I read that there’s a way to have the wallpaper on my Google Pixel 3 change every day, but I can’t figure out how to set it up. Help!
While it’s true that the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are running Android, it also seems to have some features unique to the Pixel, one of which (so far, at least) is a built-in daily wallpaper update. Even better, you don’t have to slog through hundreds of $0.79, $0.99 and $1.29 wallpaper images like on a Samsung Galaxy phone: The main wallpapers on the Pixel 3 are all free and there’s not even a way to purchase them if you wanted to support the artist.
Since us Pixel 3 owners are hardcore Android / Google fans, we are also being used as somewhat of a beta test community for new features that I imagine will eventually migrate into other Android devices too, including my favorite: “Flip to Shhh” which automatically turns on do not disturb if you simply flip your phone screen down. I want all my devices to do this!
Back to wallpapers, however. I hope you’ve already realized that on the home screen if you simply long-tap on an empty area a little menu pops up with shortcuts and settings:
You can explore the other areas on your own, but for this task you’ll want to tap on “Wallpapers“.
It moves you directly into the Wallpapers setting area and you can see the various families of images available:
First off notice that some images include the very cool “Build My Case” link if you love the image so much you want it to be the actual case of your phone too. They’re not inexpensive, but the custom case I have on my Pixel 3 XL is very nice so it might be something to explore if you find a really splendid image!
Swipe down to see the various wallpaper families. A bit lower you’ll find this:
If you jump into “Cityscapes” you’ll find a display that shows individual images, like this:
Before you start swiping down to find that one fantastic image, note the top left. It shows “Daily wallpaper” and below says “Tap to turn on”. That’s what you seek! Tap on “Daily wallpaper” on your Pixel 3 to enable it…
If you are paranoid about your data usage because of potential overage costs check the “Download future wallpapers on Wi-Fi only” box in the middle. Otherwise are ya ready to set this up? Tap “Continue” and it’ll download and display the first wallpaper:
I have to admit that today’s cityscape wallpaper is a bit uninspiring, but hopefully tomorrow’s choice will be better!
On the top right tap “Set Wallpaper” and you can choose between your home screen or home screen + lock screen. And then you’re done and you have a new wallpaper on your phone!
One additional tweak I would recommend is to go into the display theme and choose “adaptive” so that the colors used on the home screen (etc) will be sufficiently contrasty against the daily wallpaper, whether it’s bright or dark. Do that by going into Settings and searching for “device theme”:
Now you should be good to go. Enable the daily wallpaper then check it out to see how it works!
Pro Tip: I’m a part of #teampixel so I write a lot about the Google Pixel 3 along with other Android devices. Please take a few minutes and check out our extensive Android help here on the site!