The fastest way depends on your device type

Changing your lock screen takes two to five minutes and works differently on each operating system. On Windows, you go through Settings. On Mac, it's System Settings. On iPhone, it's in Display & Brightness. On Android, the path varies by manufacturer — Samsung uses Lock Screen settings, Google Pixel uses Display settings — but the concept is the same everywhere: you pick a new image, set a PIN or password, or choose a pattern.

The lock screen is what appears before you enter your password or biometric. It's separate from your wallpaper (the background you see after you unlock). Most people change it for privacy — to hide notifications, calendar events, or photos from people who pick up the device — or for security, to use a stronger unlock method.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows lock screens are changed in Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen, where you can pick an image or slideshow.
  • Mac lock screens are set in System Settings > Lock Screen, and you can choose a photo, color, or dynamic option.
  • iPhone lock screens are customized in Settings > Display & Brightness > Lock Screen, where you can add widgets and change the clock style.
  • Android lock screens vary by phone maker, but Samsung uses Settings > Lock Screen and Google Pixel uses Settings > Display, both letting you change the image and unlock method.
  • Your lock screen image is visible to anyone who picks up your device, so avoid photos that contain sensitive information or personal details.

Changing your lock screen on Windows

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, or click the Start menu and type "Settings". In the left sidebar, click Personalization. Click Lock Screen. Under "Personalize your lock screen", you'll see a dropdown that currently says "Windows Spotlight" or "Picture". Click it and choose Picture to use a single image, Slideshow to rotate through multiple images, or Windows Spotlight to let Microsoft choose images for you.

If you chose Picture, click Browse and select an image from your computer. If you chose Slideshow, click Browse and select a folder containing multiple images — Windows will cycle through them each time you lock your screen. You can also scroll down to Advanced lock screen settings to control whether notifications appear on the lock screen and whether the camera is accessible from the lock screen.

Changing your lock screen on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click Lock Screen in the sidebar. Under "Lock Screen", you'll see options to choose a photo, color, or dynamic background. Click the option you want. If you choose Photo, click Choose Photo and select an image from your library. If you choose a color or dynamic option, the preview updates as you select.

Scroll down to see additional options: you can set how long the Mac waits before locking, whether to show the clock on the lock screen, and whether to show notifications. If you want the same image on both your lock screen and desktop, check Use as desktop picture.

Changing your lock screen on iPhone

Open Settings and tap Display & Brightness. Tap Lock Screen. You'll see your current lock screen at the top. Tap it to edit. Tap Edit at the bottom of the screen. You can now change the clock style (tap the clock to see options), add a filter or color tint (tap the image), or replace the image entirely (tap the image and choose Choose Photo or Take Photo).

You can also add widgets to your lock screen — small apps that show information like weather, calendar, or reminders without unlocking. Tap the + button at the bottom, select an app, and choose which information to display. When you're done, tap Done at the top-right. If you have multiple lock screens saved, you can swipe between them and tap one to set it as active.

Changing your lock screen on Android (Samsung)

Open Settings and scroll to Display or Lock Screen (the location varies by model). Tap Lock Screen. Tap Wallpaper or Lock Screen Style. You'll see options to choose from your gallery, take a new photo, or use a preset image. Select your choice and tap Set as Lock Screen Wallpaper or explore.

You can also change your unlock method here. Tap Lock Type and choose from Pattern, PIN, Password, Fingerprint, or Face Recognition. If you choose Pattern, draw a pattern connecting at least four dots. If you choose PIN or Password, enter a code at least four characters long. Test it by locking your phone and unlocking with your new method.

Changing your lock screen on Android (Google Pixel)

Open Settings and tap Display. Tap Lock Screen. Tap Wallpaper. You'll see options to choose from your gallery, use a preset image, or create a custom color. Select your choice and tap Set Wallpaper. The change takes effect when ready.

To change your unlock method, go back to Settings and tap Security & Privacy. Tap Device Unlock. Choose Pattern, PIN, Password, Fingerprint, or Face Unlock. Follow the prompts to set up your new method. You'll be asked to confirm it works before it becomes active.

What to avoid on your lock screen

Your lock screen is visible to anyone who picks up your device — coworkers, family members, thieves, or police. Avoid using images that contain passwords, credit card numbers, addresses, or other sensitive information. Don't use photos that reveal your location, your children's faces, or your daily routine. If you use a photo of yourself, consider whether you're comfortable with strangers seeing it.

If you're concerned about privacy, use a solid color, an abstract image, or a generic photo instead of a personal one. You can always change it later. The lock screen is also where notifications appear before you unlock, so be aware that calendar events, text messages, and app alerts may be visible to people nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from the internet as my lock screen?

Yes. read the image to your device first, then follow the steps above to set it as your lock screen. On all devices, you can browse your photo library and select any image you've saved. Be aware that using someone else's photo without permission may violate copyright, so stick to images you own or that are marked as free to use.

Will changing my lock screen affect my password or PIN?

No. Your lock screen image and your unlock method are separate. Changing the image doesn't change your password. If you want to change your password or PIN, you'll need to go to Security settings on your device and update it there.

What if I want different lock screens on different days?

Windows and Mac both support rotating lock screens. On Windows, choose Slideshow instead of Picture and select a folder with multiple images. On Mac, choose a dynamic background. On iPhone, you can create multiple lock screens and swipe between them, then tap one to make it active. Android doesn't have a built-in rotation feature, but some third-party lock screen apps offer it.

Can I hide notifications from my lock screen?

Yes. On Windows, open Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen and scroll to "Advanced lock screen settings" to toggle notifications off. On Mac, go to System Settings > Lock Screen and uncheck "Show notifications". On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications and turn off "Show on Lock Screen" for specific apps. On Android, open Settings > Notifications and disable lock screen notifications.

Does changing my lock screen use more battery?

A static image uses no extra battery. A slideshow or dynamic background uses slightly more power because your screen refreshes to show new images, but the difference is usually less than 1 percent per day. If battery life is a concern, stick with a single image.