How to Change Messages Backgrounds in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27
iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 let you personalize individual conversations in Apple Messages with colorful animated designs, photos, and AI-generated images. The feature makes it easier to give a family group, work chat, or conversation with a friend its own visual identity without changing the appearance of every chat.
Changing a Messages background only takes a few taps, but there are several details worth knowing before you begin. The selected background can be visible to everyone in the conversation, and removing it may also affect the other participants. This guide explains how to add, customize, remove, or completely disable conversation backgrounds on iPhone and iPad.
What Are Conversation Backgrounds in Messages?
Conversation backgrounds replace the standard plain area behind messages with a design or photo. Apple offers several built-in options, including colors and animated themes, while the photo option lets you select an image from your library and customize its appearance.
If Apple Intelligence is available and enabled on your device, you may also be able to create an original background with Image Playground. Availability can depend on the device model, language, and region.
Quick Steps
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the Messages app. |
| 2 | Open the conversation you want to customize. |
| 3 | Tap the contact or group name at the top. |
| 4 | Tap Backgrounds. |
| 5 | Select a built-in design, photo, or supported AI option. |
| 6 | Customize the background, then tap Done. |
How to Change a Messages Background on iPhone
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Select the individual or group conversation you want to personalize.
- Tap the contact name, contact picture, or group icon at the top of the screen.
- Choose Backgrounds.
- Select one of the available background types.
- Swipe through the available variations and adjust the colors when the option appears.
- Tap Done to apply the new background.
The change applies only to the conversation you opened. Repeat the same process if you want to give another conversation a different appearance.
How to Change a Messages Background on iPad
The process on iPadOS 27 is nearly identical:
- Launch Messages on your iPad.
- Open the conversation you want to change.
- Tap the contact or group icon at the top.
- Tap Backgrounds.
- Choose a built-in background or select a photo.
- Make your adjustments and tap Done.
The larger iPad display makes it easier to preview detailed photos, gradients, and animated backgrounds before applying them.
How to Use an Animated Background
Apple provides built-in animated background categories. The exact names and selection may vary with software updates, but Apple's guide lists options such as Color, Sky, Water, and Aurora.
- Open the conversation and tap its name or icon.
- Select Backgrounds.
- Tap a built-in category such as Color, Sky, Water, or Aurora.
- Swipe horizontally to preview the available variations.
- If you selected Color, use the color samples to adjust the palette.
- Tap Done.
Animated designs can add movement without using one of your personal photos. If animations feel distracting, choose a simple color or return to the default background.
How to Use Your Own Photo as a Messages Background
You can turn a picture from your photo library into a conversation background:
- Open a conversation in Messages.
- Tap the contact or group name, then select Backgrounds.
- Tap Photo.
- Select an image from your library.
- Pinch with two fingers to crop or reposition the picture.
- Swipe to preview available treatments such as black and white, duotone, or a color wash.
- Tap the color sample when available to modify the palette.
- Tap Done to save it.
You can also use a picture that someone shared inside the conversation. Touch and hold the photo in the message, then choose Set as Background if the option is available.
Create a Background With Apple Intelligence
On a compatible device with Apple Intelligence enabled, Messages can work with Image Playground to generate a custom image for your conversation. This gives you another option when none of the built-in designs or personal photos fits the look you want.
The exact interface can vary by language and region. Apple Intelligence features may also be released gradually and are not available on every iPhone or iPad. If the creation option does not appear, confirm that your device supports Apple Intelligence and that the required language and regional settings are available.
Can Other People See the Background?
Yes. Apple notes that changing or removing a conversation background can affect everyone participating in that conversation. A background should therefore be treated as a shared chat setting rather than a completely private visual preference.
Avoid selecting an embarrassing, sensitive, or private image. This is especially important in group conversations because every participant may see the selected design.
How to Remove a Conversation Background
- Open the conversation that has the background.
- Tap the contact or group icon at the top.
- Choose Backgrounds.
- Select None.
The conversation returns to its standard appearance. Remember that removing a shared background may affect the other people in the chat.
How to Turn Off Conversation Backgrounds
If you prefer the classic Messages appearance, you can stop displaying conversation backgrounds on your own device:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Apps.
- Select Messages.
- Turn off Conversation Backgrounds.
Turning this setting off controls what you see on your device. According to Apple, other participants may still see the background assigned to the conversation.
What to Do if the Backgrounds Option Is Missing
If you cannot find the Backgrounds button, try these checks:
- Update your device: Open Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest compatible version.
- Restart Messages: Close the app and open it again.
- Restart the iPhone or iPad: A restart can resolve temporary interface problems.
- Check the conversation: Some features may behave differently depending on the type of messaging conversation.
- Check restrictions: Device management or Screen Time settings may limit certain features.
- Check Apple Intelligence compatibility: This is only required for AI-generated backgrounds, not standard designs or photos.
Tips for Choosing a Good Messages Background
- Choose an image that keeps message bubbles easy to read.
- Avoid photos containing private information.
- Use a simple or darker image when bright details make the text difficult to follow.
- Remember that other participants may see the background.
- Use a different background for important group chats so they are easier to recognize.
For more useful iPhone features, read our guides to hidden iPhone features and making your iPhone battery last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a personal photo as an iMessage background?
Yes. Open the conversation's Backgrounds menu, select Photo, choose an image, adjust it, and tap Done.
Does changing the background change every conversation?
No. The background is assigned to the conversation you selected. Other chats can use different backgrounds.
Will the other person see my Messages background?
The background can be visible to other participants in the conversation, so choose an appropriate image or design.
Can I remove a Messages background?
Yes. Open the Backgrounds menu for the conversation and select None.
Do I need Apple Intelligence?
No. Apple Intelligence is only needed for supported AI-generated image options. Built-in backgrounds and photos do not require it.
Final Thoughts
Conversation backgrounds in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 provide a simple way to personalize Messages. You can use an animated design, select a photo, apply color effects, or create an image with Apple Intelligence on supported devices. Just remember that the background is shared within the conversation and should be chosen with the other participants in mind.