How to change your Android wallpaper

One of Android’s biggest lures is just how much customization it allows. You can make your Android device look pretty much however you want. You should probably start with the most basic thing you can do to switch up your phone’s look, though: change your Android wallpaper!

This is a relatively simple task, but there are multiple ways to do it. We’ll go over all the main ones, so you can figure out which one of them works best for you. Also, make sure you find a suitable wallpaper first. You’ll find a link to a post with some of the best ones available below!

Here: Download the default wallpapers from popular Android phones

How to change your Android wallpaper:

• From the home screen
• Using the phone’s settings
• Through the Google Photos app
• With the Google Wallpapers app
• Third-party apps

Editor’s note: All instructions in this post were put together using a Pixel 4a running stock Android 11. Depending on your device, software/app version, or Android skin, steps might be a bit different for you.

How to change your Android wallpaper from the home screen

This is the easiest and most common way to change your Android wallpaper. Long-term Android users probably consider this muscle memory, but those who want to learn how to change the wallpaper on Android straight from the home screen can take these steps.

1. Turn on and unlock your phone.
2. Tap and hold on any empty space on your home screen.
3. Select Styles & wallpapers (might also be simply named “Wallpaper” or “Wallpapers”).
4. You’ll be directed straight to the Wallpaper tab.
5. Either choose an image from My photos or pick one of the recommended ones.
6. You’ll then be sent to the Preview page. You can move your wallpaper around, crop, and make adjustments.
7. You’ll also get the option to modify your lock screen wallpaper here. Go ahead and tap on the Lock screen tab to do so.
8. Once that’s done, tap on the checkmark button. Select whether you want to set the wallpaper to the Home screen, Lock screen, or the Home screen and lock screen.

Change your Android wallpaper through the settings

Do you feel more comfortable with the Android Settings app? There’s a way to change your Android wallpaper from there too!

1. Turn on and unlock your phone.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Tap on Display.
4. Select Styles & wallpapers (might also be simply named “Wallpaper” or “Wallpapers”).
5. You’ll be directed straight to the Wallpaper tab.
6. Either choose an image from My photos or pick one of the recommended ones.
7. You’ll then be redirected to the Preview page. You can move your wallpaper around, crop, and make adjustments.
8. You’ll also get the option to modify your lock screen wallpaper here. Go ahead and tap on the Lock screen tab to do so.
9. Tap on the checkmark button. Select whether you want to set the wallpaper to the Home screen, Lock screen, or the Home screen and lock screen.

Also read: Here are five Android settings you should change as soon as you get a phone

Change your wallpaper via the Google Photos app

Google Photos has almost become the de facto gallery app for Android users. We use it to organize images, back them up to the cloud, and more. You can also use it to change your wallpaper on Android!

1. Turn on and unlock your phone.
2. Open the Google Photos app.
3. Finds the image you want to set as your wallpaper and open it.
4. Tap on the three-dot menu button on the top-right corner.
5. Tap on Use as.
6. Photos might ask you to pick an app to carry out the request. Choose Photos.
7. You’ll then be redirected to the Preview page. You can move your wallpaper around, crop, and make adjustments.
8. You’ll also get the option to modify your lock screen wallpaper here. Go ahead and tap on the Lock screen tab to do so.
9. Tap on the checkmark button. Select whether you want to set the wallpaper to the Home screen, Lock screen, or the Home screen and lock screen.

Use the official Google Wallpapers app

Google has its own Wallpapers app for those who want to discover new images and set Android wallpapers on any phone. Pixel users should have the app integrated into the system, but those with other smartphones can also enjoy the application.

1. Download the Wallpapers app by Google from the Play Store.
2. Open Wallpapers and allow any permission requests.
3. Look through the selection of wallpapers and pick your favorite.
4. You have now entered the Preview page. You can move the wallpaper around and zoom. Adjust as you wish.
5. Select Set Wallpaper.
6. Select whether you want to set the wallpaper to the Home screen, Lock screen, or the Home screen and lock screen.

Related: The 10 best customization apps for Android

There are also third-party wallpaper apps

Looking for even more options? Lucky for you, the Google Play Store is full of wallpaper apps. These will help you find the right photo and change your Android wallpaper. You can find them all by clicking the link below, but we also have a list of our favorites if you want to check it out.

The process of changing your wallpaper is different for each app, but it’s simple enough for most of you to figure it out on your own.

• Google Pixel stock wallpapers
• OnePlus stock wallpapers
• Samsung stock wallpapers