Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET key takeaways
- Apple lets you change your Messages backgrounds in iOS 26.
- This can help you stop sending the wrong message to the wrong person.
- However, the recipient’s background will also change.
For years, iPhone users were left out of a feature that Android owners got to take advantage of: Customizing your message windows so that you don’t accidentally text the wrong person (because who hasn’t). But with iOS 26’s release last year, iPhone users can finally set a message background — either a preset option from Apple, or a picture from their camera roll.
Also: Your iPhone’s built-in magnifier does way more than help you see the fine print – how to use it
However, there is one big catch that isn’t immediately apparent: Whatever you set your chat’s background to, all other members of the chat will see it as well, so long as they’re also on iOS 26. So if you change, say, your iPhone-using ex’s chat background to a Demagorgon, they’re going to see that immediately. It’s similar to when you name a group chat; It changes the name for all members of the group.
Not daunted? I’ll walk you through how to change your text backgrounds in the Messages app. Along with iOS 26, these steps should also work for iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and later.
How to change your Message background on iPhone
Change the background image on your individual text threads easily. Here’s how.
1. Open the Messages app
Select the thread you want to theme from your list of messages.
Also: Add photos to your iMessages with one tap – how to skip that annoying iOS menu
2. Tap the contact information at the top of the chat
This will work whether you have an individual text thread or a group chat.
3. Tap Backgrounds
Under the contact name(s) or group name and the icons for call, FaceTime, or email, you’ll see a few different tabs: Info, Backgrounds, Photos, and Links. Tap Backgrounds.
4. Select the background you want
You’ll see four “dynamic” options from Apple: Color, Sky, Water, and Aurora. You can tap any of those and then swipe to see several different options for each. Or, tap Photo, and select a picture from your camera roll. Your phone will suggest some options (on mine, it pulled up scenic shots I’ve taken on trips), or you can access all of your photos and collections. Crop the photo by pinching in or out, and swipe left to add a filter.
When you find the option you want, tap the blue check mark button in the top right corner of your phone.
This immediately changes the background and adds a note in the chat on your end that says “You changed the background” with the date and time stamp. That note also appears for the other people on the thread, saying “(Your name) changed the background.”
It’s an easy way to customize your message threads and make them more aesthetically pleasing (and clear who you’re messaging) — so long as you don’t mind the people on the other end seeing them, too.
Also: You’re using DND all wrong: 5 powerful Do Not Disturb settings to try on your iPhone today
Can you turn iPhone message backgrounds off?
If you’re on the other end of this and would rather not see whatever background your contact has added to your chat, you can turn your text backgrounds off completely. This allows them to see it on their end, but you don’t have to see it on yours. Do this by going to Settings > Apps > Messages, and toggle Conversation Backgrounds off.
If you changed a message background and want to go back to a plain one, go to the Messages app, and open the conversation. Tap the contact name or group icon at the top, and tap Backgrounds. Then tap None. Just note that this option will remove the background image for the other members of the chat, too.
For more iPhone tips, check out the top settings you should change on your phone right away and 12 settings to change to improve battery life.
