Why use two different wallpapers?
The Lock screen and Home screen do different jobs. The Lock screen is what everyone around you sees, so it’s a great spot for a bold photo or artwork. The Home screen sits behind your icons and widgets, so a calmer image keeps everything readable.
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings → Wallpaper and style and tap Change wallpapers.
- Choose an image for the Lock screen from Gallery or a collection.
- When asked where to apply it, tap Lock screen, then Done.
- Go back to Change wallpapers, choose a second image, and tap Home screen.
Samsung shows a preview of both screens at the top of Wallpaper and style, so you can check the pair before you leave the menu.
Google Pixel
- Touch and hold the Home screen and tap Wallpaper & style.
- Tap More wallpapers and pick the image for your Lock screen.
- Tap Set wallpaper and choose Lock screen.
- Repeat with a second image and choose Home screen.
Pixel uses the Home screen wallpaper to generate system colors. If the two images have very different colors, check the result in Wallpaper & style and switch to Basic colors if needed.
Other Android phones
Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, Motorola, and most other brands follow the same pattern: set the first image and choose Lock screen only, then set the second image and choose Home screen only. If you don’t see a choice, look for a Lock screen tab in the wallpaper menu.
How to pick a great pair
- Same palette, different subject. Two images with matching colors feel connected when you unlock. Curated wallpaper packs are designed to work together.
- Busy Lock, calm Home. Use a detailed photo on the Lock screen and a blurred or minimalist wallpaper behind your icons.
- Before and after. Try day and night, or summer and winter, versions of the same scene — see nature and space wallpapers for ideas.
- Keep the Lock screen top clear. The clock covers the top third, so pick an image with its subject lower down.
ON Lock Screen for Android has thousands of 4K and 8K wallpapers across dozens of categories, which makes it easy to find two that match.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Lock screen change when I set a Home screen wallpaper?
You probably chose Home and lock screens when applying it. Set the wallpaper again and pick Home screen only, then set a separate image with Lock screen only.
Can I rotate several wallpapers on the Lock screen only?
On Samsung Galaxy phones, yes: choose several images from Gallery when setting the Lock screen wallpaper and the phone switches between them each time you turn the screen on. See our guide to auto-changing wallpapers for other options.
Why did my Pixel theme colors change?
Material You takes colors from your wallpaper. With two different wallpapers, the system colors usually follow the Home screen. You can pick fixed Basic colors in Wallpaper & style if you prefer.
Does a separate Lock screen wallpaper use more battery?
No. A static image uses the same power whichever screen it’s on. Only live or video wallpapers have a noticeable effect.