Set Dynamic Earth Wallpaper on macOS 13

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to set a dynamic Earth wallpaper on macOS 13 Ventura. Dynamic wallpapers automatically shift their lighting and appearance based on your current location and the time of day. By navigating through the updated System Settings menu, you can quickly find, download, and configure dynamic planet views for your desktop background.

Step 1: Open System Settings

Click the Apple menu icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Navigate to Wallpaper

In the left sidebar of the System Settings window, scroll down and click on Wallpaper.

Step 3: Browse Dynamic Wallpapers

On the right side of the window, locate the Dynamic Desktop section. macOS includes several dynamic options that adapt throughout the day, including views of Earth and planetary landscapes.

Step 4: Select an Earth View

Look for the dynamic Earth options (such as the standard Earth view or globe renderings available in the macOS wallpaper library). If the wallpaper displays a small cloud icon with a downward arrow, click it to download the high-resolution asset to your Mac.

Step 5: Configure Dynamic Behavior

Once selected, ensure the dropdown menu next to the wallpaper thumbnail is set to Dynamic.

  • Dynamic: Automatically changes lighting based on your local time of day.
  • Light (Still): Locks the wallpaper into its daytime view permanently.
  • Dark (Still): Locks the wallpaper into its nighttime view permanently.

Step 6: Verify Location Services (Optional)

For the dynamic lighting to sync accurately with your local sunrise and sunset, ensure Location Services are enabled:

  1. In System Settings, click Privacy & Security in the left sidebar.
  2. Select Location Services and toggle the switch to the On position.
  3. Ensure System Services has permission to access your location.