HOW TO CHANGE THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR SMARTPHONE

We look at our phones a lot. According to App Annie’s State of Mobile 2022 report, the average person spends around 5 hours a day on their device. So why settle for the default background or wallpaper? When you can personalize the look of your phone with an image of a smiling grandchild or a sunset from a recent vacation.

Whether you carry an iPhone or Android, you’ve got options. You can choose from the selection of wallpapers available on your phone or opt for a favorite photo—or even a video. It can be something taken yourself, received from a friend or family member, or downloaded from the internet.

Please note that devices’ menus and options vary by model, make, and version. While the following steps are good general guidelines, you may need to consult the user manual for your device. 

IPHONE BACKGROUNDS

How to change an iPhone background to a photo or preset option

1. Go to Settings, then wallpaper, and tap “Choose a New Wallpaper.”

Be aware that you can also turn on “Dark Appearance” to have your iPhone automatically dim your wallpaper depending on the amount of ambient light.

2. Choose a new background image from Dynamic, Stills, Live, or your photo gallery.

Default wallpaper options change with each iOS update. Live wallpaper or a Live Photo can be used on all models after the iPhone 6s (except iPhone XR and iPhone SE, 1st and 2nd generations).

3. Position your image and choose a display option–drag to move or pinch to zoom in and out until the image fits your screen when you’re done making adjustments, tap Set.

Note that with Perspective Zoom activated, your wallpaper moves as you tilt your screen. You can turn it off by tapping the Perspective Zoom button toward the bottom.

4. Choose where you want your new wallpaper to show up: Home Screen, Lock Screen, or both. The Home Screen appears when your iPhone is unlocked. The Lock Screen appears when you wake your iPhone before it’s unlocked.

ANDROID BACKGROUNDS

How to change an Android background to a photo

Any photo in your Android phone’s Gallery can be turned into a wallpaper. So if you have a favorite shot or captured memory in mind, these steps are for you.

1. Open your phone’s Gallery app.

2. Find the photo you want to use, and open it.

3. Tap the three dots in the top-right and select Set as Wallpaper.

4. Choose between using this photo as wallpaper for your home screen, lock screen, or both.

How to find and use a different preset background on Android

If you don’t have any photos that seem right for a new background on your Android, rest assured that you can quickly and easily browse for eye-pleasing options. Your phone’s wallpaper store offers designs created by professionals—including some animated backgrounds. Here’s how to find and use them:

1. Tap and hold on to any blank space on your Android’s home screen, then tap Wallpapers.

2. This will open a page where you can browse for new wallpaper. Follow the on-screen steps to buy or download for free.

3. Additionally, you can tap the three bars at the top-left corner and then select My Stuff to view a list of wallpapers already downloaded and available on your phone.