So why do LG TVs even have screensavers? On OLED models, they're a burn-in prevention tool. The TV detects static images and automatically triggers a screensaver after roughly two minutes of inactivity to protect the panel's organic pixels from permanent damage. According to LG's official OLED reliability page, this automatic activation works alongside other protective features like Screen Shift and Pixel Refresher.
The quickest way to how to change screensaver on LG TV: press the Home button on your Magic Remote, select Art Gallery from the app bar, and pick a theme you like. If you own a 2022 or newer model, head to Settings > All Settings > General > Always Ready to choose from Clock, Art, Movement, personal photos, or a music visualizer. Your available options depend on your TV's webOS version and model series.
Time: 2–5 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
LCD and LED LG TVs use screensavers differently - they're more about aesthetics and ambient display than panel protection. Regardless of your model, though, you've got options to customize what appears on screen during idle time.
This guide covers three main screensaver-related features you'll encounter on LG TVs: standard Gallery Mode (the Art Gallery app), Always Ready Mode (an ambient display for 2022+ models), and Gallery+ (LG's newest visual curation service, launched August 2025). We'll walk through all six methods for every LG TV model from 2017 through 2026, with troubleshooting for when things don't work as expected.
What You Need Before Starting: Identify Your webOS Version and Remote Type
Before you follow any of the methods below, you need to know two things: which webOS version your TV runs, and which remote you're using. The menu paths differ depending on both, and following instructions for the wrong version is the most common reason these steps fail.
How to Check Your webOS Version
Grab your remote and press the Mute button three times quickly. A Quick Launch info overlay should appear showing your webOS platform version.
If that doesn't work, go to Settings > All Settings > General > TV Information (or About This TV on some models). Your webOS version appears here.
If you're not sure which model you own, you can how to find lg tv model number on the label attached to the back panel or in the TV Information menu.
LG switched from sequential version numbering (webOS 3.0 through 6.0) to year-based numbering (webOS 22, 23, 24, 25) starting in 2022. Here's how webOS versions map to model years:
webOS Version | Model Year | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
webOS 3.0–3.5 | 2016–2017 | B7, C7, E7, G7 |
webOS 4.0–4.5 | 2018–2019 | B8, C8, C9, B9 |
webOS 5.0 | 2020 | BX, CX, GX |
webOS 6.0 | 2021 | B1, C1, G1 |
webOS 22 | 2022 | B2, C2, G2 |
webOS 23 | 2023 | B3, C3, G3 |
webOS 24 | 2024 | B4, C4, G4 |
webOS 25 | 2025 (+ updated older models) | B5, C5, G5 |
One important note: LG's webOS Re:New program has started rolling out webOS 25 to all 2024 and 2023 LG models, as well as OLED and 8K QNED LCD models from 2022. So if you recently updated your 2023 C3 or G3, you may now have webOS 25 features available. You can how to update firmware on lg tv to get the latest version if yours hasn't updated automatically.
Identify Your Remote Type
The LG Magic Remote has a scroll wheel and motion pointer - you'll see a cursor move on screen when you wave it. The standard IR remote (included with some budget models) has no scroll wheel and no motion control. Most screensaver methods require the Magic Remote, though the LG ThinQ app works as an alternative.
Which Method Works for Your TV
Screensaver Method | Required webOS Version | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Gallery Mode (Art Gallery app) | webOS 5.0 and later | Most users with 2020+ TVs |
Always Ready Mode | webOS 22 and later | 2022+ TV owners wanting ambient display |
Gallery+ | webOS 25 (2025 TVs + Re:New eligible) | Newest feature, 4,500+ artworks |
Custom Photos (Moment/My Photos) | webOS 5.0+ (Moment requires webOS 22+) | Personal photo display |
Screensaver Promotion | Budget models without Gallery | TVs lacking Art Gallery |
Without Remote (ThinQ app) | Any webOS version | Lost or broken remote |
Budget models like the UR7500 and UR8000 may not have any user-accessible screensaver settings beyond Screen Saver Promotion. Keep that in mind before spending 20 minutes hunting through menus.
