Update to Pixel Live Wallpapers App Brings Back Compatibility for Older Pixel Models

Last week Google disseminated an update for the Pixel Live Wallpapers app. In case you don't remember, live wallpaper is animated and interactive wallpaper that moves in the background rather than remaining static. If you're as old as this writer is, you might remember live wallpaper being available on Android 2.0 and on phones like the Motorola DROID. The one negative about using live wallpaper is that it does require some extra juice from the battery since the display is in motion.

Older Pixel models lost compatibility with the Pixel Live Wallpapers app after the release of version 2.1

With the release of Pixel Live Wallpapers app version 2.1.502780767 (the previous release was version 2.1.500064213), the Pixel models that had lost compatibility regained it. The app can now be installed on those models that couldn't install it following the first update.

How to change live and static wallpaper on your Pixel phone

You can find live wallpaper on your Pixel phone by going to Settings > Wallpaper & style > Change wallpaper. There you can choose one from the Live Bloom series (Pixel 6 or Pixel 7 lines only) or from those in the Living Universe collection. Tap on the live wallpaper you want to use and you'll see a preview showing you how it will look on your Home screen and Lock screen. Tap the check mark at the bottom right of the display and you'll be asked if you want to set the Live Wallpaper on your Home screen, Lock screen, or both. That's all you need to do.

The same process is used if you plan on changing to a new static wallpaper design. For some people, changing the wallpaper on their phone makes it feel like a brand new device. If you feel like the relationship you have with your phone is getting a little, shall we say, stale, changing the wallpaper might help. A quicker way to access the Wallpaper page is to long-press on an empty spot on your home screen. On the pop-up, tap on Wallpaper & style.