With iOS 26, Apple has finally introduced the ability to set a custom iMessage background, letting users personalize their conversations like never before. Whether you want to reflect your mood, match a theme, or just add some flair, the new customization tools give you full control over how your chat interface looks.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to set a custom iMessage background on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 26. That said, let’s get started!
Set a Custom iMessage Background on iPhone and iPad
Thanks to the pretty neat customization functionality, you can swipe through multiple variants of a selected background and even fine-tune the color intensity. It’s worth pointing out that your custom backgrounds are visible to everyone for a streamlined experience.
- On your iPhone or iPad, head over to the Messages app.
- Now, open a specific iMessage chat thread.
- Next, tap the profile.
- Next up, tap on the Backgrounds tab under the profile.
- Up next, choose the desired background, such as Sky, Water, and Aurora. If you would like to choose a photo as the background, tap on the Photo tab > select an image from your photo library.
- After that, you can swipe left or right to choose from multiple variants.
- Then, tap on the color palette > select the preferred color and fine-tune the color intensity.
- In the end, make sure to tap on the tick mark (save button) at the top right to confirm, and that’s pretty much it!
And that’s how you can set a custom iMessage background in iOS 26! This long-awaited feature adds a personal touch to your chats, making conversations more visually engaging and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can You Set a Custom Background for Individual Chats in iMessage on iOS 26?
- Yes, iOS 26 allows you to set unique wallpapers for individual iMessage chats directly within the Messages app.
2. How Do You Change the iMessage Background in iOS 26?
- Open a conversation, tap the contact name, choose “Customize,” then select and apply a new background or gradient.
3. Can You Use Photos as iMessage Chat Backgrounds?
- Yes, iOS 26 lets you use personal photos, camera roll images, or preset backgrounds as your chat wallpaper.
4. Does the Custom Background Sync Across Devices?
- No, the custom background is device-specific and does not sync across other Apple devices like iPad or Mac.
5. Will the Other Person See My Custom iMessage Background?
- No, custom backgrounds are local to your device—only you can see them, not the person you’re chatting with.