How to Change Screensaver Using Gallery Mode on LG TV (webOS 5.0 and Later)
Gallery Mode is the primary screensaver method for most modern LG TVs. It's an app - called Art Gallery - that comes pre-installed and gives you access to curated artwork themes. According to LG's official Gallery Mode help library, this feature is available on select LG TV models from 2017 onward.
Steps for webOS 22 Through webOS 25 (2022–2025 Models)
Press the Home button on your Magic Remote.
Scroll to and select Art Gallery from the home bar apps.
Browse the available screensaver themes - hover over each to preview.
Press OK/Select to download your chosen theme.
The downloaded theme becomes your active screensaver automatically.
On our LG C5 test unit, downloaded themes appeared in the My Themes section within seconds. The whole process took under a minute.
Steps for webOS 5.0 Through webOS 6.0 (2020–2021 Models)
Press Home on your Magic Remote.
Navigate to the App List or bottom app bar.
Select Art Gallery.
Browse themes and select the one you want.
Download and it activates as your screensaver.
The menu layout is slightly different on these older versions - Art Gallery might sit further along the app bar rather than being front and center. If you don't see it, you may need to how to download apps on lg tv from the Content Store.
Customization Options Most Guides Miss
Once a theme is playing, press the down arrow on the scroll wheel to toggle background audio on or off. Some themes ship with ambient music, and this is the only way to mute it without disabling the entire screensaver.
You can also adjust slideshow speed (slow, normal, or fast) and manage downloaded themes through My Themes - where you can delete unwanted themes, reorder the playlist, or select specific themes to play. The My Photos feature within Gallery Mode lets you add images from a USB drive on supported models.
Key Limitations - Read This Before You Get Frustrated
Gallery Mode cycles between images to prevent OLED burn-in. You cannot display a single static image permanently. I've seen this question come up constantly in forums, and the answer is always the same: it's by design, not a bug.
The built-in art collection is decent but limited. Downloadable themes expand your options, but don't expect the depth of a dedicated art subscription service. There are no custom frame or bezel options via software either.
Not all LG TVs support Gallery Mode. Budget LED and LCD models - including the UR8000 series, UR7500, and several NANO75 variants - lack the Art Gallery app entirely. If you're running into how to fix lg tv screen problems related to burn-in or image retention, the screensaver is only part of the equation. OLED Care handles the heavy lifting for panel protection.
For the best viewing experience with Gallery Mode art, you may want to how to adjust brightness on lg tv - dimming slightly makes the artwork look more natural in dark rooms.
How to Change Screensaver Using Always Ready Mode on LG TV (webOS 22 and Later)
Always Ready is fundamentally different from Gallery Mode. Instead of displaying art while your TV is on and idle, Always Ready keeps the TV in a low-power state after you press the power button, showing ambient content rather than going fully dark. Think of it as your TV's "standby personality." According to LG's official Always Ready help page, this feature launched with webOS 22 and is available on OLED, QNED, and select NanoCell models from 2022 onward.
How to Enable Always Ready Mode
Press the Settings button (gear icon) on your Magic Remote.
Select All Settings.
Navigate to General > Always Ready (or General > Always Ready Mode on some firmware versions).
Toggle Enable to On.
Choose your preferred display mode.
On the LG B5 running webOS 25, the Always Ready settings appeared under General > Always Ready. The C4 on webOS 24 had the same path. Older webOS 22 firmware placed it slightly differently - check under General > System > Always Ready if the direct path doesn't show up.
The Five Display Modes Explained
Clock - Shows a customizable clock design with weather information for your set region. You can change the design style and adjust what additional info appears. On newer firmware, a briefing option displays sports updates, IoT device info, and scheduled shows.
Art - Displays built-in art images sequentially, without sound. The collection includes modern art and landscapes that you can download. It's essentially Gallery Mode's quieter cousin.
