Changing the message background on your iPhone can give your chats a fresh and personal touch. Many people don’t know how easy it is to switch things up. To customize your iMessage background, open the Messages app and tap on the App Store icon next to the text input field. From there, you can access various options to alter the appearance and add some personality to your texts.
Now, who doesn’t love a bit of personalization in their digital communication? You can even change backgrounds for different conversations, providing a unique look for every chat. This simple change can make your messages feel more engaging and fun.
Experimenting with these settings allows you to discover the perfect fit for your style. Whether it’s colorful, simple, or anything in between, the iPhone offers plenty of choices. Taking a few minutes to explore these settings can greatly enhance your messaging experience.
Starting with iOS 26, Apple allows users to customize the background in the Messages app. You can use colors, gradients, photos, dynamic themes, or even AI-generated backgrounds. The background appears for everyone in the conversation (for group chats) or just for you (in one-on-one chats).
📱 How to Change the Message Background on iPhone
Step 1: Open Messages
- Launch the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Open the conversation where you want to change the background.
Step 2: Access the Background Settings
- Tap the “⋯” (More) button in the top-right corner of the chat.
- Select “Change Background” or “Customize Chat” (the exact wording may vary slightly).
Step 3: Choose a Background Type
You’ll see several options:
- 🎨 Color – Pick a solid color or gradient background.
- 🖼️ Photo – Choose an image from your Photos library.
- 🌈 Dynamic Themes – Select animated or seasonal backgrounds (like stars, waves, or holiday themes).
- 🤖 AI Background – Generate a custom background using Apple’s on-device AI tools.
Step 4: Adjust and Preview
- Use pinch and drag gestures to resize or reposition your chosen image.
- Tap Preview to see how it looks in your conversation.
Step 5: Apply the Background
- Tap Done or Set Background to confirm.
- Your new background will now appear in that chat.
- For group chats, everyone will see the updated background (source: Apple Support).
🔁 Sync Across Devices
If you’re signed into the same Apple ID on multiple devices (iPhone, iPad, or Mac running macOS Tahoe), your background will sync automatically across all of them (source: MacObserver).
🧩 Tips
- You can reset to default anytime by going to the same menu and tapping “Remove Background.”
- Some dynamic or AI backgrounds may use more battery or processing power.
- The feature works in both iMessage and RCS conversations (when available).
Key Takeaways
- Open the Messages app and tap the App Store icon to start customizing.
- Personalize your iMessage backgrounds to make chats more engaging.
- Experiment with settings to find your style.
Customizing Your Message Background
Changing the message background on an iPhone can refresh your texting experience. You have options inside the Messages app, third-party apps, or jailbreaking.
Using the Messages App
Open the Messages app on your iPhone. Start a new message or open an existing conversation. Tap the “App Store” icon next to the text field. Then select the “Photos” button. Choose a photo from your library or take a new one. This photo will be set as your message background.
You can also adjust the text size and boldness in the Settings app. Tap “Display & Brightness” to make changes. For more options, go to “Accessibility” and then “Display & Text Size.” These customizations can improve readability and give the messages a personal touch.
Exploring Third-Party Apps
The App Store has third-party apps for more customization. Download a trustworthy app like Color Text Bubbles. These apps offer a range of customization options. You can change the iMessage wallpaper, text message picture background, and even add stickers and fonts.
These apps often provide unique features not available in the built-in settings. They let you personalize your iMessages further. Installing these apps is simple. After downloading, open the app, and follow the instructions for changing the background. Make sure to choose apps with good reviews to avoid issues.
Considering Jailbreaking
Jailbreaking your iPhone gives you maximum customization but comes with risks. You’ll need to install a tool like Cydia. Through Cydia, you can download apps that let you change your text message background.
Jailbreaking can void your warranty and may cause stability issues. It’s important to weigh the benefits and risks before deciding. Jailbroken iPhones can have customization options that are not available on standard iPhones. This allows for greater personalization. Be cautious and make sure you follow tutorials to avoid problems.
Changing your message background can make your texting more visually appealing. Choose the method that suits your needs for a better messaging experience.
