Where to find the chat color settings
To change the color of a chat on Snapchat, open the app and go to your chat list. Long-press (or press and hold) the conversation whose color you want to change. A menu will appear with several options. Tap "Edit Chat" or the gear icon, depending on your device and Snapchat version.
Once you open the chat settings, look for an option labeled "Chat Color," "Customize Chat," or a color palette icon. The exact wording varies slightly between iOS and Android, but the feature is in the same place on both. Tap that option to see your color choices.
Key Takeaways
- Long-press a conversation in your chat list, then tap "Edit Chat" or the settings gear to access color options.
- Snapchat offers a set palette of preset colors rather than a custom color picker — you choose from what the app provides.
- The color you pick appears as the background of that specific chat thread and shows in your chat list.
- Changing a chat color affects only your view of the conversation, not what the other person sees on their phone.
What colors are available
Snapchat does not let you create a custom color. Instead, you choose from a fixed set of preset colors that the app provides. The palette typically includes bright, saturated options like hot pink, purple, blue, green, yellow, and orange, along with neutral tones like gray and white.
The exact colors available may shift slightly with app updates, but Snapchat keeps the selection straightforward and limited. This design choice means you cannot match a chat color to a specific hex code or RGB value — you work with what Snapchat offers. If none of the presets match what you want, you pick the closest one.
How the color appears in your chats
Once you set a color, it becomes the background of that chat thread. Every message in the conversation will appear against that colored background. The color also shows up in your chat list next to the person's name, making it easier to spot conversations at a glance.
The color change is visible only to you. The other person in the chat sees their own default chat background on their phone — they do not see the color you chose. This means you can organize your chats by color for your own convenience without affecting anyone else's experience.
Changing or removing a chat color
To change a chat color later, use the same method: long-press the conversation, tap "Edit Chat" or settings, and select "Chat Color" again. Pick a new color from the palette. The old color disappears and the new one takes effect when ready.
If you want to remove the color and return to the default background, look for a "Default" or "None" option in the color menu. Not all versions of Snapchat label this the same way, but there is usually a neutral or blank option that resets the chat to its standard appearance.
Why you might want to organize chats by color
Assigning colors to chats helps you find conversations faster, especially if you message many people. You might use one color for close friends, another for family, and a third for group chats. This visual system works alongside Snapchat's pinning feature, which lets you keep certain conversations at the top of your list.
Color coding is also useful if you want to separate work or school conversations from personal ones. Since the color is private to your phone, you can set it up however makes sense for your life without worrying about what anyone else sees.
Troubleshooting color changes that do not stick
If you set a chat color and it does not appear, or if it reverts to default, try closing and reopening the Snapchat app. Sometimes the change takes a moment to sync. If the problem persists, check that you are running the latest version of Snapchat — outdated versions occasionally have bugs with chat customization.
On rare occasions, a chat color setting may not work if the app cache is corrupted. You can clear the app cache on iOS by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, finding Snapchat, and tapping "Offload App," then reinstalling it. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Storage > Clear Cache. This removes temporary files without deleting your account or messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a custom color instead of the preset options?
No. Snapchat only offers a set palette of preset colors. You cannot enter a custom hex code or create your own shade. You choose from the colors Snapchat provides in the chat color menu.
Does the other person see the color I chose for our chat?
No. The chat color is visible only on your phone. The other person sees their own default chat background and does not know what color you assigned to your conversation with them.
Can I change the color of a group chat?
Yes. The process is the same for group chats as for one-on-one conversations. Long-press the group chat, tap "Edit Chat," select "Chat Color," and pick a color from the palette.
What happens if I change my phone or reinstall Snapchat?
Chat colors are stored on your device, not in the cloud. If you switch phones or reinstall the app, your color assignments will not transfer. You will need to set them up again on the new device.
Is there a way to color-code chats automatically based on who I am talking to?
No. Snapchat does not have a rule-based system that assigns colors automatically. You set each color manually. However, you can use Snapchat's pinning feature alongside colors to organize your chat list further.