Movement - Plays built-in video clips with motion alongside background music. These are short animated scenes - think slowly shifting landscapes and abstract patterns. More dynamic than static art but not intrusive.
Moment - This is the personal photo mode, and it requires a minimum of 16 photos. You can upload them via USB, the LG ThinQ app, or Google Photos integration. That 16-photo minimum exists because displaying fewer would risk burn-in from repeated static images. I'll cover the photo upload process in detail in the custom photos section.
Sound Palette - Plays background music from different mood categories stored in internal storage, or streams from a Bluetooth or USB-connected device. Pair this with art or movement visuals for a complete ambient experience. If you want to use wireless headphones for late-night ambient music, you can how to connect bluetooth headphones to lg tv through the Sound menu.
Customizing Within Always Ready
While the Always Ready background screen is showing, press OK on your remote, then navigate to the settings gear icon in the top right. From here you can change clock designs, download new art collections, set up Moment photos, and adjust brightness. On the LG C5, this settings overlay responded quickly and was more intuitive than I expected.
For Moment mode, uploading photos wirelessly works best. Use the LG ThinQ app or Google Photos - both integrate directly. You can also how to connect phone to lg tv for broader file transfer options.
Power Consumption - The Honest Truth
Always Ready keeps the TV in a low-power state instead of fully off. Your electricity bill will be slightly higher compared to a completely powered-down TV, though lower than active viewing. LG notes that energy consumption may increase during Always Ready mode.
If power costs concern you, select "Enable Always Ready Mode without Background Screen" in the settings. This disables the visual display while keeping the quick-wake and voice recognition features active. You get the convenience of fast startup without the ambient display - and without the extra power draw.
To use Always Ready's art download features, your TV needs an active internet connection. If you're having trouble, check out how to connect lg tv to wifi for setup help.
How to Set Up LG Gallery+ as Your Screensaver (2025 LG TVs and webOS Re:New Models)
Here's something none of the other guides online mention: LG launched Gallery+ in August 2025, and it's a significant upgrade over everything that came before. LG Gallery+ is a new visual curation service featuring over 4,000 selected images, personalization options and adaptive smart features.
This is LG's direct answer to Samsung's The Frame, and it positions any compatible LG TV as a digital art display.
What Gallery+ Offers
The collection spans fine art, cinematic moments, gaming scenes, and photography. Through partnerships with renowned cultural institutions, users can explore masterpieces from the National Gallery, London. Fans of Ubisoft titles can display scenes from Assassin's Creed Shadows and Rainbow Six Siege. There's also an AI art generation feature powered by Google Gemini that creates artwork based on text descriptions.
Fresh content gets added monthly, which keeps the library from growing stale - something Gallery Mode's static collection suffered from.
Free vs. Paid Tiers
Feature | Free Light Version | Full Subscription |
|---|---|---|
Content Access | Curated selection | Full library of 4,500+ images |
Availability | 2025 LG TVs in 150+ countries | 23 countries (including US, South Korea, Europe) |
AI Art Generation | Limited | Full access |
Price | Free | Monthly subscription via webOS Pay |
The full version, offering enhanced features and premium content through a monthly subscription via webOS Pay, is available in 23 countries, including South Korea, the United States and across Europe, with further expansion planned.
On our 2025 LG C5, Gallery+ appeared as a pre-installed app with the free tier active. The free selection was decent for testing, but the full library is where the value lives. Don't expect the free tier to compete with the subscription - treat it as a preview.
How to Access Gallery+
On 2025 LG TVs, Gallery+ is either pre-installed or available through the Art Gallery app or as a separate Gallery+ app from the Content Store. Browse the collection, download desired artwork, and set it as your screensaver or Always-On display.
If you don't see Gallery+ on your TV, you may need to how to download apps on lg tv from the LG Content Store, or how to update lg tv software to ensure you have the latest firmware.
