How to Change Messages Background in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27

Whether you’re using an iPhone or iPad, here’s how to change your Messages background in just a few steps.

20 Hidden iOS 27 Features That Make Your iPhone So Much Better

1. Open the Messages App

Launch Messages on your iPhone or iPad and select the individual or group conversation you want to customize.

2. Open Conversation Settings

Tap the contact’s name or group name at the top of the conversation.

Look for the Backgrounds option and tap it to open the available customization choices.

3. Choose Your Favorite Background

Apple offers several background options, including:

• Built-in designs: Choose from colorful backgrounds such as Sky, Water and Aurora.

• Your photos: Select an image from your Photos library.

• Image Playground: On supported Apple Intelligence devices, generate a unique background using AI.

Select your preferred design and preview how it looks behind your messages.

4. Use Your Own Photo

Want a more personal look? Choose Photo under Backgrounds and select an image from your library.

You can pinch to crop the picture or apply effects such as Black & White, Duotone and Color Wash.

You can also touch and hold a photo someone shared in your conversation and select Set as Background.

5. Create an AI-Generated Background

If your iPhone or iPad supports Apple Intelligence, select Playground in the Backgrounds menu.

Describe the image you want, such as a futuristic city, colorful sunset or mountain landscape. Image Playground will generate a custom design that you can apply to your conversation.

Apple Intelligence availability depends on your device, language and region.

Can Other People See Your Background?

Yes. Conversation backgrounds are shared across participants in an iMessage conversation, including group chats. Other participants can also change the background.

This feature requires compatible Apple software, beginning with iOS 26 or iPadOS 26. People using older versions may not see your customized background.

How to Remove a Messages Background

To restore the default appearance, open the conversation and go to:

Contact or Group Name → Backgrounds → None

If you prefer not to see conversation backgrounds at all, go to Settings → Apps → Messages and turn off Conversation Backgrounds.

Turning this setting off affects what you see on your device, not what other participants see.

Final Verdict

Changing your Messages background in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 is a simple way to personalize everyday conversations.

Whether you prefer animated designs, favorite photos or AI-generated artwork, just open Messages → Conversation Name → Backgrounds and choose your preferred style.