Samsung’s stock wallpapers have always been a standout part of the Galaxy experience — the original bundled wallpapers on the S7, S9, Note series, and Galaxy J and A lines are some of the most distinctive phone wallpapers ever made. Whether you upgraded to a new phone and miss your old wallpaper, you are restoring a device, or you just want to replicate that original Samsung look on any Android phone, this guide covers where to find and download the original stock wallpapers for every major Samsung Galaxy model.
For more Samsung and Android guides, see our full tech section including how to buy Samsung stock in the US — SSNLF, OTCMKTS, and investment guide — covering Samsung as a company and investment.
What Are Samsung Stock Wallpapers?
Stock wallpapers are the wallpapers that come pre-installed on a phone from the factory — not downloaded third-party wallpapers, but the images Samsung specifically designed or licensed to ship with each Galaxy model. Every major Samsung Galaxy device has its own set of unique stock wallpapers that are part of the phone’s visual identity. The stock wallpaper on the Samsung Galaxy S7, for example, is a specific flowing abstract image in blue and purple tones — it became iconic because millions of S7 owners saw it every day.
Why do people search for stock wallpapers? Several reasons: when a phone is factory reset or software updated, stock wallpapers sometimes reset to defaults or get replaced. Users who upgrade phones miss their old model’s specific wallpaper. Developers and reviewers want to recreate the authentic out-of-box experience. And many users simply prefer the clean, high-resolution aesthetic of Samsung’s official wallpapers over generic alternatives.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Stock Wallpaper
The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge launched in February 2016 and shipped with a distinctive set of stock wallpapers — primarily abstract flowing images with deep blue, purple, and teal tones that matched the S7’s premium glass design. The S7 Edge had slightly different dimensions (2560 x 1440, 518 PPI) requiring the same wallpapers adapted for the curved edge display.
| S7 Wallpaper Details | Specification |
| Screen resolution | 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) |
| Wallpaper resolution | 2560 x 2560 (square crop for home/lock)) |
| Number of stock wallpapers | Approximately 9-12 wallpapers pre-installed |
| Visual style | Abstract flowing gradients; nature macro photography |
| Most iconic wallpaper | Blue and purple abstract waves (default) |
| S7 Edge differences | Same wallpapers; edge lighting effects separate |
Where to Download S7 Stock Wallpapers
- Samsung Members app: If you still have an S7 or registered your S7 on Samsung Members, some wallpapers are accessible through the app’s exclusive content section.
- SamMobile.com: SamMobile maintains an extensive archive of Samsung firmware packages — the stock wallpapers are extractable from the firmware ZIP files for each region and model variant.
- XDA Developers forum: The XDA S7 subforum contains user-compiled wallpaper packs from the S7 and S7 Edge firmware. Search ‘Galaxy S7 stock wallpapers’ in the XDA search.
- Zedge: Several user uploads of verified S7 stock wallpapers at original resolution are available on Zedge.net — free download with the Zedge app.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Stock Wallpapers
The S7 Edge shared most of its stock wallpapers with the standard S7 but had a slightly different aspect ratio for the curved edge display. The S7 Edge-specific wallpapers include edge panel background images that complement the physical edge screen. All standard S7 wallpapers work on the S7 Edge at full resolution.
The most searched S7 Edge wallpaper is the default blue abstract waves wallpaper that shipped as the lock screen image — a flowing dark blue abstract with subtle light refractions. This is the same as the standard S7 default but has become strongly associated with the Edge model due to how it interacts with the curved screen’s visual.
Samsung Galaxy S9 Stock Wallpapers
The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ (2018) shipped with a refined set of stock wallpapers that moved away from the S7’s abstract gradients toward more photorealistic cosmic and natural imagery — deep space photography, macro water droplets, and dramatic landscape images. The S9’s 2960 x 1440 Infinity Display required higher resolution wallpapers than earlier models.
| S9 Wallpaper Details | Specification |
| Screen resolution | 2960 x 1440 (WQHD+) |
| Display ratio | 18.5:9 (taller than S7) |
| Visual style | Space/cosmic photography; water macro; gradients |
| S9+ differences | Same wallpapers; slightly larger screen |
| Live wallpapers | Multiple motion wallpapers included |
S9 Stock Wallpaper Highlights
- Deep space purple/blue: A cosmic nebula-style image in deep purple and blue — one of the most shared S9 wallpapers
- Water droplet macro: A close-up water surface image in blue — clean and minimalist
- Abstract geometric: Samsung introduced more geometric abstract designs with the S9 generation
- Live wallpaper (Fireflies): A Samsung-exclusive animated wallpaper showing fireflies in a dark landscape — available as a live wallpaper in the S9’s settings
Where to Download S9 Stock Wallpapers
- SamMobile firmware archives: Extract from the S9 firmware package for your region (SM-G960F for UK; SM-G960U for US)
- Samsung’s Theme Store: Samsung’s official Theme Store (accessible on any Samsung device) has official wallpaper packs from the S9 era
- XDA S9 forum: User-compiled wallpaper packs at original resolution are pinned in the XDA Galaxy S9 subforum
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Stock Wallpaper
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (2018) shipped with a distinct set of stock wallpapers that complemented the Note’s larger 6.4-inch Infinity Display and the Note series’ premium professional identity. The Note 9 wallpapers leaned toward dramatic, bold imagery — deep blacks (well-suited to AMOLED to save battery), architectural photography, and abstract art.