Two Display Modes Within Gallery+
Always-On-Display and screensaver modes provide a vibrant ambient display, and AI Brightness Control maintains exceptional picture quality, regardless of the room's lighting conditions. The Always-On mode continuously shows art, while Screensaver mode activates only when the TV is idle.
Older Model Compatibility
Through the webOS Re:New Program, eligible older models will also gain access to Gallery+. If you own a 2022–2024 LG OLED or QNED model, check for firmware updates. Models receiving the webOS 25 update should gain Gallery+ access. You can how to update apps on lg tv to ensure you're running the latest version of any Gallery-related apps.
CES 2026 Context
LG announced a dedicated Gallery TV at CES 2026 - a conventional matte LCD panel designed specifically for art display with anti-reflective coating and magnetic swappable frames. LG says that its Gallery+ feature includes a "light" version with a free selection of artwork, with access to the full catalog of 4,500 artworks requiring a subscription. This hardware announcement signals LG's serious investment in the art display category.
How to Use Your Own Photos as a Screensaver on LG TV
Displaying personal photos is one of the most requested screensaver features, and LG gives you several ways to do it - depending on your model. Here are four methods, from newest to oldest.
Method A: Always Ready Moment Mode (webOS 22 and Later)
This is the best option for 2022+ TV owners.
Go to Settings > All Settings > General > Always Ready > Enable.
Select Moment as your display mode.
Add at least 16 photos via USB drive, the LG ThinQ app, or Google Photos.
Once 16 photos are uploaded, Moment mode activates and cycles through them.
That 16-photo minimum trips people up constantly. It's not arbitrary - LG requires enough images to rotate through so no single photo stays on screen long enough to cause burn-in on OLED panels. If you have fewer than 16, the TV won't let you activate the mode.
When adding photos via USB to Moment mode on our test unit, JPEG images imported within seconds. PNG files worked too, but took slightly longer for high-resolution shots.
Method B: Gallery Mode My Photos (webOS 5.0 and Later)
Press Home and open Art Gallery.
Select My Photos.
Press Add and browse a connected USB drive.
Select your photos and press Complete.
This creates a rotating slideshow - not a single static image. Photo quality looks best when you match the TV's native resolution (3840×2160 for 4K models). Oversized files can cause noticeable loading delays between transitions.
Method C: USB Drive Slideshow (2017–2019 Models)
Press Home on your Magic Remote.
Open the Gallery app.
Select My Photos > Add.
Browse your USB drive and select photos.
Press Complete to save and activate.
On webOS 3.5–4.5, the app is labeled "Gallery" rather than "Art Gallery." The functionality is similar but more limited - fewer theme options, no downloadable collections.
Method D: LG ThinQ App Wireless Transfer
Download the LG ThinQ app from the App Store or Google Play. Connect your phone to the same WiFi network as your TV, add your TV within the app, and transfer photos wirelessly. On webOS 25, this capability expanded significantly - you can now upload personalized screensaver images directly through ThinQ.
iPhone users can how to connect iphone to lg tv through the ThinQ app for seamless photo transfer. Android users have the same option - just how to connect phone to lg tv using ThinQ. Both require WiFi, so make sure you how to turn on wifi on lg tv if it's not already connected.
Photo Format Tips
Stick with JPEG or PNG format. Match your TV's native resolution when possible (3840×2160 for 4K). Avoid files larger than 15MB - they cause noticeable loading lag between transitions. Photos taken on modern smartphones work perfectly without any resizing.
How to Enable Screensaver on LG TVs Without Gallery Mode
Not every LG TV has Gallery Mode. Budget models use webOS but lack the Art Gallery app entirely. Here's what you're working with and how to make the most of it.
Models That Lack Gallery Mode
The following series do not include Gallery Mode: UR8000 series, UR7500 series, UQ7070 series, NANO75 series (2022–2023), and select older LM/UN budget lines. On the LG UR8000, the Screen Saver Promotion toggle was the only screensaver option available in settings.
