Change your Chrome browser background in three steps

Open Chrome and look at the top right corner of the screen. Click the three vertical dots (called the menu button), then select Settings. On the left side, click Appearance. Under "Theme," you will see options to choose a light theme, dark theme, or device default. Select whichever you prefer, and Chrome updates immediately.

If you want to change the background image that appears on your Chrome home page (the page you see when you open a new tab), look for the Customize Chrome button in the bottom right corner of that new tab page. Click it, then select Background. You can upload your own image, choose from Chrome's collection, or select a solid color. Your choice saves automatically.

On a Mac, the steps are identical. On a phone or tablet running Chrome, tap the three dots in the bottom right, go to Settings, then Theme, and pick your option. Phone versions of Chrome have fewer background image choices than the desktop version.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome's theme (light, dark, or device default) is found in Settings > Appearance and changes the color of your browser interface.
  • The background image on your new tab page is customized separately using the Customize Chrome button in the bottom right of any new tab.
  • You can upload your own image, pick from Google's built-in collections, or choose a solid color for your new tab background.
  • Changes save automatically and appear the next time you open a new tab or restart your browser.

Change the background on Google Search results pages

Google Search itself does not have a built-in background customization feature. What you see behind search results depends on your browser theme and your device's display settings, not on Google's controls. If you want a different look when you search, change your Chrome theme using the steps above.

Some third-party browser extensions claim to change Google's search page appearance. These are not made by Google and may slow your browser or collect your data. The safest approach is to stick with Chrome's native theme and background options.

Upload a personal photo as your Chrome background

Click the Customize Chrome button on any new tab page, then select Background. Look for the Upload from device option (the exact wording varies by browser version). Click it, navigate to the image file on your computer, and select it. Chrome accepts JPG, PNG, and GIF files.

The image will appear behind your shortcuts and search bar on every new tab. If the image is too small, Chrome will stretch it. If it is very large, Chrome will shrink it. You can replace it anytime by uploading a different image or choosing one from Google's collection instead.

Use Chrome's built-in background collections

When you click Customize Chrome and then Background, you will see several preset collections: Art, Landscapes, Cityscapes, Textures, and others. The exact collections available change over time. Click any collection to see thumbnails, then click the image you want. It appears on your new tab page right away.

Google updates these collections regularly, so you may see new options if you check back in a few weeks. You can change your background as often as you like — there is no limit to how many times you switch.

Sync your background across devices

If you sign into Chrome with your Google account on multiple devices, your theme choice (light, dark, or device default) syncs across them automatically. Your custom background image and new tab shortcuts do not always sync the same way — this depends on your Chrome sync settings and your device type.

To check what is syncing, go to Settings > Sync and Google services and look at what is turned on. If you want your background to appear on every device, you may need to set it manually on each one. Phone and tablet versions of Chrome have separate background options from the desktop version.

Troubleshoot a background that will not change

If your new tab background does not update after you select a new one, try closing all Chrome windows and opening Chrome again. Sometimes a background change does not take effect until you restart the browser completely.

If you are using a work or school account through Chrome, your organization may have locked certain settings, including background customization. Contact your IT department or administrator if you cannot access the Customize Chrome button. If you are using a personal account and the button still does not appear, try clearing your browser cache: go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data, make sure "Cached images and files" is checked, and click Clear data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a video or animated image as my Chrome background?

Chrome's new tab background only supports still images (JPG, PNG, GIF). You cannot upload a video or animated file. If you upload a GIF, Chrome will display it as a still image, not as an animation.

Will my background change if I clear my browser history?

No. Clearing your browsing history, cookies, and cache does not remove your background choice. Your background setting is stored separately and will remain even after you clear data.

Why does my background look different on my phone than on my computer?

Chrome on phones and tablets has a different interface than desktop Chrome. Background images may display at different sizes or positions, and the available collections may differ. You can set a background on your phone separately from your computer.

Can I set a different background for each new tab?

No. Chrome applies the same background to every new tab you open. You cannot assign different backgrounds to different tabs.