iPhone Tips

Top 2 Ways to Change Message/iMessage Background on iPhone without/with Jailbreak

by Jenefey Aaron   Updated on 2023-12-12 / Update for  iPhone Tips

How to change the background on iMessage? I want to change the background of my iMessage's screen from white to an image or a different color. How is that possible?"

-- Apple Support Communities

Want to change color of text bubble on iPhone? Wondering how to change iMessage background for iPhone? The iPhone's native operating system does not allow you to change Message background. However, with a third-party app or a jailbroken iPhone, you can easily achieve this. This article will show you how to change message/iMessage background on iPhone 14/13/12/12 Pro/11/11 Pro/XS/XR/X without jailbreak or with jailbreak.

Part 1. Change Text Message/iMessage Background on iPhone without Jailbreaking

How do I put a background on my iPhone messages? Since Apple doesn't offer an application that can change your text message background, you'll need to use a third-party app if you would like to customize your message backgroud.

  • Click on the App Store icon on your iPhone Home screen and choose the search option on the bottom. Enter "color text messages" and click "Search".

    how to change imessage background
  • Here you can find a lot of apps developed to design cool messages with fabulous effects: background, colored texts, cursive fonts, colorful and textured bubbles, etc.

    text message background iphone
  • Select one to install on your iPhone and you can put a background on iPhone message now.

    change iphone text color without jailbreaking

Part 2. How to Change iMessage Background with Cydia

One of the reasons that many users jailbreak their iOS device is to customize it. With a jailbroken iPhone, you can download and install the Desktop/Background SMS application from Cydia. This free application allows you to change text message background iPhone easily.

  • Tap "Cydia" on your iPhone and tap "Search", then type "SMS/Desktop Background". Tap "Install". Tap "Confirm" to allow the app to install.
  • Tap "Settings", then "Wallpaper". And select the iMessage wallpaper you want to use as text message picture background.
  • Tap the "i" icon found on the upper left side of the photo you've selected. This will change text message background wallpaper to the one you've selected.

    how to change message background on iphone

That is how to change text message background on iPhone. The latest iOS 13.5 jailbreak is available now. You can jailbreak your iPhone and enjoy the wonderful features on a jailbroken device.

Part 3. How Do I Change the Color of My iMessage Bubbles On My iPhone

Wondering to change iPhone text color without jailbreaking? To change the color of the iMessage bubble in iOS/iPadOS, you'll need to install a third-party app called "Color Text Bubbles on iMessage". It enables you to customize the iMessage bubble color, font size and font style messages.

  • Open the App Store and search for "Color Text Bubbles on iMessage". Download and install it on your device.

    how to change imessage bubble color
  • Once installed, open the Messages app start a new iMessage. In the menu above the keyboard and select "Color".

    how do i change the color of my imessage bubbles on my iphone
  • Select "Type Custom Message", and type your message in the bubble. From the color bubble (highlighed below), select from a range of colors to change text background color on iPhone.

    change iphone text color without jailbreaking

That is how to change colour of text message iPhone. This app features both a free version and a paid version via in-app purchases.

Part 4. How to Customize iPhone Messages with Bubble and Screen Effects

iOS not allow you to add a photo to the background of iMessage but you can use bubble and screen effects to customize iPhone messages. There are two types of animated affects you can send with an iMessage.

Add bubble effects to iMessages/Message

The Bubble effects alter the blue bubble in which your iMessage is sent. These effects include slam, loud, gentle, or invisible

  • Enter the message you want to send.
  • Long press on the "Send" button.

    imessage background
  • Select the effect from Slam, Loud, Gentle, or Invisible Ink.

    iphone message background
  • Finally tap in the Send button to send your message.

Add screen effects to iMessages/Message

The screen effects take up your entire iPhone screen. You can turn the whole screen to balloons, confetti, lasers, fireworks, or shooting stars.

  • Enter the message you want to send.
  • Long press on the Send button.
  • Select the Screen tab at the top.
  • Swipe from right to left to switch between the effects you want to apply.

    text message background wallpaper
  • There are 5 effects namely balloons, confetti, lasers, fireworks, or shooting stars.
  • Finally tap in the Send button to send your message.

Using the Screen effects is much more like to change the background on iMessage and the bubble effects will let you customize your messages if you don’t know how to change color on iPhone text messaging without jailbreaking.

Bonus Tips: Free to Backup Messages/iMessages on iPhone 14/13/12

Message has become an important way to keep communication between people for its convenient. However, it is painful when you try to look back some important messages but find they disappeared. Thus, a profession data backup tool like Tenorshare iCareFone is in needed. It can selectively backup messages and iMessages on iPhone with only one click. It's totally free.

  • Download and install the app on your computer. Run iCareFone and connect your iPhone with that computer.
  • Click on "Backup & Restore" in the app.

    text message picture background
  • Select "Messages & Attachments" to backup the messages/iMessages you need and click on Backup.

    how do i put a background on my iphone messages
  • The backup will soon be completed. And you can restore them whenever you lost messages on iPhone.

    how to change the background on imessage

Summary

That is all about how to change text message background on iPhone. We hope the solutions outlined here can help you change iMessage background iOS 16/15/14/13/12 and lower versions easily. If you have any problems, please leave a message at the comment area. Tenorshare iCareFone is a highly recommended free iOS backup tool to selectively backup iPhone data without iCloud or iTunes.

FAQs on iPhone Message Background

1. Can I change iMessage background?

The iPhone's native operating system does not allow you to change the background of the Messages app. However, with a third-party app or a jailbroken iPhone, you can easily download and install the Desktop/Background SMS application from Cydia.

2. Why is my iPhone message background black?

Message black background iPhone is due to you have turned Smart Invert or Classic Invert feature on iPhone. This feature will reverse the colors on the display. Open the Settings app, then tap Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Turn off Smart Invert or Classic Invert.

3. Why are my iMessages green instead of blue?

A green background means that iMessage isn't activated on your device. Tap Settings, Messages, then check to see if the feature is switched on.

4. What words trigger the screen effects in iMessage?

Here are some words or phrases that can trigger effects in iMessages:

  • Balloons effect: "Happy Birthday".
  • Confetti effect: "Congratulations".
  • Fireworks effect: "Happy New Year".
  • Celebration effect: "Happy Chinese New Year".