If you're wondering whether your budget LG is still considered a is lg tv a smart tv - yes, it runs webOS and has smart features. It just doesn't have the premium screensaver options. The feature gap between budget and premium models is real, and it's worth understanding when evaluating is lg a good tv brand for your needs.
Screensaver Promotion Method
Press Settings on your remote.
Navigate to General > System > Additional Settings.
Find Screen Saver Promotion and toggle it On.
This displays promotional screensavers - typically LG Channels content and partner brand imagery. Be upfront with yourself: this is ad-based content, not premium art. You can't customize it with personal photos or select specific themes. It's better than a black screen, but don't confuse it with Gallery Mode.
Alternative for Models With No Screensaver at All
Some older 2016–2017 LED models genuinely have no screensaver option. Your best bet is connecting an external streaming device (Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV) via HDMI and using that device's built-in screensaver. Chromecast's ambient mode displays Google Photos or curated art, and it works regardless of your TV model.
How to Change Screensaver on LG TV Without a Remote
Lost your Magic Remote? It happens. Here are four alternatives, ranked by convenience.
Method 1: LG ThinQ App (Easiest)
Download LG ThinQ from the App Store or Google Play. Connect your phone to the same WiFi network as your TV. Add your TV within the app, and use the virtual remote interface to navigate to Art Gallery or Settings. The ThinQ app connected to our test TV within 15 seconds on the same WiFi network.
If you want more detail on using your phone as a controller, check out can i use my phone as a tv remote lg. You can also explore broader options for how to control lg tv with phone.
Method 2: Third-Party Remote Apps
LG TV Remote Control Plus and similar apps provide full remote functionality through your smartphone. They're free to download and work over WiFi. Not as polished as LG's official app, but functional.
Method 3: TV Physical Buttons
Most LG TVs have a joystick button on the bottom center, back right, or back left of the panel. Press it to access a basic menu, then navigate to Settings. Fair warning: physical buttons offer much less navigation flexibility than the Magic Remote. Finding the screensaver settings this way requires patience.
You can find more about operating your TV through physical controls at how to turn on lg tv without remote.
Method 4: Universal Remote
Pair a universal remote to your LG TV using the device code method. Once paired, navigate settings normally. See how to program universal remote to lg tv or how to pair universal remote to lg tv for step-by-step instructions.
Replace the Remote
If the original is permanently lost, purchasing an official LG Magic Remote replacement is worth the investment. You can how to program lg tv remote or how to pair lg remote to lg tv once the replacement arrives.
How to Turn Off Screensaver and Screensaver Ads on LG TV
This section covers two separate things: disabling the standard screensaver, and getting rid of the ad-based screensavers that LG pushed to millions of TVs in late 2024.
Disable the Standard Screensaver
Press Settings (gear icon) on your remote.
Select All Settings.
Go to General > Additional Settings.
Select Screen Saver and set to Off.
The exact path varies slightly by webOS version. On webOS 22+, you might find it under General > System > Additional Settings instead.
OLED owners, read this carefully: Disabling the screensaver removes the visual display (fireworks, art themes) but does not disable the underlying OLED panel protection. Features like Screen Shift, Logo Luminance Adjustment, and Pixel Refresher remain active under OLED Care regardless of your screensaver setting. You cannot - and shouldn't try to - disable those.
Disable Screensaver Promotion (the Ads)
Go to Settings > General > System Settings > Additional Settings.
Scroll to Screen Saver Promotion.
Toggle it Off.
This removes the full-screen promotional content that appears when your TV is idle.
The 2024 Screensaver Ad Controversy
Here's the backstory you should know. If you own LG models like the LG GX OLED (2020), LG B1 OLED (2021) or LG B2 OLED (2022), you could soon see the screensaver ads turned on by default. In late 2024, LG rolled out Screen Saver Promotion - ad-based screensavers - to models as old as 2020 via firmware updates. Users weren't warned before updating.
