As a Google Pixel 4 user, you may have become accustomed to using the Pixel Live Wallpaper app to customize and personalize your phone’s home screen. However, if you’ve recently encountered the “Live wallpaper unavailable” or “incompatible” error message, you’re not alone. Many other Pixel 4 users have experienced this issue, and it can be extremely frustrating to deal with.
One user on Reddit claims that the issue with live wallpapers started after upgrading their phone to Android 13. It’s possible that this update may have caused a conflict with the app, resulting in the ‘Wallpaper unavailable’ error message.
How to fix Google Pixel 4 ‘Live wallpaper unavailable’ or ‘incompatible’ issue
If you’re experiencing this issue, you’re not alone. Many other Google Pixel 4 users have reported similar problems with the ‘Pixel Live Wallpaper’ app. However, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue.
Uninstall and reinstall the Pixel Live Wallpaper app
Sometimes, the “Live wallpaper unavailable” or “incompatible” error message can be caused by a glitch in the Pixel Live Wallpaper app itself. In this case, uninstalling and reinstalling the app may help fix the issue.
To uninstall the app, go to Settings > Apps > Pixel Live Wallpaper > Uninstall. Then, go to the Google Play Store and search for “Pixel Live Wallpaper” to reinstall the app.
Install 3rd Party App
One option is to install a third-party live wallpaper application from the Google Playstore on your smartphone. While this may not be a perfect solution, it can still allow you to enjoy the live wallpaper feature on your device.
Check for updates
One of the first things you should do when encountering any error on your Pixel 4 is to check for updates. Google is constantly releasing patches and updates to fix bugs and improve the overall user experience, and these updates often include fixes for common error messages.
To check for updates, simply go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update. If there are any updates available, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.
Check for conflicts with other apps or software
It’s possible that the “Live wallpaper unavailable” or “incompatible” error message is being caused by conflicting apps or software running in the background of your Pixel 4. To fix this issue, you’ll need to identify any apps or programs that may be causing a conflict and disable or remove them.
One way to do this is to use the Task Manager to see what apps and programs are running on your phone. To open the Task Manager, press the Recent Apps button on your phone (usually located on the bottom right or left of the screen). Then, swipe up on the app you want to close.
In the Task Manager, you’ll see a list of all the apps and programs that are currently running on your phone. Look for any apps or programs that may be conflicting with the Pixel Live Wallpaper app, such as antivirus software or other wallpaper apps, and disable or remove them.
Clear the app cache and data
If uninstalling and reinstalling the Pixel Live Wallpaper app doesn’t fix the issue, you may need to clear the app’s cache and data. This can help remove any corrupted files or data that may be causing the error message.
To clear the app cache and data, go to Settings > Apps > Pixel Live Wallpaper > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data.
In the meantime, we hope that these solutions are able to help Pixel 4 device owners who are experiencing the “Live Wallpaper unavailable” error message. While it’s frustrating to have this issue, it’s important to remember that Google is likely working hard to find a resolution and get the live wallpaper feature back up and running for all users. In the meantime, we hope that the third-party live wallpaper apps available on the Playstore can help fill the gap.
