Live wallpapers can transform your device’s screen into a dynamic, interactive experience. Whether it’s a gently swaying landscape or an abstract design that responds to your touch, live wallpapers offer a unique way to personalize your smartphone or tablet. However, when these animated backgrounds stop working, it can be frustrating. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common reasons why your live wallpaper might not be working and provide step-by-step solutions to get it up and running again.
1. Check Device Compatibility
Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s crucial to ensure your device actually supports live wallpapers. Not all smartphones and tablets have this capability.
iOS Devices:
- iPhones with 3D Touch or Haptic Touch support live wallpapers. This includes iPhone 6S and later models.
- iPads and iPods do not support live wallpapers, although they can use dynamic wallpapers.
Android Devices:
- Most modern Android devices support live wallpapers.
- Some budget or older models may not have this feature.
To verify compatibility, check your device’s specifications in the settings menu or on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Adjust Power Settings
Power-saving modes can often disable live wallpapers to conserve battery life. Here’s how to check and adjust these settings:
iOS: Disable Low Power Mode
- Go to Settings > Battery
- Toggle off Low Power Mode
If you’re experiencing rapid battery drain, which could be causing your device to enter Low Power Mode frequently, check out this guide on fixing fast battery drain on iPhone.
Android: Turn Off Battery Saver
- Go to Settings > Battery
- Disable Battery Saver or Power Saving Mode
After turning off power-saving features, reapply your live wallpaper and check if it’s working.
3. Configure System Settings
Certain system settings can interfere with live wallpaper functionality. Here’s what to check:
iOS: Adjust Motion and Touch Settings
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion
- Ensure Reduce Motion is turned off
- Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > 3D & Haptic Touch
- Make sure 3D Touch or Haptic Touch is enabled
- Adjust the touch duration if needed
Android: Check Display Settings
- Go to Settings > Display
- Look for any options related to motion or animations and ensure they’re enabled
4. Reapply the Live Wallpaper
Sometimes, simply reapplying the live wallpaper can resolve the issue. Here’s how:
iOS:

- Go to Settings > Wallpaper
- Tap Choose a New Wallpaper
- Select Live or your Live Photos album
- Choose a live wallpaper and set it
If you’re interested in creating videos from your Live Photos, check out this guide on how to turn Live Photos into videos.
Android:
- Long-press on an empty area of your home screen
- Tap Wallpapers
- Select Live Wallpapers
- Choose and apply a live wallpaper
Ensure you’re selecting an actual live wallpaper or Live Photo, not a static image.
5. Restart Your Device
A simple restart can often fix many issues, including problems with live wallpapers.
iOS:
- Soft restart: Press and hold the power button, then slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Force restart (iPhone 8 or later): Quickly press and release volume up, then volume down, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
If your iPhone is stuck on the restore screen, follow these steps to fix an iPhone stuck on the restore screen.
Android:
- Press and hold the power button, then tap Restart.
- If unresponsive, press and hold the power button for 10-20 seconds until the device restarts.
6. Update Your Device’s Software
Outdated software can cause various issues, including problems with live wallpapers. Keeping your device updated ensures compatibility with the latest features.
iOS:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- If an update is available, download and install it
Android:
- Go to Settings > System > System update
- Check for updates and install if available
7. Troubleshoot Third-Party Live Wallpaper Apps
If you’re using a third-party app for live wallpapers, try these steps:
- Update the app from the App Store or Google Play Store
- Clear the app’s cache and data (Android only)
- Uninstall and reinstall the app
If the issue persists, try using a built-in live wallpaper to determine if the problem is with the app or your device.
8. Advanced Troubleshooting
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to try more drastic measures:
Reset All Settings
This will reset all your device settings but won’t erase your data.
- iOS: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings
- Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset all settings
Factory Reset
This should be your last resort as it will erase all data on your device.
- iOS: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
- Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset)
Always back up your data before performing a factory reset.
FAQs About Live Wallpaper Issues
- Can live wallpapers drain my battery? Yes, live wallpapers can consume more battery than static wallpapers. However, modern devices are optimized to minimize this impact.
- Why does my live wallpaper work on the lock screen but not the home screen? Some devices only support live wallpapers on the lock screen to conserve battery. Check your device settings for any restrictions.
- Can I create my own live wallpaper? Yes, there are apps available on both iOS and Android that allow you to create custom live wallpapers.
- Why does my live wallpaper stop moving after a while? This could be due to power-saving features kicking in. Try adjusting your battery settings or using a different live wallpaper.
- Are live wallpapers safe to use? When downloaded from official app stores, live wallpapers are generally safe. However, be cautious with third-party sources.
Additional Tips
- If you’re having issues with other apps, such as the weather app not working on your iPhone, check out this guide on fixing the weather app on iPhone.
- If you’re experiencing issues with your iPhone’s safe mode, learn how to disable or enable iPhone safe mode.
Conclusion
Live wallpapers can greatly enhance your device’s visual appeal, but they can sometimes be tricky to get working properly. By following this troubleshooting guide, you should be able to resolve most issues with live wallpapers not working. Remember to always keep your device and apps updated, and be mindful of power-saving settings that might interfere with live wallpaper functionality. If you continue to experience problems, consider reaching out to your device manufacturer’s support team for further assistance.