How to Change the Pixel 2 Lockscreen & Wallpaper

In this guide we’ll show you how to change the Pixel 2′s lock screen and wallpaper image. Including adding your own images instead of what comes on the phone, and any other customization options. Here’s how to personalize your Pixel 2 screen.

With a big edge-to-edge Quad-HD display on the Pixel 2 XL choosing the right wallpaper makes a big difference. Especially if you use one with a high-resolution. We’ll show you how to change yours, then recommend some of the best places to download great wallpapers.

Read: How to Turn Off the Pixel 2 Always-On Display

First off, Google allows you to set a different image for both the lock screen and home screen. Something we’re seeing more and more on smartphones. So you can have two different images. However, Google doesn’t offer as much customization on the lock screen as others, so your options are somewhat limited. That said, here’s how to get started.

Running Android 8.1 Oreo there are lots of options and controls on the Pixel 2. With so many features, controls and settings it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Once you learn about everything the Pixel 2 can do, you’ll want to start with easy customizations like the lockscreen background image.

How to Change the Pixel 2 Lockscreen & Wallpaper

There are a few different ways to change the background image and wallpaper on your Pixel 2 or XL. The easiest way is to simply long-press any blank area on your screen. From here you’ll easily be able to choose what you want, and where to apply it.

Google bundled some beautiful moving wallpapers on the Pixel 2. And while they’re nice, you might want to use your own photos. If so, here’s how.

Instructions

• Push and hold your finger on a blank area of the screen
• It will zoom out to a customization menu. Select Wallpaper
• Scroll through Google’s options, or hit My Photos
• Now select the image you want, crop to fit, and hit Set Wallpaper
• Choose home screen, lock screen or both

This is the easiest way to change your wallpaper. Once you head into the menu you’ll see a wide array of options. Google added plenty to the Pixel 2. However, one of the first options is “My Photos” which lets you look through your phone for any photos you’ve taken yourself or downloads from the internet.

While many of your own images will work fine, we recommend choosing something that is at least 1080p HD or higher. To find some beautiful wallpapers like what’s shown here download the app called Zedge and browse their collection.

Lock screen Wallpaper

Adding a custom or new image to the lock screen is just as easy. If you didn’t notice in our instructions above, when you select an image there’s an option to use it in multiple areas on your phone. Follow the same steps as above for the lock screen. When you find the image you’d like to use and hit “Set Wallpaper” just choose the lockscreen, or both.

Choose what works best for you. The same image for both the lock and home screen, or different images for each one. I have a Packers logo on my lock screen image, then a dark wallpaper for my main screen. Dark or black images can save battery life on Google’s Pixel 2 because the way AMOLED screens show dark colors.

Other Options

Sadly we don’t have any other options for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. You’ll notice the lockscreen has a microphone for the Google Assistant, a lock, and a camera icon all at the bottom. These are quick shortcuts. Swipe up from the camera and unlock directly into the camera, instead of to your main screen.

Most smartphone manufacturers allow plenty of customization here. Where you can change the app shortcuts, or customize the always-on display. Running stock Android 8.1 Oreo, we don’t have any such choices.

You can change how the ambient always-on display works, but that’s about it. So, follow our instructions above and change your Pixel 2 lockscreen or wallpaper, and enjoy. While you’re here, take a look at these 10 things every Pixel owner should do.