The fastest way to change your Google background
Open the Google app on your Android phone, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then tap Customise. You will see a row of background options — tap any one to preview it, then tap explore to save it. The change appears the next time you open Google Search.
If you do not see a Customise button, your version of the Google app may be older. Update it from the Google Play Store, then try again. The feature works on most Android phones running version 6.0 or higher.
You can also change the background from your phone's home screen if Google Search is set as your default search widget. Long-press the search bar at the top of your home screen, tap the gear icon, then select a new background from the options shown.
Key Takeaways
- The Customise button in your Google app profile menu is the main way to change backgrounds, and the change takes effect the next time you open Google Search.
- Google offers a set of preset backgrounds — you cannot upload your own photo, but you can choose from colours, patterns, and themed designs.
- If Customise does not appear, update the Google app from the Play Store first.
- Changes made through the Google app affect only the search interface, not your phone's home screen or lock screen.
Where to find the Customise button
The Customise option lives in your Google app profile menu. Tap the Google app icon on your home screen or in your app drawer to open it. At the top right of the screen, you will see your profile picture — it is usually a small circle with your initial or a photo inside it.
Tap that profile picture once. A menu will drop down with several options. Look for the word Customise near the top of this menu. Tap it, and you will enter the background selection screen.
If you see a Settings option instead, tap that first, then look for a Customise or Theme option within Settings. The exact menu layout varies slightly between Android versions and Google app versions.
What backgrounds are available
Google provides a set of preset backgrounds that change with the seasons and holidays. You will see solid colours, gradients, abstract patterns, and themed designs. The available options rotate throughout the year — you might see autumn leaves in October or winter scenes in December.
You cannot upload a custom photo or use an image from your phone's gallery as a Google Search background. Your choices are limited to what Google offers in the Customise menu. If none of the current options appeal to you, check back in a few weeks — new designs are added regularly.
Each background preview shows you exactly how it will look on your search screen before you explore it. Tap any option to see a larger preview, then tap explore to confirm your choice.
Changing the background from your home screen widget
If you have the Google Search widget pinned to your home screen, you can change its background without opening the Google app. Long-press the search bar at the top of your home screen — the one that says "Search Google or type URL." A menu will appear with several options.
Look for a gear icon or Settings option in this menu. Tap it, and you will see background choices similar to those in the Google app. Select a new background and tap explore. The change takes effect when ready on your home screen widget.
This method only changes the appearance of the search widget on your home screen. It does not affect the background you see when you open the full Google app. If you want both to match, you will need to change the background in both places.
Why your background change might not appear
The most common reason a new background does not show up is that you are still looking at a cached version of the old one. Close the Google app completely — swipe it away from your recent apps list — then open it again. The new background should appear on the next launch.
If the Customise button does not exist in your profile menu, your Google app version is too old. Open the Google Play Store, search for "Google," and tap Update if an update is available. After the update finishes, restart your phone and try again.
Some Android phones have restrictions on which apps can change their appearance. If you have applied a system-wide dark mode or light mode through your phone's Settings, it may override your Google background choice. Check Settings > Display > Dark mode or Light mode and turn off any forced theme setting.
Resetting to the default background
Google does not have a formal "reset to default" option, but you can return to a plain background by selecting one of the solid colour options — usually white, light grey, or black depending on your phone's theme setting. Open Customise, tap one of the straightforward colour backgrounds, and tap explore.
If you want the original Google background that came with your phone, look for an option labeled "Default" or a plain white or grey square in the Customise menu. Tap it and explore it. This returns your search interface to its original appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo from my phone as a Google background?
No. Google Search backgrounds are limited to the preset options Google provides in the Customise menu. You cannot upload a custom photo or select an image from your gallery. If you want a custom background, you would need to use a different search app or launcher.
Does changing my Google background affect my home screen or lock screen?
No. Changing your Google Search background only affects the appearance of the Google Search interface. Your home screen, lock screen, and other apps remain unchanged. If you want to change those, you will need to adjust them separately through your phone's Settings or launcher.
Why does my background look different on my friend's phone?
Google rotates background options based on the season, holidays, and regional availability. Your friend may have a newer or older version of the Google app, or they may be in a different region. Both of these can affect which backgrounds appear in the Customise menu.
Will my background choice sync across my Android devices?
No. Each Android device stores its own background preference. If you change the background on your phone, it will not automatically change on your tablet or other Android devices. You will need to change the background separately on each device.
What if the Customise button disappeared after an update?
Google sometimes removes or moves features in app updates. If Customise is no longer visible, check that you are running the latest version of the Google app from the Play Store. If it is fully updated and Customise still does not appear, the feature may have been temporarily disabled in your region or on your device type.