Where to find the background setting in Messages

You can change the background of individual conversations or your entire Messages app on iPhone. The setting lives in the Messages app itself, not in your phone's general settings. Open Messages, then tap Edit in the top left corner. Select the conversation you want to change, then tap the three dots that appear on the right side of that conversation. Tap Change Name and Photo, then scroll down to find Background.

If you want to change the background for all new conversations at once, open Messages and go to Settings > Messages > Message Effects. From there you can set a default background that will explore to every new conversation you start. Existing conversations keep their own backgrounds unless you change them individually.

Key Takeaways

  • Individual conversation backgrounds are changed through Edit mode in the Messages app, not through your phone settings.
  • You can pick from built-in colors and gradients, or use any photo from your camera roll as a background.
  • Changing a background in one conversation does not affect your other conversations unless you set a default background first.
  • Both people in the conversation see the same background you set — it is not a personal-only view.

Using built-in colors and gradients

When you tap Change Name and Photo and scroll to Background, you will see a row of preset options. These include solid colors like blue, green, red, and pink, plus gradient options that blend two colors together. Tap any color or gradient to preview it in your conversation. The background updates when ready once you select it.

The built-in options are the fastest choice if you want something straightforward. They are designed to work well with the text bubbles in your messages and do not require you to find or edit a photo. If none of the presets match what you want, you can use a photo instead.

Adding a photo as your background

Below the color options, you will see a button to add a photo. Tap it and choose a photo from your camera roll. iPhone will show you a preview of how that photo looks behind your message bubbles. You can pinch to zoom in or out on the photo to adjust what part shows in the background.

Photos work best when they are not too bright or too detailed — very busy images can make your message text hard to read. A landscape photo, a solid-colored image, or a blurred photo usually works better than a photo full of small details. Once you are happy with how it looks, tap Done to save it.

Setting a default background for all conversations

If you want every new conversation to start with the same background, go to Settings > Messages, then look for Message Effects or Bubble Effects depending on your iPhone model. Tap it and select a default background from the same color and photo options. This background will appear in every new conversation you start going forward.

Conversations you already have will keep their current backgrounds. If you want to change an existing conversation to match your new default, you have to change it individually using the Edit mode method described above. The default setting only applies to conversations created after you change it.

Changing backgrounds on group conversations

Group conversations work the same way as one-on-one chats. Open Messages, tap Edit, select the group conversation, tap the three dots, and choose Change Name and Photo. Scroll to Background and pick your color, gradient, or photo. Everyone in the group will see the background you set.

If you are the person who created the group, you have the same control over the background as you do in a regular conversation. If someone else created the group, you can still change the background for your view of it, but other members will see whatever background they have set for that conversation.

Removing or resetting a background

To remove a background and go back to the default white or light gray, open the conversation, tap Edit, select it, tap the three dots, and choose Change Name and Photo. Scroll to Background and tap the blank or white option at the start of the color row. This resets the conversation to no custom background.

If you set a default background and want to turn it off, go to Settings > Messages > Message Effects and choose the blank option there. This will not change backgrounds you have already set in individual conversations — it only stops new conversations from getting that default background.

Troubleshooting background changes that do not appear

If you change a background and it does not show up, close the Messages app completely and open it again. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to display the change. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer iPhones) to close all open apps, then tap Messages to reopen it.

If the background still does not appear after restarting the app, make sure you are running the latest version of iOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. Outdated iOS versions sometimes have display issues with message backgrounds. After updating, try changing the background again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a video or animated image as a background?

No, message backgrounds must be still photos or the built-in colors and gradients. You cannot use videos, GIFs, or animated images. If you try to select a video from your camera roll, iPhone will not let you choose it as a background option.

Will the other person see the same background I set?

Yes, both people in the conversation see the background you set. It is not a personal view — when you change the background, it changes for everyone in that chat. If the other person changes it later, their choice replaces yours for both of you.

Can I set different backgrounds for different times of day?

No, iPhone Messages does not have a scheduling feature for backgrounds. You can only set one background per conversation at a time. If you want to change it, you have to do it manually through the Edit menu.

What happens to my background if I update my iPhone?

Your message backgrounds stay in place when you update iOS. They are stored with your conversation data, so they will appear the same way after the update. If you restore your iPhone from a backup, your backgrounds come back with the backup.

Can I make a background transparent so I see my wallpaper behind messages?

No, message backgrounds are always opaque. You cannot make them see-through or blend with your home screen wallpaper. The background you set in Messages only appears inside the Messages app, not anywhere else on your phone.