How to Change the Pixel 3 Lockscreen & Wallpaper

Here we’ll show you how to change the lock screen and wallpaper image on the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL. That includes adding your own images instead of what comes on the phone, followed by a few other customization options. Here’s how to personalize your Pixel 3.

Choosing the right wallpaper is a big deal, especially with the beautiful edge-to-edge 6.3-inch screen on the Pixel 3 XL. You’ll want a high-resolution image, too. We’ll show you how to change it and recommend some of the best places to download great wallpapers.

Read: 10 Best Official Pixel 3 Accessories

For starters, Google lets you set a different image for both the lock screen and home screen, so you can have two different images, which is really neat. Aside from that, Google doesn’t offer as much customization on the lock screen as other manufacturers. Here’s how to get started.

How to Change the Pixel 3 Lockscreen & Wallpaper

There are a few different ways to change the background image and wallpaper to make your phone Pixel perfect. 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 3. And while they’re nice, you might want to use your own photos by following these steps.

Instructions

• Push and hold your finger on a blank area of the screen
• Select Wallpapers from the popup of options
• Scroll through Google’s images, Living Universe photos, or hit My Photos
• Now select the image you want, crop to fit, and hit Set Wallpaper
• Choose home screen, lock screen or both

Once you’re in here you’ll see dozens of beautiful images. Google really went above and beyond to give us plenty of options. However, the first one is “My Photos” which lets you look through your own phone for photos you’ve taken yourself. Tap that, or even hit “My Downloads” to find images saved from the internet.

Google’s pre-loaded images or anything you take with your camera will be fine. If you’re choosing an alternative, we recommend at least 1080p HD images. To find some beautiful wallpapers like what’s shown here download the app called Zedge and browse their expansive collection. It’s my favorite wallpaper app.

Lock screen Wallpaper

In case you noticed from our instructions, changing the lock screen wallpaper on the Pixel 3 is just as easy. Follow the same steps as above for the lock screen. When you find the image you’d like to use and hit “Set Wallpaper” choose lock screen instead of the home screen.

Personally, I have a Packers logo as my lock screen image, then a dark wallpaper for my main home screen. Dark or black images can save battery life on Google’s Pixel 3 because the way AMOLED screens show dark colors. Choose whatever works for you.

Other Options

Unfortunately, that’s about where the options and customization end for the lock 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 9 Pie you can change notifications or the Now Playing feature, but that’s about it. If you want customization, get a Samsung or LG.

You can change how the ambient always-on display works if you’d like. In closing, follow our instructions above and change your Pixel 3 lock screen or wallpaper, and make your phone yours. Also, while you’re here, take a peek at these 10 cool things the Pixel 3 can do.