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What Are Cell Phone Wallpapers?

Lauren Romano
Lauren Romano

Cell phone wallpapers, also called backgrounds, are pictures or design options that can be set as the background of the main screen on a cell phone. They can depict almost anything and can be either stationary or animated depending on the particular choice. The phone has wallpaper options to choose from, but more are available from other sources. Customizing one is also an option. If not arranged properly, the shortcut icons may get in the way of fully seeing the background.

Cell phone wallpapers can consist of almost any type of stationary or animated image or design. They can depict people, locations, architecture, patterns and even quotes. Be aware that the animated designs may cause cell phones to run slower. Since they are always running in the background, they often take up more memory.

Woman posing
Woman posing

Cell phones already come with a few options to use for wallpapers, but they are usually of random designs or consist of the phone manufacturer's logo. Some users choose to purchase cell phone wallpapers from websites or from the cell phone manufacturer. The images or designs need to be downloaded to the phone, which can often be done directly from the phone rather than having to download them via text message or email. While some are available for free, most are only available through purchase.

For those who want a special background, it's possible to create customized images or designs to display as cell phone wallpapers. One option for a tailor-made background is using a personal photograph, which can be sent to the phone via text message or email. Most phones also have cameras built in, so the user can take a picture with the phone and use that image as the background once the image is saved.

Considering the images typically take up the entire phone screen, shortcut icons to programs on the phone can interfere with being able to fully see the background. To combat this problem, eliminate all the icons or move them so they are located around the main part of the image and not directly on it. Some phones also have an option to shift the screen to a secondary screen, which displays none of the icons that are found on the main screen. This is a good option for those who want easy access to the icons without having the background blocked by them.

While it may not seem relevant to spend time choosing specific cell phone wallpapers, those who use their phones often may not want to look at a background they're not fond of. It's also a way to constantly display a special personal photograph without having to dig through the phone to find it. Those who get the backgrounds from outside sources, such as unfamiliar websites, may want to be cautious when downloading to avoid infecting the phone with a virus.

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