What’s New: Custom Backgrounds and Themes in Google Messages
Google Messages users can now tailor the look of each conversation by setting custom wallpapers and chat bubble colors. These changes allow for a much more personalized messaging experience, giving Android users tools long available in some third-party apps.
- Chat-specific backgrounds: Set a unique wallpaper or image for individual chats.
- Bubble color options: Pick from a color palette or allow colors to auto-match your chosen wallpaper.
Users can select from curated wallpaper categories—such as landscapes or animals—or upload a photo of their own. These themes help visually differentiate conversations, making it easier to recognize contacts at a glance.
How to Set Up Chat Customization in Google Messages
To take advantage of these new features, you’ll need to make sure Rich Communication Services (RCS) is enabled in your Google Messages app. RCS is required; SMS-only chats are not supported for customization.
- Open the Google Messages app and select a chat.
- Tap the chat or group name at the top, or use the three dots menu.
- Select ‘Chat theme’ to open color and wallpaper options.
- Choose a bubble color and pick a wallpaper—from Google’s selection or your own photos.
- Preview and apply your changes. Repeat for any conversation you wish to personalize.
Note that these customizations only affect what you see—friends and family on the other side of the chat will not see your theme changes.
Who Benefits Most from These New Features?
These chat customization tools are best for users who want their inbox to feel more organized or expressive. If you message frequently with multiple people or groups, color-coding and unique backgrounds can help you spot important threads at a glance.
This also appeals to Android users who appreciate aesthetic control, bringing Google Messages closer to the level of personalization seen in apps like Telegram or WhatsApp. However, if you use SMS or have RCS disabled, these tools will not be available. The changes remain purely local—great if you want privacy, but possibly underwhelming for users hoping to share themes with others.
Key Takeaway: Enhanced Organization and Personal Touch
Custom backgrounds and themes make Google Messages more competitive with other modern messaging apps. If you use RCS and want to liven up or organize your conversations, the new options are easy to try and require no additional downloads. While your themes are for your eyes only, the practical improvements in navigation and personalization can make everyday messaging more pleasant and efficient.