In this guide, we will show you how to change the lock screen and wallpaper image of the Pixel 2. Including adding your own images instead of the ones that come on the phone and other customization options. Here’s how to customize your Pixel 2 screen.
With the wide edge-to-edge Quad-HD display on the Pixel 2 XL, choosing the right wallpaper makes a big difference. Especially if you are using a high resolution one. We’ll show you how to change your own, then recommend some of the best places to download cool wallpapers.
First off, Google allows you to set a different image for both the lock screen and the home screen. It’s something we’re seeing more and more on smartphones. So you can get two different images. However, Google doesn’t offer as many customizations on the lock screen as others, so your options are somewhat limited. That said, here’s how to get started.
Running Android 8.1 Oreo, the Pixel 2 has loads of options and controls. With so many features, controls, and settings, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Once you know everything the Pixel 2 can do, you’ll want to start with easy customizations like the lock screen background image.
How to Change Pixel 2 Lock Screen and Wallpaper
There are several different ways to change the background image and wallpaper on your Pixel 2 or XL. The easiest way is to long press any blank area on your screen. From here you will be able to easily choose what you want and where to apply it.
Google has put together some beautiful animated wallpapers on the Pixel 2. You may want to use your own photos, although they are beautiful. If so, here’s how.
This is the easiest way to change your wallpaper. When you enter the menu you will see a wide variety of options. Google has added a lot of things to the Pixel 2. But one of the first options is “My Photos”, which lets you look at all the photos you have taken or downloaded from the internet on your phone.
While most of your own images will work fine, we recommend choosing something at least 1080p HD or higher. To find beautiful wallpapers similar to the one shown here Download the app called Zedge and browse their collections.
Lock screen Wallpaper
Adding a custom or new image to the lock screen is just as easy. If you didn’t notice in our instructions above, when you select a picture there is an option to use it in multiple areas on your phone. Follow the same steps above for the lock screen. Once you find the image you want to use and hit “Set Wallpaper”, just select the lock screen or choose both.
Choose the best for you. Same image for both lock and home screen or different images for each. My lock screen image has a Packers logo, then a dark wallpaper for my home screen. Because of the way AMOLED displays display dark colors, dark or black images can save battery life on Google’s Pixel 2.
Other options
Unfortunately we have no other options for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. At the bottom of the lock screen you will notice that there is a microphone, a lock, and a camera icon for the Google Assistant. These are quick shortcuts. Swipe up from the camera and go directly to the camera instead of your home screen.
Most smartphone manufacturers allow lots of customization here. Where you can change app shortcuts or customize the always-on display. Running stock Android 8.1 Oreo, we have no such option.
You can change the way the always-on environment works, but that’s it. So, follow our instructions above and change your Pixel 2 lock screen or wallpaper and enjoy. While you’re here, take a look at these 10 things every Pixel owner should do.
