By Anna Sherry

Updated on 2025-06-16

100 % Helpful

How to Change iMessage Background on iOS 26 (New Feature Guide)

By Anna Sherry

2025-06-16 / iOS 26

With iOS 26, Apple finally brought a long-awaited feature to iMessage—customizable chat backgrounds. This update adds a new layer of personalization, allowing users to change how their Messages app looks beyond just screen effects or bubble colors. Whether you want a clean gradient, a bold solid color, or even a favorite photo as your chat background, iOS 26 makes it simple.

Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new feature and how to use it.

how to change imessage background ios 26

Part 1. What's New in iOS 26: iMessage Background Customization

Part 2. How to Change iMessage Background on iOS 26 [Step-by-Step Guide]

Part 3. What Are the Limitations of iOS 26 iMessage Background?

Part 4. "Background" Option Not Showing on Messages App? How to Fix

Part 1. What’s New in iOS 26: iMessage Background Customization

Before iOS 26, users could only apply screen effects (like confetti or balloons) or change the appearance of chat bubbles using accessibility features like High Contrast. Now, iOS 26 introduces built-in support for iMessage backgrounds, letting you customize your conversation window much like WhatsApp or Telegram.

It’s a subtle but powerful way to make messaging more personal, aesthetic, and fun.

Part 2. How to Change iMessage Background on iOS 26 [Step-by-Step Guide]

Changing the iMessage background is quick and easy. Follow these steps:

Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
Enter any conversation thread.
Tap the contact’s profile picture at the top of the screen.
In the menu that appears, select the second tab labeled Background.

You’ll enter a screen similar to wallpaper settings where you can choose your preferred background.
Select a background and preview how it looks in the chat.
When you’re happy with it, tap the ✔ button at the top right to apply the background.

Part 3. What Are the Limitations of iOS 26 iMessage Background?

While the new feature is great, there are still a few things to keep in mind:

You can’t set different backgrounds for individual chats (yet).
Backgrounds only change how you see the conversation—your contacts won't see your background.
Live backgrounds may use slightly more battery, though Apple has optimized them well.
Backgrounds do not sync to Mac or iPad (as of now).

Also, this feature is only available on iPhones running iOS 26 or later.

Part 4. “Background” Option Not Showing on Messages App? How to Fix

Some users upgrading to iOS 26 might find that the new “Background” setting for iMessage customization is missing or not visible. Don’t worry — here are some easy steps to troubleshoot and fix this issue:

1. Make Sure Your iPhone Is Running iOS 26 or Later

The background feature is exclusive to iOS 26 and above.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check and install the latest iOS version.

2. Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes a simple reboot solves glitches.
Press and hold the side button + volume button, slide to power off, then turn it back on.

3. Check Region and Language Settings

Certain iOS features roll out gradually by region.
Go to Settings > General > Language & Region and make sure your settings are correct and supported.

4. Force Close and Reopen Messages App

Swipe up from the bottom (or double-click Home button) to open app switcher.
Swipe Messages app off the screen to close it.
Relaunch Messages to see if the option appears.

5. Reset Settings (If Necessary)

If nothing works, try resetting all settings (this won’t erase data but resets preferences).
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
Note: You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords afterward.

6. Wait for Apple to Roll Out the Feature Fully

iOS 26 features may be enabled gradually via server-side updates.
If you just upgraded, give it a day or two and check again.

7. Fix iMessage Issues by iOS System Repair Tool

If you experience problems with iMessage on iOS 26—such as missing the new Background option, app crashes, or glitches—using a professional iOS system repair tool - Tenorshare ReiBoot can often resolve these issues quickly and safely.

Why Use Tenorshare ReiBoot?

Specialized iOS Repair: ReiBoot is designed to fix a wide range of iOS system problems without data loss, including app issues, feature glitches, and system freezes.
Supports Latest iOS Versions: Fully compatible with iOS 26 and earlier versions.
User-Friendly Interface: Easy to operate even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Safe and Reliable: Repairs iOS without erasing your personal data.
Fast Repair Process: Most issues fixed within minutes.

Conclusion

Changing your iMessage background on iOS 26 opens up a fresh way to personalize your messaging experience. With easy-to-use options like Photos, Color, Sky, Water, and smart Suggestions, you can customize the look and feel of your chats like never before. If you run into issues accessing this feature, simple troubleshooting steps or tools like Tenorshare ReiBoot can help get everything back on track. Try out these new backgrounds today and make your conversations more vibrant and uniquely yours!

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