How to Change the Wallpaper on Android

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Changing the wallpaper on your Android device is one of the simplest ways to personalize your phone and make it truly your own. In this guide, we'll show you the different ways to change the wallpaper on Android. We'll also go over some variations that may exist due to different versions of Android or manufacturers' custom user interfaces. By the end of this guide, you'll be able to change your wallpaper quickly and easily, no matter what type of Android device you're using.

Method 1: Using the Settings app

The most standard and universal way to change the wallpaper on an Android device is through the Settings app. This method should work on almost all Android devices, regardless of the manufacturer. Follow these steps:

1. Unlock your device: First, unlock your Android device to access the home screen.
2. Access the Settings app: Find Settings app on your device. The icon usually looks like a gear or cogwheel.
3. Go to Display settings: In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap Display. On some devices, you may need to select Wallpapers instead.
4. Choose a wallpaper: In Display settings, tap Wallpaper. You may also see additional options such as Home Screen or Lock Screen. In some cases, you can choose different wallpapers for the home screen and lock screen.
5. Select a source: Next, you'll see several options for choosing your wallpaper. These options typically include:
   • Gallery: Select an image from your device's gallery.
   • Live Wallpapers: Choose live wallpapers that have motion and animations.
   • Wallpapers: Select from a set of pre-installed wallpapers.
6. Choose your image: If you choose Gallery, navigate to your albums and select the image you want to use as the wallpaper.
7. Adjust the image: Once you've selected an image, you may be asked to crop or adjust it to fit your screen. Use the cropping tools to get the part of the image you want.
8. Set wallpaper: Finally, tap Set Wallpaper or Apply to make the change. Additional options may ask you if you want to set it for the home screen, lock screen, or both.

Now your wallpaper should change according to your selection.

Method 2: Long press on the home screen

Another easy way to change the wallpaper is to long-press on the home screen itself. This method is convenient and fast, often available on many devices. Here's how you can do it:

1. Unlock your device: Unlock your Android device to access the Home screen.
2. Long press on an empty spot: On the Home screen, find an empty area without any apps or widgets, and long press (hold your finger down for a few seconds) on the screen.
3. Access the wallpaper settings: A menu will pop up with options like Wallpapers, Widgets, and Home Settings. Tap Wallpapers.
4. Select a wallpaper: As with Method 1, you'll have several options to choose from:
   • Gallery: Select an image from your device's gallery.
   • Live Wallpapers: Choose live wallpapers that have motion and animations.
   • Wallpapers: Select from a set of pre-installed wallpapers.
5. Select your image: Go to the chosen source and select the image you want to use as wallpaper.
6. Adjust image: If prompted, crop or adjust the image to fit your screen.
7. Set the wallpaper: Tap Set Wallpaper or Apply to make the change, and choose whether you want it on the home screen, lock screen, or both.

Your wallpaper should now update according to your selection.

Method 3: Using a third-party app

There are many third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that offer a wide variety of wallpapers with additional customization options. Here's how to use one of these:

1. Unlock your device: Unlock your Android device to access the Home screen.
2. Open the Google Play Store: Open Google Play Store app on your device.
3. Find wallpaper apps: In the search bar, type wallpaper apps and browse the results.
4. Choose a wallpaper app: Find an app that has good reviews and install it. Some popular options include Wallpapers by Google, Zedge, and Backdrops.
5. Open the Wallpapers app: Once installed, open the app and browse the available wallpapers.
6. Choose a wallpaper: Choose a wallpaper you like and follow the app's instructions to set it as your wallpaper. This usually involves tapping the image and selecting Set as Wallpaper.
7. Adjust the image: If the app asks you to adjust or crop the image, do so to fit your screen.
8. Set wallpaper: Confirm any additional settings or permissions and finalize the change.

Your wallpaper can now be changed using third-party apps, adding many new options and customization options to your device.

Method 4: Using Google Photos

If you use Google Photos to store your photos, you can also set wallpaper directly from the app. Here's how:

1. Unlock your device: Unlock your Android device to access the Home screen.
2. Open Google Photos: Find and open Google Photos app.
3. Select an image: Browse your photos and select the image you want to use as your wallpaper.
4. Open image: Tap the image to open it full screen.
5. Access the menu: Tap the three-dot menu icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
6. Select "Use as": From the drop-down menu, select Use as.
7. Set as wallpaper: You'll be given the option to set the image as your wallpaper. Tap Set as wallpaper, and choose where you want it: home screen, lock screen, or both.

Your wallpaper should now be set using an image from Google Photos.

Specific device variations

While the methods above apply to most Android devices, some brands and models may have specific steps due to their unique interface. Below are some examples:

Samsung Devices

1. Unlock your Samsung device.
2. Long press on an empty area of the home screen.
3. Select Wallpapers and themes.
4. Choose between Gallery or Wallpaper services.
5. Select the wallpaper and set it for the home screen, lock screen, or both.

OnePlus Devices

1. Unlock your OnePlus device.
2. Long press on the home screen.
3. Select Wallpapers.
4. Choose from My photos, Live wallpaper, or OnePlus wallpapers.
5. Select the wallpaper, adjust if necessary, and set it as your home screen, lock screen, or both.

Google Pixel devices

1. Unlock your Pixel device.
2. Long press on the home screen.
3. Select Styles & wallpapers.
4. Choose from My photos, Live wallpapers, or Wallpapers.
5. Select the wallpaper, adjust if necessary, and set it as your home screen, lock screen, or both.

Things to consider

Although changing wallpaper is usually simple, here are a few tips and points to consider:

• Resolution: Make sure the image's resolution is appropriate for your screen size. Low-resolution images may look pixelated.
• Battery life: Using live wallpapers can sometimes drain your battery faster. Consider this if battery life is a concern.
• Storage: If you’re using any third-party apps or downloading high-resolution images, keep an eye on the storage so you don’t run out of space.

Conclusion

Changing your wallpaper on an Android device is a simple but effective way to personalize your phone. Whether you want to use the Settings app, long-press on the home screen, or use a third-party app, there are several methods available to suit your needs. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview to ensure that, regardless of your device or Android version, you can easily change your wallpaper and enjoy a more customized experience.

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