Gmail lets you change the background color or image behind your inbox and messages
You can customize how Gmail looks by changing the background — the area behind your email list and message content. Gmail calls these customizations themes. You pick from preset designs that change colors, fonts, and sometimes add images. The process takes about one minute and works the same way on a computer or phone.
The background change is personal to your account. If someone else uses the same computer, they will see their own chosen background when they log into their Gmail account. The change does not affect how your emails look to people who receive them.
Key Takeaways
- Gmail themes change the background color and appearance of your inbox, and you can switch between them anytime without affecting your emails or contacts.
- On a computer, you access themes through the Settings gear icon in the top right corner of Gmail, then choose Themes from the left menu.
- On a phone or tablet, you change the background through the Gmail app settings, not through the web version of Gmail.
- Gmail offers both light and dark theme options, and some themes include background images instead of solid colors.
- You can change back to the default theme or try a different one at any time — there is no limit to how often you switch.
How to change the background on a computer
Open Gmail in your web browser and look for the Settings gear icon in the top right corner of the page, next to your profile picture. Click the gear icon and select View all settings from the dropdown menu that appears.
Once you are in Settings, look for the Themes tab at the top of the page. Click it to see all available themes. Each theme shows a preview of how your inbox will look. Scroll through the options and click on any theme to select it. Gmail applies the change when ready — you do not need to click a Save button. Close the Settings tab and return to your inbox to see the new background.
How to change the background on a phone or tablet
Open the Gmail app on your phone or tablet and tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the top left corner. Scroll down and tap Settings.
Tap your email address at the top of the Settings menu. Look for Theme in the list of options and tap it. You will see a choice between Light, Dark, and System Default. Light shows a white background, Dark shows a dark gray or black background, and System Default matches whatever theme your phone is already using. Tap your choice and the change takes effect right away.
What the different theme options do
Gmail offers several preset themes. The Light theme uses a white or light gray background with dark text, which works well in bright rooms. The Dark theme uses a dark background with light text, which reduces eye strain in dim lighting and uses less battery power on phones with OLED screens.
Some themes include background images — for example, a nature photo or abstract pattern behind your email list. These are purely visual and do not change how Gmail works. If you choose an image-based theme, the image appears behind your inbox but not behind individual emails you are reading.
The System Default option on phones and tablets automatically switches between light and dark based on your phone's settings. If your phone is set to dark mode, Gmail will be dark. If your phone is set to light mode, Gmail will be light.
Switching back to the original theme
If you want to return to Gmail's standard appearance, follow the same steps you used to change the theme. On a computer, go to Settings, click Themes, and select the default light or dark option. On a phone, go to Settings, tap Theme, and choose Light or Dark depending on what you prefer.
Changing themes does not delete your emails, contacts, or any settings. You can switch between themes as many times as you want without losing anything.
Why your background might not be changing
If you change the theme but the background does not update, try refreshing the page. Press F5 on a computer or close and reopen the Gmail app on your phone. If you are using Gmail through a work or school account, your organization may have locked the theme settings, which means you cannot change the background. Contact your IT department or help desk if this is the case.
On a computer, make sure you are using a supported web browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Very old browser versions sometimes do not display theme changes correctly. Updating your browser usually fixes this.
Themes versus other Gmail customization
Changing the background theme is different from other Gmail customization options. You can also customize your Gmail signature (the text that appears at the bottom of emails you send), change your display name, or set up labels to organize your emails. These changes are separate from the theme and do not affect each other.
If you want to change how your emails look to other people, you would adjust your signature or display name in Settings under the General tab. The background theme only changes what you see on your own screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my Gmail background affect how my emails look to people who receive them?
No. The background theme only changes what you see in your own inbox. When someone receives an email from you, they see the email content exactly the same way regardless of what theme you have chosen. Your background is personal to your account.
Can I upload my own image as a Gmail background?
Gmail does not allow you to upload a custom image as a background. You can only choose from the preset themes that Gmail provides. If you want a specific image as your background, you would need to use a different email service or contact Gmail support to request the feature.
Will my theme choice sync across all my devices?
Your theme choice on a computer and your theme choice on a phone are separate. If you set Gmail to dark mode on your computer, it will not automatically switch to dark mode on your phone. You need to change the theme on each device individually.
What if I cannot find the Themes option in Settings?
On a computer, make sure you clicked View all settings from the gear icon menu, not just the quick settings dropdown. The Themes tab only appears in the full Settings page. On a phone, the Theme option is in the Settings menu under your email address, not in the main Gmail menu.
Can I schedule my background to change at different times of day?
Gmail does not have a built-in scheduling feature for themes. However, if your phone is set to automatically switch between light and dark mode at sunrise and sunset, choosing System Default as your theme will follow that schedule automatically.