Where to find text color options on iPhone
You can change text color on iPhone in a few places, but the options depend on which app you're using. The built-in Notes app, Messages app, and Mail app each have their own text color controls. Some third-party apps like Google Docs or Microsoft Word also let you change text color, though the steps differ slightly.
The most common place people change text color is in the Notes app, where you can highlight text in different colors or change the text itself to a different shade. Messages has limited color options — you can't change individual text colors, but you can change the color of the entire conversation bubble. Mail lets you change text color when composing an email, similar to how you would on a computer.
Key Takeaways
- In Notes, select text first, then tap the paintbrush icon and choose a color from the menu that appears.
- Messages doesn't let you change individual text colors, but you can change the bubble color by swiping left on a conversation and tapping the color icon.
- Mail requires you to select text, tap the arrow icon, then choose text color or highlight color from the formatting menu.
- Third-party apps like Google Docs have their own text color tools — look for a text or highlighting icon in the toolbar.
Changing text color in the Notes app
Open the Notes app and either create a new note or open an existing one. Type or select the text you want to change color. To select text, tap and hold a word, then drag to highlight the entire section you want to color.
Once your text is selected, look for the paintbrush icon at the bottom of the screen. Tap it and a color palette will appear with options like yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue, and green. You can also choose to highlight the text instead of changing the text color itself — the highlight option sits next to the color options. Tap the color you want and it applies when ready.
If you don't see the paintbrush icon, swipe left on the formatting toolbar at the bottom until you find it. On some iPhone models, you may need to tap the arrow icon first to reveal additional formatting tools.
Changing text color in Mail
Open Mail and start composing a new email or reply. Select the text you want to change by tapping and holding a word, then dragging to highlight the section. Once the text is selected, you'll see a menu appear with options like Bold, Italic, and Underline.
Tap the arrow on the right side of that menu to reveal more options. You should see a text color icon (usually represented by an "A" with a colored line underneath). Tap it to open the color picker, then choose your color. Some versions of Mail also show a highlight color option separate from text color — use whichever matches what you're trying to do.
Changing conversation colors in Messages
Messages doesn't let you change the color of individual words or sentences. Instead, you can change the color of the entire conversation bubble for one specific contact. Open Messages and find the conversation you want to customize.
Swipe left on the conversation (or long-press it on some iPhone models) and a menu will appear. Look for a color icon or "Edit" option. Tap the color icon and choose from the available colors — these will change how that conversation's bubbles appear on your screen. This is a visual preference only and doesn't affect how the other person sees the messages.
Using text color in Google Docs and Word
If you're using Google Docs on your iPhone, open a document and select the text you want to color. Tap the three-dot menu icon at the top right, then scroll down and tap "Text color." A color palette will appear — choose your color and it applies to the selected text.
Microsoft Word works similarly. Select your text, then look for the formatting toolbar at the bottom of the screen. Tap the "A" icon with a colored underline, then choose your color from the palette. Both apps sync your formatting across devices, so the color will appear the same whether you're viewing on iPhone, iPad, or a computer.
Why text color options vary between apps
Apple doesn't provide a system-wide text color tool that works everywhere on iPhone. Each app — whether it's built into iOS or downloaded from the App Store — handles text formatting on its own. This means Notes has different color options than Mail, and Messages doesn't offer text color at all because it's designed for quick messaging rather than formatted documents.
Third-party apps like Google Docs and Word have their own color systems because they're designed to match the desktop versions of those apps. If you're switching between apps and looking for text color, check the formatting toolbar or menu within that specific app — the location and options will be different each time.
Troubleshooting when text color isn't working
If you select text but don't see a color option, make sure you're in an app that supports text color. Messages, for example, doesn't have this feature for individual words. In Notes or Mail, if the paintbrush or color icon doesn't appear, try swiping left on the formatting toolbar to reveal hidden options.
On older iPhone models or if you're using an older version of iOS, some text color features may not be available. Check that your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version by going to Settings, then General, then Software Update. If you're still not seeing the option after updating, the app you're using may straightforward not support text color changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change text color in iMessage?
No, you cannot change the color of individual words in iMessage. You can only change the color of the entire conversation bubble for a specific contact by swiping left on the conversation and selecting a color. The text itself stays white or black depending on the bubble color you choose.
Does changing text color in Notes sync to my iPad or Mac?
Yes, if you have iCloud enabled for Notes, any text color changes you make on your iPhone will appear the same way on your iPad and Mac. The color formatting is saved with the note and syncs across all your devices automatically.
What if I want to change the color of text I've already sent in Messages?
You cannot change the color of a message after you've sent it in Messages. You would need to delete the message and send a new one if you wanted different formatting, but Messages doesn't support text color for individual words anyway — only conversation bubble colors.
Can I use custom colors or just the preset options?
Most iPhone apps offer only preset colors in their color palettes. Notes, Mail, and Messages all use fixed color options rather than letting you pick any color you want. Google Docs and Word may offer more color choices, but they're still limited to a predefined palette rather than a full color picker.
Why doesn't my iPhone show a color option when I select text?
Not all apps support text color. Messages, for example, doesn't have this feature. In apps that do support it like Notes or Mail, make sure you've selected the text first by tapping and holding, then dragging. If the formatting toolbar still doesn't appear, try updating your app or checking if your iOS version is current.