Yes, you can change the theme in Google Messages on Android

Google Messages lets you pick from several built-in themes that change the color of your chat background, message bubbles, and interface elements. The theme menu is in Settings, and the process takes about 30 seconds. You can choose between light, dark, and a few accent color options depending on your phone's Android version.

The exact themes available depend on whether you are running Android 12 or later. Newer versions offer more color choices tied to your phone's system theme. Older Android versions show a simpler set of options.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Messages, tap your profile icon in the top right, select Settings, then tap Display to see all available themes.
  • Android 12 and later phones can use dynamic color themes that match your system theme, while older phones show standard light and dark options.
  • Changing your theme does not affect how messages look to the person you are texting — only your own view changes.
  • Some themes are tied to your phone's overall system settings, so changing your phone's theme may automatically update Google Messages as well.

Step-by-step: Finding and changing your theme

Open the Google Messages app and look for your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner of the screen. Tap it once. A menu will drop down with several options.

Select Settings from that menu. You will see a list of settings categories. Tap Display. This section shows all the theme options your phone supports. Tap the theme you want to use. The change takes effect when ready — your chat list and message bubbles will update right away.

If you do not see a Display option in Settings, your version of Google Messages may be older. Update the app from the Google Play Store and try again.

What each theme does

Light theme uses a white or light gray background with dark text and colored message bubbles. This is the standard option on all Android versions.

Dark theme inverts the colors — dark background with light text. Message bubbles stay colored but are darker versions of the light theme colors. Dark mode is easier on the eyes in low light and uses less battery on phones with OLED screens.

Dynamic color (Android 12 and later only) pulls colors from your phone's system theme or wallpaper. If you change your phone's overall theme or lock screen, Google Messages updates automatically to match. This creates a unified look across your phone.

Some phones also show a Material You option, which is Google's name for the dynamic color system. It works the same way as dynamic color.

Why your theme might not change

If you tap a theme and nothing happens, check whether your phone's system settings are overriding your choice. On Android 12 and later, go to Settings > Display > Colors and Wallpaper. If "Use dynamic colors" is turned on, your phone may force all apps to use the system theme instead of their own settings.

You can turn off dynamic colors in your phone's system settings if you want Google Messages to use its own theme instead. After you turn it off, go back to Google Messages Settings > Display and pick your theme again.

If the Display option still does not appear, your version of Google Messages is outdated. Open the Google Play Store, search for Google Messages, and tap Update if the button is available.

Theme changes do not affect other people

When you change your theme, only you see the difference. The person you are texting sees their own version of the conversation based on their phone's theme settings. Your message bubbles look the same to them whether you use light, dark, or dynamic color.

This is true for all messaging apps — theme is a personal display choice, not part of the message itself.

Switching between themes on the fly

You can change your theme as many times as you want. There is no limit, and no setting gets locked in. If you want to use dark theme at night and light theme during the day, you can switch back and forth by going to Settings > Display and tapping a different theme each time.

On Android 12 and later, you can also let your phone's system settings handle this automatically. Go to your phone's Settings > Display > Colors and Wallpaper, turn on "Use dynamic colors," and Google Messages will match your phone's theme without you having to change it manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my theme in Google Messages change it in other apps?

No. Each app has its own theme setting. Changing Google Messages to dark theme does not change Gmail, Chrome, or any other app. You have to change the theme in each app separately, or turn on dynamic colors in your phone's system settings to make all apps match at once.

Can I create a custom theme with my own colors?

Google Messages does not let you build a custom theme from scratch. You can only choose from the built-in options: light, dark, and dynamic color (on Android 12 and later). If you want more control, you can change your phone's system theme or wallpaper, and dynamic color will adjust Google Messages to match.

What if I have an iPhone?

Google Messages is not available on iPhone. Apple's default messaging app is iMessage. If you use a third-party texting app on iPhone, check its settings for a theme or appearance option, but the process will be different from Google Messages.

Will changing my theme affect my message history?

No. Your messages, contacts, and conversation history stay exactly the same. Theme only changes how the interface looks, not what is stored or displayed in your chats.

Why does my theme keep changing back to what it was?

If dynamic colors are turned on in your phone's system settings, your phone may override your Google Messages theme choice whenever you change your system theme or wallpaper. Turn off dynamic colors in your phone's Settings > Display > Colors and Wallpaper if you want Google Messages to keep the theme you picked.