Change message bubble colors using iOS 17 and later

If you have iOS 17 or later, you can change the color of individual text conversations directly in the Messages app. Open any conversation, tap the person's name or group name at the top, then tap Edit Name and Photo. Scroll down to find the color picker — it shows a row of circles in different colors. Tap the color you want, and that conversation's message bubbles will display in that color from that moment forward.

This color change only affects how you see the conversation on your phone. The other person will still see the standard blue (for iMessage) or green (for SMS) bubbles on their end. Each conversation can have its own color, so you might use red for work messages, purple for family, and yellow for a group chat.

The color picker includes about a dozen preset colors, plus a custom option that lets you create your own shade. If you choose custom, you can adjust the hue, saturation, and brightness to match exactly what you want.

Key Takeaways

  • iOS 17 and later lets you assign a custom color to each text conversation by tapping the person's name and selecting a color from the picker.
  • The color change is visible only on your phone — the other person sees standard blue or green bubbles regardless of what color you chose.
  • You can use different colors for different conversations to organize by contact, group, or purpose.
  • Older iPhone models running iOS 16 or earlier do not have this built-in feature in the Messages app.
  • Third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram have their own color customization options if you want more control over appearance.

Check your iOS version first

Before you look for the color option, confirm that your iPhone is running iOS 17 or later. Go to Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look for the line that says Software Version — if it shows 17.0 or higher, you have access to message bubble colors.

If your version is 16.7 or lower, the color picker will not appear in the conversation settings. You can still update your phone by going to Settings > General > Software Update and following the prompts. Updates usually take 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and how much storage is available.

Step-by-step: coloring a single conversation

Open the Messages app and find the conversation you want to color. Tap the person's name or group name at the very top of the screen — not the message thread itself, but the header bar where their name appears.

A details panel will slide up from the bottom. Look for the option that says Edit Name and Photo and tap it. You will see fields for the contact's name and their photo, and below those you will find a row of colored circles. Tap any circle to assign that color to the conversation.

Once you tap a color, the panel closes and you return to the conversation. The message bubbles from that person or group will now appear in your chosen color. If you change your mind, repeat the same steps and pick a different color — there is no limit to how many times you can change it.

Create a custom color instead of using presets

The color picker includes a custom option, usually shown as a circle with a plus sign or a gradient symbol. Tap it to open a full color wheel where you can select any shade you want. Drag your finger around the wheel to find the hue, then adjust the brightness slider below it to make the color lighter or darker.

Custom colors are useful if you want to match a specific brand color, use a shade that is easier on your eyes, or straightforward want something the presets do not offer. Once you set a custom color, it stays assigned to that conversation until you change it again.

Why message colors might not appear

If you have iOS 17 but the color picker is not showing up, try closing the Messages app completely and reopening it. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer models) to close all apps, then tap Messages again.

If that does not work, restart your iPhone. Hold the power button until you see the slider to power off, then slide it. Wait a few seconds, then hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears. Once the phone restarts, open Messages and try the color change again.

In rare cases, a conversation might not accept a color change if it is a very old thread or if there is a technical issue with that specific chat. Creating a new conversation with the same person usually fixes this, though you will lose the message history in that thread.

Alternatives if your iPhone cannot use this feature

If you have an older iPhone running iOS 16 or earlier, the built-in color option is not available. However, you can use third-party messaging apps that offer color customization. WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal all let you change chat colors, and they work on any recent iPhone.

Another option is to use contact photos or emojis in the person's name to visually distinguish conversations without changing the bubble color itself. For example, you could name a contact "🔴 Mom" or "💼 Boss" so they stand out in your message list. This works on any iOS version and does not require an app update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the other person see the color I chose for our conversation?

No. The color change is only visible on your phone. When the other person opens your conversation with them, they will see the standard blue bubbles (for iMessage) or green bubbles (for SMS text messages). The color is purely for your own organization and visual preference.

Can I change the color of group chats?

Yes. Group conversations work the same way as one-on-one chats. Tap the group name at the top, select Edit Name and Photo, and pick a color. Everyone in the group will still see standard blue or green bubbles on their end.

What happens to the color if I delete the conversation?

The color assignment is tied to that specific conversation thread. If you delete the conversation and later start a new one with the same person, you will need to assign a color again. The color does not carry over to the new thread.

Can I use different colors for different people in a group chat?

No. A group conversation has one color for the entire thread. You cannot assign individual colors to each person within the same group chat. If you want to color-code by person, you would need to have separate one-on-one conversations with them.

Does changing message colors use more battery or data?

No. Changing the color of message bubbles is a display-only setting stored on your phone. It does not affect battery life, data usage, or how messages are sent or received.