Where to find the background settings in Messages

On iPhone, you change the message background by opening the Messages app, selecting a conversation, then tapping the person's name or group name at the top of the screen. This opens a details panel where you'll find a color or photo option near the top. Tap it to see your choices.

The exact location depends on your iOS version. On iOS 17 and later, look for a circular icon showing the current background color or image — it's usually displayed prominently in the conversation details. On older versions, you may see a "Color" or "Theme" button instead. Either way, the panel appears when you tap the name at the top of any open conversation.

This background applies only to that single conversation. If you want different backgrounds for different people or groups, you set each one separately. The setting doesn't affect how the other person sees the conversation on their phone — it's a display choice on your device only.

Key Takeaways

  • Open any conversation in Messages, tap the person's or group's name at the top, and look for a color or photo icon to change that conversation's background.
  • iPhone offers preset color options and the ability to use a photo from your library as a background.
  • Each conversation can have its own background — changing one does not affect others.
  • The background you set is visible only on your phone; the other person sees their own background choice.
  • If you don't see a background option, make sure you're running iOS 17 or later, or check your Messages app settings.

Choosing a solid color background

After you tap the color or theme icon in the conversation details, you'll see a row of preset colors. These typically include white, black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Tap any color to explore it when ready to that conversation.

The color fills the entire message thread background, making the conversation easier to read or straightforward more visually distinct from your other chats. If you change your mind, you can return to the same menu and pick a different color at any time. There's no limit to how many times you can switch.

Using a photo as your message background

Instead of a solid color, you can set a photo from your library as the background. In the background menu, look for an option labeled "Photo" or a plus icon that lets you add an image. Tap it to open your photo library.

Select any photo you want. The image will be scaled to fit the conversation screen, and the message bubbles will appear on top of it. Keep in mind that busy or dark photos can make text harder to read, so test the result before settling on it. If the photo doesn't work well, switch back to a solid color or try a different image.

Photos you choose are stored locally on your phone and don't sync to other devices. If you set a background on your iPhone, it won't appear on your iPad or Mac unless you set it separately on those devices.

Changing the background for group chats

Group conversations work the same way as one-on-one chats. Open the group thread, tap the group name at the top, and select the background option. You can use any color or photo for a group just as you would for an individual conversation.

Everyone in the group sees their own version of the background on their device — your choice doesn't change what appears on anyone else's phone. This means you could set a blue background for a group chat while another member sets it to red, and you'd each see your own choice.

Troubleshooting if the background option doesn't appear

If you don't see a background or color option when you tap the conversation name, check your iOS version first. Background customization is available on iOS 17 and later. If you're running an older version, you won't have this feature.

If you're on iOS 17 or later and still don't see the option, try closing the Messages app completely and reopening it. Sometimes the interface needs to refresh. You can also check that you're tapping the correct spot — the person's or group's name at the very top of the conversation, not the search bar or other elements.

If the problem persists, restart your iPhone. This clears temporary glitches that might be hiding the background menu. After restarting, open Messages again and try tapping the conversation name once more.

Resetting a background to the default

To remove a custom background and return to the standard white or default appearance, open the conversation details again and tap the background option. Look for a "Default" or "None" choice at the beginning of the color options, and tap it. The conversation will when ready return to its original look.

This doesn't delete anything — it straightforward removes the customization you added. You can set a new background anytime afterward if you change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a different background for each conversation?

Yes. Each conversation has its own background setting, so you can customize them individually. Open each conversation, tap the name at the top, and set the background you want for that specific chat.

Will the other person see the background I set?

No. The background is a display choice on your phone only. The other person sees whatever background they've set for that conversation on their device, or the default if they haven't customized it.

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

No. Messages backgrounds must be static images or solid colors. Videos and animated GIFs are not supported as conversation backgrounds.

What happens to my background if I update iOS?

Your custom backgrounds stay in place after an iOS update. The setting is stored on your device and will remain unless you manually change or remove it.

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 all chats at the same time.