Google Messages now lets you change the background of any conversation. Open the chat, tap the contact’s name at the top (or the three-dot More menu), and tap Chat theme. Pick a color, then choose a preset wallpaper or one of your own photos, and tap Apply. The theme changes the background and bubble colors for that chat only, and only you can see it. Chat themes need RCS chats turned on. Google announced them in August 2026 and is rolling them out gradually, so update Google Messages if you don’t see the option yet.
How to change a conversation’s background in Google Messages
- Open Google Messages and tap the conversation you want to change.
- Tap the person’s or group’s name at the top, or tap More (three dots) in the top-right corner.
- Tap Chat theme.
- Choose a color from the palette. This sets the bubble and accent colors.
- For a wallpaper, choose a category like Animals, Landscapes, or Space, or pick a photo from your phone.
- Tap Apply.
When you use a wallpaper, Google Messages picks bubble colors that go with it. You can still change the color afterward.
How to reset a chat to the default look
- Open the conversation and tap the name at the top or More.
- Tap Chat theme.
- Tap Reset to default, then Apply.
How to change bubble colors
Bubble colors are part of chat themes. Choose a color in the Chat theme palette without a wallpaper to change just the bubbles. Before chat themes, Google Messages took its colors from your phone’s wallpaper through Android’s Material You theming, and that still sets the default colors for chats you haven’t customized:
- Pixel: Go to Settings > Wallpaper & style and choose a different color scheme.
- Samsung Galaxy: Go to Settings > Wallpaper and style > Color palette.
How to turn on dark mode in Google Messages
- In Google Messages, tap your profile picture.
- Tap Choose theme (or Messages settings > Theme on some versions).
- Choose Dark, Light, or System default.
Don’t see Chat theme?
- Update the app. Open the Play Store, search for Google Messages, and tap Update.
- Turn on RCS chats. Tap your profile picture > Messages settings > RCS chats and make sure it’s on and connected.
- Wait for the rollout. Google releases features gradually, so it can take a few weeks to reach every phone.
- Check the chat type. Themes may not be available in some conversations, like business messages or chats with contacts who can’t use RCS.
Frequently asked questions
Can the other person see my chat background?
No. Chat themes are private and only change how the conversation looks on your phone.
Can I set one background for all conversations?
Not at this time. Themes are set one conversation at a time. Your phone’s wallpaper colors still affect chats you haven’t customized.
Can I use my own photo as the background?
Yes. In Chat theme, choose to use your own photo and pick one from your gallery.
Does Samsung Messages have backgrounds too?
Yes. In Samsung Messages, open a conversation, tap the three-dot menu, and look for Customize chat room or a similar option. Menu names vary by One UI version.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.