How to set a custom sleep screen on Kobo

Updated September 23, 2026

Short answer

On recent Kobo firmware, create a folder named screensaver inside the hidden .kobo folder, copy your images there, and enable the full-screen sleep image option in Settings → Energy saving and privacy. For a sleep screen that changes daily, use KOReader with the InkMorning plugin.

Wallpapers for Kobo Clara Pair via the KOReader plugin See Pro

Method 1: the built-in screensaver folder

1
Download a wallpaper with your Kobo model selected, so it matches your screen (see the sizes above).
2
Connect the Kobo to your computer with USB and tap Connect on the device.
3
Turn on “show hidden files” on your computer, open the Kobo drive, then the .kobo folder.
4
Create a folder named screensaver (lowercase, singular) and copy your images into it. PNG and JPG are the safest formats.
5
Eject the Kobo safely.
6
On the Kobo, open Settings → Energy saving and privacy and enable the full-screen sleep image. Guides report it as “Show book covers full screen”; with images in the folder, your own image is shown instead of the cover.

This works on recent firmware according to several independent guides; Kobo doesn't document it officially, and labels can change between updates. With several images, the Kobo picks one at random.

Method 2: KOReader + the InkMorning plugin

KOReader runs well on Kobo and draws its own sleep screen when the device sleeps inside KOReader. Install it from KOReader's official site, add the InkMorning plugin, pair with the 6-character code, and your sleep screen can update every morning — a calendar with today’s date, a quote of the day or the free daily wallpaper.

Troubleshooting

Can’t see .kobo? It’s hidden: enable hidden files in Finder (Cmd+Shift+.) or Windows Explorer (View → Hidden items).
Still seeing book covers? Check the folder name spelling and that the images are directly inside it.
Image cropped or with bars? Re-download at your model’s exact preset.

Frequently asked questions

Does Kobo support custom sleep screens without jailbreaking?

On recent firmware, yes: images placed in .kobo/screensaver are shown when the full-screen sleep image option is enabled. No modification is needed.

What size should a Kobo sleep screen image be?

Kobo Clara HD/2E/BW: 1072×1448. Libra 2/Colour: 1264×1680. Sage: 1440×1920. Nia: 758×1024.

Can I rotate several images?

Yes. With several images in the screensaver folder, Kobo shows a random one each time it sleeps. KOReader can also rotate a folder or update daily with the InkMorning plugin.

Device software changes often. These are general guides, not official instructions from device makers, and menu names can vary by version. Modifying a device may affect its warranty.