How to change lock screen on Mac: An expert’s guide

As a Mac user for over a decade, I’ve always loved tweaking my system to reflect my personality — especially the lock and login screens. There’s something satisfying about seeing a custom image greet me every time I wake my Mac or log in. If you’re here, you’re probably wondering how to change lock screen pictures on Mac or how to switch up that login picture. Well, you’re in luck — I’ve got you covered with everything I’ve learned over the years to get your Mac looking exactly how you want it.

How to change lock screen on MacBook: Quick glance

My warning #1: In older versions of macOS, there were a few unofficial workarounds for customizing the lock and login screens. However, newer releases like macOS Sequoia and macOS Tahoe — which this article focuses on — no longer support most of those methods. So let’s look at what actually works in 2026.

Customizing lock and login screen: What actually works in 2026

Let’s clarify what we’re working with. The lock screen appears when your Mac wakes from sleep or when you manually lock it (Control + Command + Q —  for the shortcut fans). It’s a quick-glance screen that shows your user icon, name, and background — usually a blurred version of your desktop wallpaper. 

The login screen, on the other hand, shows up when you start your Mac or restart it. It’s where you pick your user account and enter your password after starting the computer.

On modern versions of macOS, including Sequoia and Tahoe, the only reliable way to change your lock screen image is by changing your desktop wallpaper in System Settings > Wallpaper. The image you use as your desktop wallpaper is also used for the lock screen.

The login screen — the one you see after starting your Mac, before signing in — is similar, meaning it follows your wallpaper settings. If you didn't install the wallpaper yourself, its background comes from system files (such as /System/Library/Desktop Pictures/ or /System/Library/Wallpapers/), and macOS doesn’t provide a built-in way to replace it. While older macOS versions allowed some unofficial workarounds, those methods are no longer supported on current releases.

So, remember these two facts:

• Your lock screen uses the same image as your desktop wallpaper.
• Your login screen follows your wallpaper, too, and is controlled by macOS and can’t be customized through native settings.

The only straightforward way to make your Lock Screen look different from your desktop wallpaper is to use dynamic wallpapers, either built into macOS or from apps like 24 Hour Wallpaper from Setapp. The thing is that if you use a still image, your desktop wallpaper and Lock Screen will look the same. Dynamic wallpapers work a little differently. 

When you lock your Mac, they may show a different frame or a smooth transition. Plus, dynamic wallpapers automatically change throughout the day based on your local time, even while your Mac is locked. This makes the Lock Screen appear different from your desktop. 

How to change MacBook lock screen

For the lock screen, macOS typically blurs your desktop background (wallpaper) automatically. To test it, lock your Mac with Control + Command + Q and check the result. Need another image? 

Here's how to change lock screen on a MacBook:

1. Go to System Settings > Wallpaper.
2. Select the image, color, or dynamic wallpaper you like, and click to install.

If the background you selected is large or a dynamic wallpaper, the installation may take a few minutes. Just give it some time. After it's done, your lock screen will match the wallpaper. 

I used to do manual configurations for my Mac lock screen for a long time, but since I discovered 24 Hour Wallpaper from Setapp (7-day free trial available with Setapp Membership), the entire process has become automated and a breeze. This handy app lets you choose from a high-quality collection of 100+ wallpapers that match the time of day. 

The lock screen image from 24 Hour Wallpaper adjusts to your local time even when the Mac is locked — and while it's not completely different from the picture on your desktop, it's still one of the best solutions for macOS that are currently available.

Here’s how to use 24 Hour Wallpaper to set a beautiful wallpaper — and lock screen:

1. Install and open the 24 Hour Wallpaper app.
2. Start browsing from its giant collection.
3. Choose a specific one that you like.
4. Click to install.

When I want even more customization, I go to Magic Window Air from Setapp (available for free for 7 days with Setapp Membership). It has a 200+ library of 4K aerial screen savers — and they are really beautiful. Highly recommend giving it a try for free.

