diff --git a/system_server.te b/system_server.te
index 2cfb6eea2498c665cb868dc39f295b1063c6d1ca..526a0e9fd3fd8d22af41b3c2d4d4e1dd396b69e3 100644
--- a/system_server.te
+++ b/system_server.te
@@ -289,6 +289,8 @@ allow system_server system_data_file:file relabelfrom;
 allow system_server wallpaper_file:file relabelto;
 allow system_server wallpaper_file:file { rw_file_perms unlink };
 
+# Backup of wallpaper imagery uses temporary hard links to avoid data churn
+allow system_server { system_data_file wallpaper_file }:file link;
 
 # ShortcutManager icons
 allow system_server system_data_file:dir relabelfrom;