Phone Backgrounds: The Art of Expression

Who remembers spending hours on the computer curating the perfect playlist, burning it onto a CD, and then decorating the CD with a sharpie?

How about customizing your MySpace page with the perfect background, font, colors, and music?

Let’s not forget shuffling around our top 8 friends as a passive aggressive way to show a friend we were upset.

Those may seem like silly examples, but they were how many of us expressed our creativity and feelings back in our day. Today, smartphones have transcended their primary function of communication and morphed into an extension of our personal identities.

Among the many ways to customize our devices, phone backgrounds hold a unique place. They serve not just as a backdrop for icons and widgets, but as a canvas for personal expression. Let’s take a look at a sampling, free for your downloading pleasure.

Cute Phone Backgrounds

Is your kid looking for something cute? We’ve got that covered. All of the images below are free to download.

Cool Phone Backgrounds

If your kid more into “cool” than “cute” we’ve got that handled too. Here’s another selection of free downloadable wallpapers.

How to Change Phone Background

The exact steps to change your phone wallpaper will depend on your device but, fortunately, phone wallpapers are much easier to change than literal wallpaper. Below we detail the steps for Gabb phones, iPhones, and Android phones.

How to change a Gabb Phone Background

If your child has a Gabb device and is looking to express themselves through a new phone background then, good news, it is really easy.

Changing the background on a Gabb phone takes just a few simple steps:

1. Tap and hold an empty area of the home screen for two seconds
2. Select Wallpapers
3. Scroll through image options and choose from preset images or pick a photo from your gallery
4. Tap Set Wallpaper in the top right of the screen
5. Choose between setting it for Home Screen, Lock Screen, or both

If your child doesn’t want to use any of their own photos as a wallpaper then we’ve got them covered. New backgrounds designed by Gabb are frequently released through Channels in Gabb Messenger. 

Channels is a new optional feature in Gabb Messenger. Channels include content strictly curated by Gabb and does not allow for any interaction with peers. It was designed to promote a safe and responsible view-only community experience for kids

Users can opt-in to different channels and mute or leave channels at any time. Gabb will never ask personal questions or gather sensitive information from your child in Channels.

To get access to new backgrounds, your child can simply open the Gabb Messenger App, and opt-in for the Phone Background Channel.

How to change an iPhone Background

To change your iPhone wallpaper, simply follow these steps:

1. In the Settings app, tap Wallpaper.
2. Tap Add New Wallpaper.
3. Tap Photos, People, Photo Shuffle, or Live Photo to choose your own photo.
4. If you want, you can customize your wallpaper further.
5. Tap Set as Wallpaper Pair and your selection will be seen on both the Home Screen and Lock Screen.

How to change an Android Phone Background

To change your Android phone wallpaper, follow these steps:

1. On the Home screen, touch and hold an empty space.
2. Tap Wallpapers.
3. Select a category to find wallpaper options.
4. Select an image.
5. Tap Set Wallpaper.
6. Choose where you want to see this wallpaper.

The Psychology of Choice

At first glance, a phone background might seem inconsequential. However, it can reveal layers about an individual’s personality, interests, and even current mood. From a cherished snapshot of a loved one, to a favorite location, the choice of background can act as a non-verbal cue to one’s priorities, passions, and perhaps even dreams. 

Psychologists have long been fascinated by the choices we make and what they say about us. The selection of a phone background is no different. Opting for a serene landscape might indicate a longing for peace or an affinity for nature, while vibrant abstract patterns could reflect an energetic personality.

The impact of visual stimuli on our mood is well-documented. A phone background can impact our mood. Changing a background to a beautiful beach, or tranquil forest, can provide a momentary escape from the stresses of daily life. Similarly, motivational quotes or images can serve as reminders of personal goals, providing a boost whenever the phone is unlocked.

Although often overlooked, phone backgrounds offer a unique blend of personal expression, creativity, and psychological comfort. Next time you choose a background for your phone, remember it’s more than just a picture. It’s a reflection of who you are, told in pixels and colors.

Do you or your child have any requests for Gabb-designed wallpapers? Any questions about changing wallpapers that aren’t covered above? Let us know in the comments.