The Messages app on iPhones has always been known for its clean, simple design, but for many, it lacked a personal touch and a fun feel. With the release of iOS 26, much has changed. You can now add custom backgrounds to each individual conversation. This feature isn't just for aesthetics; it's a practical tool that helps you distinguish between family chats, work conversations, and group chats with friends at a glance. In this article, we'll explain step-by-step how to use this feature, how to leverage Apple's smarts to create fantastic backgrounds, and what precautions you should be aware of before changing your background.
In iOS 26, you can replace the traditional white or black background with an image of your choice, a live wallpaper, or even an AI-generated design. When you change a chat background, the change is also visible to the other party. Therefore, you should choose your background very carefully, as everyone will see it.
How to change the chat background in Messages
◉ Open the Messages app, then go to the conversation you want to customize, and make sure the person is saved in your contacts.
◉ Tap on the person's name or the group's name at the top of the screen.
◉ Select the Backgrounds icon from the menu.
◉ You will now see a new interface containing a variety of options, from nature to artificial intelligence.
iOS 26 offers up to seven main options in the wallpaper menu, to suit all tastes:
Abstract & Live Backgrounds
Apple offers a range of ready-made and skillfully animated wallpapers, including:
Color, which consists of simple color backgrounds.
Sky, and gives you options such as dusk, fog, and sunset.
Water and Aurora are nature-inspired wallpapers with artistic touches.
What's unique here is the ability to apply "Filters" to these backgrounds to change the color tones and the overall mood of the image.
Your own photos
If you tap the Photo option, your photo library will open. You can then select your desired image. The system allows you to crop the image to fit the screen. You can also add color filters to make the text on top of the image stand out more. Once you're finished, tap the checkmark in the top corner to set the background.
Image Playground
If you own an iPhone that supports Apple's smart features, you will find the Playground option.
This tool uses generative artificial intelligence. You can simply type a description of what you want in the text box, for example: “a castle in space” or “a cat wearing sunglasses,” and the iPhone will create a unique background based on your description!
You can also choose from ready-made suggestions and themes.
Once the artificial intelligence creates an image that you like, you can set it as the background for the conversation for the other party to see.
Very important warnings before use
Despite the great feature, there are some things to keep in mind to avoid embarrassing situations or misunderstandings:
Privacy and Sharing
As mentioned earlier, the background is shared. So, if you set a funny or embarrassing image as the background for your family chat, remember that everyone in the family will see it immediately. And if you change it or remove it by switching back to the "None" option, everyone will notice that change too.
Registered contacts only
The “Backgrounds” option will only appear if you are messaging someone in your contacts. This feature will not work with unknown numbers or random messages.
Customization for each individual conversation
Changing the background of a specific conversation doesn't affect the rest of the conversations. You can use a picture of your graduation as the background for your conversation with your parents, and a picture of hearts for your conversation with your partner. For work conversations, use a formal background or a calming color.
If you open the conversation and do not see the “hearts” background or the shared picture, you should immediately realize that you are in the wrong place before you press “send”.
In Group Chats, if you receive a message from a group without a custom background, be extra careful and make sure of the identity of those in the group before replying and joking around freely.
iOS 26 continues to deliver improvements with each update, making iPhone use more enjoyable and intelligent. The Messages background feature is a simple yet clever addition, combining personalization with practicality. Whether you choose serene nature scenes or unleash your creativity with AI, always remember to choose wisely, because the other person is watching!
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