How do I use different lock and home screen wallpapers?

On iPhone and Android, the wallpaper setup lets you assign each screen separately. Pick one image for lock, then choose another for home in the same flow.

Why does my wallpaper look zoomed in?

The image is smaller than your screen or has the wrong aspect ratio, so the device crops it. Use a file that matches your screen ratio at or above its native resolution.

What fit setting should I use on Windows?

Fill for a normal single-monitor 16:9 wallpaper. Use Span only when one wide image should stretch across two monitors.

How-to · 5 min

How to Set a Wallpaper on iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac

Once you have downloaded a wallpaper, setting it correctly is what makes it look right. Each device handles lock screen, home screen, and image fit a little differently, and the wrong fit setting is the usual reason a wallpaper looks zoomed in or off-center. Here is how to set a wallpaper on the four common platforms.

These are quick, current steps for iPhone, Android, Windows, and macOS, plus how to avoid cropping and how to use different images for lock and home screens.

iPhone (iOS)

Save the image to Photos. Open Settings, Wallpaper, tap Add New Wallpaper, pick the image, and pinch to adjust the framing. You can set it for both the lock and home screens or choose a different one for each. If it looks zoomed, your image is smaller than the screen; use one at 1170x2532 or larger.

Android

Save the image, then long-press the home screen and tap Wallpapers (wording varies by brand), or open Settings, Wallpaper. Choose the image, position it, and select Home screen, Lock screen, or both. Samsung and Pixel may offer a crop step, so frame it so the subject is not cut off.

Windows

Right-click the desktop, choose Personalize, then Background. Browse to your image and set "Choose a fit" to Fill for most wallpapers. Use Span only for a wide dual-monitor image. If the wallpaper looks stretched, the image aspect ratio does not match your screen; use a 16:9 file.

macOS

Open System Settings, Wallpaper, and click Add Photo or pick from the list. For multiple displays you assign a wallpaper per screen. Choose "Fill Screen" so the image covers without distortion. A 16:9 or 16:10 image at your display's resolution avoids cropping.

Avoiding the zoomed-in look

A wallpaper looks zoomed when its resolution is below the screen or its aspect ratio is wrong, forcing the device to crop. The fix is always the same: download an image that matches your screen's aspect ratio at or above its native resolution, so the device shows it whole.

WallGen

Frequently asked questions

How do I use different lock and home screen wallpapers?: On iPhone and Android, the wallpaper setup lets you assign each screen separately. Pick one image for lock, then choose another for home in the same flow.
Why does my wallpaper look zoomed in?: The image is smaller than your screen or has the wrong aspect ratio, so the device crops it. Use a file that matches your screen ratio at or above its native resolution.
What fit setting should I use on Windows?: Fill for a normal single-monitor 16:9 wallpaper. Use Span only when one wide image should stretch across two monitors.