How to change wallpaper on Android: 6 Ways explained

Customizing wallpapers is one of the basic ways to add a personal touch to your Android devices. It also allows you to refresh the look of your display. In this blog, I will illustrate multiple ways to change the wallpaper on your Android. Read on and pick the one that best suits your preferences.

Note: I used a Google Pixel 7a for this guide. The steps may vary slightly depending on your device.

How to change wallpaper from Android home screen

The most convenient way to change wallpaper is to do so from the home screen itself.

1. Tap and hold an empty portion of the home screen.
2. Open Wallpaper & style.
3. At the top, select either Lock Screen or Home Screen based on your preference.
4. To view wallpaper options, tap More wallpapers.
5. You will see thumbnails of available wallpapers. Pick one of your choice, and select the desired variant. You can also tap on My Photos and choose a photo from your library.
   
   
6. Adjust it to your liking on the Preview page. Then, select Set wallpaper at the top right.
7. Again, you will be asked whether you want to set the image as wallpaper for the Home screen, Lock screen, or Home and lock screens.
   
   

You might notice a change in the color palette of your Android theme based on the wallpaper you choose. To change the palette, you can pick any color combination below the preview window on the Wallpaper & Style page.

You can also add different effects to your images and enhance the wallpaper experience. On Pixel phones running Android 14, you can even add a cinematic effect to your wallpapers. To learn how it is done, check out our guide on Android 14 tips and tricks.

Set custom wallpaper with emojis, patterns, and colors

Further, you can create custom wallpapers. You can align various emojis in different patterns and color bases. It’s like painting a fun, digital canvas. Here’s how it is done:

1. Go to Wallpaper & style → More wallpapers.
2. Tap Emoji Workshop to create a wallpaper.
3. Here, select emojis, patterns, and colors to suit your preferences.
   • In the Emoji tab, tap Edit emoji to choose your desired emojis. You can add up to 14 emojis.
   • In the Patterns tab, choose the formation of your emojis. In this section, you can also adjust the size of emojis.
   • In the Colors tab, you can choose the color theme for the background and emojis.
     Alternatively, you can also choose the bulb icon to see what the system recommends.
4. Once decided, choose the check mark at the top right corner.
   
   
5. Tap Set Wallpaper to confirm your choice.
6. To confirm where you want to display this wallpaper, choose between Home screen, Lock screen, or Home and lock screens.
   
   

How to change wallpaper on Android using Settings app

I personally find changing wallpapers via Settings the best. The steps are similar to how we change wallpapers from the home screen. All you have to do is land on the Wallpaper & style page.

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Tap Wallpaper & style.
3. After you enter the Wallpaper & style page, just follow the steps mentioned above to set a wallpaper of your choice.

How to change wallpapers using Google Photos app

At times, you might come across a beautiful picture in your Google Photos app and want to set it as your Wallpaper. The steps below will help you.

1. Open the image in the Google Photos app.
2. Tap on the three-dot menu at the top right corner.
3. Swipe left on the top bar of the menu to find Use as.
4. Select Photos Wallpaper. Pinch in or out to adjust the dimensions of the image.
   
   
5. Tap Set Wallpaper and select where you want to display the wallpaper.
   
   

The built-in Gallery app also allows you to set wallpaper on your Android device or tablet. The steps for this are similar to those of Google Photos. You just have to open the image → Tap the three-dot icon → Set as wallpaper → Adjust the image to your liking → Set as wallpaper.

Please note that the steps might vary slightly depending on the device.

How to change wallpaper using Android launchers

Another way to change the device’s home screen or lock screen wallpaper is to get an Android launcher. Many Android users download third-party launchers if they are not happy with the appearance of their default skin.

However, the same approach can be taken to change the wallpaper of your phone. For demonstration, I have mentioned the steps using Nova Launcher below.

1. Download and run Nova Launcher on your Android phone.
2. Tap and hold any empty space on your home screen.
3. Pick Wallpapers at the bottom left.
4. Select the wallpaper you like.
   • Optionally, you can tap Pick image to choose one from your library.
5. Tap Set wallpaper in the top left corner of the screen.
6. Finally, choose the location of the wallpaper, and that’s it.
   
   

Use third-party apps to change wallpaper

Finally, if you are looking for an extensive collection of immersive wallpapers across different categories, you can download third-party wallpaper apps from the Play Store.

I have carefully researched and compiled a list of the best Android wallpaper apps to suit various needs. Browse the options, choose a wallpaper app, and never run out of backgrounds again!

Pro tip: If you want your Android wallpaper changed automatically, you can download Resplash. The app comes from the house of Unsplash and has an Auto Wallaper feature that changes wallpapers daily. Cool, isn’t it?

Let wallpapers reflect your personality

The first thing you or anyone who picks up your phone sees is the wallpaper of your device. Therefore, it is justified to set up a wallpaper that defines you, your feelings, or your personality.

So, what would you like to set as your wallpaper? Let me know in the comments below.