- Note 9 default lock screen: A bold dark abstract with gold and black tones — reflecting the Note 9’s Metallic Copper and Ocean Blue launch colors
- Abstract ink: A dark background with splashing ink or paint — popular and widely shared
- Geometric dark: Deep geometric patterns optimized for AMOLED black
- Nature photography: High-resolution nature images including forest and mountain photography
The Note 9 wallpapers are available via SamMobile firmware extraction (model SM-N960F/SM-N960U) and on XDA’s Galaxy Note 9 subforum. The Note 9 also shipped with Samsung’s DeX desktop wallpapers — a separate set designed for when the Note 9 was used with the DeX Station desktop dock.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Stock Wallpaper
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is a historically significant phone for unfortunate reasons — its recall due to battery issues in 2016 means original Note 7 devices are rare and official firmware is largely discontinued. However, the Note 7 stock wallpapers remain popular because the Note 7 had exceptionally well-designed wallpapers before its recall.
The Note 7 shipped with flowing abstract wallpapers in deep blue, teal, and purple — similar in aesthetic to the S7 but with Note series’ characteristic elegance. Finding Note 7 stock wallpapers requires community sources since Samsung’s official channels no longer actively maintain Note 7 firmware. The XDA Note 7 subforum and SamMobile’s archived firmware sections are the best sources.
Samsung Galaxy J7 Stock Wallpapers
The Samsung Galaxy J7 series (J7 2015, J7 2016, J7 2017, J7 Pro, J7 Prime) each shipped with their own set of stock wallpapers. The J7 wallpapers are more modest than the flagship S and Note series — simpler abstract designs, solid color gradients, and nature photography appropriate to the mid-range positioning of the J series.
- J7 2016 default: A flowing abstract in blue and white — the most searched J7 wallpaper
- J7 Pro: Slightly elevated quality wallpapers; Samsung nature photography pack
- J7 Prime: Geometric abstract wallpapers; Samsung’s premium J-series styling
J7 wallpapers are available via SamMobile for each J7 variant (SM-J710F, SM-J730F, SM-J727, etc.) and on Zedge with user uploads. The J7’s 1080p or 720p screen means wallpaper resolution is lower than flagship models — 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 depending on the specific J7 model.
Samsung Galaxy A9 Stock Wallpaper
The Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) was Samsung’s first quad-camera phone and came with a set of stock wallpapers that reflected its photography-focused identity. The A9 shipped with high-quality nature and abstract photography wallpapers, several of which were specifically chosen to demonstrate the A9’s camera capabilities with detailed textures and vibrant colors.
- A9 2018 default: A vivid abstract in blue and purple gradient — one of the more photogenic Samsung defaults
- Bokeh photography: The A9’s marketing emphasized bokeh (background blur) — several stock wallpapers used bokeh-style natural images
- Color gradient abstract: Sweeping gradient designs across the A9’s 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display
How to Set Stock Wallpapers on Samsung Galaxy
Once you have downloaded a Samsung stock wallpaper, setting it is straightforward:
- Long-press the home screen on your Samsung device
- Select ‘Wallpapers’ from the options that appear
- Tap ‘My wallpapers’ or ‘Gallery’ to find your downloaded wallpaper
- Select the wallpaper and choose whether to apply to Home screen, Lock screen, or both
- Adjust the crop if needed — Samsung’s wallpaper setter lets you pinch and drag to position
Alternatively: go to Settings → Display → Wallpaper and AOD → Wallpapers, then select ‘My Files’ or ‘Gallery’ to find your downloaded image.
How to Get Stock Wallpapers Back After a Samsung Update
Samsung software updates (One UI major versions) sometimes replace or remove older stock wallpapers. If you lost your original wallpaper after an update:
- Check Settings → Display → Wallpaper and AOD — Samsung sometimes keeps old wallpaper packs in the ‘Samsung’ wallpaper section
- Open the Galaxy Themes app (pre-installed) — Samsung occasionally posts older wallpaper collections as free downloads
- SamMobile firmware: Download the firmware package for your specific model and region pre-update — the wallpapers are stored in the /system/media/wallpaper/ directory of the firmware
- Samsung Members: The Members app (pre-installed on most Samsung phones) has exclusive wallpaper downloads tied to your device model
For the latest Samsung Galaxy news and comparisons, see our tech guides including the Samsung SSNLF stock guide — how to invest in Samsung from the US.
For the largest community archive of Samsung stock wallpapers, see XDA Developers Samsung wallpaper archives. For Samsung’s official theme and wallpaper store, see the Galaxy Themes store.
