What you can change in iPhone Messages

iPhone Messages lets you change the background behind your conversation threads, but the options depend on which iPhone model you have and which version of iOS is installed. On newer iPhones running iOS 16 or later, you can set a custom background for individual conversations or use a solid color. Older iPhones have fewer options — you may only be able to change the overall app appearance through your phone's display settings.

The background change affects only how that specific conversation looks on your screen. The other person in the conversation will not see your custom background — they see their own default or custom background on their end.

Key Takeaways

  • iOS 16 and later allow you to set a unique background for each conversation by opening the chat, tapping the contact name at the top, and selecting "Edit Chat."
  • You can choose a solid color, a gradient, or an image from your photo library as your conversation background.
  • Older iPhones cannot change individual conversation backgrounds, but you can adjust the overall Messages app appearance through Settings > Display & Brightness.
  • The background you set is visible only on your phone — the other person sees their own background in the same conversation.
  • If you want to remove a custom background, open the conversation, tap the contact name, select "Edit Chat," and choose "Reset" or return to the default.

Changing the background on iOS 16 and later

Open the Messages app and find the conversation you want to customize. Tap the contact name or group name at the very top of the screen. A menu will appear showing conversation details.

Look for the "Edit Chat" button and tap it. You will see options to change the background. Tap on the background preview to open the customization menu. From here, you can choose a solid color by selecting one of the preset colors shown, or you can tap "Color" to access a full color picker. You can also select "Photo" to use an image from your photo library as the background.

Once you have chosen your background, tap "Done" or the back arrow to save your changes. The new background will appear when ready in that conversation thread.

Using a photo as your message background

If you want to use a photo instead of a solid color, tap "Photo" in the Edit Chat menu. Your photo library will open. Select any image you want — the app will automatically crop and scale it to fit the conversation background.

Photos work best when they are not too bright or too detailed, because the message bubbles need to remain readable against the background. A blurred or dimmed photo often looks better than a sharp, high-contrast image. Once you select a photo, it becomes the background for that conversation only.

What to do if your iPhone cannot change conversation backgrounds

iPhones running iOS 15 or earlier do not have the Edit Chat feature. If you have an older iPhone, you cannot set a custom background for individual conversations. Your only option is to adjust how the Messages app appears overall through your phone's display settings.

Go to Settings, then Display & Brightness. Toggle on "Dark Mode" if you prefer a dark background, or leave it off for a light background. This change affects the entire Messages app and many other apps on your phone, not just one conversation. If you need more control, updating to a newer iOS version (if your phone supports it) is the only way to get per-conversation backgrounds.

Removing or resetting a custom background

To remove a background you have set, open the conversation, tap the contact name at the top, and select "Edit Chat." Tap the background preview again. Look for a "Reset" option or a default background choice, and select it. This will return that conversation to the standard Messages background.

If you want to change the background to a different color or photo rather than remove it entirely, follow the same steps and straightforward choose a new option instead of reset.

Why your message bubbles might be hard to read

If you set a very bright or very dark background, the message bubbles (yours and the other person's) may become difficult to read. The bubbles are usually blue for your messages and gray for theirs, and they need enough contrast against the background to stay legible.

If readability becomes a problem, choose a background that is lighter or darker than your message bubbles, or use a more muted color. You can always go back and change it again if the first choice does not work well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different backgrounds for group chats and one-on-one conversations?

Yes. Each conversation — whether it is with one person or a group — can have its own background. Open each conversation separately, tap the name at the top, select "Edit Chat," and choose the background you want for that specific thread.

Will the other person see the background I set?

No. The background you set is visible only on your phone. The other person sees their own default or custom background in the same conversation. Your background choice does not affect how the conversation appears on their device.

Can I use a video or animated image as a background?

No. Messages only accepts still photos. If you select a video from your library, the app will use a single frame from it. For the best result, choose a regular photo file.

What iOS version do I need to change conversation backgrounds?

iOS 16 or later. If your iPhone is running iOS 15 or earlier, the Edit Chat feature is not available. Check Settings > General > About to see your current iOS version.

Can I set a background for all conversations at once?

No. You must set the background for each conversation individually. There is no option to explore one background to every chat thread at the same time.