For years, iPhone users have suffered the indignity of sending a text to the wrong person, a rite of passage that Android owners have long avoided thanks to customizable message windows. But fear not, because with iOS 26's release last year, iPhone users can finally set a message background - either a preset option from Apple or a picture from their camera roll. It's a feature that could have saved many awkward conversations, but better late than never, right?
However, there's a catch that's not immediately apparent: whatever background you set for a chat, all other members of the chat will see it too, provided they're also on iOS 26. So if you decide to set your iPhone-using ex's chat background to a Demogorgon, they'll see it immediately. It's like naming a group chat - it changes for everyone. So choose wisely, unless you're ready for the consequences.
Still interested? Here's how to change your text backgrounds in the Messages app. These steps work with iOS 26, and also with iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and later.
First, select the thread you want to theme from your list of messages. This works for both individual text threads and group chats. Under the contact name(s) or group name, you'll see tabs for Info, Backgrounds, Photos, and Links. Tap Backgrounds.
You'll see four 'dynamic' options from Apple: Color, Sky, Water, and Aurora. Tap any of those to swipe through several variations. Or tap Photo to select a picture from your camera roll. Your phone will suggest some options (mine pulled up scenic shots from trips), or you can browse all photos and collections. Crop by pinching in or out, and swipe left to add a filter. When you're satisfied, tap the blue check mark in the top right corner.
This immediately changes the background and adds a note in the chat on your end saying 'You changed the background' with a date and time stamp. The note also appears for other people in the thread, reading '(Your name) changed the background.'
It's an easy way to customize your message threads and make them more aesthetically pleasing (and clear who you're messaging) - so long as you don't mind the other people seeing them too.
If you're on the receiving end and would rather not see whatever background your contact has chosen, you can turn text backgrounds off completely. That way, they see it on their end, but you don't have to. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages and toggle Conversation Backgrounds off.
If you change your mind and want to revert to a plain background, open the conversation, tap the contact name or group icon, tap Backgrounds, then tap None. Just note that this removes the background for other members of the chat too. So if you were trying to make a point with that Demogorgon, it's gone for everyone.
For more iPhone tips, check out the top settings you should change on your phone right away and 12 settings to change to improve battery life.