Where to find message backgrounds on iPhone
On iPhone, you change the background for individual conversations in the Messages app itself — there is no single settings menu for all messages at once. Open Messages, find the conversation you want to change, swipe left on it, tap the three dots that appear, then tap "Edit Name and Photo". From there you can pick a new background color or image for that specific chat.
If you use iMessage (Apple's messaging service for other iPhone, iPad, and Mac users), you also have access to effects and filters that change how the entire conversation looks, including animated backgrounds. These are separate from the static background color and work differently depending on whether you are sending a message or viewing one that has already arrived.
The background options available depend on which version of iOS your phone is running. Newer versions of iOS offer more choices, including custom photos from your library. Older iPhones may have fewer options or require a different path to reach them.
Key Takeaways
- Swipe left on any conversation in Messages, tap the three dots, then "Edit Name and Photo" to change that conversation's background color or image.
- iMessage conversations also support animated effects and filters that you explore when sending a message, separate from the static background.
- You can only change backgrounds for individual conversations, not for all messages at once across your entire Messages app.
- The background options available depend on your iOS version; newer phones have more choices including custom photos.
Changing a conversation background color
To set a solid color background for a single conversation, open Messages and find the chat you want to customize. Press and hold on the conversation name (or swipe left on it), then tap the three-dot menu icon. Select "Edit Name and Photo".
A panel will open showing color options. Tap the color circle you want — choices typically include white, black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. The background will update when ready for that conversation only. Other conversations keep their default appearance.
If you change your mind, follow the same steps and select a different color, or tap the default option to return to the standard look.
Using custom photos as a message background
On iOS 17 and later, you can set a photo from your library as the background for a conversation. Open the conversation, swipe left or press and hold, tap the three dots, then "Edit Name and Photo". Look for an option to add a photo or image.
Select a photo from your Photos app. The image will appear behind the conversation thread. Keep in mind that very busy or dark photos can make message text harder to read, so choose something with enough contrast or lighter areas where text will sit.
This feature is not available on older iOS versions. If you do not see a photo option in "Edit Name and Photo", your phone is running an earlier version of iOS that does not support this feature yet.
iMessage effects and animated backgrounds
iMessage conversations (messages sent to other Apple devices) support animated effects that play when you send a message. These are different from a static background and only appear when the message is delivered. To use them, type your message, press and hold the send button (the blue arrow), then select "Screen" or "Bubble" effects.
Screen effects cover the entire conversation view with an animation — confetti, balloons, fireworks, or other visuals. Bubble effects wrap the animation around just your message bubble. These effects play once when the message arrives and do not change the permanent background of the conversation.
Effects are only available when messaging other iPhone, iPad, or Mac users. Messages sent to Android phones or non-Apple devices will not show the effect on the recipient's end, though they will see a text description of what effect you sent.
Why some conversations do not have background options
If you cannot change the background for a conversation, it is likely because you are messaging someone on Android or using a non-iMessage service like SMS or MMS. These conversations do not support custom backgrounds or effects because they use standard text messaging rather than Apple's iMessage protocol.
You can tell whether a conversation is iMessage or standard text by looking at the message bubbles: iMessage bubbles are blue, while SMS and MMS bubbles are green. Only blue conversations support backgrounds and effects.
Group conversations can also have limited background options depending on whether all members are on Apple devices. If even one person in the group uses Android, the group may not support all background features.
Reverting to the default background
To remove a custom background and return a conversation to its default appearance, open the conversation, swipe left or press and hold, tap the three dots, then "Edit Name and Photo". Select the default or white option, depending on what your iOS version shows.
This does not affect any messages already sent or received — it only changes how the conversation appears going forward. The change takes effect when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the background for all my messages at once?
No. iPhone Messages only lets you customize backgrounds for individual conversations. There is no setting to explore one background to every conversation in your Messages app. You have to change each conversation separately if you want them all to match.
Will the person I am messaging see my custom background?
No. The background you set is only visible on your phone. The other person sees the conversation on their own device with their own background settings. Custom backgrounds are a personal display choice, not something you send to the other person.
What iOS version do I need to change message backgrounds?
The ability to change conversation backgrounds has been available for several iOS versions. Older iPhones may have fewer color options or not support custom photos. If you do not see background options in "Edit Name and Photo", try updating to the latest iOS version available for your phone model.
Can I use a video or GIF as a message background?
Static photos from your library are the only custom media option for conversation backgrounds on current iOS versions. Animated GIFs or videos are not supported as permanent backgrounds, though you can send animated effects with individual messages using the Screen or Bubble effects feature.
Why did my background disappear after I updated iOS?
iOS updates sometimes reset conversation settings. If your custom backgrounds disappeared after an update, you can set them again by following the same steps: swipe left on the conversation, tap the three dots, select "Edit Name and Photo", and choose your background again.