Learn how to set a GIF as your animated wallpaper on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone to customize your device background.

Before you start: Ensure you have a stable internet connection to download apps and GIF files. You will also need specific software for each platform: Lively Wallpaper for Windows, GIFPaper for Mac, a live wallpaper app for Android, and the intoLive app for iPhone.
Warning: Using a GIF as wallpaper may cause device sluggishness and faster battery drain on all platforms. Proceed with caution if device performance is a concern.

A guide to making a GIF your animated wallpaper

Follow these steps to set an animated GIF as your desktop or mobile wallpaper depending on your device.

Setting a GIF as Your Wallpaper

Here are the step-by-step instructions to apply animated backgrounds on your specific device.

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  • Check your operating system:
    • If Windows: Follow Method 1 below.
    • If Mac: Follow Method 2 below.
    • If Android: Follow Method 3 below.
    • If iPhone/iPad: Follow Method 4 below.

Method 1: Using Lively Wallpaper on Windows

  • Download Lively Wallpaper from the Microsoft Store.
  • Open the app by clicking Open in the Store or clicking the icon in the Start menu.
  • Click the +Add Wallpaper button near the top of the window.
  • Select the GIF file from your computer and click OK.
  • Choose display options, such as which monitor to use if you have multiple screens.
  • Click Active wallpapers to manage your wallpapers. You can click the x icon to remove a background.

Method 2: Using GIFPaper on Mac

  • Go to the GIFPaper GitHub page.
  • Click Code at the top of the page and select Download ZIP.
  • Unzip the file after it finishes downloading.
  • Open the extracted GIFPaper folder.
  • Double-click the GIFPaperPrefs.prefPane file.
  • Select Install for this user only or Install for all users and click Install.
  • Click the Browse button on the left side of the window.
  • Select the GIF you want to use and click Open.
  • If the wallpaper does not apply automatically, click the GIFPaperAgent file in the folder. Note: You may need to run this after every restart.
  • Use the drop-down menus to adjust Alignment and Scaling settings.

Method 3: Downloading a Live Wallpaper App on Android

  • Launch the Google Play Store.
  • Search for live wallpapers. Look for apps with 4.0+ ratings and recent positive reviews.
  • Tap on a live wallpaper app of your choice (e.g., Live Wallpapers, Zedge, TikTok Live Wallpaper) and tap Install.
  • Open the installed wallpaper app.
  • Find a live wallpaper you like and tap the option to download it. You may need to watch an ad.
  • Tap Apply or Set wallpaper.
  • Choose to set it for your Home screen, Lock screen, or both.

Method 4: Making a GIF a Live Photo & Wallpaper on iPhone

  • Save the GIF file to your phone (e.g., from the Photos app or a web browser).
  • Download and install the intoLive app from the App Store.
  • Open intoLive and grant it access to your photo library.
  • Tap Live Wallpaper at the top.
  • Tap the GIF from your camera roll.
  • Adjust the timeline to select the part of the GIF you want to use.
  • Tap Done in the upper-right corner.
  • Tap the Share button (box with an arrow).
  • Open the Photos app and locate the converted Live Photo.
  • Tap the Share button again.
  • Tap Use as Wallpaper.
  • Pinch-zoom or drag to adjust the image position.
  • Tap Add.
  • Tap Set as Wallpaper Pair. Alternatively, tap Customize Home Screen to change blur effects or use a different image.
Pro tip: To minimize battery drain, consider using shorter GIFs or reducing the frame rate of the animation if your chosen app allows it. Always check app permissions before installing third-party software.

Customizing your device with animated GIFs allows for a more personalized and dynamic user experience. Static wallpapers can feel repetitive, while animated backgrounds can reflect your current mood or interests. However, it is important to balance aesthetics with functionality.

Using live wallpapers negatively affects device performance and battery life on all platforms. If you notice your device becoming sluggish or the battery draining too fast, you should switch back to a static image. Always monitor your device’s health after making system changes.