How to Add Custom Sleep Screens to Your reMarkable Paper Pro
A custom sleep screen is a small detail, but one you see every single day. It appears when your reMarkable Paper Pro goes to sleep, when you turn it off, or when it has been idle for a while. Instead of the default screen, you can choose something that fits your style, your mood, or simply makes opening and closing your device a little more enjoyable.
This guide applies to both the reMarkable Paper Pro and the reMarkable Paper Pro Move. Just like with the reMarkable 2 (How to Add Custom Sleep Screens to Your reMarkable 2), custom sleep screens are not a native reMarkable feature. You will not find an option in the settings to upload an image and select it as your sleep screen. Installing one always requires a bit of setup.
For the Paper Pro models, this setup goes a step further. You will need to enable developer mode on your device and use a third-party tool to install the sleep screen. Some of these tools are free, while others are paid.
That may sound like a lot, but do not worry. In this guide, I will walk you through what you need and the different ways to install a custom sleep screen on your reMarkable Paper Pro, so you can decide what feels right for you.
How to Install Custom Sleep Screens on Your reMarkable Paper Pro
Because custom sleep screens are not a native reMarkable feature (neither on the Paper Pro and Paper Pro Move), you cannot add them through the device settings. There is no built-in option to upload an image and select it as your sleep screen. Installing one always requires a bit of extra setup, and for the Paper Pro models this includes enabling developer mode.
Before moving on to installation methods, there are two important things to understand.
Making Sure You Have the Right File
A sleep screen for the reMarkable Paper Pro needs to be an image file in PNG format. This image replaces the default sleep screen that appears when your device goes to sleep. The design itself does not change how your reMarkable works, it only changes what you see during those moments when the screen is idle or turned off.
Understanding Developer Mode First
To install a custom sleep screen on the reMarkable Paper Pro, your device needs to be in developer mode. This is a required step, regardless of whether you use a third-party app or a manual method.
Developer mode allows deeper access to the device and makes customization like sleep screens possible, but it also comes with responsibility. Before enabling it, it is important to read up on what developer mode means for your device and whether you feel comfortable using it. This is something to do before installing a sleep screen or purchasing sleep screen designs, so you know exactly what to expect.
Installing a Sleep Screen Using a Third-Party App
Once your reMarkable Paper Pro is in developer mode and you have a PNG sleep screen ready, the easiest way to install it is by using a third-party app. These apps handle the technical steps for you and make the process much more approachable, especially if this is your first time customizing a Paper Pro device.
There are several third-party tools available that support sleep screen installation for the reMarkable Paper Pro and reMarkable Paper Pro Move. Some are free, while others are paid, and new tools appear regularly as the ecosystem around these devices continues to grow. Popular options include EinkPads Template Installer, Simply Kyra, and FreeRemarkableTools, but you may come across other tools online that offer similar functionality. I recommend checking out the official websites of these apps for detailed guides on how to use them.
Using a third-party app typically involves connecting your reMarkable to your computer, selecting your sleep screen image, and letting the tool install it for you. The app takes care of placing the file in the correct location on your device, so you do not need to interact with system files directly.
These tools are created by independent developers and are not part of reMarkable itself. They are widely used by the community and can be a convenient way to customize your device, as long as you feel comfortable using developer mode and following the instructions provided by the tool you choose.
Installing a Sleep Screen Without an App
If you prefer not to use a third-party app, or if you simply like having full control over what happens on your device, it is also possible to install a custom sleep screen manually on the reMarkable Paper Pro. This approach is more technical and is usually chosen by people who are comfortable working a bit deeper under the hood.
I want to be upfront here. This is not the method I personally use. That said, many reMarkable users do install sleep screens this way, and it is a well-documented option within the community.
Installing a sleep screen manually means connecting your reMarkable Paper Pro to a computer and replacing the sleep screen image file directly on the device. This requires developer mode, using the command line, and carefully following a series of steps. It gives you full control, but it also means you need to feel confident working with technical instructions and system files.
If this sounds like something you are comfortable doing, there are excellent step-by-step guides available. The Notable Utility website offers a clear manual specifically for the reMarkable Paper Pro that walks through the entire process, from enabling developer mode to uploading the correct PNG file.
Another very detailed and well-explained walkthrough is available on Simply Kyra’s blog. This guide goes deep into what is happening at each step and is especially helpful if you want to understand the process rather than just follow instructions.
If reading this already makes your palms sweat a little, that is completely okay. Using a third-party app is often the smoother and more approachable route. Both methods ultimately lead to the same result: a custom sleep screen that makes your reMarkable Paper Pro feel more personal every time it goes to sleep.
Custom Splash Screens: Small Detail With a Big Impact
Custom sleep screens may seem like a small tweak, but they are something you see again and again throughout the day. They add personality to your reMarkable Paper Pro without adding clutter or distraction, and they let you make the device feel truly yours while keeping the same calm writing experience.
Your reMarkable Paper Pro greets you with something familiar and personal every time it goes to sleep. And once you see that first custom screen appear, it is hard not to enjoy the moment.