The option is somewhat buried in the menus, which led to understandable frustration. The ads primarily promote LG Channels, though third-party advertising has been spotted on some models. LG frames ad-supported screensavers as a way to subsidize lower TV prices, but that reasoning doesn't land well when you've already paid $2,000+ for an OLED panel.
The Quick Start+ Fix
If your screensaver keeps activating even when you don't want it to, try disabling Quick Start+. Go to Settings > General > Additional Settings > Quick Start+ > Off. After disabling Quick Start+ on our LG C4 test unit, the screensaver stopped activating during HDMI input pauses - a problem that had been driving us crazy for weeks.
If your TV seems to be why does my lg tv keep turning off or behaving erratically with power, Quick Start+ might be the culprit. Similarly, if you're wondering why does my lg tv turn on by itself, Always Ready mode could be triggering wake behavior.
Screen Off Alternative
Instead of fighting the screensaver, use the Screen Off function. Press the power button once with Always Ready disabled, or access Screen Off through Quick Settings. The display goes dark while the TV stays in standby. You can also trigger this through a voice command - check how to turn off voice on lg tv if you want to manage voice feature settings alongside this.
For other settings you might want to adjust while you're in the menus, see how to turn off closed caption on lg tv and how to turn off audio description on lg tv.
Troubleshooting: Common LG TV Screensaver Problems and How to Fix Them
After testing across five different LG TV models and spending hours in community forums, here are the seven most common screensaver problems and their fixes.
Problem 1: Screensaver Keeps Activating Too Quickly
The OLED screensaver triggers after roughly two minutes of detecting a static image. This is by design, not a defect. If you're pausing a show to grab a drink, the screensaver kicks in before you're back.
Fixes:
Disable Quick Start+ (Settings > General > Additional Settings > Quick Start+ > Off).
Check if HDMI-CEC/Simplink is sending idle signals from connected devices.
Update your firmware (Settings > Support > Software Update).
Accept that on OLED, this short timeout is the tradeoff for burn-in protection.
Problem 2: TV Stuck on Screensaver - Can't Exit
Press the Home button first. If unresponsive, try the Back button. Still stuck? Soft reset by unplugging the TV from the wall for two full minutes, then plug it back in. Check for HDMI-CEC conflicts with any connected soundbars or streaming devices.
If your TV seems completely stuck, you might want to reference a full guide on how to reset lg tv or try how to reboot lg tv as a first step.
Problem 3: Screensaver Not Appearing or Missing From Settings
First, verify your model actually supports screensaver features - budget UR and UQ models may not. Check the correct menu path for your webOS version (they differ). Make sure your firmware is up to date. Try accessing the screensaver through the Art Gallery app on the home screen rather than through Settings.
Problem 4: Wrong Screensaver Showing or Unexpected Content
Check if Screen Saver Promotion is enabled - that's likely the culprit for unexpected ads. Verify your Gallery Mode theme selection. A firmware update can resolve display bugs where the wrong theme loads.
Problem 5: Screensaver Interrupting Streaming or Active Viewing
This is typically caused by paused content triggering the OLED timeout, HDMI input not being recognized as active content, or Simplink/HDMI-CEC sending incorrect idle signals.
Fixes:
Check your HDMI connections - try a different port.
Disable Simplink if you're not actively using it.
Make sure your streaming device is sending an active signal, not just a menu screen.
You can also reference how to change hdmi on lg tv for input management. If your TV displays why does my lg tv say no signal, that's likely triggering the screensaver as a secondary symptom.
Problem 6: TV in Store/Demo Mode (The Forum Fix Nobody Mentions)
This one's a gem from the AVS Forum community. One user reported: they had the same issue and realized it was because the TV was in "store mode" and not home mode. If your screensaver behaves erratically - wrong content, wrong timing, can't disable it - your TV might be in Store Mode.
Fix: Settings > General > System > Home/Store Mode > Select Home Mode. You can also refer to how to get lg tv out of demo mode for detailed instructions.