Samsung Wallpaper Resolution Guide — Which Resolution for Your Model
Samsung Galaxy phones have different screen resolutions depending on the model year and series. Using the correct resolution wallpaper ensures the sharpest possible image:
• Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge: 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) — wallpapers at 2560 x 2560 square for rotation
• Galaxy S9 / S9+: 2960 x 1440 (QHD+) — taller aspect ratio than S7
• Galaxy Note 7: 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) — same resolution as S7
• Galaxy Note 9: 2960 x 1440 (QHD+) — same as S9
• Galaxy J7 (2016): 1920 x 1080 (FHD) — mid-range 1080p
• Galaxy J7 (2017/Pro/Prime): 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
• Galaxy A9 (2018): 2220 x 1080 (FHD+) — taller ratio with Infinity Display
When downloading wallpapers from community sources, always check that the resolution matches or exceeds your device’s screen resolution. A wallpaper with lower resolution than your screen will appear blurry or pixelated. Samsung’s original stock wallpapers are always provided at the native screen resolution or higher for quality scaling.
Samsung One UI Wallpapers vs Stock Android Wallpapers
The distinction between Samsung stock wallpapers and stock Android wallpapers is important. Samsung’s One UI ships with Samsung-exclusive wallpapers — not the standard Android wallpapers from Google. When users search for Samsung stock wallpapers, they mean the Samsung-designed images, not the generic Android default wallpapers.
• One UI wallpapers: Samsung-exclusive, often abstract or high-quality photography, change with each One UI version. Available through Samsung’s Galaxy Themes app or firmware extraction.
• Stock Android wallpapers (AOSP): The generic Google wallpapers that come on Pixel phones and Android One devices. Very different aesthetic from Samsung’s wallpapers. Available as free downloads from Google’s Wallpapers app or the Pixel firmware.
• Pixel wallpapers on Samsung: You can use Pixel / stock Android wallpapers on any Samsung by downloading them and setting them through the standard wallpaper settings. They simply will not have Samsung’s visual style.
For users who want Samsung’s wallpaper aesthetic but with more variety, Samsung’s Galaxy Themes store (accessible through the Themes app on any Galaxy device) offers hundreds of free and premium wallpaper packs in the same style as Samsung’s stock wallpapers — often from the same design team.
For the Samsung stock investing guide including OTCMKTS: SSNLF and how to buy Samsung shares in the US, see our full guide to how to buy Samsung stock — SSNLF, OTCMKTS, and investment guide.
For more tech guides on TheChronex including investing and device troubleshooting, see our guide to how to take screenshots on a Chromebook — snipping tool and keyboard shortcuts.
Bottom Line
| Best source for Samsung wallpapers | SamMobile firmware extraction or XDA Developers |
| Samsung Galaxy Themes app | Official Samsung wallpapers — check for your model |
| S7 stock wallpaper style | Abstract blue/purple gradients; flowing waves |
| S9 stock wallpaper style | Cosmic photography; water macro; geometric |
| Note 9 stock wallpaper | Dark AMOLED-optimized; gold/black abstract |
| Note 7 wallpapers | Available via XDA archived firmware |
| J7 wallpaper resolution | 720p or 1080p depending on model year |
| How to set wallpaper | Long-press home → Wallpapers → My wallpapers/Gallery |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I download Samsung Galaxy S7 stock wallpapers?
Samsung Galaxy S7 stock wallpapers are available from SamMobile (firmware extraction), XDA Developers’ Galaxy S7 subforum (user-compiled wallpaper packs), and Zedge (user uploads of verified originals). The wallpapers are stored in the firmware’s /system/media/wallpaper/ directory — SamMobile lets you download the full firmware package for your S7 model to extract them.
What is the Samsung Galaxy S9 default wallpaper?
The Samsung Galaxy S9’s default wallpaper is a deep space cosmic image in purple and blue tones — a nebula-style abstract that became associated with the S9’s launch. A second frequently cited S9 default is the blue water macro image. Both are available via Samsung’s Galaxy Themes app on any current Samsung device or via SamMobile firmware archives.
How do I get the original Samsung wallpaper back?
Check Settings → Display → Wallpaper and AOD on your Samsung device — older wallpaper packs are sometimes still in the Samsung section. If not available, open the Galaxy Themes app (pre-installed) and search for wallpaper packs matching your model. For older models, SamMobile’s firmware archives for your specific model and region are the most reliable source.
Where are Samsung wallpapers stored on the phone?
Samsung pre-installed stock wallpapers are stored in the system partition at /system/media/wallpaper/ on the device. These are not directly accessible to users without root access, but they remain on the device and can be re-selected through Settings → Wallpaper. User-downloaded wallpapers are stored in /DCIM/ or /Pictures/ depending on where you saved the file.
Are Samsung stock wallpapers free to download?
Samsung’s stock wallpapers are proprietary Samsung assets. They are not officially distributed as standalone free downloads by Samsung — they are licensed as part of specific device firmware. Community sources (XDA, SamMobile) make them available for users to restore to their original devices. Using them on non-Samsung devices or distributing them commercially would technically exceed the license, though personal use for restoring your own device is the standard community practice.