Find the Lock screen settings
- Google Pixel: touch and hold the Home screen → Wallpaper & style → Lock screen tab.
- Samsung Galaxy: unlock with face or fingerprint, then touch and hold the Lock screen — or go to Settings → Lock screen and AOD. Full details are in our Samsung Lock screen guide.
- Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, and others: look for Lock screen or Personalization in Settings, or search Settings for “lock screen”.
Start with the wallpaper
The wallpaper sets the mood for everything else, and on Pixel and Samsung it can also set the color of the clock and system. Choose an image that:
- Is tall and high-resolution, so it fills the screen without blur.
- Has empty space at the top, where the clock and notifications sit.
- Has a clear subject in the middle or lower half.
To use a different image on the Home screen, see how to set different Lock and Home wallpapers.
Change the clock
Pixel and Samsung both offer several clock styles, colors, and sizes. On Pixel, open Lock screen → Clock. On Samsung, tap the clock in the Lock screen editor. Pick a clock color from your wallpaper for a matching look, or white on dark images for readability.
Set Lock screen shortcuts
Most phones show two shortcuts in the bottom corners of the Lock screen. Replace the defaults with what you use most — flashlight, camera, QR scanner, wallet, or Do Not Disturb. On Pixel, open Lock screen → Shortcuts; on Samsung, tap a shortcut in the editor.
Add widgets and at-a-glance info
- Samsung: add widgets such as weather, calendar, battery, and reminders under the clock.
- Pixel: At a Glance shows weather, upcoming events, and timely alerts. Adjust it by touching and holding it on the Home screen and tapping Customize.
Control notifications
- Open Settings → Notifications.
- Find the Lock screen notifications option.
- Choose whether to show all content, hide sensitive content, or hide notifications entirely.
Fewer, smaller notifications mean more of your wallpaper stays visible. Samsung’s icons only style is a good middle ground.
Always On Display
Always On Display shows the time and notifications while the screen is off. On Pixel, turn it on in Settings → Display → Lock screen (the menu varies by Android version). On Samsung, use Settings → Lock screen and AOD → Always On Display, where recent models can also show a dimmed version of your wallpaper.
Design tips for a great-looking Lock screen
- Less is more. Pick a wallpaper, one clock style, and only the widgets you need.
- Match the colors. Pick the clock and accent colors from the wallpaper.
- Go dark on AMOLED. Dark wallpapers look deep and save battery — see our AMOLED wallpaper guide.
- Refresh it often. A new wallpaper makes an old phone feel new. Browse aesthetic, lofi, or retro wallpapers for ideas, or read our aesthetic wallpaper ideas.
ON Lock Screen for Android has thousands of 4K and 8K Lock screen wallpapers in dozens of styles.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Lock screen settings on Android?
On Pixel, touch and hold the Home screen and tap Wallpaper & style, then open the Lock screen tab. On Samsung, touch and hold the Lock screen after unlocking, or go to Settings → Lock screen and AOD. Other phones usually have a Lock screen section in Settings.
Can I hide notification content on the Lock screen?
Yes. In Settings → Notifications, find the Lock screen notifications option and choose to hide sensitive content or show no notifications at all.
Can I put widgets on an Android Lock screen?
Samsung Galaxy phones support Lock screen widgets under the clock. Pixel shows At a Glance information such as weather and events, and some Android versions and tablets add more widget options.
What makes a Lock screen look aesthetic?
A wallpaper with a clear subject and empty space at the top, a clock color picked from the wallpaper, and as few extra elements as possible. Icons-only notifications help keep it clean.