How it works in each playback mode
- System Wallpaper (the homepage calls it MacWall Native): the Lock Screen and screen saver show the desktop's wallpaper, moving, even while MacWall is closed. Play only on the Lock Screen keeps the desktop on a still frame and moves the wallpaper only when you lock your Mac or the screen saver starts.
- MacWall App (MacWall Player): the Lock Screen can have its own wallpaper. Open one, click the arrow next to Set Wallpaper and choose Lock Screen Only. macOS plays it the way it plays Apple's aerials, so the first apply takes a moment.
Switch modes in Settings → Wallpaper → Playback. On macOS 15, MacWall always uses MacWall App and the Lock Screen shows a still from your wallpaper.
If the Lock Screen doesn't move
- Check you're on macOS 26 or later: Apple menu → About This Mac.
- Check that Pro or the trial is active in MacWall → Settings → MacWall Pro.
- With MacWall App playback, turn on Show on Lock Screen and screen saver in Settings → Lock Screen.
- Open System Settings → Wallpaper → Screen Saver: a screen saver you picked after MacWall set its own is the one macOS shows.
Go deeper
- Live Lock Screen and screen saverSet it up in either playback mode, with the full checklist for when motion doesn't appear.
- How Lock Screen video works on TahoeWhat macOS 26 opened up for third-party apps, and what it still keeps to itself.
- Live vs dynamic vs aerialThe three kinds of moving wallpaper on a Mac, and which one plays where.
More questions
- Does MacWall work on macOS 27?Yes. MacWall runs on macOS 27 Golden Gate with live desktop, Lock Screen and screen saver wallpapers. macOS 27 itself needs an Apple silicon Mac.
- Does MacWall drain your MacBook battery?A playing wallpaper uses some power. MacWall pauses behind full-screen apps and while displays sleep, and Pause on battery holds it whenever you unplug.
- Is MacWall free?No. MacWall has a free 24-hour trial on every Mac, then Pro is a one-time payment for up to 3 Macs. There is no subscription.