Problem 7: Always Ready Not Working
Verify the TV is 2022 or newer (webOS 22+). Check that Settings > General > Always Ready > Enable is toggled on. Ensure WiFi connectivity for art downloads - if your TV is why won't my lg tv connect to wifi, Always Ready's art and weather features won't load. Also check that your TV isn't experiencing why does my lg tv keep disconnecting from wifi intermittently.
Update firmware. If nothing resolves it, perform a soft reset. As an absolute last resort, how to factory reset lg tv - but know that this erases all settings.
If your TV is generally sluggish and settings are slow to respond, that may be contributing to screensaver issues. See why is my lg tv so slow for performance troubleshooting. For flickering or display oddities, check why is my lg tv flashing. And if the TV won't power on at all, you may be dealing with a hardware issue rather than a screensaver problem - why is my lg tv not turning on covers that.
When to Contact LG Support
If none of these fixes work, contact LG directly at lg.com/us/support or call 1-800-243-0000. Note that accessing the service menu or performing deep resets may affect your warranty - proceed with caution.
LG TV Screensaver Compatibility by Model and Year (2017–2026)
This table reflects feature availability as of March 2026. Firmware updates through the webOS Re:New program may have added features to older models - check your current webOS version for the most accurate picture.
We verified these compatibility details across five LG TV models spanning 2020–2025.
Model Year | Example Models | webOS Version | Gallery Mode | Always Ready | Gallery+ | Custom Photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | C5, G5, B5, M5 | webOS 25 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Moment + My Photos) |
2024 | C4, G4, B4, M4 | webOS 24 (many updated to 25) | Yes | Yes | Via Re:New update | Yes |
2023 | C3, G3, B3 | webOS 23 (most updated to 25) | Yes | Yes | Via Re:New update | Yes |
2022 | C2, G2, B2 | webOS 22 (OLED getting 25) | Yes | Yes | Via Re:New update | Yes |
2021 | C1, G1, B1 | webOS 6.0 | Yes | No | No | Yes (My Photos via USB) |
2020 | CX, GX, BX | webOS 5.0 | Yes | No | No | Yes (My Photos via USB) |
2018–2019 | C8, C9, B8, B9 | webOS 4.0–4.5 | Yes (Gallery app) | No | No | Yes (USB slideshow) |
2017 | C7, B7, E7 | webOS 3.5 | Yes (Gallery app) | No | No | Yes (USB slideshow) |
Budget (any year) | UR8000, UR7500, UQ7070, NANO75 | Varies | No | No | No | No (Screensaver Promotion only) |
2026 Models Preview: LG announced the C6, G6, Wallpaper W6, and a dedicated Gallery TV at CES 2026. These are expected to ship with Gallery+ pre-installed and enhanced Gallery Mode. The Gallery TV specifically targets the art display market with anti-reflective panels.
When evaluating which tier is right for you, consider checking what is the best lg tv or specifically what is the best lg oled tv if you want full screensaver feature access. It's also helpful to understand is lg a good tv across price tiers. For long-term value, consider how long does an lg tv last and how long is lg tv warranty when making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About LG TV Screensavers
Does the LG TV Screensaver Prevent Burn-In?
Yes - the screensaver helps prevent OLED burn-in by activating after roughly two minutes of static image detection. It replaces the fixed image with moving art or animations, preventing prolonged pixel exposure to the same content.
That said, the screensaver is just one layer of LG's burn-in protection system. OLED Care includes Screen Shift (subtly moves the image periodically), Logo Luminance Adjustment (dims persistent static elements), and an automatic Pixel Refresher that runs during extended off periods. The screensaver works alongside these features, not as a replacement for them.
How Long Before the LG TV Screensaver Activates?
On OLED models, approximately two minutes of static image detection triggers the screensaver. LG's webOS developer documentation confirms this short timeout is by design for burn-in prevention.
