The fastest way depends on what device you own
The steps to change your lock screen differ by device type. On an iPhone, you open Settings and tap Face ID & Passcode, then Lock Screen. On Android phones, you go to Settings, then Display, then Lock Screen, and choose a new style. On Windows computers, right-click the desktop, select Personalize, then Lock Screen. On Mac, open System Settings, click General, then Lock Screen. Each path takes under two minutes once you know where to look.
What you can change varies too. Most phones let you swap the background image, adjust the clock style, and add widgets that show information without unlocking. Computers usually let you change the background and set how long before the screen locks automatically. Tablets follow the same logic as their phone operating system — iPad works like iPhone, and Android tablets work like Android phones.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone lock screens are changed in Settings under Face ID & Passcode, where you can pick a new wallpaper and customize the clock and widgets.
- Android phones use Settings > Display > Lock Screen to change the background, clock style, and add shortcuts or information cards.
- Windows computers change lock screens by right-clicking the desktop, selecting Personalize, then Lock Screen, and picking a new image.
- Mac computers use System Settings > General > Lock Screen to change the background and set the auto-lock timer.
iPhone lock screen steps
Open Settings and scroll down to find Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older models). Tap it, then enter your passcode. Scroll to the bottom and tap Lock Screen. You will see your current lock screen displayed at the top.
Tap the lock screen preview to edit it. You can now choose a new wallpaper by tapping the image area — this opens your photo library and the built-in wallpaper collection. Select the image you want, then tap Set. Below the image, you can customize the clock font, color, and position. You can also add widgets (small apps that show weather, calendar, or reminders without unlocking) by tapping the plus button at the bottom.
Once you finish, tap Done. Your lock screen updates when ready the next time your phone locks.
Android phone lock screen steps
Open Settings and tap Display (or Screen on some phones). Look for Lock Screen or Lock Screen Style. The exact name varies by manufacturer — Samsung calls it Lock Screen, Google Pixel calls it Lock Screen, and others may label it differently. Tap it to open lock screen options.
You will see choices for lock screen style. Some phones offer Clock Style, where you pick between analog, digital, or minimal designs. Tap Wallpaper or Background to change the image — you can choose from your photos, built-in wallpapers, or a solid color. Some Android phones also let you add shortcuts (like a flashlight or camera button) directly on the lock screen by tapping Add Shortcuts.
After you make changes, tap Save or explore. The lock screen updates the next time your phone locks.
Windows computer lock screen steps
Right-click anywhere on your desktop (the blank area, not on an icon or file). A menu appears. Click Personalize. This opens the Settings app to the Personalization section.
In the left sidebar, click Lock Screen. You will see your current lock screen image in the preview. Under Personalize Your Lock Screen, click the image area or the plus button to choose a new background. You can pick from Windows' built-in images, upload your own photo, or choose a solid color. Select what you want, and it applies when ready.
While you are here, you can also set how long Windows waits before locking the screen automatically. Scroll down to find Screen Timeout Settings and adjust the minutes. This is useful if you step away from your desk — a shorter timeout locks your computer faster.
Mac lock screen steps
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click General. Scroll down and click Lock Screen.
You will see options for Start After and Turn Display Off After. Start After controls how many minutes pass before the lock screen appears when you are not using your Mac. Turn Display Off After controls when the display itself shuts down (which saves power). Set both to your preference.
To change the lock screen background, click the image preview at the top. A menu opens showing your available wallpapers and photos. Select the one you want. You can also choose a color or a dynamic wallpaper that changes throughout the day.
What you can customize on each device
| Device | Background Image | Clock Style | Widgets or Shortcuts | Auto-Lock Timer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Yes | Yes | Yes | In Settings > Display & Brightness |
| Android Phone | Yes | Yes (varies by phone) | Yes (varies by phone) | In Settings > Display |
| Windows | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Mac | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Using your own photos as a lock screen background
All devices let you upload a personal photo instead of using a built-in wallpaper. On iPhone, open Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Lock Screen, tap the image, and select a photo from your library. On Android, go to Settings > Display > Lock Screen > Wallpaper and choose a photo. On Windows, right-click the desktop, select Personalize > Lock Screen, and click Browse to find a photo on your computer. On Mac, open System Settings > General > Lock Screen and click the image preview to choose from your photos.
The best lock screen photos are ones you can see clearly even in bright sunlight. Avoid very dark images or ones with too much detail — the clock and time need to be readable on top of them. Most devices automatically adjust the brightness or add a slight overlay to make text visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a live photo or video as my iPhone lock screen?
No. iPhone lock screens only accept still images. You can choose a photo from your library or use one of Apple's built-in wallpapers, but video and live photo features are not supported on the lock screen itself.
Why does my Android lock screen look different from my home screen wallpaper?
Android treats the lock screen and home screen as separate. You can set different images for each. If you want them to match, you need to manually set the same image as the wallpaper for both the lock screen and the home screen in your Settings.
How do I make my lock screen appear faster on Windows?
Open Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen and scroll to Screen Timeout Settings. Lower the minutes in Start After. For example, setting it to 1 minute means your lock screen appears one minute after you stop using your computer.
Can I add apps or notifications to my lock screen?
On iPhone, yes — you can add widgets that show weather, calendar, or reminders. On Android, some phones let you add shortcuts or information cards, but it depends on your phone model. Windows and Mac do not support app widgets on the lock screen.
What if I forgot my lock screen password or PIN?
That is a security feature, not a lock screen setting. You will need to reset your device using your account password (Apple ID for iPhone, Google account for Android, Microsoft account for Windows, or Apple ID for Mac). This process varies by device and may erase your data if you do not have a backup.