Where to find the bubble color settings

Bubble color on iPhone is controlled through the Messages app settings, not through a system-wide color menu. Open the Messages app, then tap Settings at the bottom of the screen (on older iOS versions, you may need to go to Settings > Messages instead). The color options appear under "Message Bubbles" or similar labeling depending on your iOS version.

The exact location shifted between iOS versions. If you have iOS 16 or later, the bubble color picker is in the Messages app itself. If you have an older version, you'll find it in the main Settings app under the Messages section. Either way, the process takes about 30 seconds once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Bubble color settings live in the Messages app on iOS 16 and newer, accessed through the app's Settings tab at the bottom of the screen.
  • On older iOS versions, bubble colors are found in the main Settings app under Messages, not in the Messages app itself.
  • You can choose from preset color options—usually blue, green, red, yellow, and others—but cannot create custom colors by entering hex codes or RGB values.
  • The color you choose affects only how your messages appear on your own phone; the recipient sees your messages in their default bubble color unless they also change their settings.
  • Changing bubble color does not affect iMessage, SMS, or group chat functionality—it is purely a visual change on your device.

Step-by-step for iOS 16 and newer

Open the Messages app and look at the bottom of the screen. You'll see four tabs: Filters, Edit, Search, and Settings. Tap Settings (the gear icon). Scroll down until you see "Message Bubbles" or "Bubble Color." Tap that option to see the available colors.

A row of color circles will appear. Tap the color you want—blue, green, red, yellow, purple, or pink, depending on your iOS version. The change takes effect when ready. Close the Settings menu by tapping elsewhere or swiping down, and your bubbles will now display in the color you selected. You can return to this menu anytime to switch colors again.

Step-by-step for iOS 15 and earlier

Go to the main Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Messages. Look for an option labeled "Bubble Color," "Message Color," or "Conversation Color" (the exact name varies by iOS version). Tap it to see your color options.

Select the color you prefer from the list. The change applies to all new messages you send going forward. Unlike iOS 16, you cannot change the color from within the Messages app itself, so you'll need to return to Settings > Messages if you want to switch colors later.

What the recipient sees on their phone

The color you choose affects only your own phone. When you send a message to someone, they see it in whatever default color their Messages app uses—usually blue for iMessage and green for SMS. Your custom bubble color does not transfer to their device.

This is different from changing the contact color or conversation color, which can sometimes be visible to others in group chats. Bubble color is strictly a personal display setting. If you want the recipient to see your messages in a specific color, they would need to change their own bubble color settings on their device.

Preset colors available and how to find more

Most iOS versions offer between five and eight preset bubble colors: blue, green, red, yellow, purple, and pink. The exact selection depends on your iOS version and whether Apple has added new options in recent updates. You cannot create custom colors by entering hex codes or RGB values—you're limited to the presets Apple provides.

If you want a color that isn't in the preset list, the only workaround is to check whether a newer iOS version offers additional colors. You can also use contact-specific colors by assigning a color to an individual contact in your Contacts app, though this is a separate feature from bubble color and works differently.

Troubleshooting if bubble colors won't change

If you change the bubble color but your messages still appear in the old color, force-close the Messages app and reopen it. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-tap the home button on older iPhones) to access the app switcher, find Messages, and swipe it away. Then tap the Messages app icon to relaunch it.

If the color picker doesn't appear at all, check your iOS version. Go to Settings > General > About and look at the iOS version number. If you have iOS 15 or earlier, the bubble color option is in Settings > Messages, not in the Messages app. If you have iOS 16 or newer and still don't see the option, try restarting your phone by holding the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on.

How bubble color differs from other message customization options

Bubble color is separate from text effects, which let you add animations like confetti or balloons to individual messages. Text effects are accessed by pressing and holding the send button before you send a message. Bubble color, by contrast, is a permanent setting that applies to all your outgoing messages until you change it again.

You can also customize messages by changing the font or adding stickers, but these are message-level choices, not account-level settings. Bubble color is the only feature that changes the appearance of every message you send without you having to do anything special each time. Contact colors—which let you assign a color to a specific person—are another separate feature found in the Contacts app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different bubble colors for different contacts?

No, bubble color is a global setting that applies to all your outgoing messages. However, you can assign a color to individual contacts in the Contacts app, which changes how their name appears in your conversation list. This is not the same as bubble color and does not affect the color of your sent messages.

Will my bubble color change affect group chats?

Your bubble color applies to group chats the same way it applies to one-on-one conversations. Everyone in the group will see your messages in the color you selected, but they will see their own messages in their own bubble color. The group chat does not synchronize bubble colors across all participants.

What happens if I update to a new iOS version?

Your bubble color choice usually carries over when you update iOS. However, if you update to a version that removes the color you selected or changes how the feature works, your setting may reset to the default. You can straightforward reselect your preferred color after updating.

Can I use bubble color on iMessage and SMS at the same time?

Yes. Your bubble color setting applies to both iMessage (messages sent over data or Wi-Fi to other Apple devices) and SMS (text messages sent over your cellular network). You don't need to choose one or the other—the color you select appears on both types of messages.

Is there a way to create a custom bubble color?

No, you cannot create custom colors by entering hex codes or RGB values. You're limited to the preset colors Apple provides in your iOS version. If none of the presets match what you want, your only option is to wait for a future iOS update that might add new color choices.