Why Backgrounds Are a Big Deal
Apple has caught up with other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram by introducing custom conversation backgrounds in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. This long-awaited feature not only adds personality to your chats but also provides visual cues to help you quickly identify conversations. A background can be your secret weapon for avoiding awkward messages sent to the wrong chat. You can now set different themes for work, family, and friends — anything from corporate branding to favorite pet photos to AI-generated art.
What You Need Before You Start
- iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 (beta now, public release this fall) is required
- Works across all your signed-in Apple devices, from iPhone 11 to the latest, even on the latest iPad Air M3
- Not visible to people on older iOS versions — they’ll still see the default white background
- Available only for chats with saved contacts
- Changes are visible to everyone in that chat
How to Change Your Chat Background
- Open Messages and enter the chat you want to personalize
- Tap the contact or group name at the top
- Select Backgrounds
- Pick from:
- Photo – Any image from your library, with crop and filter options
- Color – Gradient blends or custom color picks
- Sky – Animated skylines with variations like Dusk or Sunset
- Water – Animated underwater scenes with light/dark modes
- Aurora – Moving northern lights in different color schemes
- Playground – AI-generated backgrounds via Image Playground (Apple Intelligence devices only)
- Suggestions – Pre-made photos or AI prompts based on your chat’s vibe
- Photo – Any image from your library, with crop and filter options
- Swipe between styles, tweak filters, or crop as needed
- Tap the checkmark in the top-right to save
Tips for Picking the Perfect Background
- Use dark images with light text or light images with dark text for better readability
- Keep personal backgrounds appropriate — everyone in the chat sees them
- Assign distinct visuals to different chats for quick recognition (e.g., hearts for your partner, a logo for work)
- For group chats, pick something unique so you know instantly if you’re in the right conversation
Removing or Resetting a Background
- Open the chat
- Tap the contact/group name
- Go to Backgrounds
- Select None
- Tap the back arrow to confirm
This returns the conversation to the default white look.
Why This Feature Matters
- Avoids mistakes: Visual cues help prevent sending the wrong message to the wrong group
- More personal: Make each chat reflect its mood and purpose
- Keeps you organized: Instantly know if you’re in a family, friends, or work thread
