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You can change the background of an iMessage conversation on an iPhone running iOS 26 or later: open the thread, tap the person or group icon at the top, choose Backgrounds, select a style, then tap Done. A distinctive background may help you recognize a thread, but Apple does not describe it as a safeguard against messaging the wrong person.
Change a conversation background
Apple’s iPhone user guide documents backgrounds for iMessage conversations on iOS 26 or later. The setting is inside each conversation, rather than a single theme applied to every thread.
- Open Messages and select an iMessage conversation.
- Tap the person or group icon at the top of the conversation, then tap Backgrounds.
- Choose Color, Sky, Water, or Aurora. Swipe left to browse options. For Color, use the swatches in the bottom corners to adjust the colors.
- Tap Done.
Use a photo as the background
In the conversation, open Backgrounds, tap Photo, and choose an image from your library. Pinch to crop it. Swipe left to try Black & White, Duotone, or Color Wash; adjust a palette if one is offered, then tap Done.
You can also use a photo already shared in the thread: touch and hold the image in the message, tap Set as Background, and tap Done.
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Who can see or change the background?
A conversation background is shared: other people in the thread see it and can change it. That makes it a possible visual cue for distinguishing conversations, not a private theme or a reliable way to prevent a wrong-recipient message. In group chats, another participant can change the background you selected.
Remove a background or hide it only on your iPhone
Remove it for the conversation
Open the conversation, tap the icon at the top, choose Backgrounds, then tap None. Apple says this removes the background for all participants.
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Stop displaying backgrounds on your device
Go to Settings > Apps > Messages and turn off Conversation Backgrounds. This changes what you see; other participants continue to see the conversation’s selected background.
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Check that the iPhone is running iOS 26 or later and that the thread is an iMessage conversation. Apple’s instructions establish the feature for iMessage; they do not document it for SMS- or RCS-only threads. The related option Start with Photos Visible is also in Settings > Apps > Messages.
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Apple also notes that users may receive warnings before a background image containing sensitive content is sent or received; that does not mean every such image will necessarily be blocked or trigger a warning.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Make an original background with Image Playground
Apple documents Image Playground as an option for creating an original conversation background with Apple Intelligence. Its availability depends on compatible devices, language, and region, and usage limits may apply. If the option is not available on your iPhone, use a built-in style or a photo instead.
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