Thursday, November 20, 2025

How to Add Backgrounds in Messages on iPhone

How to Add Backgrounds in Messages on iPhone

Apple now lets you place colorful or themed backgrounds behind entire conversation threads in iOS. It is a simple way to highlight a point, add energy to a conversation, or help readers follow key updates.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
November 20, 2025


iOS 26
Every group chat eventually reaches that moment when the important information disappears into the noise. 

Apple introduced a subtle but useful Messages upgrade that solves this problem by letting you add backgrounds behind your messages. 

It feels like a small tweak, yet it changes readability and adds style in a way that standard text bubbles never could.

iOS 26 iPhone Message Background

Feature Explanation

Custom backgrounds in Messages is a simple but impactful personalization tool. 

It allows you to set a unique image, photo, or color as the wallpaper for a specific iMessage thread. 

Instead of the system-wide light or dark mode background, this feature layers a custom background behind the message bubbles and conversation history for just that one person or group chat.

What You’ll Gain
  • Highlight important updates for family or teams.
  • Make conversations easier to scan.
  • Add personality to personal chats.
  • Improve clarity for readers with visual preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

iOS
  1. Launch the Messages app and tap on the conversation thread you wish to customize.
  2. Tap the contact’s name or photo at the very top of the screen.
  3. In the detail menu that appears, tap Background to see your customization options. 
  4.  You will have options to choose from your existing Photos, a static Color, or a selection of pre-made Apple Collections.
  5. Select and Adjust:
    • Browse your Camera Roll, select the image, and use the pinch and drag gestures to zoom and position it. Tap Done.
    • Scroll through the palette and tap a color swatch. You can also tap the color picker icon for a wider spectrum of shades.
    • A preview of the background will appear. Note the Message Appearance toggle, which lets you switch between the background filling the entire screen or just a narrow strip above the keyboard. Tap Done to save the background for that conversation. 
Select Background in iOS 26 Messages App

fig. 1 - Select Background in iOS 26 Messages App

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Improves readability of important notes.
  • Adds creativity to personal threads.
  • Quick to apply and easy to change.

Cons
  • Limited to Apple platforms.
  • Older devices may not display backgrounds correctly.
  • Not suited for formal business messaging.

Configuration Guide

The background is applied per conversation. 

There is no global toggle. 

If you want to remove a custom background, return to the Background menu in the conversation details and select None.

Subscribe to One Cool Tip Newsletter

Feature Access

Platform: iPhone running iOS 18 or later.

Rollout: Available to all users according to Apple Support (accessed November 2025).

Requirements: Messages app with Apple ID enabled.

Region: No region limits documented.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 7
Improves clarity and adds visual appeal, but optional and mostly cosmetic.

Usability 9
Very simple to apply with a tap and easy to reverse.

Wow Factor 7
Fun for personal chats and visually helpful, though not groundbreaking.

Total: 23/30  👍 Good
A lightweight upgrade that improves readability and adds fun without altering core messaging behavior.

Key Takeaways

Message backgrounds give your texts visual structure, personality, and readability. 

They help you call attention to the right message at the right time. 

This small addition makes the Messages experience feel more modern.

Cool Tip Snapshot
  • Feature Name: Message Backgrounds
  • Platform(s): iOS
  • Quick Benefit: Apply a shared wallpaper to a conversation thread for organization and personality.
  • Access Type: Free

Try It Yourself

Try adding a background to the next message you send. 

Pick a style that fits the moment and see how it changes the feel of the conversation. 

Share your experience and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter. 

If you like the feature, pass the article to your team, family, and friends.


READ MORE


Stay Connected with One Cool Tip

👍 Like and Share: Help others discover OneCoolTip.com!
📬 Subscribe: Get the FREE OneCoolTip Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.
💡 Support the Site: Chip in through TIPJAR to keep the Cool Tips coming.

Explore More

X (Twitter): @OneCoolTip
Threads: @onecooltip

Have a great tip or tech question?

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.



One Cool Tip
Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!


#iPhoneTips #iOS26 #iMessage #Apple @AppleSupport @Apple 
#TechTips #OneCoolTip @onecooltip


Copyright © 2008-2025 | www.OneCoolTip.com | All Rights Reserved

at
Cool Tip Topics: , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)