How to change Mac’s lock screen image with a custom image

If you want to use a custom image on your lock screen — family photo, your pet, or any other favorite picture — you’ll first need to add it as a wallpaper. It only takes a few simple steps. Here’s how.

1. Prepare your Mac lock screen image

Before you dive into settings, you need the right image. I’ve learned that not just any picture will do — Macs are picky about resolution and format. 

• Resolution: Aim for a resolution matching your display (e.g., 2560x1600 for a 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina or 5120x2880 for a 5K iMac). You can check your display specs in System Settings > Displays if you’re unsure.
• Format: Stick to PNG, HEIC, or JPG (my go-to because it handles transparency and crisp edges well). 
• Size: Keep the image under 10MB to avoid slowdowns. When picking an image, I lean toward something bold yet simple: a scenic landscape, a minimalist design, or a favorite family photo. Check out the guide to learn the top 5 ways of saving images on a Mac.

2. Set up your lock screen image

Now, let’s get that image onto your lock screen.

Here's how to change the lock screen wallpaper on MacBook Air (or, any other Mac) via System Settings:

1. Click the Apple menu > Choose System Settings.
2. Go to Wallpaper.
3. Drag your prepared image into the window or click Add Photo.
4. Set it as your desktop background.
5. Log out (Apple menu > Log Out) to see the changes.

The lock screen should now reflect your new image. If it doesn’t, don’t panic — we’ll troubleshoot that later.

Optional: Replace the default image file (pre-Sonoma OS)

If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a nerdier way I’ve used to change the login screen directly. This involves swapping out Apple’s default image file — but only works on older macOS.

Here’s how:

1. Open Finder > Press Command + Shift + G.
2. Type  /System/Library/Desktop Pictures/ and press Return.
3. Look for a file named Sonoma.heic (it varies by macOS version).
4. Make a backup of this file — trust me, I’ve regretted skipping this step before.
5. Rename your custom image to match the original (e.g., Ventura.heic) and move it into the folder, replacing the old one.
6. If you need admin privileges, enter your password when prompted.

Restart your Mac, and voilà — your lock screen is now fully custom. This method is a bit technical, but I love the control it gives me.

Read also:

• How to Change Time Zone on Mac
• How to Change Your Default Browser on Mac
• Save Images on Mac
• Check AirPods Battery

How to troubleshoot lock screen customization issues

Even with years of experience, I’ve hit snags customizing my Mac. Here are the most common issues I’ve faced—and how I fix them.

• Folder missing in Desktop Pictures: If /Library/Desktop Pictures/ doesn’t show up, it’s likely a permissions issue. Open Terminal >Type sudo mkdir /System/Library/Desktop Pictures/ to create the folder > Add your image (you’ll need your admin password).
• Image won’t change: Sometimes, macOS caches the old login screen. Restarting usually fixes it, but if not, check that your image format and size meet the requirements I mentioned earlier.
• No admin access: If you can’t replace files, ensure you’re logged into an admin account. I’ve had to switch users mid-process more than once!
• Restoring defaults: Messed up? Copy your backed-up original file (e.g., Ventura.heic) back into /System/Library/Desktop Pictures/, or reset your desktop wallpaper to an Apple default and restart.

Patience is key here — I’ve had to tinker a bit to get everything just right, but it’s always worth it.

Ready to change Mac lock screen?

So, there you have it on how to change the login screen on Mac — everything I’ve picked up over the years about changing the lock screen and login screen on a Mac. Whether you’re wondering how to change your lock screen picture on a Mac, tweak the login screen, or sync them up, these steps should answer your needs. It’s all about taking control of your Mac’s look, and I love how simple yet impactful these tweaks can be.

And if you want to avoid all the hassle, I strongly recommend apps like 24 Hour Wallpaper, Magic Window Air, and Luminar Neo for nontechnical Mac users. Want more apps like these? Setapp is a power-packed repository of apps specially designed for Mac that helps you make the most of the machines. All the apps are available on a 7-day free trial. Now, you don’t have to pay for individual Mac apps.

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