How To Set a GIF Background in Google Chrome [2026 Guide]

I am going to teach you how to set a GIF background in Google Chrome. By the end, your new tab page will have a dynamic animated look and the change will stick automatically for your current Chrome profile. If you prefer a static photo or color, you can also change your Chrome background anytime.

Set a GIF Background in Google Chrome [2026 Guide]

Open a new tab

Start by opening a fresh new tab in Google Chrome. This is the page where your custom background will appear, not your desktop wallpaper. If you do not see the default new tab layout, make sure you are on Chrome's built in start page and not on a website or an extension page.

Customize Chrome

Look to the bottom right corner of the new tab page for the Customize Chrome button with a small pencil icon. Click it to open Chrome's customization panel. If you cannot find it, double check that you are on a new blank Chrome tab because some extensions or managed devices can hide or override this button.

If corporate controls block certain pages, see tips to access blocked websites in Chrome.

Change theme

Inside the customization panel, find the Appearance section and select Change theme. This is where Chrome organizes all the visual choices for your new tab page. You will see different theme options, but since we want to use our own animated file, we will upload one directly from your computer.

Upload your GIF

Choose Upload from device. This opens your file picker so you can browse to the GIF you want to use. Select your GIF and click Open.

Get the best quality

For the best results, choose a GIF that is wide enough to fill your screen, ideally close to your monitor's resolution, such as 1920 x 1080. Larger files or very high frame rate animations may use more memory and battery, especially on laptops. Pick something that looks good without being oversized.

Also store the file somewhere stable on your computer. If you move or delete it later, you may need to upload it again. Keeping it in a dedicated images folder helps avoid surprises.

Apply and save

Once your GIF is selected, Chrome will preview it behind the customization panel. If it looks good, close the panel by clicking Exit. Your GIF background is automatically saved and set.

From now on, each time you open a new tab in this Chrome profile, you should see your animated background. There is no extra save button to press. You can return to the same customization area anytime to switch to a new GIF or go back to a static background.

Troubleshoot playback

If the animation does not play, try a different GIF, reduce the file size, or ensure you are on the standard new tab page without conflicting extensions. Disable or remove any new tab extensions that might override Chrome's built in start page, then repeat the steps above. While you are tuning privacy and site behavior, you can also review how to set cookie settings in Chrome.

Final thoughts

That is it. You opened a new tab, clicked Customize Chrome, chose Change theme, uploaded your GIF from your device, and closed the panel to save. Your animated background will greet you on every new tab in this Chrome profile.