed increments of the physical buttons.

The volume bar will now appear on your lock screen every time you're playing audio and adjust the volume using either the physical buttons or by tapping directly on the slider.

The volume bar automatically disappears after a few seconds, keeping your lock screen looking clean.