Open the Lock screen editor
- Wake the phone and unlock it with face or fingerprint recognition, but don’t swipe up.
- Touch and hold an empty area of the Lock screen.
- The editor opens. Tap any element — wallpaper, clock, widgets, shortcuts — to change it.
You can also open it from Settings → Lock screen and AOD (called Lock screen on older One UI versions) by tapping the Lock screen preview.
Change the Lock screen wallpaper
- In the editor, tap Wallpaper (or go to Settings → Wallpaper and style → Change wallpapers).
- Choose a photo from Gallery, one of Samsung’s collections, or a short video.
- Apply it to the Lock screen only if you want a different Home screen — see how to set different wallpapers.
Choose an image with its subject in the lower half so the clock doesn’t cover it. Galaxy Ultra and Plus models have 1440p displays, so a 4K or 8K wallpaper keeps fine detail sharp. On phones with Galaxy AI, look for AI-generated options in the wallpaper picker too.
Style the clock
- In the editor, tap the clock.
- Pick a clock style, then choose a font and color. Use the color picker to match a color from your wallpaper.
- Drag or resize the clock on models that support it, and tap Done.
Thin fonts work best on detailed photos with a dark area behind the time. Bold fonts stay readable on busy wallpapers.
Add Lock screen widgets
- In the editor, tap the area under the clock.
- Choose widgets such as Weather, Calendar, Battery, Reminders, or Digital wellbeing.
- Drag to reorder them, then tap Done.
Change the Lock screen shortcuts
The two corner shortcuts open apps without unlocking first — the phone opens the camera by default.
- In the editor, tap one of the shortcuts in the bottom corners.
- Choose an app or action, such as the flashlight, QR scanner, or Do Not Disturb.
Tidy up notifications
In the editor, tap Notifications to switch between full cards and an icons only style. Icons only keeps the wallpaper visible while still showing what’s waiting. To hide sensitive content, go to Settings → Notifications → Lock screen notifications.
Always On Display
- Open Settings → Lock screen and AOD → Always On Display and turn it on.
- Choose when it shows: tap to show, always, or on a schedule.
- On recent Galaxy phones, turn on the option to show your Lock screen wallpaper on the Always On Display.
If you show the wallpaper on the AOD, a darker image saves battery. See our picks of AMOLED black wallpapers.
Go further with Good Lock
Good Lock is Samsung’s free customization app, available in the Galaxy Store. Its LockStar module lets you move the clock, rearrange Lock screen elements, and add more shortcuts than the built-in editor allows. Install Good Lock, open it, tap LockStar, and install the module.
Want a new look to start with? ON Lock Screen for Android has thousands of 4K and 8K wallpapers that fit Galaxy screens, from aesthetic to dark mode.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the Lock screen editor on Samsung?
Unlock the phone with your face or fingerprint so you stay on the Lock screen, then touch and hold an empty area. You can also go to Settings → Lock screen and AOD (or Lock screen) and tap the preview.
Can I add widgets to the Samsung Lock screen?
Yes. In the Lock screen editor, tap the widget area under the clock and choose widgets such as weather, calendar, battery, or reminders.
How do I show my wallpaper on Always On Display?
On recent Galaxy phones, go to Settings → Lock screen and AOD → Always On Display and turn on the option to show your Lock screen wallpaper. It appears dimmed to save power.
What is Good Lock?
Good Lock is a free Samsung app from the Galaxy Store. Its LockStar module adds extra Lock screen layouts, clock positions, and shortcut options beyond the built-in editor.