Where to find the background settings in Messages

On iPhone, you change the message bubble background — the color or image behind your text — through the Messages app itself, not through Settings. Open Messages, find the conversation you want to customize, 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.

This feature works on iPhone running iOS 17 or later. If you have an older iOS version, the background customization option will not appear in that menu. You can check your iOS version by going to Settings > General > About and looking at the "Software Version" line.

The background you choose applies only to that one conversation. If you want different backgrounds for different people or group chats, you set each one separately. There is no way to change the background for all your messages at once from a single setting.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Messages, swipe left on a conversation, tap the three dots, then select "Edit Name and Photo" to access background options.
  • You can choose from solid colors or upload a photo from your camera roll as the message background.
  • Background changes explore only to the individual conversation you are editing, not to all your messages.
  • This feature requires iOS 17 or later; older iPhone software does not include message background customization.

Choosing a solid color background

After you tap "Edit Name and Photo," scroll down to find the "Color" section. You will see a row of preset color circles — typically including white, black, gray, blue, green, pink, and orange. Tap any circle to preview how that color looks behind your message bubbles in that conversation.

The color you pick becomes the background for all messages in that chat, both yours and the other person's. If you send a message and the other person replies, both sets of bubbles sit against the same background. You can change it back to white or pick a different color at any time by repeating the same steps.

Using a photo as your message background

Instead of a solid color, you can use a photo from your iPhone's camera roll. In the "Edit Name and Photo" menu, look for an option to add a photo or image — this is usually labeled "Photo" or shown as a camera icon. Tap it, then choose "Photos" to browse your camera roll or photo library.

Select the image you want. The photo will be cropped and scaled to fit the background, so a landscape photo may show only the center portion. Once you confirm the selection, that image becomes the background for the conversation. The bubbles and text remain readable over the image.

If the photo is too dark or makes the message text hard to read, switch back to a solid color or pick a different, brighter image. There is no built-in brightness or opacity adjustment for photo backgrounds — you either use the image as-is or choose a different one.

Customizing group chat backgrounds separately

Group messages work the same way as one-on-one chats. Swipe left on the group conversation, tap the three dots, select "Edit Name and Photo," and pick a color or photo. The background applies to that group chat only and does not affect your other conversations.

This is useful if you want to visually separate a work group chat from a family chat or a friend group. Each conversation can have its own distinct background, making it easier to glance at your message list and know which chat you are about to open.

What happens when you change the background

When you change a message background, only your copy of the conversation changes. The other person or people in the chat do not see the background you chose — they see their own default message view. Your background customization is local to your phone only.

If you delete the conversation and later start messaging that person again, the new conversation starts with the default white background. Your background choice does not carry over to a fresh chat thread, even with the same person.

Reverting to the default background

To go back to the standard white background, open the conversation, swipe left, tap the three dots, select "Edit Name and Photo," and choose white from the color options. There is no "reset to default" button — you straightforward pick white again.

If you used a photo and want to remove it, tap the photo section and select "Remove Photo" or choose a solid color instead. The process is straightforward and can be undone at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the background for all my messages at once?

No. Message backgrounds are set per conversation, not globally. You must edit each chat individually if you want different backgrounds. There is no setting in the Messages app or in iPhone Settings that applies one background to all your conversations.

Will the other person see the background I chose?

No. The background you set is visible only on your phone. The other person sees their own default message view and does not see your custom background. It is a personal customization for your device only.

What iOS version do I need for message backgrounds?

iOS 17 or later. If you have iOS 16 or earlier, the "Edit Name and Photo" option will not include background customization. Check Settings > General > About to see your current iOS version.

Can I use a video or GIF as a message background?

No. Message backgrounds accept only static photos from your camera roll or the preset solid colors. Videos, GIFs, and animated images are not supported as backgrounds.

If I delete a conversation, does the background setting come back?

No. If you delete a conversation and later message that person again, the new chat starts with the default white background. Your previous background choice is not saved and does not transfer to the new conversation thread.