How to Change iMessage Background on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in iOS 26

iOS 26 finally lets you set custom backgrounds to your iMessage chats—because plain white threads are boring. Now, you can set a unique background for every conversation, whether it’s a one-on-one chat or a lively group thread. The best part is that the background syncs for both sides, so everyone sees the same vibe.

Want to use a cute selfie with your partner? A goofy theme for your friends’ group? Or just something that fits the mood of the chat? You can now do all of that—and it works across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Here’s how to change your iMessage background and everything else you should know.

Before You Begin

Here are a few things to keep in mind before setting a custom iMessage background:

• Your iPhone or iPad must be updated to iOS 26 or iPadOS 26.
• Your Mac should be running macOS 26 Tahoe.
• It doesn’t change the wallpaper for the entire app—just for that specific conversation.
• The chat must be an iMessage conversation, not a regular SMS.
• All participants in the chat should be using iMessage.
• The background syncs across all your devices.
• Everyone in the conversation (including group chats) will see the same background if they’re on compatible software.
• Users who haven’t updated to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26 won’t see the background.

Check out: All the New Messages App Features on iOS 26

How to Change iMessage Background on iPhone or iPad

You can now personalize your chats with backgrounds, just like on Telegram and WhatsApp.

Here’s how to set it up on iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the Messages app and tap on any iMessage conversation.
2. Tap the contact or group name at the top.
3. Select the Backgrounds option.
4. Choose a background from Apple’s presets, or:
   • Upload your own photo (it should be in high-resolution)
   • Pick a custom color
   • Generate one using Image Playground (powered by Apple Intelligence)
5. Once you’ve picked a background, tap the Checkmark in the top-right corner to save.
   
   

That’s it! Your chosen background will now appear for both you and the other person if they’re also using iOS 26 or later. You can also set different wallpaper per chat. In group messages, anyone can set the background, and it updates for everyone.

Tip: If you can’t find the Backgrounds option, go to Settings > Apps > Messages, scroll down, and toggle on Conversation Backgrounds.

How to Change iMessage Background on Mac

Custom backgrounds aren’t just for iPhones—you can set them on your Mac too. Here’s how to personalize your iMessage chats on macOS 26 Tahoe:

1. Open the Messages app on your Mac.
2. Click any iMessage conversation.
3. Click the contact or group name at the top.
4. Select the Backgrounds option from the menu.
   
   
5. Choose a background from the available options, or:
   • Upload a custom image
   • Pick a solid color
   • Generate one with Image Playground (using Apple Intelligence)
6. Click Set to apply the selected background.
   
   

Once set, the background will appear for everyone in the conversation, as long as they’re also on compatible software. And just like on iPhone, anyone in the group can change it.

Why Custom iMessage Backgrounds Matter

This small detail makes chats feel way more personal and finally brings Apple closer to what apps like Telegram and WhatsApp have offered for years. Try it out and make your chats your own. Whether you’re setting a romantic background for your partner, a silly one for your friends, or something aesthetic just for you, iMessage backgrounds make your chats feel more like you.

So go ahead and try it out—your conversations deserve a splash of color.

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