Change Lock Screen Background on macOS Mojave
To change the lock screen background on macOS Mojave, you need to replace the desktop wallpaper, because Mojave uses the same image for both the desktop and the login/lock screen. This guide walks you through the exact steps, explains how the lock screen wallpaper works, and offers alternatives if you want a different image on the lock screen than on your desktop.
How macOS Mojave Handles the Lock Screen Wallpaper
In macOS Mojave (10.14), Apple unified the desktop picture and the lock screen background. Unlike earlier versions of macOS, there is no separate setting in System Preferences to choose a distinct lock screen wallpaper. The lock screen (the screen you see after waking your Mac or when you log out) displays the same wallpaper that is set for your desktop. This means that to change the lock screen background, you must change your desktop wallpaper. The change takes effect immediately, and the next time you lock your Mac, you will see the new image.
Step-by-Step: Change the Lock Screen Background
- Open System Preferences from the Apple menu ( or from the Dock).
- Click Desktop & Screen Saver (or Desktop & Screen Saver in older versions).
- Select the Desktop tab at the top.
- Choose a wallpaper source from the sidebar: Apple (built-in dynamic and static images), Photos (your photo library), or Folders (any folder on your Mac).
- Click on the image you want to use. It will apply to your desktop immediately, and therefore also to the lock screen.
- Close System Preferences. Lock your Mac (or press Control+Command+Q to lock) to see the new lock screen background.
If you want to use a custom photo, you can drag it into the Folders section or click the + button to add a folder containing your images. The chosen image will appear on both the desktop and the lock screen.
What About Dynamic Wallpapers?
Mojave introduced dynamic wallpapers that change appearance based on the time of day. When you select a dynamic wallpaper (like the default Mojave desert image), the lock screen also uses the dynamic version. The lock screen will show the wallpaper at the current time of day, so it may look different in the morning versus the evening. This is a nice touch, but it also means you cannot have a static lock screen image while using a dynamic desktop wallpaper—they are always the same.
How to Have a Different Lock Screen Background (Workarounds)
If you really want a different image on the lock screen than on your desktop, there are a few workarounds, but they are not official and may break with future updates. One common method is to replace the default lock screen image file directly in the system files, but this requires disabling System Integrity Protection (SIP), which is not recommended for most users. Another approach is to use a third-party app that can set a separate lock screen wallpaper, but these apps are not widely available and may not be reliable on Mojave. For most users, the simplest and safest method is to accept that the lock screen uses the same wallpaper as the desktop.
Common Problems and Fixes
- Wallpaper not changing on lock screen after selecting a new one: Make sure you are actually locking the screen (not just putting the display to sleep). Press Control+Command+Q to lock, or choose Lock Screen from the Apple menu. If the old wallpaper still appears, try restarting your Mac or logging out and back in.
- Custom photo appears stretched or cropped: In System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver, you can choose how the image is displayed: Fill Screen, Fit to Screen, Stretch, Center, or Tile. Select Fill Screen for most photos to avoid distortion.
- Dynamic wallpaper not working: Dynamic wallpapers require that your Mac is set to the correct time and location. Go to System Preferences > Date & Time and ensure “Set date and time automatically� is checked.
- Lock screen shows a different image than the desktop after waking from sleep: This can happen if you have a screensaver set to a different image. Go to System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Screen Saver tab and check that the screensaver is not overriding the wallpaper.
How to Choose the Best Wallpaper for the Lock Screen
Since the lock screen image is the same as the desktop, consider choosing an image that looks good at both large and small sizes. The lock screen usually shows the time and date in large text, so a less busy image with a solid color or gradient in the center works best. Avoid images with fine details in the center, as they may be obscured by the clock. Also, keep in mind that the lock screen appears in both light and dark mode (if you use Dark Mode), so choose an image that is readable in both.
Alternatives to Changing the Lock Screen Background
If you are looking for more control over the lock screen, you can consider upgrading to a newer macOS version. Starting with macOS Catalina (10.15) and later, there is still no built-in separate lock screen wallpaper, but the behavior is the same as Mojave. However, in macOS Ventura and later, Apple introduced a new lock screen that shows the time and date in a large font, and the wallpaper is still the same as the desktop. There is no official way to have a different lock screen wallpaper in any macOS version as of now. For users who want to customize the lock screen further, third-party apps like Wallpaper Wizard or Irvue can automatically change wallpapers, but they still apply the same image to both desktop and lock screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set a different wallpaper for the lock screen than the desktop?
No, macOS Mojave does not offer a separate setting for the lock screen wallpaper. The lock screen always uses the same image as your desktop wallpaper. The only workaround is to use third-party software or manually replace system files, which is not recommended for most users.
Why does my lock screen show a different wallpaper than my desktop?
This can happen if you have a screensaver set to a different image, or if you are using a dynamic wallpaper that changes with time. Also, if you have multiple displays, the lock screen may show the wallpaper from the primary display, while your desktop may show different wallpapers on each display.
How do I set a custom photo as my lock screen background?
Set the photo as your desktop wallpaper by going to System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver, selecting the photo from your Photos library or a folder, and it will automatically appear on the lock screen as well.
Will changing the desktop wallpaper affect the login screen?
Yes, the login screen (the screen you see when you log out or restart) also uses the same wallpaper as the desktop. Changing the desktop wallpaper will change the login screen background as well.
Can I use a different wallpaper for each user account?
Yes, each user account can have its own desktop wallpaper, and therefore its own lock screen background. When you log in as a different user, you will see that user’s wallpaper on the lock screen.
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