Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system is unlike anything you’ve likely used firsthand. Windows Phone has some flexibility, as does Google’s Android operating system. However, it is tightly designed with specific use cases in mind. It’s supposed to be an easy operating system to pick up, but some of Microsoft’s design decisions are in stark contrast to those found on the iPhone and more. Backgrounds on Windows Phone are a perfect example of these differences.
Obviously, there is no way to change the background on a Windows Phone like there is on Android and iPhone. Initially, Microsoft chose design over customization, as Apple did for iOS. You can decide whether the space between the Live Tiles on your Start Screen should be white or black. By default, everything on Windows Phone is white text on a black background unless you’re in an app. Switching to a white background turns all text in the operating system black.
Then Microsoft released the Windows Phone 8.1 update. Anyone with a device running Windows Phone 8.1 can choose an image to display on their Start Screen. Instead of being hidden behind Live Tiles, this image only appears inside each Live Tiles. The background mostly stays in place when you swipe up or down.
Before you try to change the background color and add an image to Windows Phone, it’s important to know if your device is running Windows Phone 8.1. If you bought it brand new in the last two years, it probably is, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. For a breakdown of what software your Windows Phone is running, see the specs in your device’s box. It is also listed in the About area in Settings.
Turn on your Windows Phone by pressing the power button. You must have completed the setup process before completing this tutorial.
Swipe up on the lock screen. If you have a password set, enter it now.
Welcome to the Start Screen. It is this screen that we will customize. You’re looking for the Settings app on your Start Screen. In our example, the gear sitting to the right of the AT&T Mobile TV is Live Tile. You’ll want to tap and open Settings. If you don’t see the settings, place your finger on the top edge of your screen and swipe the download to reveal the Action Center.
In the Action Center, tap in the upper-right corner of your screen.
Welcome to the Settings app. Don’t bother looking for a setting labeled Background. Microsoft does not list options as such. Instead, it divides features into related categories. The area you are looking for is under System Settings. Tap on Start and Theme.
Tap Dark at the bottom to change the main theme of your Windows Phone. Again, it is set to black by default, but you can also change it to white for a brighter experience. While you’re here, it’s not a bad idea to choose a different Highlight Color to match your new background. The Highlight Color is used to highlight links to different apps and add some flair to Live Tiles. Color options include three different versions: green and blue, purple and red. It is worth noting that Microsoft synchronizes your Accent Color with the Windows 8.1 operating system. Both your Windows Phone and PC will be constantly paired if you use the same Microsoft Account on them.
Now tap to customize the image that appears on the background of your Windows Phone’s Live Tiles. You can scroll through the list of pre-made backgrounds available on Windows Phone by tapping Backgrounds. Choose from the pictures you’ve taken by tapping Camera Roll. If you already have some favorite images uploaded, swipe to favorites.
Windows Phone integrates directly with Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage service and Facebook. At the bottom of your screen, you can browse images stored in these services to use as backgrounds.
Once you find an image you like, move the rectangle over the part you want to appear as the background in your Live Tiles. Zoom in on the parts of the picture you like and try to avoid the parts of the picture you don’t like.
What you want to do is find a background that doesn’t look confusing overwhelming. Look for an image that contains something important, but stay away from patterns. Whatever you do, don’t use a very light image. The text in the Live Tiles is white even after changing the background. A light background image will clear all text from your Live Tiles.
After assigning your background, I noticed that you can’t see it through some Live Tiles. This is because the backgrounds are based on Live Tiles with a transparent background. The built-in apps all do, but most third-party apps don’t. Use a utility like Transparent Tile Maker to add more space to see your background.
