You can change the background in Messages through Settings or directly in a conversation

The Messages app on iPhone lets you set a background image or color for individual conversations or for all your messages at once. The steps depend on which iOS version you have and whether you want to change one conversation or your default for all new chats. On newer iPhones running iOS 16 or later, you can tap into a conversation and use the "Edit" button at the top. On older versions, you'll need to go through Settings instead.

Changing your message background is purely visual — it doesn't affect security, privacy, or how your messages are sent or stored. It's a display preference, the same as changing your wallpaper.

Key Takeaways

  • iOS 16 and newer: open a conversation, tap "Edit" at the top right, then tap the three dots and choose "Change Name and Photo" to access background options.
  • iOS 15 and older: go to Settings > Messages > Message Effects, then choose a background style for all conversations.
  • You can set different backgrounds for different people by editing each conversation separately on newer iOS versions.
  • Changing a background is a display-only change and does not affect message encryption or how your messages are protected.

How to change the background on iOS 16 and newer

Open the Messages app and find the conversation you want to customize. Tap "Edit" in the top right corner of the conversation header (where the person's name appears). A menu will appear with options including "Change Name and Photo" — tap that option.

You'll see a section for "Message Style" or "Appearance." Tap on it to see your background choices. You can pick from solid colors, gradients, or photo options depending on your iOS version. Select the background you want, then tap "Done" or swipe back to save your choice. This background will now appear only in that specific conversation.

If you want to set a background for all new conversations going forward, go to Settings > Messages > Message Effects and choose your default style there. Individual conversation backgrounds will override this default.

How to change the background on iOS 15 and older

On older iPhone versions, you cannot set different backgrounds for different conversations. Instead, you set one style for all your messages. Open Settings and scroll down to find Messages. Tap Messages, then look for "Message Effects" or "Bubble Effects" (the exact name varies by iOS version).

You'll see options like "None," "Slam," "Gentle," or other animation styles. Some of these come with background color changes. Select the one you prefer, then exit Settings. The change applies to all your conversations when ready.

What backgrounds are available and how to choose

On iOS 16 and newer, your options usually include solid colors (blue, green, red, pink, orange, yellow, purple), gradients that blend two colors, and sometimes photo options that let you use an image from your library. The exact selection depends on your specific iOS version — Apple adds and removes options with updates.

Keep in mind that the person you're messaging sees only the message bubbles themselves, not your background choice. Your background is visible only on your own phone. This means you can customize conversations however you like without affecting how the other person sees the chat.

Backgrounds and message security

Changing your message background does not change how your messages are encrypted, stored, or transmitted. Messages on iPhone use end-to-end encryption by default when you message other iPhone users through iMessage (the blue bubble system). This encryption happens regardless of what background you choose.

If you're messaging someone with an Android phone, those messages appear in green bubbles and use standard SMS encryption, which is weaker than iMessage encryption. Again, your background choice has no effect on this — the encryption level is determined by the type of message being sent, not by your display settings.

Troubleshooting if the background won't change

If you tap "Edit" and don't see background options, you may be running iOS 15 or older. Check your iOS version by going to Settings > General > About and looking at the "Software Version" line. If you're on iOS 16 or newer and still don't see the option, try closing the Messages app completely and reopening it.

If the background changes but then reverts, make sure you tapped "Done" or swiped back to save the change. Some users report that the change doesn't stick if you exit the menu without confirming. If it still won't save, restart your iPhone and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the other person see my custom message background?

No. Your background is visible only on your phone. The other person sees the conversation on their own device with their own background settings. You're only changing how the chat looks to you.

Will changing my background affect my message history?

No. Changing the background is purely visual and does not affect any messages, attachments, or data stored in that conversation. Your message history remains exactly the same.

Can I use a photo from my camera roll as a background?

On iOS 16 and newer, some versions allow you to select a photo, though this feature varies. Open the background options in a conversation and look for a "Photo" or "Image" option. If you don't see one, your iOS version may not support photo backgrounds yet.

What if I want to change the background back to the default?

Open the conversation, tap "Edit," then "Change Name and Photo," and select "None" or the default option at the top of the background choices. This removes any custom background and returns the conversation to the standard appearance.

Does changing message backgrounds use more battery or data?

No. Background changes are stored locally on your phone and do not affect battery life, data usage, or how messages are sent. It's the same as changing your home screen wallpaper.