How to set custom image as your Xbox One or Series X background

Use these steps to set your own custom image as background on your Xbox Series X or Xbox One.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak
@Pureinfotech
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Xbox Series X, S, One with custom background
Xbox Series X, S, One with custom background

Xbox One and Xbox Series X have offered for a long time the ability to set your own background image using colors or achievement art. However, it’s also possible for you to set your own custom image, which could be anything from a background you found online or a picture from your last trip.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to set any image as a background on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X (and Series S) dashboard.

Set custom background on Xbox One or Xbox Series X

To set a custom background image on Xbox One or Xbox Series X, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Select the General tab.

  3. Click on Personalization.

    Xbox Personalization option
    Xbox Personalization option

  4. Click on My color & background.

    My color & background
    My color & background

  5. Click on Custom image.

    Xbox custom image background
    Xbox custom image background

  6. Connect a USB flash drive with an image (or locate the network folder).

  7. Select the flash drive from the left navigation pane.

  8. Select the custom background image and press the A button.

    Set custom background on Xbox Series X or One
    Set custom background on Xbox Series X or One
  9. (Optional) Use the Transparency slider to change the tile settings to make them more transparent so you can see more of the custom background.
  10. (Optional) Click the My color option to select a color scheme that matches the new background.

Once you complete the steps, the home dashboard should not reflect the new custom background you selected.

January 4, 2022 update: This guide was initially published in October 2014, and it’s been updated in January 2022 to make sure the steps are still accurate.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.