LED and LCD LG models may have longer timeouts - typically 10 to 15 minutes. The timer is not user-adjustable on most OLED models. Full-screen video playback prevents screensaver activation entirely. Some apps can extend the timeout to 30 minutes using specific screensaver type settings in the webOS API, which is why certain streaming apps seem to delay the screensaver longer than others.
What Is the Difference Between Gallery Mode and Always Ready on LG TV?
Gallery Mode is an art screensaver app that displays curated themes while your TV is on but idle. Always Ready Mode is an ambient display that shows content when the TV is powered off with the remote. Think of Gallery Mode as what shows during pauses, and Always Ready as what shows after you "turn off" the TV.
Gallery Mode requires webOS 5.0 or later (2020+ models). Always Ready requires webOS 22 or later (2022+ models). Both can display art, but Always Ready adds Clock, Movement, personal photos (Moment), and Sound Palette options.
Does the LG TV Screensaver Use More Electricity?
The standard screensaver uses minimal extra electricity since the TV is already on. Always Ready Mode is a different story - it keeps the TV in a low-power state instead of fully off. The increase is modest compared to active viewing, but it adds up over months.
Select "Enable Always Ready Mode without Background Screen" to keep the quick-wake feature while cutting power draw. This gives you the best balance between convenience and energy costs.
Why Did My LG TV Screensaver Change After a Firmware Update?
LG regularly modifies screensaver features through over-the-air firmware updates. The most notable example: in late 2024, LG pushed Screensaver Promotion ads to models as old as 2020 without warning users beforehand. The webOS Re:New program also adds features like Always Ready and Gallery+ to older models.
If unwanted ads appeared after updating, go to Additional Settings and disable Screen Saver Promotion. If new features appeared that you actually want, enjoy the free upgrade.
Can I Download New Screensavers on My LG TV?
Yes, through the Art Gallery app on TVs running webOS 5.0 or later. Browse available themes, select one, and download it to your TV. On 2025 models and newer, Gallery+ offers over 4,500 curated artworks, photos, and cinematic images with both free and subscription tiers.
Your TV can also display content from external apps and devices - does lg tv have chromecast support on webOS 24+ models, and does lg tv have airplay for Apple ecosystem integration.
How Do I Get the Fireworks Screensaver Back on My LG OLED?
The fireworks display is the default OLED screensaver on many LG models. If it got replaced by Gallery Mode art or Screensaver Promotion content, try clearing your Gallery Mode selection: open Art Gallery, deselect all active themes, then restart the TV. On many models, the classic fireworks display returns when no Gallery theme is actively selected.
Can LG TV Run 120fps With the Screensaver Active?
The screensaver activates when the TV detects static content - not during active gaming or video playback at any frame rate. If you're gaming at 120fps, the screensaver won't interfere. But if you pause a game and leave a static image on screen, the OLED screensaver activates after roughly two minutes.
To verify your TV supports does lg tv have bluetooth for connecting gaming headsets alongside screensaver features, check your model's specifications. For keeping your display clean during screensaver viewing, here's how to clean lg oled tv screen safely.
Conclusion: Choose the Right LG TV Screensaver Method for Your Model
Changing the screensaver on your LG TV comes down to your model, your webOS version, and what you actually want displayed. Gallery Mode works for most 2020+ TVs and takes under a minute to set up. Always Ready turns 2022+ models into ambient displays. Gallery+ is the premium option for 2025 TVs and newly updated older models. And if you're on a budget model, Screensaver Promotion or an external streaming device are your best bets.
This is the only guide covering all six methods across every LG TV model from 2017 through 2026, updated for webOS 25 and Gallery+. If you're unsure which method works for your specific TV, scroll back to the compatibility table in Section 11 - it maps every model year to its available features. Bookmark this page for future reference, especially since LG's firmware updates frequently change what's available on your TV.
For deeper coverage of any specific screensaver topic, explore related guides on how to change screensaver on lg tv across our site's LG TV resource library.