Open System Settings and find the screensaver controls
To change your Mac screensaver, start by opening System Settings — the gear icon in your dock or Applications folder. Click Lock Screen in the left sidebar, then look for the Screensaver section near the top of the window.
If you do not see a Screensaver section, your Mac may be running an older version of macOS. On older systems, go to System Preferences instead, then click Desktop & Screen Saver and select the Screen Saver tab. The layout is slightly different, but the steps that follow work the same way.
Key Takeaways
- Open System Settings, click Lock Screen, and find the Screensaver section to see all available screensavers.
- Click any screensaver name to preview it in the small window, or click Preview to see it fill your entire screen.
- Use the delay slider labeled "Start after" to set how long your Mac waits before the screensaver starts after you stop using it.
- Turn on "Show clock" if you want the time displayed over your screensaver while it runs.
- Your screensaver choice saves automatically — you do not need to click a Save button or restart your Mac.
Choose a screensaver from the list
In the Screensaver section, you will see a list of available screensavers on the left side. These include options like Floating, Drift, Kaleidoscope, and others that come built into macOS. Click any name to see a preview of what it looks like in the small window next to the list.
If you want to see the screensaver fill your entire screen before deciding, click the Preview button at the bottom right. The screensaver will run at full size so you can see exactly how it will look when your Mac is idle. Move your mouse or press any key to exit the full-screen preview and return to the settings window.
Take your time browsing through the options. Some screensavers have animated effects, while others display static patterns or images. The preview window shows you enough to make a choice, but the full-screen preview is useful if you want to see motion or color in detail before committing.
Set the delay before the screensaver starts
Below the screensaver list, you will see a slider labeled Start after with a time in minutes. This controls how long your Mac waits without any keyboard or trackpad activity before turning on the screensaver. The default is usually 10 minutes, but you can drag the slider to change it to any value from 1 minute to 1 hour.
If you want your screensaver to start very quickly — for example, to hide your screen when you step away from your desk — move the slider to the left. If you prefer to keep your screen visible longer and only set up the screensaver after extended idle time, move it to the right. There is no wrong choice here; it depends on your work habits and how much privacy you want.
Add optional features like the clock
Some screensavers let you display the time while they run. If you see a Show clock checkbox below the delay slider, you can turn it on to add a digital clock to your screensaver. This is useful if you want to know the time without moving your mouse to wake the screen.
Not all screensavers support the clock feature. If the checkbox does not appear after you select a screensaver, that particular screensaver does not have the option. You can switch to a different screensaver that does support it, or leave the clock off.
Use a photo or folder as your screensaver
Instead of a built-in animated screensaver, you can use your own photos. In the screensaver list, look for Photos or Memories depending on your macOS version. Click it, then choose which photo album or folder you want to display while your Mac is idle.
You can also select Folder from the list and point it to any folder on your Mac containing images. The screensaver will cycle through the photos in that folder, showing each one for a few seconds before moving to the next. This is a good way to create a rotating display of family photos or artwork without using a third-party process.
Check your settings are saved
Your screensaver choice saves automatically as soon as you select it — you do not need to click a Save button or restart your Mac. Close System Settings, and your new screensaver will start after the delay time you set the next time your Mac is idle.
To test it, wait for the delay period to pass without touching your keyboard or trackpad. Your screensaver should appear on your screen. Move your mouse, press any key, or click the trackpad to return to your desktop and resume work. If the screensaver does not appear after waiting, check that your delay time is not set to "Never" and verify that your Mac is not set to never sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a video as my screensaver?
macOS does not support video files as screensavers through the standard settings. You can use the Photos screensaver to display a sequence of still images, or read third-party screensaver software from the Mac App Store if you need video support.
Why is my screensaver not turning on?
Check that your delay time is set to something other than Never. Also verify that your Mac is not set to never sleep — if sleep is disabled, the screensaver may not set up. Go to System Settings, click Battery (or Energy Saver on older Macs), and make sure sleep is turned on.
Can I set different screensavers for different times of day?
macOS does not have a built-in scheduling feature for screensavers. You would need to manually change your screensaver in System Settings whenever you want a different one, or use third-party automation software from the Mac App Store.
Does the screensaver use a lot of battery power?
Screensavers use less power than keeping your screen on, but putting your Mac to sleep uses even less. If you are on battery power, consider setting a shorter delay before sleep rather than relying on the screensaver alone.
What if I want no screensaver at all?
You can set the delay to "Never" in the Start after slider, and your Mac will not display a screensaver. Your screen will stay on until your Mac goes to sleep based on your power settings, or you can manually lock it by pressing Control + Command + Q.